Core Insights - The trading card market has evolved from a niche hobby to a significant investment opportunity, with notable records in card sales, such as Pokémon cards at $5.275 million and sports cards at $12.932 million [1] - The global market for sports cards is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23% from 2020 to 2027, potentially reaching nearly $100 billion by 2027 [1] - The investment value of trading cards is now considered to surpass that of classic collectibles like antique cars and whiskey [1] Group 1: Types of Trading Cards - Trading cards are categorized into Trading Card Games (TCG) and Collectible Card Games (CCG), with CCGs having a longer history and focusing on collection, while TCGs incorporate gameplay elements [3] - The most popular TCGs include Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Magic: The Gathering, with Pokémon being favored due to its broad IP appeal and simplicity [5][6] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The trading card market has seen a cultural shift, influenced by social media and online platforms, which have increased visibility and engagement among collectors [14] - The emotional value associated with sports cards is significant, as they often represent personal memories tied to athletes' careers [8][10] Group 3: Investment Considerations - The value of trading cards is influenced by factors such as rarity, condition, and market demand, with older cards generally appreciating in value over time [10][11] - Newer cards may have volatile prices due to potential reprints and market saturation, while limited edition cards with unique identifiers tend to hold their value better [11][12] Group 4: Trading Strategies - Successful trading card investment requires understanding market trends, player performance, and the overall gaming environment [24][30] - Investors are advised to focus on cards from established IPs and to consider the long-term potential of their collections rather than short-term gains [30][67] Group 5: Market Challenges - The trading card market faces challenges such as counterfeit products and the need for reliable grading services to ensure authenticity and value [40][42] - The rise of online trading and auction platforms has created a more competitive environment, necessitating a deeper understanding of market dynamics for new entrants [60][63]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rapid rise of domestic card games in China, particularly focusing on the success of the "Nezha 2" card series, which has sparked a cultural consumption phenomenon and highlighted the potential for the domestic card market to grow and evolve [1][22]. Group 1: Market Performance and Trends - The "Nezha 2" card series has become a phenomenon, with prices reaching as high as 200,000 yuan, creating a "one card hard to find" situation [1] - The secondary market for card trading has seen significant activity, with some cards listed at exorbitant prices, indicating a speculative bubble [3][11] - The domestic card market is still in its early stages, with a lack of public understanding and acceptance, which poses challenges for its growth [12][20] Group 2: Comparison with Global Markets - The global card market, particularly in the U.S. and Japan, has established a robust ecosystem for trading and investment, with high-value transactions becoming commonplace [7][15] - In Japan, the card market reached 277.4 billion yen (approximately 13.9 billion yuan) in 2023, showing an 18.1% year-on-year growth, highlighting the potential for similar growth in China [14] - The U.S. market has seen cards transition from collectibles to investment tools, with platforms like eBay facilitating a more mature trading environment [15][22] Group 3: Cultural and Historical Context - The article emphasizes the historical roots of card games in China, tracing back to ancient times, which suggests a deep cultural connection that could be leveraged for market growth [16][17] - The rise of domestic card games is seen as a way to promote Chinese culture globally, with successful IPs like "Nezha" and "Black Myth: Wukong" paving the way for international recognition [22] Group 4: Challenges and Opportunities - Domestic brands face challenges in international expansion due to cultural differences and lower brand recognition compared to established foreign brands [20] - The article notes that while the domestic card market is still developing, there is a significant opportunity for growth if companies can shift from a manufacturing mindset to an original IP development approach [21] - Companies like 卡游 are already making strides in creating original IPs and expanding their offerings, indicating a positive trend for the future of the domestic card market [21][22]