- MyRepublic
Let’s be real: collecting isn’t just about the warm fuzzies you get from a complete set. It’s also about that thrilling little voice in your head whispering, “Is this going to be worth a fortune someday?” We’ve all been there, staring at a Funko Pop and wondering if it’s our retirement fund in disguise.
Well, good news, fellow treasure hunters! We’re peeking into our crystal ball (which, surprisingly, isn’t a graded Pokémon card) to predict which collectibles are likely to see a significant price jump by late 2025 and into 2026.
This isn’t financial advice, obviously, but it is an informed look at trends, nostalgia, and a dash of speculative fun.
So, grab your magnifying glass and let’s dive into the resale rush!
The Video Game Renaissance: Retro is the New Gold
The era of 8-bit and 16-bit gaming isn’t just nostalgia bait anymore. It’s big business. With the earliest millennials (who grew up with these consoles) hitting their peak earning years, and Gen Z and even Gen Alpha discovering these “ancient” titles, the demand for pristine retro games is skyrocketing.
Targeting Late 2025/2026: We’re not just talking any retro game. Look for WATA-graded, sealed, original-run titles from the Nintendo 64, PlayStation 1, and Sega Dreamcast eras. The NES and SNES peaks have been well-documented, but the next wave of nostalgia is hitting consoles from the late 90s and early 2000s.
Why now?
The kids who played Ocarina of Time, Final Fantasy VII, and Shenmue are now adults with disposable income. They want a piece of their childhood back, and they want it in museum-quality condition.
Specific Picks: Think iconic JRPGs, foundational 3D platformers, and anything from beloved, now-defunct studios. Keep an eye on titles that might get remakes or remasters, as that always sparks interest in the originals.
The “WTF” Factor: Remember those obscure games you thought nobody cared about? If they’re genuinely rare and were well-received critically (even by a cult following), they might be the dark horses. Just make sure they’re graded and sealed, or you’re just hoarding old plastic.
Magic: The Gathering – The OG TCG's Persistent Power
While Pokémon often hogs the headlines, Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is the elder statesman of trading card games, and its value is incredibly resilient, especially for certain product types. Its players are typically older, more established, and understand long-term investment.
Sealed Product is King (Still!): Forget individual booster packs; we’re talking sealed booster boxes from sets released between 2010-2015. These are often overlooked in the hype for older sets (like Alpha/Beta/Unlimited) and newer, flashier releases.
Why now? Many key cards from this era are essential in popular formats like Modern and Commander. As supply dwindles and player bases grow, the chance of pulling a highly desirable “chase” card from these unopened boxes becomes a lottery ticket that gets more expensive with every passing year.
The “Reserved List” Never Dies: This is MTG’s sacred cow: a list of cards that Wizards of the Coast has promised never to reprint. Any card on this list, especially in a high grade (PSA 9/10), is a virtually guaranteed appreciating asset. Keep an eye on the less expensive Reserved List cards; they have more room to run.
Beyond the Cards: Look for sealed, limited-edition Commander decks from a few years back. Commander is MTG’s most popular format, and specific pre-constructed decks containing exclusive, powerful cards can become highly sought after.
Pop Culture Vinyl & Beyond: Funko, Nendoroid, and the Niche Stars
The modern era of collecting is incredibly diverse, and the barrier to entry is lower. While some categories are volatile, specific niches continue to thrive.
Funko Pop! (The Right Ones): Yes, a warehouse full of common Pops won’t make you rich. But limited edition convention exclusives (especially Chase variants), vaulted (discontinued) Pops of iconic characters, or autographs from the voice actors are seeing steady, sometimes dramatic, increases.
Why now? The sheer volume of new releases means older, truly rare items become harder to find. As new movies/shows revive old characters, demand for their original Pop releases surges. Think about characters from highly anticipated reboots or series finales.
Nendoroid & Figma Figures: These Japanese collectible lines (known for their articulated, adorable, or highly detailed figures) have a fiercely loyal and growing global fanbase. Look for discontinued, first-run figures of popular anime, manga, or video game characters, especially those tied to major upcoming game releases or cinematic adaptations.
The “Pre-Order Power”: Many of these figures sell out on pre-order and immediately command a premium on the secondary market. Smart money buys early and holds onto the sealed product.
The Indie Game Merchandise Wave: Beyond big-name titles, look to merchandise from hugely popular indie video games (think Hollow Knight, Stardew Valley, Among Us). Limited-run vinyl figures, art books, or even special edition cartridges can become highly prized.
Now go forth, be smart, buy sealed, and may the odds of getting a Gem Mint 10 always be in your favor!
And don’t forget to stay safe!
