Chase Them All: Embracing Joy in Pokémon and Trading Cards as an Adult

Chase Them All: Embracing Joy in Pokémon and Trading Cards as an Adult!

Let’s talk about joy. Not the curated, Instagram-filtered kind or the joy we’re “supposed” to find in adult milestones like promotions or mortgages—but the pure, unfiltered joy that comes from something as simple as ripping open a pack of Pokémon cards and finding your favorite little electric furball or that unexpected thrill and giddiness when you realize you just got the “one” and NOT because you are about to sell it.

Lately, I’ve been hearing whispers of shame creeping into conversations about being an adult who loves trading cards. Pokémon, One Piece, Marvel—whatever your fandom, there’s always that little societal voice that says, “Aren’t you a bit old for that?”

Well, I’m here to tell you: it’s okay. Seriously, it’s more than okay.

When we were kids, Pokémon wasn’t just a game or a TV show—it was a lifestyle. Trading cards on the playground, battling with friends, or simply dreaming about catching ‘em all was part of the magic of growing up in that era. Fast forward to adulthood, and here we are, grown-ups with the means to fund our childhood loves. And the idea that you must be a child to collect, seems outdated as it’s not just for kids anymore.

But let me also be clear, I’m not talking about YouTube influencers making big bucks unboxing rare cards or scalpers clearing shelves for profit. No, I’m talking about the average Joe or Jane who loved Pokémon back in the day and now finds comfort and happiness in buying a few packs after work—or even going all out on a special edition set because, hey, why not? I’m also talking about the parents, who as kids collected and now they’re passing the torch to their little mini’s.

The real question needs to be, “why the shame?” As let’s face it: society loves putting labels on things. If you’re into trading cards as an adult, someone might call you a nerd. If you’re spending time and money on something “nostalgic,” they might say it’s childish or a waste. But here’s the thing, who cares? Life is hard enough without letting someone else’s judgment dictate how you spend your time and money.

That Pikachu card you pulled? It made you smile. That rare One Piece foil card? It sparked joy. That moment when you finally completed your Marvel set? It made you feel accomplished.

So you know what I think? OWN YOUR HAPPINESS!

If something as simple as a trading card makes you happy, then I say chase them all. If Pikachu’s cheerful “pika pika” lights up your day, embrace it. If tearing open a pack of cards feels like opening a little slice of magic, then do it. Embrace your inner Peter Pan!

At the end of the day, happiness doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t have to be justified or explained. It just must be yours. Let them call you a nerd, because here is a little secret…being a “nerd” is kind of awesome. Nerds are passionate, creative, and unapologetically themselves. If someone wants to hate on your hobby or make snide comments about how you’re “too old” for Pokémon, let them. You’re not hurting anyone by finding joy in something you love.

My two cents…go ahead…dive into your favorite fandom. Organize your cards, swap stories with fellow fans, and savor the little moments of excitement that come with every new pack. At the end of the day, life is too short to feel shame over what makes you happy. Whether it’s Pokémon, One Piece, Marvel, or any other passion, you deserve to enjoy it without judgment.

So the next time someone rolls their eyes at your collection or questions your hobby, just smile and say, “Pika Pika.” Because if it brings you joy, that’s all that matters.