Selling my Pokémon games for $5 is my biggest regret in life
Polygon
by Austin ManchesterFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Selling Pokémon games for just $5 in high school has become the author's biggest regret in life. Looking back, they deeply wish they had held onto these collectible games, which have since skyrocketed in value among gaming enthusiasts. This story highlights a common yet poignant reflection on youthful decisions that can lead to significant emotional and financial losses.
The article reflects on how easily valuable items can be underappreciated during one's youth. Many teenagers may not realize the potential long-term worth of their possessions, especially when it comes to collectibles like video games. The author ruefully admits they sold their Pokémon games for a mere $5, a decision they now view as a missed opportunity to hold onto items that could have become cherished and valuable keepsakes.
While $5 isn’t a huge financial loss, the emotional weight of this regret resonates deeply with anyone who has ever let go of something sentimental or potentially valuable. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of recognizing the worth of one’s possessions, both in terms of monetary value and sentimental significance. It also taps into the broader cultural conversation around nostalgia, collectibles, and the gaming community's passion for preserving gaming history.
For readers interested in gaming, this article underscores the growing trend of treating classic video games as valuable collectibles, much like trading cards or vintage toys. The Pokémon franchise, in particular, has seen a surge in popularity among collectors, making the author’s regret especially poignant. This narrative not only highlights personal loss but also raises awareness about the potential financial and sentimental benefits of preserving gaming artifacts.
Ultimately, the story is a heartfelt reminder to cherish memories and items from one's youth. While it’s easy to overlook the value of childhood treasures, they often hold irreplaceable emotional weight and can even become valuable assets later in life. The author’s regret serves as a powerful lesson for others to think twice before parting with anything that carries sentimental or potential monetary value.
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Originally published on Polygon on 2/26/2026