Now if you're familiar with the American Capsule you probably look at Gachapon and their $5-10 price point and thought the cost was pretty steep! With blind bags and blind boxes growing in popularity and costing $8-13 Gacha are starting to look quite reasonable. Now $15-20 Gachapon have appeared, though at that price point they tend to have a character guarantee where the whole machine is different pieces of a single character.
But in China, gachapon has taken a rather extravagant turn. Recently, China has introduced the world to its most expensive gachapon ever. It’s not your typical quarter-vending capsule machine; this one did come in a blind box and will set you back a whopping 10,000 yuan (roughly $1,400 USD). Yes, you read that right. For the price of a decent second-hand car, you could be the proud owner of a random toy. To be fair, this is the after market, but does that make it any better?
So, what makes these high-priced gachapon capsules worth the cost? For starters, these aren’t your average trinkets. The toys are often meticulously crafted, featuring high-end materials like gold or rare gems. Some are even collaborations with renowned artists or luxury brands. It’s like getting a piece of art or jewelry in a capsule, bag, or box, which adds a whole new level of excitement and exclusivity to the gachapon experience.
Now a company called PopMart has taken over the Chinese market of Gacha; and their Gacha machines look a bit different. On one side, you have what's expected, a machine that will dispense a prize. But when you open your capsule you might be a bit confused. You'll find a key and a number, now you take it to the other side of the machine, find your number and use the key to open a locker with your prize. In this way they've managed to give out bigger prizes, arguably making the higher price point more worth it. They also have blind box vending machines, and giant capsules, always in bright colors so you can't miss em.
In both America and Japan, while the price varies it will average out around $10. Not so in China, where the average I've found to be $30! Besides the price difference, there's a prize difference too. They seem very fond of small statues, similar in size to a Funko Pop but with much higher detail, and bjd or Ball Jointed Dolls. Take for instance this mermaid set, they're highly jointed, and so highly possible dolls. Their blind box is $40 each!
The appeal of these expensive gacha goes beyond the toys themselves. It taps into the thrill of the hunt and the joy of collecting. Collectors and enthusiasts alike are drawn to the idea of potentially scoring a rare item, especially when the stakes are this high. Plus, the allure of owning something that’s part of a limited-edition release only heightens the excitement.
In a way, this trend reflects a broader fascination with exclusivity and luxury in China’s consumer culture. Just as we see high-end brands pushing the envelope with their products, creating a fusion of playful nostalgia and high-stakes excitement, and it’s drawing collectors and curious onlookers alike.
A craze for these toys has even attracted Chinese investors, with hedge funds using them as collateral. The rare from a set of Azura, SkullPanda, or HOW2WORK can go for hundreds to thousands on the market. With each set being highly limited, thus far they have been a stable store of value.
So, next time you’re in China, don’t be surprised if you come across one of these extravagant gacha PopMart Shops. It’s a testament to how even the simplest pleasures can be reimagined into something truly remarkable. And who knows? You might just get lucky and find yourself the owner of a truly unique or highly marketable collectible!
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