Latest news with #Charizard
Time Business News
a day ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Single Pokemon Cards: Smart Picks for EU Investors
The European Union has become a significant player in the global Pokemon trading card scene, particularly in the single card sector. As more collectors and investors look beyond booster packs, Single Pokemon Cards have emerged as a favored asset, especially in markets like Finland. With the increasing popularity of online platforms and rising collector interest, the Pokemon TCG (Trading Card Game) is no longer just a hobby—it's an investment frontier. Europe's centralized regulations and rising e-commerce infrastructure have made it easier for EU investors to purchase, grade, and resell cards across borders. Moreover, the language barrier is lower due to English being the default for most trading platforms—making access easier for Finnish collectors and sellers aiming for the broader EU market. Booster packs are fun and unpredictable, but that randomness is exactly what investors try to avoid. Single Pokemon Cards provide the assurance of value—what you see is what you get. Transparency : You know the condition, rarity, and value upfront. : You know the condition, rarity, and value upfront. Higher ROI : Rare singles often appreciate faster than sealed products. : Rare singles often appreciate faster than sealed products. Liquidity: Easier to sell individual cards than unopened packs. Single cards allow for targeted investments. Instead of gambling on sealed products, investors can focus on proven high-demand cards—like Charizard, Umbreon, or Pikachu promos. Europe's demand for Single Pokemon Cards has grown due to: Increased international exposure via YouTube and TikTok. Limited EU distribution for certain English-exclusive sets. Rising nostalgia from 90s kids now in their 30s with disposable income. Finland offers a unique starting point for card sales. With a growing online market and proximity to EU neighbors like Sweden, Estonia, and Germany, Finnish sellers are well-positioned to serve a wide audience. Before you start stacking cards, it's essential to understand what separates a valuable card from a common one. Some cards are printed in limited quantities, often as part of special events or older sets like: Base Set (1999) Neo Genesis Evolving Skies (Modern Era) Graded cards (especially PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+) can double or triple in value. Iconic Pokemon like Charizard, Pikachu, and Mewtwo consistently perform better in the secondary market. Base Set Charizard (1st Edition) Umbreon Gold Star Pikachu Illustrator (if accessible via auction) Lugia Neo Genesis (1st Edition) Rayquaza EX Deoxys Sylveon GX Hidden Fates (Full Art) Charizard VMAX Champion's Path Mewtwo GX Shining Legends Alt-Art Giratina V Lost Origin Japanese Promo Eevee Heroes Set Cards These cards have a proven track record of value appreciation, with high demand in both local Finnish and wider EU markets. Pros: Wide selection, international reach Cons: Counterfeit risk, shipping delays Look for certified sellers that offer graded and sealed single cards with verifiable authenticity. Local sites in Finland often carry underpriced gems due to less exposure—great for EU investors seeking undervalued cards. Counterfeits are a major concern. Always check: Holographic pattern consistency Card thickness and weight Font accuracy and print clarity Invest in a magnifying glass or UV light to inspect printing flaws. When in doubt, buy only graded cards. A PSA or BGS grade instantly increases a card's credibility and value. EU buyers prefer graded cards because: It minimizes condition disputes. It ensures long-term value retention. It adds liquidity to your investments. Popular strategy among younger investors. Focus on cards from recent sets with playable meta relevance. Older cards have shown consistent year-over-year value increases. Great for retirement portfolio diversification. Just like stocks, a healthy portfolio includes: Vintage cards (1999–2005) Modern chase cards (Sword & Shield, Scarlet & Violet) Japanese exclusives Promos and event-only cards Diversification protects against market fluctuations. Different EU countries have different taxation policies on collectible investments. For Finland and most EU states: Declare profits from card sales. Keep receipts and grading invoices. Consult a tax professional annually. Overpaying due to hype cycles. Buying raw (ungraded) cards from unknown sellers. Ignoring grading costs in your profit calculations. Not insuring high-value cards. Tools like TCGplayer, Cardmarket Trends, and eBay Price Tracker help you: Monitor price changes Analyze sale histories Get notified on drops or auctions Using these platforms ensures you're making data-driven decisions. A Finnish investor bought a PSA 9 Base Set Charizard in 2020 for €3,500; sold in 2024 for €9,800. in 2020 for €3,500; sold in 2024 for €9,800. A German reseller flipped 10 Eevee Heroes Japanese promos at 220% profit within 18 months. These stories prove the potential of informed investments. Yes, because you know exactly what you're buying. Singles allow for precise value targeting. Cardmarket, eBay (verified sellers), and PSA/BGS-certified sellers in Finland and Germany. Look at rarity, condition, demand, and grading history. Use price tracking tools. Yes. Many Japanese cards are exclusive and highly sought after, especially promos and alt-arts. Shipping and customs can increase costs, but local grading services are emerging in the EU. Yes, but rules vary. Consult an accountant about capital gains and business income declarations. The EU Pokemon card market is growing rapidly, and savvy investors are capitalizing on the opportunity. Whether you're based in Finland or expanding into EU markets, Single Pokemon Cards offer a strategic and promising investment path. With the right knowledge, grading, and market insight, you can build a portfolio that delivers both nostalgic joy and impressive financial returns. As demand continues to rise, now is the time to sharpen your picks and join the expanding community of European Pokemon card investors. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Hypebeast
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
LIBERAL YOUTH MINISTRY Taps Into Pokémon Nostalgia With Bold New Capsule
Summary LIBERAL YOUTH MINISTRYhas unveiled a vibrant collaboration withPokémon, merging its signature retro sportswear aesthetic with the mythical energy of Legendary Pokémon. The collection features bold jerseys, hoodies and sweatpants adorned with vivid prints of Rayquaza and fan-favorite Charizard, symbolizing freedom and strength. Infused with LYM's deconstructed graphic style and emotional color gradients, the pieces celebrate childhood wonder and self-expression. Designed to resonate with Pokémon Trainers of all ages, the capsule blends powerful iconography with youthful energy for a visually striking streetwear statement. The limited collection marks a milestone for LYM, highlighting its commitment to dream-fueled design and joyful storytelling. Details on pricing and availability have yet to be announced at the time of writing.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Pokémon trading cards are a hot item for Metro Detroit thieves
The Brief Pokémon cards are making a comeback and even leading to some criminal activities. Novelty shops had them swiped from their shelves, with thieves using hammers to get at some Warren police and investigators in Livonia are on the case. DETROIT (FOX 2) - A popular trading card from the 90s, Pokémon, is making a comeback, especially for thieves. What they're saying Everyone remembers Pokémon cards, a huge thing in the 90s, and now in 2025, they are a hot ticket item for thieves. Novelty shops had them swiped from their shelves, with thieves using hammers to get at some high-dollar cards, and they hit not one but two stores in Metro Detroit. The duo used a brick from the shop's own lot to bust in last week, making a beeline for the Pokémon cards tucked into glass cabinets bludgeoned open at RWI Hobbies in Livonia. Pam Willoughby is the owner of the shop. "I think it's going to settle in somewhere between $10-$12,000," Willoughby said. Willoughby says Pokémon cards are hot this year, making them hard to come by with resales being 3 to 4 times what you pay, especially the coveted Charizard card. "He can be anywhere from $5-$12/$1,300. They did drop a Charizard on the way out the door," Willoughby said. In 27 years, this is only the second time they've been targeted at RWI. "There was no need, they could have filled out an application, they could have gotten a job," she said. Willoughby says there is only a matter of time before they're caught. "I certainly don't want to ruin anyone's life, and I've already given the detective basically my restitution and all I'm asking for is my insurance deductible back," she said. Dig deeper The same duo showed up days later with a hammer in hand at another shop, Eternal Games in Warren. Dakota Olszewski is the assistant manager of the shop, and she tells FOX 2 they stole $3,500 worth of singles. Insurance is expected to cover the losses at both places, but Pokémon cards are almost impossible to restock. "I don't think we are going to find the cards specifically, which is a bummer because they're pretty cool," Olszewski said. What you can do Warren police and investigators in Livonia are on the case. If you can help, give them a call.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Is Charmander getting a new evolution? Pokémon fans divided as Gen 10 buzz builds
A rumored Gen 10 Pokémon game, "Pokémon Gales & Tides", is trending online, according to a post by the Hidden Power Podcast Twitter account. Leaked details include island exploration, a 'Gigaxis' battle gimmick, and starters like a Fire Goat, Water Octopus & Grass Snail. But fans are stuck on one thing: a ground-type Charmander variant. Posted anonymously on 4chan, the leak describes 16 main islands, 150+ smaller ones, and Guardian Pokémon fusions. Yet the spotlight is on Charmander — usually a Fire-type — getting a sandy redesign. Fans groaned. 'Stop making new Charmanders every region,' one tweeted. Another joked, 'Of course they'd give Charizard another form.' ALSO READ | What is Palme d'Or? Honorary Cannes award presented to Robert De Niro Another X user commented, 'Only believing this because a regional variant for the Charizard line sounds exactly in line of what Pokémon would do lmao' According to Gaming Bible, most agree the leak is likely fake. 4chan rumors rarely pan out. The user even admits: 'This is just random waffling.' Skeptics note Game Freak hasn't hinted at Gen 10 yet. The blog writer on Gaming Bible has even vowed to 'eat a Pikachu plushie' if proven right. The author also said, 'But if I predicted that the moon would explode every day until the end of time, eventually I'd be right. People really do just be saying anything over on 4chan, because it's a completely anonymous messaging board.' Charmander, the fiery starter from 1996's Pokémon Red/Blue, became a global icon. Its evolution into Charizard, a dragon-like fan favorite, boosted its fame. The anime's loyal Charmander episode (where Ash saves one in the rain) deepened its emotional appeal. Over 25 years, Charmander got Mega Evolutions (2013), Gigantamax forms (2019), and plushies galore. Despite its overexposure, it remains a symbol of Pokémon's magic. Yet fans debate: Does it need another remake?
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pokemon GO raid bosses for May 2025: Full schedule and how to participate
Dynamax Raikou (Image via Niantic) Pokemon GO raid boss schedule for May 2025 Pokemon GO 5-star raid boss schedule (May 2025) Pokemon Dates Shiny Available Tapu Fini May 1 – May 12 Yes Uxie (Asia-Pacific) May 12 – May 25 Yes Mesprit (Europe, Middle East, Africa, India) May 12 – May 25 Yes Azelf (Americas & Greenland) May 12 – May 25 Yes Tapu Bulu May 25 – June 3 Yes Pokemon GO 3-star raid boss schedule (May 2025) Pokemon GO 1-star raid boss schedule (May 2025) Pokemon GO Mega raid boss schedule (May 2025) Pokemon Dates Shiny Available Mega Houndoom May 1 – May 12 Yes Mega Gyarados May 12 – May 25 Yes Mega Altaria May 25 – June 3 Yes Pokemon GO Max raid boss schedule (May 2025) Pokemon Dates Shiny Available Bulbasaur* May 5 – May 12 Yes Falinks* May 12 – May 19 & May 26 – June 2 Yes Squirtle* May 19 – May 26 Yes Pokemon GO Max Monday schedule (May 2025) Pokemon GO Raid hour schedule (May 2025) Pokemon Dates Shiny Available Tapu Fini May 7 Yes Uxie (Asia-Pacific) May 14 & 21 Yes Mesprit (EMEA/India) May 14 & 21 Yes Azelf (Americas/Greenland) May 14 & 21 Yes Tapu Bulu May 28 Yes When do raid hours take place in Pokemon Go? Pokemon GO's raid battles remain a core feature for trainers looking to strengthen their teams. May 2025 brings a fresh rotation of raid bosses, including Mega Evolutions, Legendary Pokemon, and Dynamax encounters. Here's everything you need to know to plan your raids this month's raids feature a mix of returning favorites and rare encounters. Below is the complete breakdown of available bosses across all Legendary raids rotate every few weeks, offering high-tier Pokemon with a chance to encounter their shiny mid-tier raids feature stronger Pokemon that can be soloed with the right counters.- Alolan Muk*- Charizard*- Metagross*- Floragato*Ideal for beginners, these raids offer common but useful Pokemon.- Chansey*- Rockruff*- Pikachu*Mega Evolutions return with powerful bonuses for your Pokemon continue their rotation during the Might and Mastery Monday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time, select Power Spots host Dynamax raids:- May 12: Gastly*- May 19: Sableye*- May 26: Rookidee*Raid Hours occur every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time. During this hour, nearly all active gyms feature the current 5-star raid boss, making it the best opportunity to catch read: Pokemon GO Shadow Raid boss schedule (May 2025) May 2025's raid lineup offers plenty of opportunities to expand your collection. Whether you're hunting shinies or building a competitive team, mark your calendar for these encounters.
