Pilot Hong Kong mengkoleksi kartu Pokémon langka, nilai aset kumulatif mencapai 2 juta dolar Amerika

Rare Pokémon cards have become a preferred item for buying, selling, and collecting among millennials. Currently 36 years old, Kenneth Ho works as an airline pilot and has a hobby of collecting Pokémon cards. His collection is estimated to be worth between 1.5 million and 2 million USD in the market, bringing him substantial assets unexpectedly.

Market value of rare cards can reach up to $30,000

According to Kenneth Ho, the value growth of Pokémon cards is closely related to their production cycle. The Pokémon company typically releases new cards every two to three months, and specific series have a production cycle of about two to three years. Once discontinued, unopened original booster boxes often see their value rise. Additionally, the Pokémon collectibles market highly values rarity and item condition. Cards rated 10 out of 10 by professional grading agencies are most sought after. Mr. Ho’s “Cloak Pikachu Charizard X” and “Mario Pikachu” promotional cards recently sold for $27,000 and $34,200 respectively. If these cards are signed by the artist, their market value could even double. Rarity is the key driver of value, explains Kenneth Ho.

Kenneth Ho has been involved with cards since the 1990s. Although he paused during his school years, he rediscovered his interest during the COVID-19 pandemic due to staying at home. Since then, he regularly attends new card release events and purchases new Pokémon cards released every two to three months. He believes Pokémon cards will regain popularity in the Japanese market.

Although the card collecting market appears lucrative, Kenneth Ho warns that turning this hobby into an investment involves risks. Collectibles are alternative assets with low liquidity. If investors urgently need cash, these cards may be difficult to sell quickly at desirable prices. Market prices are also influenced by trends and may decline. Mr. Ho adopts a long-term perspective, viewing this as a five to ten-year investment plan. He emphasizes that such assets should be considered with the mindset that funds may be locked in long-term, and short-term price fluctuations should not be seen as financial security.

Millennials prefer collecting cards

Data shows that as of 2023, 68% of collectible buyers in the US are millennials. According to ZipDo’s 2026 report, 35% of Generation Z purchased cards in the past year.

Thomas Ravert, Managing Director of Pathway Capital Corp, states that investing in collectibles should prioritize personal enjoyment rather than profit as an inevitability. He recommends that only when personal finances are solid, retirement savings are sufficient, and potential losses are manageable, should a small portion of funds be invested in collectibles. Building collecting around the “enjoyment of the process” and viewing profits as an extra reward can help avoid conflating personal preferences with strict investment strategies, thereby reducing financial risks.

This article about a Hong Kong pilot collecting rare Pokémon cards and accumulating assets worth up to $2 million first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.