Remember those old Pokemon and sports cards you collected as a kid that are now sitting in a binder at your parents’ house? They could be worth $100,000 or more.
The business of collecting and selling cards has been booming over the past year and some experts say it’s thanks to the pandemic.
For many people who’ve held onto their collection, like Kemptville, Ont. resident Logan Fournier, this could be an opportunity to cash in.
In just seven months, Fournier went from searching his parents’ basement for his childhood cards to opening his own local shop during the pandemic and earning $1.2 million in sales.
“I came across my old Pokémon collection and I was like ‘this is crazy’ everything is sleeved and in perfect condition,” he said.
Fournier, the owner of Hobbiesville, was able to achieve his dream of opening a hobby shop thanks to the money he made selling his old cards.
Logan Fournier, owner of Hobbiesville in Kemptville, Ont. says he has plans to expand his hobby business after the growth his shop has experienced. (Derick Deonarain)
“At the start of the pandemic I saw that some of the Pokemon cards I had were going for five-,10 thousand dollars and I was like ‘this is weird. There’s something here,'” he said.
Fournier says his business has grown so quickly that he’s planning to expand things in the near future by opening up new shops in Toronto, Ottawa and possibly the U.S. to meet demand.
His story isn’t unique.
Card sales saving local businesses
From Pokemon to sports cards, local card shops say the demand has skyrocketed.
For William Chong, owner of Dolly’s Toys & Games in Scarborough, those sales have actually helped keep his business afloat.
“When the pandemic started, we were so worried we’d be shut down but then sales increased. Sales have gone up maybe 1000 per cent, ten fold. It’s been very busy for us,” he said.
William Chong, owner of Dolly’s Toys & Games in Scarborough, says the resurgence of popularity in Pokemon and sports cards during the pandemic helped saved his business. (Paul Borkwood)
He tells CBC News Toronto that the sports card boom has been happening almost since the pandemic started.
“We’ve seen a huge comeback for hockey and vintage sports cards. Any of the big hall of fame names, if you have any of those cards in good condition, you’re looking at a lot of money,” he said.
In December 2020, a Wayne Gretzky rookie card — rated as a 10 on the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) card grading system, sold for $1.29 million US.
How card grading works
Brad Hartlin, who represents PSA Canada, a company that grades sports cards and sends them to the U.S. says there’s an 8-step process that goes into getting a card graded and potentially sold for a large amount of money.
Owners send cards in to one of three industry leaders like PSA to get professionally graded.
Sports and trading cards are marked by these companies with a numerical grade.
In the case of trading cards, industry leaders use a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being “Poor” and 10 being “Gem Mint”.
Brad Hartlin, who represents PSA Canada, a company that grades sports cards and sends them to the US says there’s a process that goes into getting a card graded and potentially selling them for large amounts of money. 0:42
These companies have professional graders who are trained and experienced in the field of cards and collectibles.
Hartlin says professionals on his team look at several factors to determine if a card is worth being sent off for grading.
“In order to be a 10, it needs to be 50/50 centring all the way around the card, then you look at the corners and check to see if they’re dinged. Then you look at the surface to see if there are any slight flaws, printer lines, slight scratches,” he said.
Hartlin says the prices someone will pay are based on the grade of the card, with 10 being the most valuable.
“This is how you end up with PSA 10 Charizards that sell on eBay for around $500,000 or people who end up buying a house from selling a few cards. This stuff does happen,” he said.
Hobby was ‘bubbling’ for years
While the card business may be seeing a spike in sales right now, one expert says this resurgence was always going to happen because of entrepreneurs like Gary Vaynerchuk and famous YouTubers like Logan Paul who were putting millions of their subscribers onto the hobby before the pandemic.
Josh Luber, co-founder of StockX, a multi-billion-dollar online “stock market of things” that specializes in shoes and collectibles says the hobby was starting to bubble up in the last few years.
“The trading card industry was going to blow up this year anyway. I think it would be extraordinary to see what would have happened if there hadn’t been a pandemic,” he said.
StockX co-founder Josh Luber tells CBC News Toronto that the resurgence of Pokemon and sports card was always going to happen this year regardless of a pandemic. 0:47
Luber tells CBC Toronto the major comeback trading cards are making is due to many popular interests meeting at the intersection of a global pandemic.
He says it’s the convergence of things like sneakers, streetwear and fashion, with sports cards, Pokemon and the lockdowns from COVID-19.
“You add a pandemic into this mix and you get a lot of people stuck at home, feeling nostalgic for their youth or passing something on to their kids by rediscovering the joy of opening a pack of cards,” said Luber.
“Every time you open a box or pack, it feels like you’re a kid on Christmas again.”
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
