How to Start Collecting Pokemon Cards in Singapore Beginner Guide

Your Complete Guide to Starting a Pokémon Card Collection in Singapore

Pokémon card collecting has exploded in popularity across Singapore, with new collectors joining the hobby every week. Whether you're drawn by nostalgia, investment potential, or competitive play, this guide covers everything you need to know to get started.

Step 1: Decide Your Collecting Goal

Before spending a single dollar, decide what type of collector you want to be:

• Set Completionist — Aim to collect every card in a particular set
• Art Collector — Focus on illustration rares and special art cards
• Competitive Player — Build decks for tournament play
• Investor — Target high-value cards with appreciation potential
• Casual Collector — Collect what you like without pressure

Step 2: Learn the Card Types

Modern Pokémon TCG cards come in several rarity tiers:

• Common / Uncommon / Rare — Standard cards found in most packs
• Holo Rare — Holographic foil artwork
• Ultra Rare (V, VMAX, ex) — Higher-powered cards with special art
• Illustration Rare (IR) — Beautiful full-art cards with storytelling artwork
• Special Illustration Rare (SIR) — The most sought-after cards with premium artwork
• Hyper Rare / Gold — Textured, premium-finish cards

Step 3: Where to Buy in Singapore

Official Retail:

• Pokémon Center Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport
• TOG (Toy Or Game) — 9 locations across Singapore
• Pokémon TCG Gym Deluxe at *SCAPE (opened January 2026)

Specialty Stores:

• CardGaiden at Rochor Canal Road
• Bricks Play at Toa Payoh Central
• Rowell TCG at Serangoon North

Online Marketplaces:

• TCG.SG — Singapore's dedicated TCG marketplace
• Carousell — Popular for local trades
• Shopee — Various TCG store pages

Step 4: Budget Wisely

A practical budget guide for beginners:

• Starter Deck — $15–$20 (great for learning the game)
• Elite Trainer Box (ETB) — $55–$70 (9 boosters + accessories)
• Single Booster Pack — $6–$8 each
• Booster Box (36 packs) — $140–$170 at MSRP

Pro tip: If you're after specific cards, buying singles from marketplaces like TCG.SG is almost always cheaper than opening packs to find them.

Step 5: Protect Your Cards

Card condition matters enormously for value. Essential supplies:

• Penny Sleeves — Basic protection for all cards (~$2 for 100)
• Top Loaders — Rigid protection for valuable cards (~$5 for 25)
• Card Binder — For organising and displaying your collection
• Silica Gel Packets — Singapore's humidity can damage cards over time

Step 6: Join the Community

Singapore has a vibrant TCG community:

• Singapore Pokémon TCG Facebook Group — 16,000+ members
• Local store events — Weekly tournaments and casual meetups
• TCG.SG community — Online marketplace with social features
• Reddit r/PokemonTCG — Global discussions and price checks

Step 7: Understand Card Grading

Professional grading (PSA, BGS, CGC) authenticates and grades cards on a 1–10 scale. Graded cards in high grades (PSA 9–10) command premium prices. However, grading costs $20–$150+ per card depending on service tier, so only grade cards worth significantly more than the grading fee.

For a quick assessment before sending cards for professional grading, tools like TCG.SG's AI card scanner can help evaluate card condition and estimate pre-grades.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

1. Opening too many packs — Singles are almost always cheaper for specific cards
2. Ignoring card protection — Singapore's humidity damages unprotected cards quickly
3. Following hype blindly — Prices often crash after initial release hype
4. Not checking market prices — Always compare before buying or selling
5. Buying from unverified sellers — Counterfeits exist; buy from reputable sources