Collecting Pokémon is tempting... And quickly dizzying. Generations, twin versions, reissues, remakes and special editions multiply possible objects. Without a rule, we disperse quickly.

This guide gives you a clear path: where to start, what to aim for generation by generation, and the traps specific to Pokémon (counterfeiting, backup batteries, versions). No completeness here, but a boussole to start serenely.

Quick response

  • Start with a generation or a platform you like, not with "all Pokémon".
  • The GBA and DS games are very present in the research, but prices vary greatly depending on the title, state and content.
  • Pokémon cartridges are among the frequent targets of copies; also checks the operation of batteries or clocks according to generation.
  • If you are targeting the French market, distinguish jacket, leaflet and language of the game instead of only noting "PAL FR".
  • Sets a rule: mainZXQ0QZes versions only, or also binoculars and reissues?

The golden rule: does not start with "all"

The n°1 error of the beginner Pokémon: want to assemble everything at once. The franchise is too broad for that. Select an anchor:

  • By generation: "I complete generation 3 (Rubis, Sapphire, Emerald, Red Fire, Green Leaf)".
  • By platform: "I collect Pokémon Game Boy Advance".
  • * By nostalgia**: the console of your childhood, the games you had.

A delimited goal is a collection that we finished, so we take pleasure in completing.

Generations tour (and what makes them expensive)

Génération

| --- | --- | --- | --- |

Gen 1

Gen 2

Gen 3

Gen 4

Gen 5

Gen 6-9

Full versions of the first generations, Pokémon Cristal and DS editions with accessories such as the Pokéwalker can be highly requested. Their ranking and price change: check the sales of the exact variant.

The Counterfeit Trap

Pokémon GBA and DS cartridges are regularly copied with reprinted labels or boxes. The popularity of franchise warrants careful verification, without pretending to measure a global ranking of counterfeits.

Some reflexes:

  • compares thelabel (police, colors, shine) with reference photos;
  • check the back of the cartridge (vis, mould, engravings);
  • Beware of prices too low on normally expensive securities;
  • favours sellers who show the inside of the cartridge in photo.

To go further, consult a guide dedicated to the recognition of counterfeits before any expensive purchase.

The technical trap: the backup batteries

The Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges use a battery to keep the backup. On Rubis, Sapphire and Emerald GBA, the backup is based on a distinct non-volatile memory; the battery mainly feeds the clock in real time. An empty pile therefore did not have the same effect depending on the game: loss of backup on some old cartridges, temporal events blocked on the GBA episodes concerned.

It's not adversarial for a collection (the stack replaces), but this must be reflected in the price. An honest seller specifies if the backup is good.

PAL versions: consistency above all

If you want a French shelf, precisely define your rule: jacket, leaflet and language of the game. Do not use PEGI as a universal proof: the system dates back to 2003, so the Game Boy games of the first generations are before it. A UK or import version can also be a consistent choice according to your goal.

Note for each game: version, platform, region, state (loose/complete) and presence of accessories.

A concrete starting point

If you're totally starting, here's a realistic course:

  1. Choose your generation of hearts (often the generation of your childhood).
  2. See first the mainpales versions in loose, for the pleasure of playing and forming a base.
  3. Check expensive pieces (full boxes, accessories) and hunt them.
  4. Subsequently expanded to twin versions or reissues if your rule permits.

You build a coherent collection, without ruining yourself in the first month.

Follow his Pokémon collection with SideQuest

With so many versions, the tracking is quickly unmanageable. SideQuest lets you create a collection Pokémon per generation, mark each game as possessed, searched for or hunted, and specify version PAL FR, status and accessories. You immediately see the holes to fill and the app tells you the ads that match what you're looking for.

Verified sources

FAQ

By which game Pokémon start a collection?

By the generation or platform you prefer, rather than by "all Pokémon". Generation 5 (Black/White on DS) is a good entry point because still affordable, while generation 1 complete is cult but expensive.

What Pokémon games are the most expensive?

Full versions of the first generations and editions with accessories, such as HeartGold/SoulSilver with Pokéwalker, can be highly requested. However, check the current sales of the exact edition: no segment goes up automatically.

How to avoid Pokémon counterfeits?

Compare the label, shell and electronic card with a reference of the same version. Ask the owner's agreement before opening and never rely on one detail.

Does it have to target PAL versions?

No. PAL FR is a possible rule, not an obligation or a guarantee of better resale. Choose according to the language, packaging, budget and story you want to give to your collection.

SideQuest helps you track your physical video game collections, variants and ads in one place. [Discover SideQuest →][/]