Collecting Funko Pops Vs Nendoroids Which Investment Actually Holds Value

For pop culture enthusiasts and collectors, the world of figurines offers a vibrant mix of nostalgia, artistry, and potential financial return. Two of the most popular collectibles in this space are Funko Pops and Nendoroids. Both have passionate followings, but when it comes to long-term value retention and investment potential, they differ significantly in production quality, market dynamics, and collector behavior. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone considering building a collection with an eye toward future resale or appreciation.

Funko Pops, with their stylized chibi design and wide accessibility, dominate retail shelves and casual collecting. Nendoroids, produced by Good Smile Company, offer higher articulation, detailed craftsmanship, and are often targeted at dedicated anime fans and display-focused collectors. While both can appreciate in value, the path to profitability—and sustainability—is far from equal.

Production Quality and Craftsmanship

The first major distinction between Funko Pops and Nendoroids lies in their build and manufacturing standards. Funko Pops are mass-produced vinyl figures, typically standing 3.75 inches tall, with a minimalist design emphasizing oversized heads and simple features. They are made using injection-molded PVC, a cost-effective method that allows for rapid production and low retail pricing—usually between $10 and $15 per figure.

Nendoroids, on the other hand, are engineered with greater complexity. Standing slightly taller (around 4 to 5 inches), they feature interchangeable facial expressions, swappable hands, and poseable joints. Each release includes a stand and often additional accessories like alternate hairpieces or themed props. The materials used—high-grade ABS and PVC—combined with intricate paint applications, result in a more premium product. Retail prices typically range from $40 to $70, reflecting the labor and precision involved.

Tip: Always inspect packaging for dents or factory errors—especially with Nendoroids, where small paint flaws can impact resale.

This disparity in construction directly influences longevity and desirability. A well-preserved Nendoroid retains its visual appeal over time due to superior detailing, whereas many Funko Pops suffer from \"chase variants\" or inconsistent paint jobs that can degrade perceived value even in mint condition.

Market Demand and Resale Trends

Resale value depends heavily on scarcity, demand, and community engagement. Funko Pops benefit from broad cultural reach—characters from Marvel, Star Wars, Disney, and viral internet memes all appear in the lineup. This widespread appeal drives initial sales, but it also leads to oversaturation. With new releases nearly every week and frequent reissues, many standard editions fail to appreciate.

However, certain variants do command high premiums. For example, the Metallic Blue Chase Pop of Freddy Krueger has sold for over $1,000 due to limited availability and horror fandom demand. Similarly, early wave exclusives from conventions like San Diego Comic-Con have become blue-chip assets in the Funko market.

In contrast, Nendoroids operate within a more niche but stable ecosystem. Most releases are tied to specific anime series—Attack on Titan, Sword Art Online, My Hero Academia—and cater to deeply engaged fanbases. Because production runs are tightly controlled and pre-orders are common, supply rarely exceeds demand. Once a Nendoroid goes out of print, secondary market prices rise steadily rather than spiking unpredictably.

“Nendoroids represent long-term value through consistency. Their audience is smaller, but far more committed.” — Hiroshi Tanaka, Senior Analyst at Collectible Insights Japan

Investment Comparison: Key Metrics

Factor	Funko Pops	Nendoroids
Entry Cost	$10–$25 (standard), up to $50+ (exclusives)	$40–$70
Production Volume	Very High (mass retail)	Moderate (pre-order based)
Rarity Mechanism	Chase variants, exclusives	Limited runs, end-of-production status
Avg. Appreciation (5 years)	5%–10% (select few: 500%+)	30%–100% (steady growth)
Storage Sensitivity	High (yellowing, sticker peeling)	Moderate (joint loosening, dust accumulation)
Collector Base	Broad, casual + hardcore	Niche, dedicated anime fans

This table illustrates a critical point: while some Funko Pops achieve meteoric gains, those cases are outliers. Meanwhile, Nendoroids show slower but more predictable appreciation. For investors seeking stability over volatility, Nendoroids present a stronger case.

Real Example: The Case of Nendoroid Asuka Langley

In 2019, Good Smile Company released a Nendoroid of Asuka Langley from Neon Genesis Evangelion. Initially priced at $52, it sold out quickly due to the character’s cult following. Over the next four years, as the anime experienced renewed global interest through streaming platforms and merchandise revivals, demand for this figure surged.

By 2023, sealed, unused units were selling for $180–$220 on eBay and Mandarake. Even opened sets with all parts intact fetched $100+. Notably, no sudden event caused this spike—it was gradual, driven by sustained fandom and lack of re-release.

Compare this to the Funko Pop of Miles Morales as Spider-Man, a widely available figure released in 2018. Despite being part of a popular franchise, its value remains flat at $15–$20 unless it's a rare metallic variant. The sheer number of units produced diluted scarcity, preventing meaningful appreciation.

This contrast highlights a core principle: consistent demand without oversupply creates sustainable value. Nendoroids excel here; Funko Pops rely too heavily on luck and timing.

Preservation and Long-Term Storage

No investment holds value if not properly maintained. Both collectibles require care, but the risks differ.

Funko Pops are notorious for “yellowing”—a chemical reaction in PVC when exposed to UV light or ozone. Even figures stored indoors can degrade over time, especially white or light-colored ones. Additionally, the stickers used for eyes and details may peel or bubble, reducing aesthetic and resale appeal.

Nendoroids face fewer material issues but are vulnerable to mechanical wear. Interchangeable parts can be lost, and rubbery joints may stiffen or crack after years. Dust accumulation inside articulated areas can also detract from presentation.

• Store both types away from direct sunlight and humidity.
• Use UV-filtering display cases for long-term protection.
• Keep original boxes and accessories—essential for resale.
• Rotate displayed items every 6 months to minimize exposure.

Tip: For Nendoroids, place silica gel packets inside display cabinets to reduce moisture buildup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Valuable Collection

1. Define Your Goal: Are you collecting for passion, display, or investment? This determines your focus—broad appeal (Funko) vs. enduring quality (Nendoroid).
2. Research Past Sales: Use sites like eBay, StockX (for Pops), and Mandarake (for Nendoroids) to analyze historical pricing trends.
3. Focus on Limited Editions: Prioritize convention exclusives, numbered editions, or pre-order-only releases.
4. Buy Sealed When Possible: Mint-in-box condition is crucial for appreciation, especially for Nendoroids.
5. Track Production Cycles: Monitor manufacturer announcements. Once a Nendoroid is marked “end of production,” its value trajectory begins rising.
6. Document Everything: Keep receipts, unbox videos, and photos to prove authenticity and condition if reselling.
7. Reassess Annually: Review your collection’s performance and consider selling underperformers to reinvest in stronger assets.

Checklist: What to Look for Before Buying

✅ Before Purchasing Any Collectible:

• Is it still in production?
• Has it been reissued before?
• What is the current secondary market price?
• Are there known manufacturing defects?
• Does it come with all accessories and box?
• Is the seller reputable (eBay Top Rated, authorized retailer)?
• Am I buying for emotion or strategy?

FAQ: Common Investor Questions

Do Funko Pops ever become valuable?

Yes, but selectively. Only about 5–10% of Funko Pops appreciate significantly—typically chase variants, convention exclusives, or early prototypes. Mass-market releases rarely gain value due to overproduction.

Are Nendoroids worth the higher price?

From an investment standpoint, yes. Their limited availability, strong fan loyalty, and durable construction make them more likely to retain or increase value over time compared to similarly priced Pops.

Can I invest in both?

You can, but diversification requires discipline. Mixing both types works only if you apply strict criteria—focus on rare Pops and out-of-print Nendoroids. Avoid impulse buys based on fandom alone.

Expert Insight: Collector Behavior and Market Signals

“The key difference isn’t the product—it’s the collector mindset. Funko buyers often purchase impulsively; Nendoroid buyers plan months ahead. That intentionality translates into stronger post-release demand.” — Lila Chen, Market Trends Analyst at ToyTrade Global

This behavioral gap explains much of the valuation difference. Nendoroid collectors frequently pre-order months in advance, ensuring early sell-outs. Funko Pop buyers, meanwhile, often discover rarity after release, leading to reactive bidding wars that can inflate prices temporarily—but not sustainably.

Additionally, Good Smile Company rarely reissues Nendoroids, preserving scarcity. Funko, however, regularly re-releases popular characters in new colors or outfits, undermining the uniqueness of earlier versions.

Conclusion: Choosing the Smarter Investment Path

When comparing Funko Pops and Nendoroids as investments, the data points clearly toward Nendoroids for long-term value retention. While the occasional Funko Pop can yield impressive returns, those outcomes are unpredictable and often depend on external factors like celebrity ownership or viral trends. Nendoroids, by contrast, grow in value through steady demand, limited supply, and superior craftsmanship.

That doesn’t mean Funko Pops are worthless. For casual collectors or those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt, they remain fun and accessible. But if your goal is to build a portfolio of collectibles that appreciate reliably over time, Nendoroids offer a more rational, less speculative path.

Ultimately, the best investment is one aligned with knowledge, patience, and preservation. Whether you choose anime icons or superhero caricatures, informed decisions—not emotional impulses—will determine your success.

🚀 Ready to build a valuable collection? Start by auditing what you own, researching past sales, and focusing on limited, high-quality releases. Share your journey or ask questions in the comments—let’s grow smarter together.