Trading card games (TCGs) were all the rage in the 1990s. Magic: The Gathering allowed players to immerse themselves in a fantastical universe and collect epic magical cards. Meanwhile, the Pokémon Trading Card Game took the experience of battling Pokémon from the animated series into the real world. The combination of collecting, battling among friends, and the element of surprise when opening a pack of cards all came together to produce a highly entertaining hobby.
Naturally, with the saturation of TCGs over time and the rise of video games and mobile apps, people began to wander elsewhere and hop on the next trend. These card games declined in popularity and eventually became a niche hobby rather than a mainstream pastime.
Well, a few decades passed, and TCGs are all the rage again. Like how we circle back to old fashion trends and interior design, younger generations and those seeking a hefty dose of nostalgia are (re)discovering the joys of trading card games.
What’s the reason behind this resurgence? Let’s take a look.
Video games used to be considered a niche hobby for basement dwellers, but the hobby went mainstream over time. In reverse fashion, trading card games were a mainstream phenomenon but gradually faded into a niche. These changes are often a result of several factors, including cultural shifts, technological developments, and throwback appeal.
A major reason for this shift in TCGs is that the physical, hands-on experience has gone digital. The sheer accessibility and convenience of online play have broken down barriers to buying packs and playing with others. It’s much like when the online casino experience became widely available. A review of the top casinos demonstrates how advancements in online gambling have given adults the flexibility to unwind whenever and wherever. Prior to the ‘90s, this would’ve been inconceivable.
Instead of purchasing packs for real money and finding a dedicated space to keep them, players can simply store everything in an app. There’s no need to round up a bunch of friends to play, as you can get matched with players from around the world in seconds.
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion—an intense longing and fondness for a comforting and often simpler time. For those who played physical TCGs back in the day, revisiting the fun and excitement as an adult can be a way to reconnect with their childhood. There’s a thrill and familiar feeling that comes with opening packs, building decks, and playing with friends that can’t be replicated in any other way. Whether they choose to go the digital route or physical cards, it provides the positive emotions that people crave.
It’s the same feeling when people collect antiques, watch old movies, or stack up vinyl in their homes, where it stimulates all the senses. Perhaps it’s the weathered appearance of vintage items or the musty smell of old vinyl record sleeves that transports people to a different time—TCGs will also evoke similar qualities that rouse the senses.
Just like watches, Beanie Babies, Barbies, and stamps, collectibles have tangible value. For many people, collecting these items is a full-time job. It’s one that comes with plenty of rewards, as these cards are an investment that appreciates over time. Find an extremely rare Impel Marvel Universe Hologram card or a Charizard First Edition Pokémon card, and you could resell it for thousands, tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, depending on the card’s condition. That’s no exaggeration, either.
So not only are trading card games fun, but many of the cards themselves are sought-after by collectors and investors. And practically anybody can become a collector. There’s a certain thrill of the hunt for rare cards, whether misprints or limited editions. The cards can be sent in for grading, which will ultimately determine their worth. Another important factor impacting card worth is its cultural significance. Thanks to his legendary impact on hockey, a Wayne Gretzky rookie card would naturally go for much higher than one with a no-name player.
While ripping open packs, building decks, and discovering new cards all seem like solo experiences, the overall TCG journey relies on community. Back when TCGs were exclusively played offline, players would gather at gaming events and hobby shops to trade and compete. Now, the community is no longer limited to local spaces because of the internet and the digital TCG world.
Plenty of influencers, YouTubers, and enthusiasts enjoy sharing their pack-opening sessions, teaching others optimal deck configuration, and discussing strategies to improve their gameplay. Social media and online forums provide the ideal platform for players to connect and chat, bringing like-minded people together to bond over TCGs.
When it comes to the most obvious social aspect of the game—playing it—this too has been transformed. TCG apps offer instant online matchmaking and virtual tournaments, meaning someone in Canada can challenge someone from Japan at any hour of the day.
As TCGs are inherently pop culture elements, their lasting popularity makes sense. The games themselves are fun, there are passionate communities surrounding them, and the sentimentality adds to their appeal. With all these factors at play and the rise of digital TCGs like Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket and Marvel Snap, the hobby is only evolving with the best yet to come.