This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I might get a small commission. More information
A Collector’s Guide to Vintage Pokemon Items Beyond Cards
Collecting old Pokemon stuff is like taking a trip back to the 90s. Besides cards, there are cool things like the first Pokemon Game Boys and Burger King toys that came with Kid’s Meals and are now like special treasures for collectors.
The old Pokemon plush toys are also super nostalgic. Think Pikachu, Charmander, or Jigglypuff with their tags and original packaging. It’s like having a piece of the past.
Then there’s Pokemon Snap for Nintendo 64. The Snap Stations where you could print stickers? That’s part of the nostalgia too. Collectors love hunting for stuff like promotional stickers and displays to relive those fun times.
From special Game Boy Colour consoles to old-school promo gear, each piece is like a time capsule. Collectors get to go back to when Pokemon was more than just a thing – it was a big deal that left a mark on everyone’s hearts.
key pokemon merchandise to look out for
Original Pokémon Game Boy Games:
- Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow for the Game Boy are the original games that started the Pokémon video game series.
- Sealed copies or those with the original packaging in excellent condition are more valuable to collectors.
- Limited editions, such as the Yellow Pikachu Edition, are especially sought after.
Pokemon Game Boy Colour Consoles:
- Special edition Game Boy Colour consoles, like the Pikachu Edition, feature unique designs and Pokemon branding.
- Units in pristine condition with original packaging and accessories are more desirable to collectors.
- Limited production runs increase the rarity and collectability of these items.
Burger King Pokemon Toys (1999):
- Burger King released a set of Pokemon toys in 1999 as part of their Kid’s Meal promotion.
- The toys featured popular Pokemon characters and are often nostalgic for those who collected them during the initial Pokemon craze.
- Complete sets in good condition, especially with original packaging, are sought after by collectors.
Pokemon Trading Card Game Base Set Booster Boxes:
- Sealed booster boxes from the original Pokemon TCG Base Set contain unopened packs of cards from the early sets.
- The rarity of these sealed boxes, combined with the potential for valuable cards inside, makes them highly collectible.
- First Edition booster boxes are particularly valuable and can be considered a rare find.
Vintage Plush Toys:
- Plush toys from the late 1990s and early 2000s feature the original designs of Pokemon characters.
- Tags, original packaging, and overall condition are crucial factors in determining the value of vintage plushies.
- Limited edition or promotional plush toys can be especially valuable to collectors.
Pokemon Snap Stations:
- Pokémon Snap, released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999, allowed players to print stickers of their in-game photos at Snap Stations.
- Memorabilia related to Pokémon Snap Stations, such as promotional stickers or displays, can be nostalgic collectibles.
- Items associated with the limited-time promotion at participating stores are sought after.
Vintage Clothing and Accessories:
- Clothing and accessories from the 1990s, featuring original Pokemon designs, are popular among collectors.
- Limited-run or event-exclusive items, such as tournament t-shirts or promotional hats, are especially sought after.
- Condition, originality, and rarity contribute to the collectability of vintage Pokemon apparel.
Pokémon Red and Blue Strategy Guides:
- Original strategy guides for Pokemon Red and Blue can include additional materials like maps, posters, or tips for completing the games.
- Guides in good condition, with all supplementary items intact, are more valuable to collectors.
- First-print editions or special releases may have added collectible value.
Promotional Merchandise:
- Items given away during promotional events in the 1990s, such as cards, stickers, or posters, are considered vintage Pokemon collectibles.
- Limited availability and ties to specific events or releases increase the rarity and desirability of these items.
- Complete sets of promotional merchandise or items in unopened packaging are particularly sought after.