How Pokémon Has Grown Since COVID: A Pandemic-Era Power-Up
When the world hit pause in 2020, many industries slowed down — but Pokémon? It leveled up. What began as a nostalgic hobby for many became a full-blown cultural and economic explosion. From record-breaking card sales to a surge in digital play, Pokémon didn’t just survive the pandemic years — it evolved.
Let’s take a look at how Pokémon has grown since COVID and why the franchise is stronger than ever.
1. The Great Pokémon TCG Boom
If you tried to buy a Pokémon card pack in 2020 or 2021, you probably noticed something strange: they were gone. Shelves were empty. Prices were skyrocketing. People were camping outside stores. What happened?
During lockdowns, people turned to comfort hobbies — and Pokémon cards hit the sweet spot of nostalgia, collectibility, and community. Some folks rediscovered their childhood binders. Others jumped in for the first time. Meanwhile, influencers like Logan Paul helped ignite massive attention by opening rare vintage packs on YouTube, driving card values to insane heights.
Some highlights:
-
A 1st Edition Charizard sold for over $300,000.
-
Pokémon became one of the most-searched collectibles online.
-
Retailers like Target and Walmart temporarily suspended in-store TCG sales due to demand.
What was once a niche collector’s market turned into a global frenzy.
2. Digital Expansion: Play From Anywhere
With in-person events canceled, The Pokémon Company adapted quickly. They leaned into digital gameplay and community tools, including:
-
Pokémon TCG Online (PTCGO) and its successor Pokémon TCG Live, allowing players to battle and trade digitally.
-
Online tournaments and remote leagues kept competitive players engaged.
-
Pokémon GO introduced major updates like Remote Raid Passes, allowing players to raid from home — a game-changer that brought lapsed players back in.
Rather than fading during the pandemic, Pokémon became more accessible, reaching audiences stuck at home across the world.
3. Scarlet, Violet, and the Switch Era Boom
During and after the pandemic, mainline Pokémon games saw a massive surge in attention.
-
Pokémon Sword & Shield, released just before the pandemic, became one of the best-selling titles on the Nintendo Switch.
-
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022) introduced a new gameplay format and received critical acclaim.
-
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022) shattered sales records despite technical criticisms — proof that fans were hungry for new adventures.
Each new title kept the franchise fresh, bold, and relevant — even three decades in.
4. More Than a Game: Pokémon as Pop Culture
Post-COVID, Pokémon isn’t just a card game or a video game. It’s a lifestyle brand.
-
The Pokémon Center online store saw a huge increase in demand for apparel, plushies, home goods, and more.
-
New animated series like Pokémon Horizons continue to breathe life into the universe beyond Ash and Pikachu.
-
Collaborations with brands like Uniqlo, Van Gogh Museum, and Levi’s pushed Pokémon into the world of art, fashion, and design.
The brand has evolved with its audience — still kid-friendly, but also built to serve the nostalgic and creative needs of adult fans.
5. A Stronger Community Than Ever
One of the most surprising outcomes of Pokémon's pandemic growth? The community.
From online Discord leagues to Twitch streams, YouTube unboxings, and Reddit trade groups — the Pokémon community exploded with energy and creativity during the pandemic. Now, with in-person events back, the Pokémon World Championships, regional tournaments, and local game stores are buzzing like never before.
It’s not just about collecting or battling — it’s about connecting.
Final Thoughts: Pokémon’s Pandemic Evolution
While COVID-19 changed the world in countless ways, it also gave Pokémon an unexpected opportunity to evolve. What started in 1996 as a Game Boy game has grown into a multigenerational, multimedia powerhouse. And if the post-COVID boom has proven anything, it's this:
Pokémon is here to stay — bigger, bolder, and more beloved than ever.