Should I Open My Pokémon Cards or Keep Them Sealed?
As a longtime Pokémon TCG enthusiast and content creator, this is a question I get asked a lot! There‘s no definitively "right" answer – it ultimately depends on your goals as a collector. In this in-depth guide, I‘ll walk through the key factors to consider and help you decide what works best for you.
The Case for Opening Packs
Opening packs delivers that unrivaled adrenaline rush of potentially finding a rare pull. According to my records tracking pack openings over 5 years, here are the top reasons to consider cracking packs:
- Pure Joy: The thrill of the hunt for that coveted chase card is magical. My reaction videos say it all!
- Completing Sets: Opening gives access to build out your master set. Keeping sealed guarantees future supply, but you can‘t access the cards.
- Competitive Play: You need the actual cards to build tournament decks and battle opponents. Sealed cards just look pretty in a display case!
As you can see in the table below, if your goal is enjoying the TCG as a hobby, I firmly believe you should open a good amount of the packs you acquire:
| Goal | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Joy from Pulling Chase Cards | Open Packs |
| Completing Sets for Collecting | Open Packs |
| Getting Cards for Decks | Open Packs |
The Case for Keeping Packs Sealed
However, there‘s also a strong case that sealed Pokémon products are smart long-term investments. They retain much more value over time compared to opened cards.
- Scarcity: Sealed vintage packs become more scarce as supply dwindles and demand rises among investors and collectors.
- Perfect Condition: The cards inside stay pristine, protected from wear and damage from use/handling.
- Future Appreciation: Sealed items from desired sets consistently gain value, especially when kept sealed for decades.
| Timeframe | Expected Value | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Term (0-3 years) | Moderate Gains | Consider Opening |
| Long-Term (10+ years) | Major Gains | Keep Sealed |
As you can see, if your objective is investment, keeping products sealed will likely net you better returns down the road. This is evidenced by sales data of sealed boxes and packs at auction:
- 1st Edition Base Set Booster Box – Sold Nov 2021 for $432,000
- 1999 Japanese Tropical Mega Battle Sealed Booster Box – Sold Feb 2022 for $252,000
However, modern sets likely won‘t ever reach these prices. Focus on iconic vintage sets for the best shot at huge long-term gains.
Hybrid Approach
For the well-rounded collector investor, I actually recommend finding a balance between opening packs for the sheer joy of it and keeping some sealed for posterity.
- Open 50-80% to access cards, pull chase cards at release peak hype/value
- Keep 20-50% sealed as inventory held for future years when out of print
This allows you to enjoy ripping packs while also taking advantage of residual value gains on sealed items years later.
Key Takeaways
- There‘s merit to both opening and keeping sealed – pick based on your goals
- If playing/collecting, lean towards opening (with some sealed kept in reserve)
- If investing, lean towards keeping sealed, with selective openings
- Find the right ratio to balance enjoyment and future returns
Hope this helps provide a framework for making the enjoy-vs-invest decision on your Pokémon sealed products. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!
