If you grew up in the late ’90s, there is a high probability that your childhood bedroom was once a shrine to pocket monsters. There is also, unfortunately, a high probability that you are currently kicking yourself.
As Pokémon approaches its 30th anniversary on 27 February, the nostalgia isn’t just sentimental, it’s financial. New research from eBay Australia has confirmed what many of us feared while staring at our empty ring-binders: “Pokémon Regret” is a genuine phenomenon. More than one in four Millennial “90s kids” admit they deeply regret parting ways with their original card collections.
And looking at the latest market data, it’s easy to see why.
From Playground Swaps to Five-Digit Sales
What used to be traded for a holographic sticker or a snack-size bag of chips in the schoolyard is now fetching prices that could cover a house deposit. In 2025, a 1999 Base Set 1st Edition Charizard sold for a staggering $25,800 AUD.
The demand isn’t slowing down, either. Searches for Pokémon booster boxes on eBay Australia have surged by nearly 90%, while the hunt for that specific 1999 Charizard is up 58% year-on-year. We aren’t just playing a game anymore; we are managing portfolios.
The New “Blue Chip” Investment?
Interestingly, the data suggests Australians now view these glossy pieces of cardboard as more stable than some modern financial assets. One in five survey respondents stated they would prefer to leave collectables like Pokémon cards in their will, compared to just 12% who would opt for cryptocurrency.
With 33% of Australian adults having purchased or considered buying Pokémon items recently, the “hobby” has matured into a long-term investment strategy. For many, the goal is to teach the next generation about value, with 45% of parents using cards as a tool to explain money management to their children.
Catch Rare Deals: The 1-Cent Auction
To celebrate three decades of the franchise, eBay Australia is hosting a massive interactive event that feels like a fever dream for fans. On 26 February at 6:00 pm AEDT, eBay Live will host an exclusive auction featuring a very special guest: Veronica Taylor, the original English-language voice of Ash Ketchum.
Taylor will be auctioning off rare, PSA 10 graded cards valued at approximately $1,000 AUD each, for a starting bid of just one cent. This includes highly coveted items like the 2021 Celebrations Charizard-Holo and the 2018 20th Anniversary Red’s Pikachu.
Joining her will be Sydney-based professional seller Lucy Hughes (@madeoflucy), who has turned her passion into a six-figure career, and YouTube sensation Michael “Ando” Anderson (Unlisted Leaf).
“It’s amazing to see Pokémon still going strong after 30 years,” says Taylor. “Those who grew up with the series are now sharing it with their kids… I can’t wait to go Live and share the joy of collecting.”
A Global Phenomenon with Local Roots
While the global market is red-hot, the Australian community is particularly active. Whether it’s the $29,140 AUD paid for a sealed Team Rocket Booster Box or the $4,800 AUD fetched by a Japanese “Ancient Mew” promo card, the numbers speak for themselves.
The shift toward “Live Shopping” via the eBay app allows collectors to experience the thrill of the auction room from their couch. As Alaister Low, Country Manager for eBay Live Australia, notes, the platform offers a level of excitement and trust that traditional scrolling simply can’t match.
How to Join the Celebration
If you’re looking to heal your inner child (or perhaps start a college fund for your actual child), the anniversary stream kicks off on Thursday, 26 February at 6:00 pm AEDT.
