The set includes a PSA 10-graded Pokémon Red, a PSA 9.8-graded Pokémon Blue, and a PSA 10-graded Pokémon Yellow. The original collector, who is choosing to remain anonymous, says that the assortment took twenty years to put together — and that it will be a long time before another set comes close. These are the only first-print copies of Pokémon Red and Yellow that have achieved the highest PSA grade possible, according to Nostalgix, the private collectible brokerage that helped facilitate the sale.
"It is incredibly hard to have a mint copy of any sealed game, even just from the minor dings it may take in packing and shipping to stores, so for one to remain in perfect 10 condition is incredible," Nathan Howerton, founder of Nostalgix, told Polygon over email.
"A $2 million transaction for three graded Pokémon games would have seemed unimaginable a decade ago. Today, it reflects the growing recognition that historically important, investment-grade games deserve to be mentioned alongside the most valuable comics, trading cards, and sports memorabilia in the world," he added.
The set was co-purchased by two buyers, both of whom wish to remain anonymous as well. Curiously, the new owners refer to their hoard as The Dubai Collection — but Nostalgix maintains that the collection was purchased by individuals, not a company or entity. It's unclear why the sellers want the set to be named after an emirate that some may find controversial, but such naming conventions are becoming increasingly common in the world of Pokémon.
Earlier in 2026, an extraordinary trading card collection that contained multiple copies of every possible rare Pokémon card caused a ruckus. In an apparent effort to market the set as a luxury item, the collection was named after a young woman who could be mistaken for a runway model. The move from niche, nerdy collectibles to bona fide assets is also part of the reason countries like Japan are debating governmental regulation of Pokémon cards.
For The Dubai Collection's co-founders, Pokémon Red is the ensemble highlight.
"It's widely regarded as one of the most important and recognizable video games ever released, serving as the title that introduced millions of players around the world to Pokémon," they said via email. "Finding an untouched first-print copy is already extraordinarily difficult, but achieving a PSA 10 grade places it among the absolute best examples known. Its historical importance, cultural impact, and extreme condition rarity made it the centerpiece of the transaction."
3 hours ago
5
Photo: Nostalgix
English (US) ·