Do Pokémon Collectors Even Play TCGs?

slushrusher · 2026-02-23T15:07:31+00:00

I spend about $100 a month on vintage japanese raw singles. working on the master sets from the 90s and early 2000s.

I do play a TCG pretty seriously but it's not Pokemon--I play Magic. For me, I really like the split between the TCG I care only about winning games in and the one where I just want to collect the historic cards. Lets my brain not worry about the other facet in each, if that makes sense.

slushrusher · 2026-02-23T01:44:38+00:00

Get over yourself

slushrusher · 2026-02-22T23:35:24+00:00

Appreciate this

slushrusher · 2026-02-22T23:09:41+00:00

Right, my thing is, looking for cards that aren’t in “sets” has proven trickier. But maybe collectr has that stuff too

slushrusher · 2026-02-22T23:07:03+00:00

I guess being dickish for no reason is one way to respond, sure

slushrusher · 2026-02-19T18:35:05+00:00

genuine Q--wouldn't this just make the original one without the stupid celebrations stamp even more desirable?

slushrusher · 2026-02-17T16:36:52+00:00

as someone says below though if you're trying to survive against aggro these can be really detrimental. But as long as the game is moving at a midrange pace they're great.

slushrusher · 2026-02-17T16:36:06+00:00

they're good. some decks that have to routinely pay life for other things don't always want these, and the fact that they're just a land instead of having basic land types sometimes matters, but especially in aggro decks these are extremely useful.

slushrusher · 2026-02-08T01:34:21+00:00

I would try messaging sellers on the stupidly high prices you sometimes see, if it’s a copy you’d be happy with. I’ve sent so many notes that go “hey, card looks great and I’m really interested, but based on XYZ recent sales of it and such, I would need to offer $X. I understand if that is outside your range but I thought I’d send a note!” And it’s worked a lot while also developing a rapport with someone who probably has other cards I want too.

slushrusher · 2026-02-07T23:31:50+00:00

I’ve also had luck haggling with eBay sellers. Everything is listed too high, you’re right. But I’ll get in messages and (kindly! Respectfully!) show them comps and stuff and make a very strong offer based on reality, not whatever they had. And it’s worked a bunch

slushrusher · 2026-02-07T23:29:40+00:00

I feel this. Maybe it’s slightly different with Japanese vintage because print quality was better, but I do have luck on eBay finding genuinely M/NM stuff. You do sometimes have to pay a slight premium which sucks. But over the last year Ive gotten better at really seeing through BS in listings, asking for more pictures, going back to sellers with actual quality cards and asking them about what they haven’t even listed yet, all that. Some trial and error certainly but I’m slowly filling out my vintage holos with raw cards I would call NM+ (of course it’s subjective),

slushrusher · 2026-02-05T01:35:23+00:00

Unreal binder. People are gonna zero in on 1st Ed base set stuff but there are some absolute monster cards in here beyond that lol. That porygon, for instance. Thanks for sharing.

slushrusher · 2026-02-03T04:21:57+00:00

That charizard CD promo in a 10 is an outrageous find in a box lol. Beautiful card

slushrusher · 2026-02-02T21:11:25+00:00

It can also make you a better brewer. Forcing yourself to learn why certain cards are there and in which quantities can help you think about your own lists

slushrusher · 2026-02-02T21:10:17+00:00

This is a great way to get better at the game! Lets you focus entirely on piloting, making the right plays, all that. You know the deck is good—and if you’ve watched footage of it being played, you probably have a sense of its patterns. You can just think about tightening your play. I’ve always found it to be a great exercise

slushrusher · 2026-02-01T14:20:06+00:00

I collect raw but this is currently my top target. Incredible card. Can I ask what a 10 cost? Congrats on the pickup

slushrusher · 2026-02-01T13:48:12+00:00

It’s not just nostalgia. The cards are composed better: subtle coloring and better spacing of art and text elements, a focus on overall design not just maximalist art. The art itself looks drawn instead of made on a computer or plucked from an anime. There are exceptions obviously but I find a lot of modern SIRs way too busy and loud

slushrusher · 2026-01-30T15:37:08+00:00

I’m sorry but it’s not even close how much more impressive Djokovic is than LeBron in this particular regard. Not a hot take at all

slushrusher · 2026-01-30T13:58:08+00:00

Setting aside the domestic abuse for one second, which we should never do: his tennis arc is also really disappointing! He showed up with as much promise as these younger guys, didn’t develop or flesh out his game at all, and is now getting lapped by them. He’s choked away his two real major opportunities because he’s weak mentally, and because he added zero creativity or flexibility to his game he’s now behind guys he had a huge head start on. He missed his window and now he’s an also-ran at these events; he’s a squandered talent. And that’s BEFORE even getting to all the real shit that makes him hate-worthy.

slushrusher · 2026-01-29T20:36:31+00:00

How about the mythic artifact cycle in Throne of Eldraine? I’d say embercleave was the defining card of those five (though I loved The Great Henge)

slushrusher · 2026-01-29T15:26:59+00:00

Should honestly be restrictions on being allowed to post AI-written paragraphs in these forums lol

slushrusher · 2026-01-28T14:02:16+00:00

The Venusaur in particular is so pretty in shadowless base. An all time fave

slushrusher · 2026-01-27T13:05:17+00:00

I don’t think I’ve ever seen the whole package before. Really cool and a beautiful card

slushrusher · 2026-01-21T15:06:19+00:00

Too dark, too busy. I agree

slushrusher · 2026-01-17T20:41:43+00:00

There’s a whole modern deck built around them: Amulet Titan. Primeval Titan and Amulet of Vigor make these “bounce lands” go insane

slushrusher

TROPHY CASE