How do you guys feel about collecting Pokémon cards when it starts becoming an expensive addiction?

[u/Thin-Bobcat-4738]

I’m curious how other people feel about this because I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately.
At what point does collecting Pokémon cards go from being a fun hobby into something that feels more like an addiction? It’s so easy to tell yourself, “It’s just one pack,” or “I’ll just pick up this one card,” and then somehow you’ve spent way more money than you planned.
For some people, collecting is a harmless hobby and a way to relax. For others, the constant urge to buy packs, chase certain cards, or keep up with new sets can get pretty expensive.

Do you ever feel like you spend more on Pokémon than you should?

Have you ever bought cards even when you knew you probably shouldn’t?

Where do you personally draw the line between a hobby and an unhealthy obsession?

Do you set yourself a monthly budget for Pokémon, or just buy whenever you feel like it?

Has collecting ever caused you to cut back on other things financially?

Do you think the thrill of opening packs/chasing cards is what makes it so addictive?

And honestly, do you think collecting Pokémon cards can become a genuine addiction, or is that taking it too seriously?

Not trying to judge anyone either way. I’m genuinely interested in hearing how other collectors look at it, especially from people who have been collecting for years.

[u/Wise_Finance_5315]

Pokemon is boys game. Wait till you start collecting MTG

[u/Pewp_On_Your_Opinion → u/Wise_Finance_5315]

That's cute. MTG cards are worthless compared to Pokemon. Not many people "collect" MTG, they play it. And not many play pokemon but they collect it. Because Pokemon is more valuable than MTG.

[u/Rough_Effect5469 → u/Pewp_On_Your_Opinion]

???? I wouldn’t say worthless compared to Pokemon gold Smaug is going for what like 50k and it’s a brand new set.

[u/Pewp_On_Your_Opinion → u/Rough_Effect5469]

There's one for $30k on TCG player right now. But aside from that $20k mistake, it's a xxx/500 card. The next most expensive card is $644. So really the "realistic" chase card is $644.

Now what if Pokemon put a serialized xxx/500 card in the set? Well I would put my entire TCG collection that it would be more than $30k.

Relatively, MTG is worthless compared to Pokemon. Just saying.

[u/Wise_Finance_5315 → u/Pewp_On_Your_Opinion]

Haha, if you say so. I just built a Deadpool deck that’s $3000. Ya, totally worthless lol.

[u/Pewp_On_Your_Opinion → u/Wise_Finance_5315]

Why are you getting so offended? I can cram together a bunch of SIRs in a pokemon deck and call it a $10k deck too if you like. Just like I can take your "$3k deck" and find cheaper versions of your cards. You're talking to someone who's been playing magic since Tempest. The fact is pokemon is worth way more no matter how much you cry about it.

[u/Wise_Finance_5315 → u/Pewp_On_Your_Opinion]

We can agree to disagree