151 brought me back to the hobby. I mastered the set twice, one for me and one to honor my late brother. I wouldn’t say I’m locked in again, but it’s been a nice change of pace to have something to look forward to. Appreciate your thoughtful insights, so many in the investing side tend to just say what feels good in the moment. Keep up the great work mate
There has been so many sets that have come out after 151 or exposing a new side of pokemon. I'm not worried that they're relying too much on nostalgia.
I agree with what you said. But I also gotta say, that it would be really awesome to see a completely new and fresh take on an old concept I bet they could do something really new and unexpected that still remains true to the concept of “dark” Pokémon in the new Team Rocket set. Maybe something like the shadow Pokémon from Pokémon Go, which deal more damage but also take more damage, or a totally new concept.
Congrats on passing 6k subscribers! Well deserved channel. As a marketer myself and someone who wants to learn more about creating a robust production house when life gets less hectic, it's great to see content that mixes those fundamental marketing concepts along with excellent pokemon tcg discussion topics. The channel itself is an excellent lesson in digital marketing on youtube specifically. Next stop 7k!
I grew up with the original 151 pokemons and lived through the incredible craze and insanity of merchandise, cartoons, cards and video games around it. I don't think nostalgia is a bad thing as my friends and me returned to Pokemon to collect that set and I got a lot of other cards/packs here and there. It was incredible to open these packs and make silly private opening videos with my other friends that returned to the TCG. We also played some Pokemon GO and got let's go pikachu games. After Ash abandoned his Pokemons in the cartoon way too many times and so many new Pokemons got introduced it was super overwhelming to just be a fan and keep up without internet being so available and everyone I know became disinterested as gen 4 rolled out. It's really fun to come back and it also brought back a lot of older friend groups back for me. If gym heroes and gym challenge type of set comes we will go absolutely crazy for it. Excited for the team rocket set and it will keep me in the TCG for even longer. I don't care about inovation and new art types or card types, I am happy with a holo and commons.
I fell for the Pokemon bait haha. I totally agree with your argument of innovation. Innovation is key to success. People will get tired of the repetitiveness of old concepts.
My point of view on the specific nostalgia bait of the 151 set is that the Pokémon Company may have had this move in mind for years. They likely thought, "We know this will bring in a lot of people, so we'll only pull the trigger when we need to or if something bad happens." It was like an emergency button press. With Japan potentially heading into a crisis, perhaps Pokémon began the whole nostalgia bait to ensure a stable income.
I clicked on the vid because TH-cam algorithm pushed it on me, I'm glad I watched it though, I really appreciated hearing your opinion on tcg but most of all your well worded and extremely thought out take on innovation in general, it's not what I was expecting from a card video 🤣
Interesting video! I grew up collecting Pokemon in 1999, and 151 got me back in the hobby. Btw, great cinematography, but I think a different grade would up it even further. It looks too bleak/unsaturated to my eyes, but this might be a personal preference. Keep it up!
Really interesting video. Would love more of this type of content. I do think mixing old and new is the best way though. But I do love the idea of a water set or fire set my brother and I have talked about this quite a bit. I hope The rocket set that's coming we get dark baxcalibur and while also getting a call back to say dark raichu in a new pose. These are now in SIR form and full art. For gold stars we get this same dark baxcalibur but shiny or could be a new pose but these are extremely hard to pull. But this kind of video I like because it makes you think about what is possible for pokemon TCG.
I went to my local card store yesterday and I haven’t been there for a while bc I was super super busy but when I went in they had 4 greninja chase cards and I have been dying for one but they are $212😭😭😭
I really don't think Pokemon going back to the nostalgic sets is a bad thing at all. Actually I think quite the opposite with my reasoning below. Pokemon aren't focusing on strictly nostalgia only sets or innovative only sets. They are doing both at the same time. Targeting the low hanging fruit by getting older millennial fans (who have money now) back into the hobby leads into the modern sets. I can't tell you how many 151 sales I have received from millennials who follow me up with inquiries about the modern sets. Like you said, its a funnel that they don't want you to leave. 151 is the entry point which expands into literally every other set they have made. This may not apply to all of the millennials but a large chunk of them are looking at modern cards and buying the newer sets. I believe this actually allows for more innovation and a larger collector base in the long run. TLDR - Pokemon are using older nostalgic sets to get older millennial fans with money back into the hobby which leads them into all of the modern sets.
I’m against the nostalgia sets. It’s annoying. Team Rocket isn’t even in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. So why are going back to them? 151 ruined all the fun of building a classic Kato set from older cards. I fully agree that they should push the envelope with innovation.
Great take on marketing and the Pokémon world. I believe they are still being innovative, and still taking things seriously on the loyalty phase of the funnel. I completely agree with you that they should not be too focused on Nostalgia but still touch on it once a year or two years. I'm curious what your take on the Shining sets, or Fates sets... what ever you want to classify these as they are also on some sort of formulaic cycle. It would be nice to see them take a refreshing approach to the rotation of fan service sets. I was going to do a vid on talking about the difference between "Collector Sets vs Competitor Sets" It would be cool to also hear your take on how competition is a mechanism of the loyalty portion of the funnel. P.S. I'm currently in marketing school and we just learned about funnels so this video really struck a chord with me. Keep it up I'm now a fan!
I originally moved on from Pokemon back in 2001. 151 brought me back. Completing the master set was easier and more enjoyable as an adult with money. I don’t like these newer modern Pokemon as they don’t make sense to me like the OG set.
if you ask me the venusar sir is the best art work out of the three starters although i do like charizard more than venusar on the other hand I want pokemon to start making autos and numbered cards at some point
I think the difficulty for Pokemon Co is that the TCG follows the video games, and if the “gimmick” of that generation is a hit or a flop. In SWSH, Gigantamax was a hit with a unique approach to Pokemon new and old (why Gengar VMax alt in FS is so popular). However, in SV, the Terastal stuff is a massive fail (crystalized Pokemon, big whoop), which is why there hasn’t been as high a demand on the TCG and thus forced them to use nostalgia tactics to boost up this era. If they can hit the “gimmick” in the next mainline game, they can stand on that for several years and hold off needing to use nostalgia tactics so frequently.
I wonder how long it’ll be until they have 1/1 cards in their sets with like the artist signature on it or something.. who knows but it really will be interesting to see if nostalgia is the way they go for the next 5-10 years Love the thoughts and analysis here, and thank you for explaining the funnel idea! Keep up the great work!
Pokemon Company is getting smarter finally lol. Evolutions was a nostalgia hit and then 151 was a banger. Wouldn't be surprised if they bring back older set styles every other year. Just think if they bring back e-series or even crazier, gold star cards.
I LOVE the idea of type specific sets!!! It could be its on era as well. Imagine they start with the least impressive types (metal/colorless?) and slowly make it so that the following set is a cooler type than the previous and they finish it off with fire or dragon (though my favorite type has to be psychic, but I know charizard is king lol)
I'm glad they're at least reaching past the damn first base set! They need to stop focusing on that and reach further into the later sets, we need a neo genesis revival, and gym heroes!
@@newjones1754 Right? It'd like shut up and take my money! But I'm soooooo over the 151 repeats and the damn base set charizard repeats like how many times have they reprinted that card now? 17?
I like how you actually delve into some of the economics and marketing concepts that are motivating the pokemon company with how they release these various sets. it makes for some nice substance beyond just discussing the hype from the consumer/player/collector/investor/reseller side of things. Pokemon company has very effective strategies. But I do think it is a bit strange to see a Team Rocket set coming relatively soon after the 151 set...maybe just stick with one retro/rehash kind of set per generation and spend the rest of the time on new stuff? Having 2 nostalgia bait sets in the same generation seems questionable and gives the impression that its some combination of a cash grab and being low on ideas. But who knows, they could pull from Pokemon Go Team Rocket or something else to make it interesting...I'm really hoping its not just reprints of prior Dark cards.
I don’t think we have to worry about them not doing enough new things. In fact I would argue TOO much of S&V is filled with new. I HATE the Terra cards and that’s brand new and “innovative”. Pokemon does a mix. They seem to always mix nostalgia with new ideas. I’m not worried about it. If they do one nostalgia set per year that would not be too much.
I think, they’re trying to push both and cater most, if not all, of their fans. They released 1 “nostalgia set” and a lot of new ones in a year. The new ones might not be working as good as the nostalgia sets but still, they tried to experiment and release new sets using different art styles and all. Probably, for pokemon, peak was in the 90’s so majority of fans are from the 90’s too. This might be the reason why sets revolving around the 90’s are sure hits. Pokemon now is probably not as strong as then. Maybe, pokemon should innovate further on the main games and once those become very popular, TCG will follow too.
151 brought me back to the hobby. I mastered the set twice, one for me and one to honor my late brother. I wouldn’t say I’m locked in again, but it’s been a nice change of pace to have something to look forward to. Appreciate your thoughtful insights, so many in the investing side tend to just say what feels good in the moment. Keep up the great work mate
That is awesome! 151 did a great job at introducing people back in. And sorry to hear about your brother. Hopefully things are on the up.
@@newjones1754would love a remastered version of all the old WOTC sets
151 for life
There has been so many sets that have come out after 151 or exposing a new side of pokemon. I'm not worried that they're relying too much on nostalgia.
I agree with what you said. But I also gotta say, that it would be really awesome to see a completely new and fresh take on an old concept
I bet they could do something really new and unexpected that still remains true to the concept of “dark” Pokémon in the new Team Rocket set. Maybe something like the shadow Pokémon from Pokémon Go, which deal more damage but also take more damage, or a totally new concept.
Congrats on passing 6k subscribers!
Well deserved channel. As a marketer myself and someone who wants to learn more about creating a robust production house when life gets less hectic, it's great to see content that mixes those fundamental marketing concepts along with excellent pokemon tcg discussion topics. The channel itself is an excellent lesson in digital marketing on youtube specifically.
Next stop 7k!
I appreciate that! Thanks for tuning in and being such a big support.
I haven’t opened a booster pack since the 6th grade and I’m 35 now, 151 brought me back and still working on the master set.
I grew up with the original 151 pokemons and lived through the incredible craze and insanity of merchandise, cartoons, cards and video games around it. I don't think nostalgia is a bad thing as my friends and me returned to Pokemon to collect that set and I got a lot of other cards/packs here and there. It was incredible to open these packs and make silly private opening videos with my other friends that returned to the TCG. We also played some Pokemon GO and got let's go pikachu games. After Ash abandoned his Pokemons in the cartoon way too many times and so many new Pokemons got introduced it was super overwhelming to just be a fan and keep up without internet being so available and everyone I know became disinterested as gen 4 rolled out. It's really fun to come back and it also brought back a lot of older friend groups back for me. If gym heroes and gym challenge type of set comes we will go absolutely crazy for it. Excited for the team rocket set and it will keep me in the TCG for even longer. I don't care about inovation and new art types or card types, I am happy with a holo and commons.
I fell for the Pokemon bait haha. I totally agree with your argument of innovation. Innovation is key to success. People will get tired of the repetitiveness of old concepts.
My point of view on the specific nostalgia bait of the 151 set is that the Pokémon Company may have had this move in mind for years. They likely thought, "We know this will bring in a lot of people, so we'll only pull the trigger when we need to or if something bad happens." It was like an emergency button press. With Japan potentially heading into a crisis, perhaps Pokémon began the whole nostalgia bait to ensure a stable income.
This just in! Nostalgia sells!
Correct!
I clicked on the vid because TH-cam algorithm pushed it on me, I'm glad I watched it though, I really appreciated hearing your opinion on tcg but most of all your well worded and extremely thought out take on innovation in general, it's not what I was expecting from a card video 🤣
I appreciate that my bro! Thanks for tuning in.
Interesting video! I grew up collecting Pokemon in 1999, and 151 got me back in the hobby.
Btw, great cinematography, but I think a different grade would up it even further. It looks too bleak/unsaturated to my eyes, but this might be a personal preference. Keep it up!
Good pickup, I agree. I noticed that once rendered. Definitely looking for warmer tones. Appreciate the feedback!
I appreciate this kind of educational content, especially in a world of pack ripping vids. Keep up the good work
More to come!
Really interesting video. Would love more of this type of content. I do think mixing old and new is the best way though. But I do love the idea of a water set or fire set my brother and I have talked about this quite a bit. I hope The rocket set that's coming we get dark baxcalibur and while also getting a call back to say dark raichu in a new pose. These are now in SIR form and full art. For gold stars we get this same dark baxcalibur but shiny or could be a new pose but these are extremely hard to pull. But this kind of video I like because it makes you think about what is possible for pokemon TCG.
I love this kind of business analysis in Pokémon! Thanks for putting this together 😊
Appreciate that my bro!
I went to my local card store yesterday and I haven’t been there for a while bc I was super super busy but when I went in they had 4 greninja chase cards and I have been dying for one but they are $212😭😭😭
They're crazy. I could have bought one for so much less and missed out!
I really don't think Pokemon going back to the nostalgic sets is a bad thing at all. Actually I think quite the opposite with my reasoning below.
Pokemon aren't focusing on strictly nostalgia only sets or innovative only sets. They are doing both at the same time. Targeting the low hanging fruit by getting older millennial fans (who have money now) back into the hobby leads into the modern sets. I can't tell you how many 151 sales I have received from millennials who follow me up with inquiries about the modern sets. Like you said, its a funnel that they don't want you to leave. 151 is the entry point which expands into literally every other set they have made. This may not apply to all of the millennials but a large chunk of them are looking at modern cards and buying the newer sets. I believe this actually allows for more innovation and a larger collector base in the long run.
TLDR - Pokemon are using older nostalgic sets to get older millennial fans with money back into the hobby which leads them into all of the modern sets.
Nice video! Just uploaded my first Pokémon card video, building an illustration/ alt art binder for the first 2 generations !!
Well done! 🙏
This makes a lot of sense. It makes sense how they build our interest with market funneling. It worked on me for the 151 set lol.
I’m against the nostalgia sets. It’s annoying. Team Rocket isn’t even in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. So why are going back to them? 151 ruined all the fun of building a classic Kato set from older cards. I fully agree that they should push the envelope with innovation.
You make a great point…its not scarlet and violet at all…i didn't even think of that!
Great take on marketing and the Pokémon world. I believe they are still being innovative, and still taking things seriously on the loyalty phase of the funnel. I completely agree with you that they should not be too focused on Nostalgia but still touch on it once a year or two years. I'm curious what your take on the Shining sets, or Fates sets... what ever you want to classify these as they are also on some sort of formulaic cycle. It would be nice to see them take a refreshing approach to the rotation of fan service sets.
I was going to do a vid on talking about the difference between "Collector Sets vs Competitor Sets" It would be cool to also hear your take on how competition is a mechanism of the loyalty portion of the funnel.
P.S. I'm currently in marketing school and we just learned about funnels so this video really struck a chord with me. Keep it up I'm now a fan!
Awesome to hear you’re studying marketing! Keep it up
Thanks for another great video Phil!
I originally moved on from Pokemon back in 2001. 151 brought me back. Completing the master set was easier and more enjoyable as an adult with money. I don’t like these newer modern Pokemon as they don’t make sense to me like the OG set.
Subscribed
Welcome aboard!
Always been curious what are the 2 booster boxes in your background?
Gotta guess
Honestly I hope they eventually bring out skyridge and legendary collection
if you ask me the venusar sir is the best art work out of the three starters although i do like charizard more than venusar on the other hand I want pokemon to start making autos and numbered cards at some point
That would be interesting
I think the difficulty for Pokemon Co is that the TCG follows the video games, and if the “gimmick” of that generation is a hit or a flop. In SWSH, Gigantamax was a hit with a unique approach to Pokemon new and old (why Gengar VMax alt in FS is so popular). However, in SV, the Terastal stuff is a massive fail (crystalized Pokemon, big whoop), which is why there hasn’t been as high a demand on the TCG and thus forced them to use nostalgia tactics to boost up this era. If they can hit the “gimmick” in the next mainline game, they can stand on that for several years and hold off needing to use nostalgia tactics so frequently.
Interesting take. I think Gigantamax was a hit as well. Though terrastalize really made the cards pop. It will be interesting to see what happens.
I wonder how long it’ll be until they have 1/1 cards in their sets with like the artist signature on it or something.. who knows but it really will be interesting to see if nostalgia is the way they go for the next 5-10 years
Love the thoughts and analysis here, and thank you for explaining the funnel idea! Keep up the great work!
Pokemon Company is getting smarter finally lol. Evolutions was a nostalgia hit and then 151 was a banger. Wouldn't be surprised if they bring back older set styles every other year. Just think if they bring back e-series or even crazier, gold star cards.
I LOVE the idea of type specific sets!!! It could be its on era as well. Imagine they start with the least impressive types (metal/colorless?) and slowly make it so that the following set is a cooler type than the previous and they finish it off with fire or dragon (though my favorite type has to be psychic, but I know charizard is king lol)
Just joined as a member, happy to support and see your channel grow keep up the good work!
Welcome aboard! You’re an absolute legend
I hope they do gen 2 and gen 3 more often
cant say it didnt work for me haha - i love 151!
Who doesn't!
Give us Celebrations, give us XY Evolutions, give us 151, we'll take it ALL!
1:05 My Marketing heart thinks the same
Marketers unite
💯✨
Love how you incorporate marketing concepts to Pokémon haha
Gotta use my career experience!
I'm glad they're at least reaching past the damn first base set! They need to stop focusing on that and reach further into the later sets, we need a neo genesis revival, and gym heroes!
@@newjones1754 Right? It'd like shut up and take my money! But I'm soooooo over the 151 repeats and the damn base set charizard repeats like how many times have they reprinted that card now? 17?
I like how you actually delve into some of the economics and marketing concepts that are motivating the pokemon company with how they release these various sets. it makes for some nice substance beyond just discussing the hype from the consumer/player/collector/investor/reseller side of things. Pokemon company has very effective strategies.
But I do think it is a bit strange to see a Team Rocket set coming relatively soon after the 151 set...maybe just stick with one retro/rehash kind of set per generation and spend the rest of the time on new stuff? Having 2 nostalgia bait sets in the same generation seems questionable and gives the impression that its some combination of a cash grab and being low on ideas. But who knows, they could pull from Pokemon Go Team Rocket or something else to make it interesting...I'm really hoping its not just reprints of prior Dark cards.
Appreciate that
And absolutely. Its really interesting to see where its going to go. Two in a generation is quite strong.
I tend to agree overall but what’s nostalgia to us is new for kids today. Their future nostalgia.
bro always got sum tuff shit to spit 😂
Pokemon Pocket is pretty innovative. I'm excited for that. I wonder if any of these reported sets are going to be released as digital??
Could 151 be a set they reprint every 4-5 years? Or even team rocket?
Call of Duty is the PERFECT example.
I think they should focus on good new sets more, but also a little bit of nostalgia.
TBH, that's what they've been doing, and doing it very well
I don’t think we have to worry about them not doing enough new things. In fact I would argue TOO much of S&V is filled with new. I HATE the Terra cards and that’s brand new and “innovative”. Pokemon does a mix. They seem to always mix nostalgia with new ideas. I’m not worried about it. If they do one nostalgia set per year that would not be too much.
I think, they’re trying to push both and cater most, if not all, of their fans. They released 1 “nostalgia set” and a lot of new ones in a year. The new ones might not be working as good as the nostalgia sets but still, they tried to experiment and release new sets using different art styles and all. Probably, for pokemon, peak was in the 90’s so majority of fans are from the 90’s too. This might be the reason why sets revolving around the 90’s are sure hits. Pokemon now is probably not as strong as then. Maybe, pokemon should innovate further on the main games and once those become very popular, TCG will follow too.
Great video
Thanks for the visit
I know what theyre doing and i love it 😂
Yeah I got 151 dipped lol
Second