Best Places to Buy Pokémon Cards: Top 5 Steals Right Now
If you’re even slightly sentient and collect trading cards, you’re always hunting for the best places to buy Pokémon cards and Magic: The Gathering boosters. And let’s be real: unless you have an uncle in logistics at Nintendo, you’re probably tired of paying Amazon markups designed by an evil AI accountant.
1. TCGplayer: The Current King of Deals
Right now, TCGplayer is absolutely punishing everyone else—including the Amazon behemoth. Prices as of August 4 are straight-up the lowest for new hits (like Pokémon’s White Flare Binder Box) and for nostalgic sets like Destined Rivals.
- Pokémon White Flare Binder Box: Cheaper than Amazon by a few bucks. Holy crap, I’ll take that extra coffee, thanks.
- Destined Rivals Triple Blister: $8 less than anywhere else. That’s a third of a burrito in today’s economy.
- Scarlet & Violet 151: The chase cards are jumping in price, but TCGplayer is still undercutting Amazon’s lowest “sale” last week by $3 or more.
2. Amazon: Fine for Some Stuff, but Watch That Markup
If you’re buying off Amazon, you might find isolated deals—like the White Flare Binder knocking a few dollars off. But if you want real savings on sealed products, TCGplayer is leagues ahead. Amazon is also notorious for weird flash markups. The math is simple: why pay £88 (that’s $110 for those who bailed on math class) for a Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box when TCGplayer sells it for $85?
3. Magic: The Gathering—Commander Decks & Bundles
Magic deals? It’s TCGplayer again. Just look at the Fallout Commander Deck bundle: $4 cheaper per deck, and over $10 off per set compared to Amazon. Nerd math says that adds up fast, especially if you’re buying all four decks (because you’re a completionist and denial isn’t just a river in Egypt).
Curious about other MTG value plays? Don’t miss this deep dive on the most valuable Edge of Eternities cards—your portfolio will thank you.
4. Scarlet & Violet 151 Singles: Picking Your Timing Matters
Just like my GPA during finals, card prices are… volatile:
- Charizard ex: Up to $210. Ouch.
- Blastoise ex: Up 28%, now $84.99.
- Venusaur ex: Up 27% at $69.99.
- Alakazam ex: Biggest gainer, up 35% ($44.98).
But here’s a plot twist—even as those high-end SIRs soar, the Kanto starter Illustration Rares (Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle) have dropped (hello, supply!). Now is the time to snag early evolutions before the market corrects, because you’ll hate yourself later if prices rebound.
5. Fallout Funko Pop Preorders: Keep an Eye Out
Because a grown man can never have enough plastic. The Fallout TV tie-in Funkos are available for $14.99 at most retailers. There’s even a chance to snag a rare variant—because cardboard gambling is so last year.
Bonus: Mini PC Bargains
If your desk is basically Pokémon cards and sadness, grab a mini PC for under $175. Perfect for work, light gaming (read: Minecraft, not AAA titles), or just keeping things tidy. That’s less than a proper night out, and you’ll actually own something afterwards.
TL;DR: TCGplayer Wins the Day for Pokémon & Magic Cards
Best places to buy Pokémon cards and Magic today? TCGplayer, for now, eats Amazon’s lunch and then goes back for dessert. Keep an eye on the price dips for singles, especially the underappreciated Illustration Rares. Funko Pop fans, don’t snooze on those preorders. And mini PCs? Still the MVP for budget-conscious setup warriors.
Want even more absurd opinions and deal hunting? Stick around Spawncamped—for everything from Metroid Prime 4 rants to embarrassing moments in the world of AI.
