Pokémon Reigns Supreme: What eBay’s 2025 Search Trends Say About Collecting Today

When it comes to the collectibles that defined 2025, Pokémon reigned supreme again. According to eBay’s Collected report, three of the top ten most-searched collectibles were Pokémon-related. For a franchise that first sparked worldwide obsession in the late 1990s, it’s a powerful reminder that Pokémon’s staying power has moved beyond childhood obsession into a dominant market force.

That enduring popularity isn’t just reflected in search data—it’s showing up in the auction room. In December 2025, Heritage Auctions’ Trading Card Games Signature® sale set a new benchmark when a 1999 Pokémon Charizard #4 1st Edition Base Set card graded PSA Gem Mint 10 realized an astonishing $550,000. Only 125 examples of this holographic powerhouse have ever achieved the hobby’s top grade, making it one of the most elite cards in existence. Illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and released by Wizards of the Coast at the dawn of the Pokémon phenomenon

"For 30 years, eBay has been the destination for collectors and fans to find, sell, and shop for the things they love, and it's fascinating to watch trends emerge and evolve," said Adam Ireland, VP and GM of Global Collectibles at eBay, in a statement on eBay’s “Stories” section of the website. "This year saw collectors seeking blind boxes and rare Labubus search, spikes for rookie talent alongside demand for icons like Shohei Ohtani staying strong, and of course, the continued popularity of Pokémon across vintage cards and new releases."

But Pokémon wasn’t alone in shaping this year’s collecting culture. The broader top ten list painted a fascinating picture of how nostalgia and investment intersect in today’s market:

Collector’s confidence extends across categories. LEGO continued its long run as one of the most searched and sold collectibles on eBay, driven especially by the LEGO Star Wars line, which merges two of pop culture’s most enduring fandoms. The crossover appeal of such franchises blurs the line between toy and treasure, reminding us that “play value” can easily become “portfolio value.”

Sports collectibles also proved resilient in 2025. Michael Jordan remained a constant presence in searches, while terms like “football cards” underscored how modern athletes and rookie sensations are fueling the next wave of collecting enthusiasm. eBay data indicated surges in interest in stars such as Victor Wembanyama, Shohei Ohtani, and Caitlin Clark. Meanwhile, “PSA” and “PSA 10,” shorthand for graded card conditions, show how quality and certification have become central to value.

Trading card collectors showed just as much focus, with new releases and crossover collaborations driving searches in every major game franchise.

Sports memorabilia continued to energize collectors as breakout stars and legendary icons alike fueled demand. eBay’s most-searched names across sports read like a Who's Who of both history and the next generation.

Rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Victor Wembanyama shared space with legends such as Mantle and Gretzky. Old favorites gain new life while new favorites emerge.

Whether you chase pristine Pokémon cards, vintage Hot Wheels, or rookie trading cards, the takeaway from eBay’s 2025 data is clear: collecting has never been more dynamic.

You may also like:

Sweet 16: History of the Original 1968 Hot Wheels

eBay’s ’95 Shop Turns Back the Clock on Collectibles

Growing Up 'Star Wars' and Embracing the Power of Storytelling