Most people think Pokémon cards are just toys. They're not paying attention.

In 2025, three specific cards returned more than the S&P 500 — and none of them were the "obvious" picks.

Here's what I've learned tracking the Pokémon card market for years:

1. Sealed product is the real play. Everyone chases singles, but sealed booster boxes from key sets have consistently appreciated 15-30% per year. The key is knowing which sets to hold and which to crack.

2. Condition is everything. A PSA 10 and a PSA 9 of the same card can have a 5x price difference. If you're buying raw cards as investments, you need to understand centering, whitening, and surface quality before you spend a dollar.

3. Hype kills returns. The worst time to buy is when everyone's talking about a card. The best time? When a set rotates out of Standard and casual players stop caring.

I break down exactly which cards and sealed products to target — and which to avoid — inside Zac's Packs. If you're tired of overpaying at your local card shop, this is for you.