Latest news with #Pokemon
Time Business News
11 hours 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
The Age
20 hours ago
- The Age
Ten technology changes that will transform your next holiday
Travel for good By collecting valuable research data, citizen science is a hands-on way for travellers to help give back to the destinations they visit. Not too long ago, expensive hardware made researchers reluctant to hand over the controls to inexperienced travellers, but advances and cheaper technology are opening new opportunities. Guests at Ritz-Carlton Maldives can aid turtle conservationists by piloting drones (after completing simulation training) to detect harmful ocean plastic and ghost nets, and at Tanzania's Usangu Expedition Camp they can help set up camera traps to monitor big cat activity. The iNaturalist app has also gamified conservation tourism by helping travellers collect wildlife sightings, much like Pokemon. Antarctic cruise operator HX encourages travellers to download the app once onboard to help document whale, seal and penguin sightings on a voyage to the White Continent. See GPS self-guided tours Elon Musk's SpaceX has ambitious plans to launch thousands of satellites into orbit, with a record number of satellites launched in 2024. More satellites armed with next-gen technology will lead to stronger GPS systems, which is making independent travel more accessible. Australia-based European adventure company UTracks now provides hikers with a GPS-enabled app designed to help them navigate the trail and alert them if they go off-course. Closer to home, Australian Cycle Tours has developed a similar app that gives cyclists turn-by-turn instructions and statistics, such as distance covered, while suggesting local sights, cafes and restaurants for a pitstop. See Hotel service goes digital One legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it forced companies, such as Hilton Hotels, to adopt socially distanced digital room keys that can be downloaded to your phone. That innovation has since diverted hundreds of tonnes of plastic cards, so expect it to become more widespread as hotels increasingly go green. Also on the rise are AI-powered concierges such as Jean, the digital butler recently introduced at Park Regis by Prince Singapore. Jean can be called on for room service or to help decide how to spend your day in Singapore. Marriott Hotels has also created Renai, which merges staff insights with ChatGPT and other open-source data to create local recommendations. See Smart gate tech rolls out Last year, Sydney's International Airport joined the rollout of SmartGate systems across Australia, joining Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth in the move to the new Gen 3 technology, reducing the time it takes to clear customs (in theory, at least). While biometric technology has been in airports for a while now, a push for frictionless travel will see automated electronic gates introduced at border crossings and ports. Testing is already under way in Malaysia, Singapore, Bhutan, India and Zimbabwe, with updated algorithms that can adapt to a growing problem with deepfakes and spoofing, such as fake fingerprints and facial masks. Power banks tighten up In April, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and other Asian carriers tightened their rules on carrying lithium-ion power bank battery packs due to the fire risk posed by overheating. Battery packs can still be taken onboard along with other carry-on items, but travellers won't be allowed to use it, charge it using seat-back power outlets, or place it in overhead lockers. South Korea has indicated it will also require battery packs to be stored in a plastic bag. Virgin Australia and Qantas now allow power banks to be used or charged onboard and don't plan to change their policies, though Qantas advises against using power banks during flights. Drones take flight Aided by AI and armed with specialist accessories, drones are now being deployed to do more than just capture sweeping beach panoramas. Case in point: New Zealand, Spain, France and the United States are trialling lifeguard drones to patrol tourist beaches and deliver life vests to struggling swimmers. Drones armed with bacteria-destroying ultraviolet light are being used to clean airports and aircraft cabins, while cities such as Dubai, Shanghai and Miami are embracing environmentally friendly drone light-shows instead of fireworks. Australia has joined in on the aerial entertainment with Wintjiri Wiru, a light show at Uluru that brings Aboriginal storytelling to life using 1200 drones. See Loading Emissions-free flights With the International Air Transport Association aiming to achieve net zero by 2050, the race is on to decarbonise Australia's aviation industry, which produces about 5 per cent of Australia's carbon emissions. Smaller Australian aviation companies are already retrofitting existing aircraft with green propulsion systems, such as Kite Magnetics in Victoria and Stralis in Queensland. But fleet manufacturers such as Boeing will need more time to adapt, transitioning to blended fuels made from waste by-products before switching entirely to electric. Perth-based FlyOnE is expecting to offer fully electric commercial flights later this year, with cheaper emissions-free air travel to be more widespread in the next five years. See
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to get Shiny Carbink in Pokemon GO - Odds, best tips for hunting, and more
We first saw Shiny Carbink in Pokemon GO during the GO Fest Global 2025 event. This rare variant quickly became a must-have for collectors due to its unique coloring. If you missed the event, here's everything you need to know about obtaining this elusive Pokemon. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now How to catch Shiny Carbink in Pokemon GO Participate in GO Fest Global 2025 The only confirmed way to catch shiny Carbink was during the GO Fest Global 2025 event on June 28 and 29, 2025. During this event, Carbink appeared exclusively in the "Moonless Volcano" habitat. The shiny variant was only available during two specific one-hour windows each day: - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM local time - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM local time Outside these time slots, Shiny Carbink will not appear in the wild. To increase your chances of encountering shiny Carbink during the event, players used the following items: - Lure Modules – Attracted more Pokemon to PokéStops. - Incense – Increased spawn rates for the player using it. These items helped maximize spawns during the limited event windows. Attend in-person GO Fest events (limited availability) THIS WEEK IN POKEMON GO! New Shiny Pokemon at GO Fest / Gigantamax Rillaboom Event! Shiny Carbink was also available at physical GO Fest 2025 events in: - Paris - Osaka - Jersey City However, since these were location-specific, not all players had access to them. Trade with other trainers If you missed the event, trading was another way to obtain shiny Carbink. Important notes about trading: - Shiny trades require up to one million Stardust depending on your friendship level. - Finding a willing trade partner is necessary. What are the odds of shiny Carbink in Pokemon GO? The exact shiny odds for Shiny Carbink during this event have not been officially announced by Niantic. However, based on previous Pokemon GO event patterns and community-reported data, the typical shiny rate for new event debut Pokemon in wild encounters is usually 1 in 64 (about 1.56%) or 1 in 128 (about 0.78%), especially for rare spawns during featured event hours. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Some special event Pokemon have had boosted shiny odds as high as 1 in 64 during their debut, but for non-Community Day event Pokémon, rates of 1 in 128 are also common. Given Carbink's limited availability and rarity, the odds are likely to fall within this range. Pokemon Event Availability Likely Shiny Odds Shiny Carbink GO Fest Global 2025, Moonless Volcano habitat 1 in 64 or 1 in 128 (estimated) If you are aiming for a Shiny Carbink, maximize your encounters during the designated event hours for the best chance. Identifying Shiny Carbink in Pokemon GO Carbink is a Rock/Fairy-type Pokemon resembling a small, gem-like creature. The standard version has a blue-gray body with icy crystals. The shiny variant, however, stands out with a darker body and bright blue crystals. Key differences between regular and shiny Carbink: Feature Regular Carbink Shiny Carbink Body color Blue-gray Darker silver Crystal color Icy blue Bright blue Additional tips for catching Shiny Carbink in Pokemon GO - Shiny Carbink does not evolve, so catching it during the event was the only way to obtain it. - Planning playtime around the two one-hour windows was crucial for success. - Some players used GPS spoofing tools to simulate event locations, but this method carries risks like account bans. Shiny Carbink in Pokemon GO remains one of the rarest Pokemon in the game due to its limited availability. Players who participated in GO Fest Global 2025 had the best chance of catching it, while others relied on trades. If future events bring it back, these strategies will still apply. Also read: For now, trading is the only way to get Shiny Carbink in Pokemon GO if you missed the event. Keep an eye on future announcements in case Niantic reintroduces this sought-after variant.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Can you get Shiny Volcanion in Pokemon GO?
Volcanion (Image via The Pokemon Company) Shiny Volcanion in Pokemon GO is going to be one of the rarest monsters in the game. Volcanion, the unique Fire/Water-type Mythical Pokemon, is making its debut in Pokemon GO during Pokemon GO Fest 2025. Known as the Steam Pokemon, it first appeared in the Generation VI games through special online distributions. Here's everything you need to know about catching Shiny Volcanion in Pokemon GO. Let us start with how you can get the regular variant of this mythical Pokemon in GO. How to get Volcanion in Pokemon GO To chance upon Shiny Volcanion in Pokemon GO, you will need to get the regular variant of the beast first. Volcanion will be available exclusively to Pokemon GO Fest 2025 ticket holders. Players attending in-person events in Osaka (May 29-June 1, 2025), Jersey City (June 6-8, 2025), or Paris (June 13-15, 2025) will receive a Special Research ticket that rewards them with Volcanion. For those not attending in-person, the Pokemon GO Fest Global event (June 28-29, 2025) will also grant access to the Special Research. Key details about Volcanion's availability: - Only one Volcanion can be caught per player, even if they attend multiple GO Fest events. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Remarkable Oscar Outfits Ever Interesticle Undo - Completing additional Special Research after the first encounter will reward Volcanion Candy instead of another Volcanion. Can you get Shiny Volcanion in Pokemon GO? #EP-7 India's Got Latent || Funny Episode ||Samay Raina || Ranveer Alahabadia ||Ashish Chanchlani As of writing this article, you cannot get Shiny Volcanion in Pokemon GO. New Pokemon usually come along with their shiny variants but that is not the case for Volcanion. When can you get Shiny Volcanion in Pokemon GO? There has not been any announcement regarding the release of Shiny Volcanion in the game. But we can expect a shiny release of Volcanion in a future event. What makes Volcanion special? Volcanion stands out as the only Fire/Water-type Pokemon in the franchise. Its signature move, Steam Eruption, deals heavy damage while also having a chance to burn opponents. Also read: How to get Shiny Crowned Shield Zamazenta in Pokemon GO - Shiny odds, best tips to catch, and more Volcanion's strengths and weaknesses Strength Weakness Strong against Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel Weak to Electric, Ground, Rock Resists Fire, Water, Ice, Steel Takes 2x damage from Rock and Electric Volcanion's debut marks an exciting addition to Pokemon GO, giving trainers a rare dual-type Mythical to add to their collection. While its shiny form isn't available yet, future events may bring it into the game. Keep an eye on official announcements for updates.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pokemon GO Fest 2025 Osaka preparation guide - All event bonuses, new features, shiny debuts, best tips, and more
Pokemon GO Fest 2025 Osaka (Image via Niantic) Pokemon GO Fest 2025 Osaka is here, bringing an exciting lineup of new Pokemon, exclusive bonuses, and special research. The event runs from Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 9:00 AM to Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM local time. Trainers can explore Expo '70 Commemorative Park and Suita City for rare encounters, including the debut of the Mythical Pokemon Volcanion. Here's a full breakdown of what to expect. Pokemon GO Fest 2025 Osaka event details and ticket information Pokemon GO Fest 2025 Osaka is a ticketed event, meaning only ticket holders can access exclusive gameplay. The main park experience is limited to Expo '70 Commemorative Park during your selected session time. However, citywide gameplay extends across Osaka and Suita City for the entire ticketed day. GO Fest Osaka key event dates and times - Start: May 29, 2025, 9:00 AM local time - End: June 1, 2025, 6:00 PM local time - Park Session: Time varies based on ticket selection - Citywide Play: Available from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM on ticketed day Bonuses for ticket holders at GO Fest 2025 Osaka I Caught 60+ Shinies at Pokémon GO's #1 Event (GO Fest Osaka) All attendees will enjoy these perks during event hours (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM): - Increased chance of encountering Shiny Pokemon - 1/2 Hatch Distance for Eggs placed in Incubators - Special Research leading to an encounter with Volcanion - Event-themed stickers from PokéStops and Gifts - 2× Catch Candy - Two-hour Lure Module duration - Habitat-themed Collection Challenges - Three surprise GO Snapshot encounters per day Additionally, from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM, ticket holders get: - Up to 9 free Raid Passes per day - Up to 6 Special Trades per day (reduced Stardust cost) - Ability to open 40 Gifts per day - Featured attacks for select Pokemon Optional ticket add-ons Trainers can enhance their experience with these paid upgrades: Egg-thusiast (¥1,900) - 1/4 Egg Hatch Distance - 3× Hatch XP, Candy, and Stardust Raid Lover (¥1,900) - Up to 18 daily Raid Passes - Extra 5,000 XP per raid - Bonus Candy and Candy XL from five-star raids Citywide Gameplay Add-On (¥2,600) - Extends citywide gameplay to an extra day - Includes event spawns, bonuses, and raids Pokemon GO Fest 2025 Osaka - New Pokemon and features Volcanion makes its debut The Steam Pokemon will be available through Special Research for ticket holders. This is your first chance to catch it in Pokemon GO. Shiny debuts - Carbink (Jewel Pokemon) - Frigibax (Ice Fin Pokemon) Early access to Crowned Forms - Zacian (Crowned Sword) - Zamazenta (Crowned Shield) Special appearances - Hawlucha (normally region-locked to Mexico) - Fan Rotom in GO Snapshot encounters Pokemon GO Fest 2025 Osaka - Habitat spawns and raids Wild spawns by habitat Pokemon GO Fest Osaka 2025! Volcanion! Crown Zacian! Tons of Rare Shines! & More! Calming Tea House Carnival Grounds Noble Fields Sunken Treasure Chansey Heracross Galarian Farfetch'd Totodile Snorlax Teddiursa Dunsparce Corphish Marill Slugma Timburr Finneon Corsola Scraggy Karrablast Basculin (Blue/Red) Chimecho Solosis Shelmet Inkay Munna Vanillite Pawniard Binacle Furfrou (Natural) Frillish Flabébé (White) Skrelp Swirlix Elgyem Skiddo Clauncher Cutiefly Dewpider Fomantis Carbink Morelull Togedemaru Skwovet Wimpod Komala Cetoddle Wooloo Sandygast Jangmo-o Frigibax Falinks Wiglett Pokemon GO Fest 2025 Osaka- Raid bosses - 5-star Raids: Zacian, Zamazenta - 6-star Max Battles: Gigantamax Rillaboom (debut) Pokemon GO Fest 2025 Osaka - Special research and collection challenges Full Steam Ahead to Osaka! This research leads to a Volcanion encounter and includes habitat-themed tasks. Osaka Hero's Journey Choose between two paths: - Crowned Sword Zacian - Crowned Shield Zamazenta Collection challenges Complete habitat-themed challenges for rare rewards: Habitat Reward Pokemon Calming Tea House Drampa Carnival Grounds Turtonator Noble Fields Druddigon Sunken Treasure Rockruff Final Pokemon GO Fest 2025 Osaka tips for trainers - Arrive early to maximize park exploration time. - Use Incense and Lures to attract rare spawns. - Check PokéStops for event-themed Field Research. - Trade strategically to take advantage of reduced Stardust costs. Also read: How to get Shiny Tapu Bulu in Pokemon GO: Shiny odds, best tips, rarity, is it worth getting, and more Pokemon GO Fest 2025 in Osaka promises an unforgettable experience with new Pokemon, legendary encounters, and community fun. Don't miss out—secure your ticket and prepare for adventure!
