YOUR old Pokemon games could be worth a fortune – here’s how to find out if you’re sitting on a goldmine.
Experts are suggesting that Brits try to battle the cost-of-living crisis and Christmas debt by going through their cupboards and drawers.
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They believe the average UK attic hides valuables totalling a staggering £1,922, and around £33billion worth of “junk” lurks in our storage.
And things like Pokemon video games – which tend to be forgotten about as they hide at the back of a cupboard – could see your bank account rise by more than £2000.
Hansons Auctioneers owner Charles Hanson said he recently saw a sealed copy of Nintendo Gameboy’s Pokemon Red sell for a whopping £2,800.
And a 1st Edition sealed Pokemon Fossil Set Booster Box, comprising of 36 unopened packs, recently fetched an eye-watering £8,500.
Charles, who has appeared on shows like Bargain Hunt, told BirminghamLive: “Buying habits are forever-changing in the auction industry and desirable objects alter with every generation.
“So while Ming Chinese vases or a Banksy painting grab the headlines, there are plenty of objects nearly everyone amasses over time that could spark a bidding war.
“But many people are unaware of auction trends or, amid the frantic rush of daily life, simply can’t imagine untapped treasures lie dormant in their attic or under the bed.
“But with bank balances under ferocious pressure, there’s no better time to realise the potential of unwanted objects.”
Charles recalled a large collection of vintage toys and teddy bears that recently sold for £180 – despite their wear and tear.
And a pristine Paddington Bear made its old owner £260, while two 19th century French fashion dolls were snapped up for £1,700.
The pandemic lockdowns, when people had more time on their hands, started fuelling a new surge of interest in Pokemon trading cards.
One even sold for £3,862,424.
Now the interest is building around the show’s video games, too.
Antiques expert Charlie Ross, who regularly appears on Bargain Hunt and Flog It!, explained: “Lots of us will have a few gems hidden away that might make getting to January’s pay day a little easier.
“People often think it’s just vintage items that are worth money, but even stuff from the 1990s could make you a bob or two now.”
Charlie also revealed more forgotten treasures that may be worth bundles of cash.
Advice on buying and selling
Florence Codjoe, finance expert at money.co.uk, says if you find a Pokemon collectable you think is worth money and want to sell, compare prices across sellers.
She said: “It’s sometimes hard to know if you’re selling for the right price, or if you’re being ripped off with one you have your eye on.
“Compare listings with similar ones across marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, or even niches selling sites like Cardmarket.
“It can help to compare historical sold prices too, to check you’re not overpaying.”
When comparing prices ask yourself, is it in a similar condition? Is it authentic? Does it have its original packaging?
If it’s in mint condition then it might be worth selling it through an auction house or directly to a collectables website.
Don’t forget to that if you’re selling there may be fees involved, like platform fees and shipping.
You can choose to get your card verifies to prove its authentic and grade its condition, which can lead to a higher price, but you’ll have to pay for this too.
