Where Can I Buy Pokemon Cards?
Buying Pokemon cards today isn't quite the same experience as it was when we were kids. While you can absolutely still head to Target and grab a pack of Pokemon cards off the shelf, there are now countless other ways to buy them, with online marketplaces and small businesses playing an increasingly significant role in the hobby.
If you are wondering where to buy Pokemon cards, either online or in person, this article is for you. Here is what we will be covering:
Is it Better to buy Pokemon Cards Online?
In many cases, buying Pokémon cards online can save you time and money. Due to increased competition within online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon, many retailers are forced to keep their prices low to move through inventory more quickly.
Oftentimes, online retailers need to liquidate their inventory to prepare for stocking an upcoming set. The distribution model for Pokémon card products is unique in that retailers receive their allocation based on historical purchasing volume. This means that, in order for a retailer to continue receiving allocations from the distributor, they often have to sell products where supply is outpacing demand. This leads to lower prices, especially online.
A note...
Although online is usually the cheapest option, sometimes with high-demand sets it is the exact opposite. Prismatic Evolutions is a prime example where the pre-orders for ETBs exceed the expected retail price.
Where to buy Pokemon Cards?
Pokemon cards are widely available for purchase at most major retailers, both online and in-store. Notable brick-and-mortar options include Target, Walmart, and GameStop. When it comes to online marketplaces, eBay stands out as the best platform for purchasing Pokémon card products, offering a wide selection and competitive pricing. Amazon also carries a variety of Pokémon cards from reputable sellers, but due to the commingling of Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) inventory, there is a significantly higher risk of receiving inauthentic products. Choosing reputable sellers is important when buying on both eBay and Amazon.
One of the best ways to purchase Pokemon cards while supporting the growth of the hobby is to buy from stores run by dedicated members of the Pokemon card community. Whether you choose to shop at your local game store (LGS) or trusted online retailers, supporting these small businesses directly contributes to the hobby’s continued development. Below, we’ve highlighted some notable community-run stores that are widely respected and trusted by collectors and players alike.
Partner Stores
These online stores are operated by active members of the Pokémon TCG community who have earned a strong reputation within the hobby. Many of these shops actively engage with the community through YouTube channels, live streams, or other platforms, sharing their expertise and passion for the Pokémon TCG.
TCA Gaming
Led by a highly respected expert in the hobby, TCA Gaming is best known for selling premium packs opened live on YouTube.
KetchumAllCollectibles
With experience across multiple marketplaces and platforms, KetchumAllCollectibles currently runs the largest Pokemon Fanatics stream with daily auctions.
Buck's Card Shop
A long-running retailer of trading and sports cards, Buck's Card Shop is a highly-trusted card store with consistently competitive pricing.
Major Retailers
If you are looking to buy Pokemon cards from major retailers, either online or in-person, these are some of the most common stores to carry Pokemon cards.
eBay
eBay is a great marketplace to find rare and collectible Pokémon cards, often through auctions or direct purchases.
Amazon
Amazon offers a wide variety of Pokémon cards, from booster packs to collector's boxes, often with fast shipping options.
TCGplayer
TCGplayer connects you with sellers from all over the hobby, with pricing data to help make your purchasing decisions.
GameStop
GameStop specializes in gaming products and frequently stocks Pokémon TCG products and exclusives.
Walmart
Walmart is a convenient option for purchasing Pokémon cards online or in-store, often at competitive prices.
Target
Target frequently stocks Pokémon cards and offers a mix of online and in-store shopping options.
Best Buy
Best Buy often has exclusive Pokémon TCG products and offers convenient shipping and pickup options.
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble offers Pokémon cards alongside books and other games, often featuring exclusive bundles.
Pokemon Center
The official Pokémon Center is the best place to find exclusive and official Pokémon cards and merchandise.
What Pokemon Cards Should I Buy?
In modern Pokemon card releases, certain standout sets often drive the majority of market demand. Sets like Evolving Skies, Celebrations, Pokemon-151, Surging Sparks, and Prismatic Evolutions are prime examples of releases that sold out quickly and appreciated in value on the secondary market. These sets feature extensive lists of highly desirable chase cards, fueling their popularity among the community.
In general, sets that feature earlier generations of Pokémon rather than the newest tend to perform better in the market. Collectors and players are consistently drawn to iconic Pokémon like Pikachu, Charizard, Mewtwo, Rayquaza, and the Eeveelutions. It’s always a good idea to review the set list for newer releases to gauge how many exciting chase cards you might have a chance at pulling. Some sets even include opportunities for multiple hits per pack, such as the Prismatic Evolutions Master Ball reverse holos or the Pokemon-151 god packs.
Where to Buy Pokemon Cards in Person?
As outlined above, Pokemon cards can be found at most major retailers such as Target, Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Barnes & Noble. Additionally, you can search "Pokemon cards near me" or "card store near me" to find your nearest local game stores, or to find other retailers not mentioned. Some other places to look for Pokemon cards include Sam's Club, Costco, Meijer, Fred Meyer, BJ’s, Scheels, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Five Below, Party City, Burlington, Big Lots, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Hot Topic, Dollar General, and Dollar Tree.
Where to Find Cheap Pokemon Cards?
Online
One of the best ways to find cheap Pokémon cards online is through eBay, where competitive pricing often drives lower costs. Be cautious of scammers offering inauthentic products at unusually low prices; stick to sellers with strong feedback and a proven track record. TCGPlayer and our partner stores are also great options for finding deals.
In-Person
For cheap Pokémon cards in-person, Walmart and Target offer a wide range of products. While supporting local game stores is great, compare prices first, as some may resell retail-bought items. Stores with official Pokémon distributors typically offer more competitive pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the best place to buy Pokémon cards?
The best place to buy Pokémon cards depends on your preferences. If you're looking for rare or collectible cards, platforms like eBay and TCGPlayer are ideal. For sealed products, major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target are reliable options.
How can I make sure I'm buying authentic Pokémon cards?
To ensure authenticity, purchase from reputable retailers or sellers with high ratings and positive feedback. Platforms like eBay and Amazon offer buyer protections.
Where can I find Pokémon cards near me?
You can find Pokémon cards in-person at retailers such as Walmart, Target, and GameStop. Searching 'Pokémon cards near me' can also help you locate local game stores.
What are the cheapest ways to buy Pokémon cards?
Check platforms like eBay and TCGPlayer for competitive prices or shop at warehouse stores like Costco for discounted bundles. Compare prices between major retailers and local game stores.
Are online marketplaces safe for buying Pokémon cards?
Yes, but ensure you're purchasing from trusted sellers with strong reviews. Stick to reputable platforms like eBay, TCGPlayer, and Amazon for buyer protections.
What should I buy if I’m new to collecting Pokémon cards?
Start with Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) or Booster Boxes. Research popular sets like Celebrations or Pokémon-151 to find cards you’ll enjoy collecting.
Why are some Pokémon card sets more expensive than others?
Certain sets, like Evolving Skies or Celebrations, gain popularity due to high demand for their chase cards. Cards featuring iconic Pokémon like Charizard, Pikachu, or Eeveelutions often drive up the market value. Limited print runs and collector interest can also cause price increases.
Can I still find Pokémon cards at retail stores?
Yes! Major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and GameStop regularly restock Pokémon cards. However, popular sets may sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to check for availability early on release days.
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