The TCG Market Is Changing, Pokémon Isn’t the Only Game Anymore and the A.I. SLOP Epidemic! C&C Ep 2

Quick, grounded look at where the trading-card hobby stands right now — from Pokémon market shifts to the rise of Riftbound and One Piece, the Oripa (original pack) debate, AI artwork in vendor booths, grading/restoration concerns, and what that all means for players, collectors and small vendors. Hosts Rey (@matreyytalks) and Elton (@aecollectibles_) run through market movement, recent event highlights, and practical perspectives from both creative and business angles. Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro & new logo — meet Rey & Elton 00:03:02 Market pulse: Is Pokémon hype slowing? 00:05:03 TCG rotation: Riftbound, One Piece & other surges 00:07:00 30th Anniversary print runs & box expectations 00:11:35 Celebrities, slab cracking and collector culture 00:22:23 ORAs, AI generative art and event moderation 00:47:22 Card restoration, white dots & grading implications 00:52:01 Wrap-up, takeaways & next episodes Follow us on Instagram Rey -   / matreyytalks   Elton -   / eltonlim_   AE Collectibles -   / aecollectibles_