GameStop Slammed for Pricey Pokémon Boxes as Stock Mimics Bitcoin

GameStop has once again landed in hot water with its latest move in the collectible card space. This time, it’s all about their Pokémon Power Packs, mystery boxes that promise graded cards but deliver questionable value.

At the same time, GameStop’s stock price behavior is raising eyebrows, with some traders noting that it’s beginning to resemble the pattern of Bitcoin.

As the company pivots between trading cards and crypto trends, collectors and investors are left wondering where the value really lies.

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Key Takeaways

1. GameStop’s Pokémon Power Packs offer poor value, often returning less than half of what customers pay.

2. The stock’s price movements now mirror Bitcoin, according to legendary bond investor Bill Gross.

3. GameStop’s mystery box sales strategy is profitable, but collectors are better off buying from local or trusted sellers.

GameStop’s Pokémon Power Packs Leave Collectors Disappointed

Last year, GameStop started buying graded Pokémon TCG cards from customers, trying to imitate local trading card shops.

But the execution fell flat. Many store staff lacked proper training, and the trade-in values offered were far lower than what collectors expected.

Now, the company is flipping those cards back to customers through mystery boxes called “Power Packs.”

These $60 boxes sound appealing at first glance: two Pokémon booster packs and one PSA-graded card, rated at least an 8.

However, when collectors opened them, it became clear the contents were worth much less than the price tag.

The booster packs inside, typically sets like Surging Sparks or 151, are worth around $10 to $15 combined. The graded card usually adds another $15 to $30. That leaves most boxes valued at about $30 to $45 at best.

To make matters worse, the packaging itself seems to take up a good chunk of the cost. While it’s visually pleasing and sturdier than Walmart’s flimsier mystery boxes, it doesn’t justify such a significant price gap between what’s paid and what’s received.

Although GameStop does include some older or classic cards, these rarely hold substantial market value.

Unlike true mystery pulls with high-end possibilities, these packs don’t include high-chase cards like the Giratina V alt-art pictured on the box, valued at over $1,600. In reality, buyers are playing a losing game.

Read Also: Is the Pokémon Crypto Real? Debunking the New Rumor in the Market

Why GameStop’s Mystery Box Model Isn’t Working

Selling mystery boxes is not a new concept in the trading card world, but it only works when there’s a fair balance between risk and reward.

For GameStop, the balance tilts too heavily in its own favor. The Power Packs give off the illusion of potential value without actually offering a realistic shot at high-end returns.

Let’s break down the issues:

Lack of transparency

1. GameStop doesn’t disclose how the graded cards are sourced or what the odds are of getting valuable cards.

2. Customers are left guessing, with no idea if the contents are random or just repackaged bulk.

No local pricing autonomy

1. Unlike local card shops that adjust prices based on demand and condition, GameStop applies blanket pricing.

2. Employees don’t have the flexibility to offer better trade-in value or assess cards accurately.

Profit-focused structure

1. By offering low trade-in prices and repackaging cards at double the cost, GameStop profits no matter what.

2. The buyer almost always ends up with less value, making these boxes poor purchases for serious collectors.

The problem isn’t just the low odds, it’s the lack of trust. When buyers feel misled, they turn away fast. Pokémon TCG collectors are passionate and well-informed.

Most would rather buy a specific graded card online or support a local store where they can see exactly what they’re getting.

Read Also: Mega Dragonite Shines in Pokémon Legends: Z-A Reveal

GameStop’s Stock Is Starting to Behave Like Bitcoin

Interestingly, while GameStop’s retail strategy is being questioned, its stock is drawing comparisons to something entirely different, Bitcoin.

Bill Gross, the famed investor once known as the “Bond King,” says GameStop stock no longer moves like a typical meme stock. Instead, it’s showing signs of mimicking the volatile but pattern-driven behavior of Bitcoin.

GameStop has traded within a tight range of around $20 to $35 over the past year. But zooming out, it has had sharp moves much like Bitcoin.

After surging in the final months of 2024, it dipped in spring and bounced back in June, similar to BTC’s performance over the same period.

There’s another link: GameStop announced it purchased over 4,700 Bitcoin in May, reportedly worth over $500 million.

This crypto investment connects the company more directly with the Bitcoin ecosystem and might explain some of the correlation in price behavior.

Gross, who made millions betting against GameStop during the original meme-stock surge in 2021, now sees it as a candidate for option trading.

He doesn’t consider it a meme anymore, instead treating it like a volatile asset suitable for selling calls and puts, just like Bitcoin.

Read Also: Gamestop Buy $513M Bitcoin: How This Gaming Company is Joining the Trend

A Corporate Gamble That May Not Pay Off for Customers

From the outside, GameStop’s dual strategy of selling mystery Pokémon boxes and buying Bitcoin looks like a way to attract two types of loyal followers: collectors and crypto fans.

But trying to cater to both crowds without delivering real value might end up hurting the brand more than helping it.

Collectors feel shortchanged by the Power Packs. The idea of mystery and nostalgia is appealing, but not when the numbers don’t add up.

And with the stock behaving more like Bitcoin, investors may start to treat it more like a trade than a long-term hold.

There’s also the risk that GameStop is focusing too much on image and not enough on substance. Collectibles and crypto are flashy, but both require trust. If buyers feel manipulated, whether in card value or share price, they won’t stick around.

Read Also: ThinkGeek vs GameStop: Why the Nerd Store Vanished

Conclusion

GameStop’s latest attempt to reinvent itself through Pokémon Power Packs and crypto investments has sparked a mix of curiosity and criticism.

While the mystery boxes might look exciting on the shelf, they’re rarely worth the money. And though the stock’s Bitcoin-like movements attract traders like Bill Gross, it’s clear that GameStop is navigating risky territory.

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FAQ

What is the GameStop Pokémon Power Pack?

It is a mystery box sold by GameStop that includes two Pokémon booster packs and one PSA-graded card, all for $60. However, the contents usually don’t match the price in value.

Are the Power Packs worth buying?

Most reviews suggest they are not. Buyers typically receive around $30 to $45 worth of content for a $60 box.

Why is GameStop’s stock being compared to Bitcoin?

GameStop’s stock has shown similar patterns of volatility and rebound to Bitcoin’s recent movements, especially after the company bought over 4,700 BTC in May.

Who is Bill Gross and why is he talking about GameStop?

Bill Gross is a legendary investor known for managing large bond funds. He has a history of betting against meme stocks and recently said GameStop no longer behaves like one.

Where should I buy graded Pokémon cards instead?

For better value and transparency, it’s recommended to shop at local trading card shops or online marketplaces where you can choose the specific card you want.

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