This week has broken all records for the secondary market of trading card games.

Media personality Logan Paul has put his Japanese Pokémon Illustrator card up for auction and the bids have been staggering. Being one of only 39 copies ever produced, and the only one in pristine condition, this card is considered the holy grail of Pokémon. The final selling price was an eye-watering $16.492 million, with a $75,000 diamond encrusted necklace thrown in. Anyone with a spare R260,000,000 could have been in the running, which means I am out.

What makes a piece of cardboard so valuable, and does secondary-market prices for game pieces help elevate the appeal of a brand, or does it hurt the game’s perception as something that should be played, and not collected? As someone whose journey into card games started 30 years ago, I say there is nothing wrong with a game being an investment and a game.

Form versus Function

Aesthetics and exclusivity help drive appeal among collectors.

Below are two basic Island cards from Magic: The Gathering. Both versions perform the exact same function in the game, and both versions feature art from the same artist. Mechanically, they are identical, but you would be surprised to know that the version on the left is worth R10, while the one on the right is worth R18,000. Even with a very similar art-style, in this case the expensive version has a very low global supply and that is what ensures the price tag.

Here are more examples from recent Pokémon and One Piece releases where different versions of cards have vastly different prices points. The popularity of a particular character is the primary driver of demand, followed by the artwork.

Ascended Heroes

Heroines Edition

Are you big enough of a fan of art that the version which sells for 200 times more than the basic version is the one that you need in your collection? If you are a serious collector, then probably. If you are a player opening a card that is worth a few thousand from a R100 booster pack, then I’m sure you’re calling for best offers right away!

Do these high prices promote the visibility of a game, or do they become a barrier for entry to aspiring new players? Should game pieces be used and enjoyed, or protected and stored? Why not both? You don’t need an R18,000 Island to slings spells in Magic, and a R65 Gengar is just as good as a R13,000 version when it comes to knocking out your opponent’s Pokémon.

I like to bling out my decks with shiny cards and I can tell you from experience that fancy cards don’t win you games. But at least with my carefully curated collection I get to lose in style and a I consider that a win any day of the week!

— Stefan, Product Manager

Greetings everyone!

I always enjoy looking ahead to upcoming shipments and sharing what’s on the horizon. With more cardboard crack arriving in April and May, I thought I’d spill the beans on a few of the titles that are already pulling me in like a tractor beam. Let’s dive in!

Hot Streak

Hot Streak is a game about betting, racing, and plenty of screaming. Players take on the role of down-on-their-luck gamblers, placing wagers on a lineup of delightfully off-brand mascots. Unlike most racing games, the action never stops for mid-race decisions, all the clever planning and sneaky strategy happens beforehand. Once the race kicks off, everyone can sit back, cheer, boo, and yell at a hot dog mascot as chaos unfolds on the track. I’m a sucker for a good party game, and with Hot Streak supporting up to eight players, it’s almost guaranteed to see plenty of action on my game nights.

Dewan

“A new day begins, but our resources are running low. We break camp and push into the surrounding lands in search of what we need to survive. Whether along winding rivers or deep in the mountains, we hunt for vital supplies. As we cross forests and deserts, we protect the fire that keeps us warm and lights the way. And with pressure mounting from neighbouring tribes, we stand our ground and fight to shape our own story.” I first spotted this title at Essen last year and was immediately drawn in after a quick demo. It drops you into the fast-paced world of Dewan, where tribes compete over scarce territory and precious resources. On your turn, you’ll draw cards or strategically place a camp to outmanoeuvre your opponents and secure your foothold. This one ticks all the right boxes for me, and I can’t wait to get it back on my game table.

Unmatched Adventures: TMNT

Growing up in the 90s, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a staple of my childhood. I watched the animated TV Series religiously. I collected every single action figure I could get my hands on. My favourite turtle by far was Raphael. Fast forward to 2026, and with a new TMNT crossover on the horizon for Magic: The Gathering, it would feel criminal not to mention Unmatched Adventures: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The heroes arrive in Unmatched with abilities that perfectly capture their personalities. Raphael strikes with relentless ferocity, hitting back even harder when he takes damage. Michelangelo might not always have a plan, but he brings boundless energy to every fight. Donatello leans on his ingenious gadgets to gain the upper hand, while Leonardo controls the battlefield through clever positioning and leadership. And, of course, they’ll need to work together to save the day. As with every Unmatched set, these heroes can battle one another in competitive play or take on fighters from across the wider Unmatched lineup. For any fans of the Unmatched series of games, you don’t want to miss this one!

Catan on the Road

In CATAN – On the Road gameplay is driven by a deck of 120 cards and builds on familiar CATAN mechanics with a fresh twist. Players gather resources by drawing cards, construct developments from a shared pool of options, and negotiate trades with the bank or with fellow players. Trading plays an even bigger role in this version, anyone who completes a trade outside their turn is rewarded with an extra resource card. If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced, and compact take on Catan, this one is well worth a look.

The titles above are just a few of the many that stand out for me 😊 I hope you found the info insightful. Cheers!

— Etienne, Product Manager

Going Green with Jolly Dutch Productions

It’s becoming a bit of a tradition of mine to welcome our new board game partners aboard, and this time I’m excited to give a shout out to Jolly Dutch Productions, a young, Netherlands-based publisher (I know, who could have guessed?) founded back in late 2017.

Jolly Dutch Productions specialises in small box games with big box game energy, designed to bring the whole family together around the table. They’re cheerful (you could even say… Jolly), don’t take too long, and aren’t too complicated, but also have a depth of strategy and mechanics, as well as themes that go far beyond what you’d normally find in a 10x12cm card game.

Whether it’s the strategic, hex-based duels of Operation Cuckoo , the underhanded bluffing and bidding of Odd Shop , or the classic economic management of Up Too High , these are games that will appeal to newcomers, seasoned gamers, and everyone in between.

Even simple card matching and trick taking games like Pulp and Télos have unique twists that set them apart.

The team at Jolly Dutch is also fully committed to eco-friendly production. Their games are FSC approved, printed with biodegradable ink, and wrapped in biodegradable plastic, helping to ensure that we can still have a beautiful world to enjoy our equally beautiful games in.

Check out the full Jolly Dutch catalogue in our Pre-Orders section now. Pre-orders close February 27.

— Terry, Product Manager

DISCOVER SPY GUY — THE FAMILY DETECTIVE GAME EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT!

Get ready to unleash adventure, mystery and teamwork — Spy Guy is now available and it’s taking fun to a whole new level! This thrilling detective game is perfect for families, game nights, kids’ gifts and anyone who loves a good puzzle and story.

WHAT MAKES SPY GUY A MUST-HAVE

In Spy Guy, players become super-sleuths on a mission to solve a daring daytime crime in the city of Treflikow. Working together, they search the detailed board for hidden clues and race to catch the villain before he escapes.

• Ages 5+
• 1–4 Players
• ±20 Minute Playtime
• Cooperative gameplay — everyone plays together
• Builds focus, observation & teamwork

Fast to learn. Exciting to play. Easy to sell.

EXPAND THE ADVENTURE

• Spy Guy — The classic detective board game
• Spy Guy Card Game — Portable, quick mystery fun
• Spy Guy Junior Animals — Perfect for younger players
• Spy Guy Junior Dinosaurs — A prehistoric detective twist
• Spy Guy – Paw Patrol — Familiar characters meet clever gameplay
• Trefl 500pc Spy Guy Puzzles — Great add-on for puzzle lovers

Spy Guy has even been showcased at Comic Con Africa, proving just how strong the demand is.

Don’t miss out — stock up now and bring the excitement of Spy Guy to your customers!

— Mariska, Product Manager

What’s Your Favourite?

I was born in 1983.

When Pokémon first launched in 1996, I was 12 turning 13. Right at that age where you’re figuring out who you are and what captures your imagination. For me, that wasn’t some grand, polished introduction. It was a random ROM hack copied from a friend. Pixelated. Slightly glitchy. Unofficial. Pokémon.

A Game Boy was a luxury I couldn’t afford at the time, so this was my entry point. Borrowed devices. Long evenings navigating digital grass, hoping for something rare to appear. I wasn’t just playing a game. I was discovering a universe.

By the time the Pokémon anime reached South African screens around 1999, I was 15 or 16. The world I had explored in fragments suddenly had voices, rivalries and emotional stakes. It deepened the connection. Pokémon was no longer just mechanics and stats. It had story.

And somewhere in those early years, without realising it, I chose my favourite.

Bulbasaur.

Reliable. Balanced. Quietly strong. That decision stayed with me. Every new generation since, my starter choice has always been grass type. No negotiation.

Then life did what life does.

Fast forward to 2016. Pokémon Go launched and suddenly the world was outside again. Adults were walking with purpose. Parks were full. Nostalgia had GPS.

That re-entry pulled me back into the main series, especially with the arrival of the Nintendo Switch. Modern mechanics. Expansive worlds. A bridge between childhood and adulthood.

And a few years after returning to play, another shift happened.

I stepped into the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

It began competitively. Learning deck builds. Understanding matchups. Experiencing organised play. But over time, competition evolved into collecting. Artwork. Rarity. Condition. Long-term value. The TCG became less about winning and more about preserving pieces of a story I’d been part of since my early teens.

Looking back, what stands out most is this:

Pokémon has always asked the same simple question.

What’s your favourite?

Favourite creates ownership.
Ownership creates loyalty.
Loyalty builds longevity.

So I’ll ask you the same question.

What’s your favourite? 🌿

— Philip, Senior Marketing Manager

Planetary Qualifier Spotlight

On 31 January 2026, D20 Battleground hosted a fantastic Planetary Qualifier, drawing a strong field of 24 players — a very healthy turnout for a competitive event of this level. What made it even more encouraging was the commitment from the community, with several players travelling in from across Cape Town to compete. Events like this continue to show the depth and dedication of the local scene.

After eight intense rounds, Luka Cilliers piloted a lethal Han Solo, Worth the Risk – Energy Conversion Lab deck to an impressive 6-0-2 finish, taking the top spot and the title.

Final Standings – Top 8

1. Luka Cilliers – Han Solo, Worth the Risk – Energy Conversion Lab
2. Shannon Perumall – Poe Dameron, I Can Fly Anything – Data Vault
3. Will Solo – Sabe, Queen’s Shadow – Amnesty Housing
4. RGB_Dave – Darth Maul, Sith Revealed – Nightsister Lair
5. Zeyaad Pandey – Cad Bane, He Who Needs No Introduction – Tarkintown
6. Willem Prins – Kylo Ren, Rash and Deadly – Tarkintown
7. SWCC_Zerion13 – Emperor Palpatine, Galactic Ruler – Colossus
8. Bhutch – Kazuda Xiono, Best Pilot in the Galaxy – Rix Road

Perhaps the most exciting takeaway? Not a single double-up among the Top 8 leaders. The diversity of archetypes on display signals a very healthy local meta and an engaged, creative deckbuilding culture. When eight different leaders make Top 8, it speaks volumes about balance, experimentation, and player skill.

Here is a link to the Tournament Overview to read about their individual decks and records:
View Tournament Overview

Congratulations to Luka on the victory, and well done to all participants who made the event such a success.

Next Stop: Planetary Qualifier at Luckshack Milnerton

The action continues this weekend – 21 February 2026 at Luckshack Milnerton. Seats are filling fast, so be sure to secure yours here:

Secure Your Seat

• Champion Playmat
• Exclusive promo cards
• Booster prizes
• Deck boxes
• And more

If the energy at D20 Battleground is anything to go by, this next qualifier is set to be another standout event.

We’ll see you there.

— Kendra, Hobby Account Manager

Solarpop Stock Take & Office Closure – February 2026

We’d like to remind our retail partners of the upcoming Solarpop stock take and office closure dates to assist with planning and order placement.

Annual Stock Take

Our annual stock take will take place on Wednesday, 25 February and Thursday, 26 February 2026. During this period, our Cape Town offices and warehouse will be closed, and staff availability will be limited.

• No orders will be processed on 25–26 February
• Retail partners are encouraged to place orders as early as possible to avoid delays
• Our Johannesburg team will remain available to assist with queries

Office & Warehouse Closure

Solarpop will be fully closed on Friday, 27 February 2026.

• No staff available to assist with queries
• Warehouse closed – no shipments dispatched
• All staff return on Monday, 2 March 2026

Important Order & Collection Cut-Offs

• Final courier handover by close of business on Monday, 23 February 2026
• Collections on 24 February at the usual 15:00 time
• Orders not collected will be available from 2 March
• Orders received after 24 February will be processed from 2 March

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.