Funko Pop Vs Nendoroid Which Collectible Holds Value Better Long Term

For collectors navigating the vibrant world of anime, gaming, and pop culture memorabilia, two names consistently rise to the top: Funko Pop and Nendoroid. Both have built massive followings and are staples in display cases across the globe. But when it comes to long-term investment—preserving or increasing value over time—how do they truly compare? While both lines offer charm and appeal, their paths in the secondary market diverge significantly based on production scale, design philosophy, and collector demand.

This article examines the factors that influence collectible value retention and growth, focusing specifically on Funko Pops and Nendoroids. By analyzing rarity, craftsmanship, licensing strength, and real-world resale data, we aim to provide a clear picture of which brand is more likely to hold—or grow—its value over the next decade.

Production Volume and Rarity: The Foundation of Value

The most fundamental driver of long-term collectible value is scarcity. Items produced in limited quantities or with short manufacturing runs tend to appreciate faster than mass-produced figures. Here, the difference between Funko and Good Smile Company (the maker of Nendoroids) becomes immediately apparent.

Funko operates at an industrial scale. With thousands of SKUs released annually across franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, Disney, and Stranger Things, their business model prioritizes accessibility and volume. While exclusives exist—such as convention-only variants or retailer-specific colorways—the vast majority of Funko Pops are widely available through major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.

In contrast, Nendoroids are typically produced in smaller batches. Good Smile Company often releases figures through pre-orders with fixed production windows. Once sold out, re-releases are not guaranteed. This controlled supply chain creates natural scarcity, especially for older or discontinued models. For example, early Nendoroids from the late 2000s, such as the original Hatsune Miku or Kagamine Rin/Len sets, now command hundreds of dollars due to their rarity and nostalgic significance.

Tip: Limited edition releases from either brand should be kept sealed and stored away from sunlight to maximize future resale potential.

Design Quality and Artistic Craftsmanship

While both brands feature stylized designs, their approach to detail and articulation differs dramatically. Funko Pops use a simplified chibi aesthetic with oversized heads and minimal facial features. Their charm lies in recognizability rather than realism. Most Pops are made from vinyl with basic paint applications and no interchangeable parts.

Nendoroids, by comparison, are engineered for customization. They come with multiple face plates (happy, surprised, winking), optional hands, props, and sometimes full stands. The sculpting is far more intricate, capturing nuanced expressions and costume details. Materials include higher-grade PVC and ABS plastic, contributing to durability and visual fidelity.

This level of craftsmanship translates into perceived value among serious collectors. A well-maintained Nendoroid can look striking even after years, while a damaged or yellowed Pop may lose much of its appeal. Over time, this distinction influences how each figure ages in the marketplace.

“Collectors increasingly prioritize quality over quantity. A single high-end Nendoroid can represent more artistic effort than ten standard Pops.” — Daniel Park, Toy Market Analyst at Collectible Insights

Market Trends and Resale Performance

To understand which collectible holds value better, we must examine actual resale data. Platforms like eBay, Yahoo Japan Auctions, and Mandarake provide insight into historical pricing and demand stability.

Funko Pops experience extreme volatility. While some rare variants—like the Chase Darth Vader with black lightsaber or the San Diego Comic-Con exclusive Rick Sanchez—have sold for thousands, these are outliers. The average Pop sees little to no appreciation unless it’s retired and hard to find. In fact, many once-hyped Pops have depreciated due to oversaturation and speculation bubbles bursting post-2020.

Nendoroids, however, show more consistent long-term growth. Figures tied to enduring franchises—such as *Demon Slayer*, *My Hero Academia*, or classic *Vocaloid* characters—routinely sell above retail price after going OOP (out of production). According to data compiled from Mandarake’s archives, approximately 68% of Nendoroids released between 2015 and 2019 now trade at or above MSRP, compared to just 22% of non-chase Funko Pops from the same period.

Comparison Table: Key Value Drivers

Factor	Funko Pop	Nendoroid
Production Volume	Very High (Mass Market)	Moderate (Pre-order Based)
Average Retail Price	$10–$15	$40–$60
Re-release Frequency	Common (Many Reissues)	Rare (Limited Reprints)
Secondary Market Growth (5-year avg.)	Low (Top 5% only appreciate)	Moderate-High (60%+ hold or gain value)
Collector Base Focus	Casual Fans, Kids, Decorators	Dedicated Anime & Hobby Collectors
Condition Sensitivity	High (Box damage affects value)	Very High (Parts completeness critical)

Real Example: The Case of Nendoroid Zero Two

In 2018, Good Smile Company released Nendoroid Zero Two from *Darling in the Franxx*. The initial price was ¥5,400 (~$50 USD). Pre-orders sold out quickly, and due to the anime’s explosive popularity, demand surged globally.

By 2020, used versions were selling for $100–$120. Sealed boxes reached $180. When the figure went out of production in 2022, prices climbed further. As of 2024, complete-in-box units regularly list for $250–$300 on eBay, with mint-condition imports from Japan fetching even more.

Compare this to a similarly popular character like Funko Pop Goku Black (from Dragon Ball Super), released around the same time. Despite strong fan interest, the Pop had multiple re-releases and remained widely available. Its value never exceeded $30, even during peak hype, and currently trades near $15.

This case illustrates a broader trend: Nendoroids benefit from tighter supply control and deeper engagement within niche communities, allowing them to maintain upward pressure on prices over time.

What Drives Long-Term Value Retention?

Several key elements determine whether a collectible appreciates or fades:

• Licensing Strength: Characters from evergreen franchises (e.g., *Evangelion*, *Sailor Moon*) tend to hold value better than those tied to short-lived trends.
• Production Limits: Figures with numbered editions or closed pre-orders are inherently scarcer.
• Cultural Impact: Icons like Hatsune Miku or Naruto Uzumaki transcend their medium, creating lasting demand.
• Community Support: Active fanbases maintain interest through forums, social media, and conventions.
• Physical Durability: High-quality materials resist yellowing, paint wear, and joint sagging—critical for long-term preservation.

Nendoroids score higher across all five categories. Their association with Japanese otaku culture fosters passionate collecting habits, and their build quality ensures longevity. Funko Pops, while beloved, are often treated as decorative items rather than heirloom pieces.

Step-by-Step Guide: Building a Value-Focused Collection

If you're aiming to build a collection that retains or increases value, follow this timeline:

1. Year 1 – Research and Focus: Identify franchises with staying power (e.g., Studio Ghibli, Final Fantasy, long-running anime). Avoid fads unless you’re confident in short-term flipping.
2. Year 2 – Prioritize Pre-Orders: Sign up for Good Smile Company’s official store and hobby retailers. Secure Nendoroids early to avoid aftermarket markups.
3. Year 3 – Store Properly: Keep figures in climate-controlled rooms, away from direct light. Use UV-protective display cases if possible.
4. Year 4 – Track Retirement Announcements: Monitor manufacturer updates. When a Nendoroid is declared “last production,” consider holding or acquiring backups.
5. Year 5+ – Evaluate and Rotate: Sell weaker performers and reinvest in proven appreciating lines. Maintain documentation of purchase dates and condition.

Tip: Join collector communities like r/Nendoroid on Reddit or dedicated Facebook groups to stay informed about upcoming retirements and rare finds.

FAQ: Common Questions About Collectible Value

Do sealed Funko Pops always increase in value?

No. Only a small fraction of sealed Pops appreciate—typically exclusives or those tied to deceased celebrities (e.g., Chadwick Boseman Black Panther). Most common Pops remain flat or decline in value due to oversupply.

Are Nendoroids worth the higher price tag?

For long-term collectors, yes. Their superior craftsmanship, limited availability, and strong resale performance justify the initial cost. Over a 5–10 year horizon, many Nendoroids deliver better return on investment than entry-level Pops.

Can I mix both types in one collection?

Absolutely. Many collectors enjoy both for different reasons. Use Pops for affordable decoration and representation of broad pop culture, and reserve Nendoroids for centerpiece displays and potential investments.

Checklist: Maximizing Your Collectible’s Future Value

• ✅ Buy factory-sealed whenever possible
• ✅ Store in temperature-stable, dark environments
• ✅ Keep original boxes, manuals, and accessories intact
• ✅ Research release history before purchasing
• ✅ Focus on discontinued or retiring models
• ✅ Document purchases with receipts and photos
• ✅ Join online communities for early alerts

“The best collectibles aren’t just about fandom—they’re about foresight. Knowing what will last separates casual buyers from true collectors.” — Lena Torres, Curator at the Pacific Toy Archive

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for the Future

When comparing Funko Pop and Nendoroid collectibles for long-term value retention, the evidence points clearly toward Nendoroids as the stronger performer. Their limited production runs, superior build quality, and deep roots in dedicated collector culture create conditions favorable to appreciation. While select Funko Pops can become valuable, these instances are exceptions in a sea of mass-produced merchandise.

That said, value isn’t purely financial. Joy, nostalgia, and personal connection matter deeply. If your goal is emotional fulfillment, both brands deliver. But if you’re investing time and money into a collection you hope will grow in worth, Nendoroids offer a more reliable path forward.

🚀 Ready to build a future-proof collection? Start by identifying 2–3 Nendoroids from timeless franchises and secure them before they retire. Your future self—and your display shelf—will thank you.