Reception is extremely positive. This set is often touted as one of the biggest Pokémon TCG sets in recent memory due to its fan-favorite theme (famous trainers and their Pokémon). Collectors are hyped about the Team Rocket and Gym Leader cameos, and there’s a strong nostalgia factor. However, some caution that the preorder prices were “ridiculous” and expect a price drop after release . In the investing community, there’s talk that lots of new people are getting into the hobby around this set, injecting new money into the market. This suggests Destined Rivals could elevate the overall TCG market interest. Projected Future Value: Medium-term, expect a release dip, which might be a buying opportunity if prices fall to more reasonable levels. Long-term, given the caliber of cards (Mewtwo, Cynthia, etc.), future value is promising. If print runs remain moderate, sealed boxes and singles should appreciate as the set gains “modern classic” status. Essentially, Destined Rivals checks all the boxes for a collectible winner: beloved characters, powerful chase cards, and initial low supply (evidenced by $250+ booster preorders). Barring an overwhelming reprint, the outlook is that Destined Rivals will age well, much like past sought-after expansions (e.g. sets featuring Charizard or other popular characters have historically done very well over time).

Warhammer commander decks have exploded over the past year. They've been out of print for almost 3 years now and we can see the effects. Dr. Who was released a year after Warhammer 40k. If we believe the trend will continue with Universes Beyond, Dr. Who could be a great buy. The commander decks for Dr. Who are currently around $180 per set, with the collector boxes around $335. If I remember correctly, they were around this price at release. This is a great opportunity to buy.

This golden form of the Traveling Chocobo is the headliner card for this set. Only 77 of the serialized cards. You can compare this to the 500 in Innistrad Remastered for Markov and 500 for the Aetherspark in Aetherdrift. A significant decrease in quantity. Collector boxes haven't moved based on this info yet. Is this Chocobo good enough to hold up the price of the boxes?

Here's a look at a handful of Sword & Shield sets. Nearly ALL of them are up since this year with many being double their price from a few years ago.

1️⃣Tarkir: Dragonstorm Collectors show strong growth since release from lows of $243 -> $363 current prices. The huge sale number on TCG player is impressive: over 4000 boxes sold. - Tarkir: Dragonstorm comes as a breath of relief after a terrible set: Aetherdrift. This set will likely perform well medium to long term. 2️⃣Aetherdrift Collectors continue to fall since release. This set has been rejected. All-Time-Lows of $180 per collector box were reached beginning of April, with current prices hovering around $185. - A terrible theme led to a terrible set. Nobody wants this set. This is not a buy except to hold for very long term. Short to medium gains are very unlikely. 3️⃣Duskmourn: House of Horror has been an interesting set. Collector boxes haven't blown anyone away nor done too bad. Prices are hovering around $300 for the past few months. Though sell through rate is low at 3 a day. - I think this is a sleeper set. Prices will likely be a slow and steady increase over the next months to years. Which of these sets do you think will do the best long term? ⬇️