Coinbase Teases Pokémon-Related Digital Packs Linked to Physical Cards
The concept appears designed to let customers reveal cards digitally while corresponding physical cards remain in storage for possible later delivery.
Coinbase posted a teaser on Sept. 28 that appears Pokémon-related and may introduce digital packs linked to physical trading cards held in storage.
The proposed product appears designed to let customers open digital packs while corresponding physical cards remain in storage for possible later delivery. Coinbase has not confirmed that the product has launched or disclosed its pricing, release date, pack odds, card inventory, grading standards, storage fees or shipping costs.
The company also has not confirmed whether customers will be able to resell cards through Coinbase, who would authenticate, store or insure them, or whether ownership would be recorded on a blockchain or represented by non-fungible tokens.
The concept would fit Coinbase’s broader push to become an “Everything Exchange,” a strategy spanning crypto and other asset classes such as stocks, perpetual futures and prediction markets.
Under this type of model, digital discovery or ownership can be separated from physical possession. Cards could remain in a vault while ownership changes without shipment after each transaction, depending on how the service is structured.
GameStop launched Power Packs to the public April 15. The product connects digital packs with real, PSA-graded trading cards stored in the PSA Vault and allows customers to sell, ship or retain the cards. Prices range from $25 to $2,500, with packs covering Pokémon, football, basketball and baseball.
Courtyard also offers digital packs connected to real graded cards, along with vaulted storage, marketplace trading and delivery on request. Courtyard cards are secured and insured in a vault, while delivery costs and taxes are invoiced when customers request shipment.
Coinbase has not confirmed whether the teaser represents a customer-ready product or whether it has a licensing arrangement with The Pokémon Company. The teaser’s visual references to multiple packs also do not establish whether they represent price tiers, card categories or other product divisions.
