Core Viewpoint - The Pokémon trading card market is experiencing significant growth, with a projected increase from $6.4 billion in 2022 to $10.19 billion by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 8.1% [3][4]. Market Overview - The Pokémon trading card game (TCG) has established a unique ecosystem since its launch in 1996, characterized by a division between standard and non-standard cards, creating a dynamic trading network [7][8]. - The market is heavily influenced by the rarity of cards, with a significant disparity in the availability of cards leading to price fluctuations [10][11]. Investment Dynamics - The Pokémon card market has transitioned from a niche hobby to an investment asset, particularly after 2020, with notable price surges observed in 2023 [12][13]. - Despite the market's volatility, rare cards that once surged to prices in the millions have maintained substantial value, indicating a long-term investment potential [13][14]. Competitive Landscape - The number of companies related to trading cards has increased by 329% from 2020 to 2024, intensifying competition among platforms [17]. - Trust and market understanding are identified as core competitive advantages, with platforms needing to establish themselves as credible intermediaries in the trading process [18][20]. Regional Market Insights - The Chinese trading card market is growing at an annual rate of 40%, but signs of oversupply are emerging as of 2024 [22]. - There is a notable price disparity between domestic and international markets, with certain cards fetching higher prices overseas, highlighting the potential for cross-border trading [23][35]. Cultural Preferences - Different regions exhibit varying preferences for card types, with character cards being more popular in Southeast Asia and Japan, while iconic Pokémon like Charizard are favored in Europe and the U.S. [26][27]. - The cultural depth of card collecting varies significantly between regions, with established markets abroad having more diverse consumer habits compared to the relatively nascent market in China [24][36]. Global Expansion Challenges - Chinese companies face challenges in convincing domestic sellers to list rare cards on international platforms and in building recognition among overseas buyers [32][33]. - Despite these challenges, the recent popularity of simplified Chinese Pokémon cards in international markets presents a unique opportunity for cross-border transactions [35][37].