Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

Fujifilm instax mini LiPlay+ hybrid instant camera Review

The Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay+ builds upon the popular LiPlay hybrid concept, delivering a compact, 3-in-1 device that functions as a digital camera, an instant film printer, and a unique sound recorder. Launched as an upgrade to its predecessor, the LiPlay+ introduces some new features that make it one of the most versatile Instax cameras yet.

The most impactful upgrade is the Dual-Lens System. Where the original relied on a small mirror for selfies, the LiPlay+ features a dedicated wide-angle selfie camera on the back (above the main LCD). This significantly improves framing and precision for self-portraits. This dual system powers the new Layered Photo Mode, allowing users to combine images from both lenses onto a single print.

Like all Instax hybrids, the LiPlay+ is a digital camera first (using a small 1/5-inch CMOS sensor, producing 4.9MP images), which is a huge benefit:

  1. Select Before You Print: You can review, edit, and filter images on the 3.0-inch LCD before committing to a print, saving expensive film.
  2. Smartphone Printing: It connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone, allowing it to function as a printer for any photo on your phone’s camera roll.

The camera’s digital image quality (4.9MP)  and is not intended to compete with modern smartphones. It captures the charm of nostalgic, retro photography.

  • Best Performance: Performs best in bright, well-lit conditions.
  • Low Light: Expect focus hesitation in dim environments, though the built-in flash works well within its limited range (up to 1.5m).
  • Print Quality: When printed on Instax Mini film, the digital file is rendered beautifully in the classic instant film aesthetic. You can choose between Instax-Rich Mode (deeper, vibrant colors) or Instax-Natural Mode (softer, classic film look) before printing.

The LiPlay+ is designed for vertical shooting, which complements the portrait-orientation of the Instax Mini film. The control layout is intuitive, featuring a navigational dial that doubles as shortcuts for filters, frames, and flash settings.

Its compact size (4.86 x 3.27 x 1.49 inches) makes it easy to carry in a coat pocket or small bag some might think it is a bit clunky however and each to their own.

Many of the creative features, like customizing frames and utilizing the advanced Sound Album feature, are managed through the companion smartphone app and you can see this down below and also check out the unboxing and walkthrough video.

This unique feature allows you to record a short (3-second) audio clip when you take a photo. When printed, a QR code appears on the film. Scanning this code with the companion app plays back the recorded sound, adding an interactive, auditory layer to your physical memory. See samples below. Yes you can scan the QR codes.

The Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay+ is a highly versatile and fun instant camera, ideal for users who want the creative freedom of digital photography without losing the tangible experience of an Instax print. Popular as ever this will be in many Christmas gifts this year and one should lap it up if so and have fun and get creative with the new features on board.

mini LiPlay+ App

Main Features:

instax mini LiPlay+™ Smartphone App

The free, downloadable instax mini LiPlay™ App allows users to capture images remotely via Bluetooth connection, add finishing touches to images with frames, and print photos from a connected smartphone. Users can further embellish their images by adding sticker icons or overlay text, making each image a true custom creation.

Dual camera functionality

The mini LiPlay+™ hybrid instant camera features both a front main camera and a rear-facing wide-angle selfie camera. New to mini LiPlay+™ is layered photo mode, in which images created with both the front and rear cameras can be combined so the images appear in layers, one in the foreground and one in the background. When editing images, users can choose between instax-Rich mode™ and instax-Natural mode™ to accentuate their images and choose from a selection of artful filters to express themselves further. mini LiPlay+™ also features automatic exposure and flash control to enhance image quality and includes either 2 or 10 second timers.

Instax Sound Print™ and instax Sound Album™

Users can utilise the free, downloadable instax mini LiPlay+™ App to add sound features to their images. With the instax Sound Print™ feature users have four unique ways to record 3-second audio clips to add to their images, then listen back by scanning the printed QR code on your photo (instax™ instant film required and sold separately) with their smartphone. Alternatively, the instax Sound Album™ feature turns adventures into custom animated videos with sound, vibrant backgrounds, and standout music.

New instax™ mini film variety introduced

Also being announced at the same time as the mini LiPlay+™ camera is instax™ mini Soft Glitter instant film available in a 10-exposure pack. Gold accents combine with soothing hues to bring a calming shimmer to the frames around each photo.

Pricing and Availability

The instax mini LiPlay+hybrid instant camera will be available in Sand Beige and Midnight Blue colors from 30th October 2025 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of €220.00 (inc. VAT). The updated instax mini LiPlay+™ smartphone App will also be available at this time. Available from Fujifilm retailers nationwide.

For more product information, visit  https://www.instax.ie/cameras/mini-liplay-plus/

Ireland Opens Markets at the London Stock Exchange

Ireland’s Minister for Financial Services Robert Troy, today became the first Irish government minister to open markets at the London Stock Exchange (LSE), marking Ireland Day and the growing innovation partnership between the UK and Ireland’s financial services sectors.

Hosted by Enterprise Ireland – the Irish government’s trade and innovation agency and Europe’s third-most active VC investor in fintech – the event highlighted record investment, expansion and landmark acquisitions by Irish financial services and fintech firms in the UK, including Ireland’s Fexco Group’s acquisition of Sainsbury’s Travel money this year. The acquisition marks a major expansion for Fexco in the UK’s retail foreign exchange market. The deal announced during the summer, increases Fexco’s UK retail footprint to more than 460 locations, as well as introducing over 18 million Nectar members to Fexco’s travel money services.

Minister Robert Troy commented: “Ireland and the UK are indispensable partners in today’s financial services ecosystem. Sustained investment in Irish fintech and their growth and expansion in the UK, has played a pivotal role in shaping excellence across the City and the wider UK market. Today’s announcements demonstrate how Irish firms are not only investing at home but are also creating jobs and establishing a permanent presence in the UK, benefiting both the UK and Irish economies.”

Supported by nearly €1 billion in VC funding over the past five years, Enterprise Ireland-backed fintech companies are tackling critical industry challenges in compliance, data analytics, cybersecurity, risk management and digital transformation across the UK and global markets.

More than 200 Enterprise Ireland financial services and fintech clients are now active in the UK, investing, scaling and partnering with the country’s leading financial institutions. Today’s ceremony coincided with significant announcements from four Irish firms addressing pressing UK market needs:

•    Version 1, Ireland’s largest home-grown technology company, will mark its 30th anniversary in 2026 and continues to deliver on its major announcement of 1,000 UK AI-related jobs and a £40 million investment programme. Recently its collaboration with NatWest to embed responsible AI governance across the organisation won “Best Data Governance with AI Initiative” at the DataIQ awards.

•    Fenergo, the global leader in client lifecycle management, currently employ 35 people in the UK and will 10-15 new UK roles over the next year.

•    CWSI, a leading Irish cyber security provider today announced a strategic partnership with Bristol based Changing Social, an AI Workplace Transformation consultancy. The collaboration is expected to generate revenues in excess of $40m in the next 24 months across Licencing, Consultancy and Associated Services. Together, the two Microsoft partners will help organisations unlock the productivity and innovation potential of Microsoft Copilot and other AI-driven technologies without compromising on security, compliance, or control.

•    Clear Strategy, a leading Irish data and AI consultancy, is expanding from 34 to 50 specialists in the coming quarter as it grows its UK presence and launches ‘Tempo’, its reference data management solution, into the UK market.

•    ID-Pal, the global leader in AI-powered identity verification, has unveiled the latest enhancements to its fraud detection feature, ID-Detect. Fresh off winning Biometric Authentication Innovation of the Year at the 2025 Payments Awards, ID-Detect’s authentication engine identifies signs of digital manipulation and the markers of AI-driven document fraud. Recent results include preventing fraud valued at +£3m for car-financing platform Finset.

Kevin Sherry, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland, added: “The UK is Ireland’s largest country export market and a strategic priority for Irish tech, financial services and fintech companies. We are laser-focused on forging high-value business connections and supporting Irish firms to enter, scale and invest in the UK.

“The global financial industry faces a number of mounting pressures – regulatory complexity, escalating cyber and fraud risks, green compliance, data silos and AI bias. Irish firms are building world class customer solutions that are agile, scalable, and secure. They’re helping UK institutions navigate regulatory complexity, unlock new efficiencies, and stay competitive in a fast-moving landscape.”

Hosting the Irish delegation at the London Stock Exchange today, Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange said: “Today has been a historic day. We are delighted to have welcomed Minister Robert Troy, the first Irish government Minister to open our markets, alongside Enterprise Ireland and some of Ireland’s most innovative companies. This celebration reflects the long-standing and important ties between the financial services industries of the UK and Ireland.”

The UK market is the largest country export market for Enterprise Ireland backed client companies. In 2024, 29% of total client exports, valued at €10.52bn, went to the UK and representing a 4% increase on 2023. Tech, financial services and business services exports to the UK accounted for €1.2 billion in 2024, with tech increasing by 12% and fintech increasing by 5% on the previous year.

Ireland Day at the London Stock Exchange will conclude with a dinner reception at the Irish Embassy in London, hosted by the Ambassador to Great Britain, Martin Fraser, attended by close to 100 senior leaders from across the UK and Ireland’s financial services industry.

Irish companies participating in Ireland Day at the London Stock Exchange, included: Binarii Labs, Clear Strategy, CWSI, Daon, Fenergo, Fexco, Fund Recs, ID Pal, and Tines.

Microsoft employees charity cycle raises over €300,000 for LauraLynn

Microsoft Ireland employees have completed the final 360km stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way as part of their annual charity cycle, raising more than €300,000 – the most they’ve ever raised in a single year – in support of LauraLynn, Ireland’s only children’s hospice.

The charity cycle, which began in 2014 with just 10 cyclists, has grown into a major annual fundraising event. This year, 100 cyclists and support crew took on the three-day and 360kms cycling challenge from Letterkenny to Buncrana, County Donegal, battling wet weather, steep climbs, and winding roads – all in the name of supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Over the course of the last 12 years, the Microsoft team have raised more than €1.7 million for LauraLynn, having cycled more than 4,560km.‌‌ The funds raised go directly to LauraLynn to help provide care in the Hospice, symptom management, short breaks, emergency and end-of-life care, as well as family supports and bereavement care to children with life-limiting conditions and their family units across Ireland.

In 2024 alone, LauraLynn supported 670 families across Ireland, with 119 new referrals accepted to its hospice service providing 1,677 nights of care to those who need it.

This year’s cycle is particularly significant as it coincides with Microsoft’s 40th anniversary in Ireland, reflecting the long-standing commitment of its employees to giving back and making a meaningful impact in their local communities.

James O’Connor, Site Lead at Microsoft Ireland and Corporate Vice President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said: “We are so proud of our employees and supporters who continue to give their time, energy, and resources to the annual charity cycle. Completing the Wild Atlantic Way this year is a remarkable achievement and a fitting way to mark 40 years of Microsoft in Ireland, supporting NGOs and the communities we operate in.

“LauraLynn is a close neighbour and a cause that is very close to our hearts. We are continually inspired by the incredible work they do to provide care, comfort, and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Taking part in this cycle allows our employees to give back in a meaningful way and support the important work undertaken by the LauraLynn team. To have raised €305,923 by way of this year’s cycle and €1,742,091 since the cycle began is truly an incredible achievement.”

Kerry McLaverty, Chief Executive at LauraLynn, added: “Every year, the Microsoft Ireland team shows up not just with bikes and gear, but with compassion and care. What they’ve achieved through wind, rain, and relentless hills is nothing short of inspiring. This year was especially meaningful, marking the final leg of their journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, a challenge they’ve taken on piece by piece over six years. Their commitment goes far beyond fundraising; it’s a message to the children and families we support that there is a huge community standing with them. This partnership is built on something special. A huge congratulations to everyone who took part.”

To learn more about LauraLynn, visit: https://www.lauralynn.ie/.

Powering the next generation of Irish tech startups

From early-stage SaaS startups in Dublin to scaling fintechs in Cork and Galway, Ireland’s tech ecosystem is thriving. But as competition intensifies, efficiency and agility have become the new currency of growth. For young companies balancing innovation with tight budgets, business cloud storage is now essential. It provides the secure, scalable foundation that keeps data protected, teams connected, and operations running smoothly as startups evolve.

Smarter cloud infrastructure for smarter businesses

Traditional IT setups require heavy upfront investment in servers, software, and maintenance. Business cloud storage removes that burden entirely. Instead of purchasing physical hardware, startups can store, share and back up data online, and pay only for what they use. This approach frees up capital to reinvest in product development, customer acquisition or talent, rather than tying up funds in infrastructure that may quickly become obsolete.

Flexibility and security that scales with ambition

Startups rarely grow in a straight line. Demand can spike overnight after a funding announcement or major partnership. Business cloud storage systems are built for that unpredictability. With scalable storage plans and integrated security, Irish startups can expand capacity instantly without worrying about server upgrades or downtime. This flexibility makes it easier to experiment, pivot, and grow sustainably.

As the number of data breaches continues to rise across Ireland, maintaining data integrity has become a strategic necessity for all companies. Reputable business cloud storage platforms use end-to-end encryption, access controls and regular backups to protect sensitive files from loss or unauthorised access. This level of security not only safeguards company assets but also reinforces trust with clients, partners and investors.

Collaboration without borders

Many Irish startups operate remotely or across hybrid teams. Cloud-based file sharing ensures that everyone—from founders to freelancers—can access up-to-date project files anywhere, anytime. It eliminates version control issues and supports real-time collaboration, even across time zones. 

For small teams trying to move fast, that can be the difference between closing a deal and missing a window of opportunity. Beyond day-to-day communication, it also streamlines client management, onboarding and project delivery and allows teams to share proposals, feedback and updates securely in one place. This seamless connectivity helps startups maintain momentum and consistency as they grow.

Business cloud storage: The bottom line

Business cloud storage is a cost-saving tool and an operational growth enabler. It gives startups the infrastructure of an enterprise at a fraction of the price, letting them focus on what matters most — innovation, execution and scaling.

JOURNEY launches ALTI Lift: A Fast-Charging, Dual-Sided Mat

The latest in tech and lifestyle company JOURNEY’s growing range of ALTI desk mats is set for debut.

ALTI LIFT, the fifth mat in the ALTI range, is JOURNEY’s first to include a phone stand feature.

The lift-up phone stand, which nests in the wireless charging panel’s recessing when inactive, delivers fast wireless charging while magnetically standing a phone in landscape or portrait mode.

JOURNEY said phone users can adjust the stand to optimise how they perform different work activities.

They can swivel the bi-directional base 360 degrees (180 degrees each way), and tilt the phone upwards or downwards for the most ergonomic-friendly view.

“There’s extra screen space for the work activities people perform on their phones,” said a JOURNEY spokesperson.

“Phone users can customise their phone display for video calls, streaming, and notification checks.

“It adds a new dimension of desk-based productivity.”

ALTI LIFT features a double-sided surface (felt and vegan performance leather), an interior hideaway pocket for loose documents, and black and beige colour varieties.

Its Qi2-certified wireless charging panel, which attaches to either side of the mat, simultaneously delivers up to 15W to Qi2-certified iPhones (including iPhone 12 onwards) and 5W for AirPods.

JOURNEY said ALTI LIFT marks a new stage in the wider ALTI series’ activation of desk-based productivity.

“We’re continuing to reimagine the traditional desk mat,” said JOURNEY’s spokesperson. “ALTI LIFT’s utility signifies there’s potential to make desk mats useful beyond the functions a traditional desk mat offers.”

ALTI LIFT is now available.

Ulike Air 2 IPL Hair Removal Device

The Ulike Air 2 IPL Hair Removal Device stands out in the at-home beauty market, primarily known for its patented Sapphire Ice-Cooling Technology. This device is a mid-range offering in Ulike’s lineup, designed to provide a near-painless, convenient, and effective way to achieve long-term hair reduction.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the device, its performance, and who it is best suited for.

The Air 2 utilizes Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, which works by emitting broad-spectrum light that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle. This light energy converts to heat, weakening the follicle and slowing down regrowth.

  • Sapphire Ice-Cooling Technology: This is the flagship feature. The device maintains a cool contact surface which counteracts the heat generated by the IPL flash. This feature is the main reason why users report the treatment as virtually painless, eliminating the stinging or burning sensation common with older IPL models.
  • Wired Device: The Air 2 is a corded device. While this means it must be plugged in during use, it ensures consistent, high-powered flashes and eliminates the worry of battery life dropping mid-session.
  • 5 Intensity Levels: It offers five adjustable energy levels, allowing users to customize the treatment based on their skin sensitivity and the area being treated (e.g., lower levels for the face/bikini line, higher levels for legs/arms).
  • Visible Results in 4 Weeks: Ulike, backed by third-party testing, claims users can see a significant hair reduction in as little as four weeks of consistent use and same can be said from testing here at home with partner
  • Full-Body Use: The device is FDA-cleared for safe use on the legs, body, face, and bikini line.

The Ulike Air 2 is designed with a sleek, lightweight, and ergonomic wand-like shape, making it easy to grip and maneuver across large and curved body areas and is simple to use set up and get going as this takes time to use and it does not offer overnight results as some might come to expect.

  • Setup: The device is very straightforward. After plugging it in, users simply put on the protective sunglasses (included), shave the target area, select the appropriate intensity level, and begin treatment.
  • Painless Operation: The cooling feature is highly praised. Users consistently report that the cooling surface is activated immediately and keeps the skin comfortable, even at higher intensity settings.
  • Treatment Time: While not as fast as newer models like the Air 10, the Air 2 still offers relatively quick sessions. Full-body treatments typically take around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the speed and technique (using the ‘glide’ method or the ‘stamp’ method).

  • The IPL Caveat (Skin Tone & Hair Color): Like all IPL devices, the Air 2 relies on the contrast between dark hair and light skin. It is most effective on lighter skin tones (Fair to Light Brown) with darker hair colors (Brown to Black). It is not recommended for very dark skin tones or for light hair (blonde, gray, red) as it may not be effective or could potentially cause skin irritation.

Consistent use is key to achieving optimal results with the Ulike Air 2 and again a reminder it takes time to see the effects.

The recommended schedule typically involves 3 treatments per week for the first 4 weeks, followed by a transition to maintenance sessions (1 to 3 times per month) once hair growth slows significantly.

Slower Regrowth: Hair growth slows down noticeably within the first month.

Thinner and Lighter Hair: Regrowing hairs become softer, finer, and less dense.

Long-Term Reduction: After the initial phase, many users find they only need occasional touch-ups every few weeks to maintain smooth skin, saving substantial time and money compared to waxing or in-office laser treatments.

The Ulike Air 2 is an excellent choice for first-time IPL users and anyone prioritizing comfort and convenience and also cutting down on costs and you can use at home of if you are travelling and no need to waste time finidng appointments in clinics and so on men and women can use it and done so discreetly.

BUY

Other health tech reviews 

Unboxing

Twelve South launches Curve Mini

Twelve South, a leading designer of stylish and innovative tech accessories, launched the Curve Mini, a sleek, portable stand that elevates tablets and e-readers to the perfect angle at home, work or on-the-go.

Universally compatible with iPad, tablets and e-readers, the Twelve South Curve Mini raises devices up to 6 inches for optimal viewing comfort and usability, whether streaming a show at home, working in a cafe, conference calling or sketching, the precision hinges ensure a smooth transition to any desired angle.

Easily adjustable in both portrait and landscape modes, the stable slip-resistant base and silicone padding ensure sturdiness and prevent scratches.

Curve Mini is made of strong stuff – anodised aluminium – weighs just 0.24kg and folds completely flat so it can slip into the included travel sleeve for easy portability. It’s the perfect travel companion for creatives, remote workers or those who use their tablet for gaming and entertainment.

In addition to its functionality, it also makes a stylish accessory. Available in three different matte colours: dune, slate and coastal blue to complement Twelve South’s Curve Nano Qi2-compatible smartphone stand.

Available now for £49.99 from Twelve South UK.

See our Twelve South Reviews

Google Introduces Gemini 3

Since the Gemini era began, Google has been pushing the frontier to build more general and helpful AI for everyone. With Gemini 1, they introduced multimodality and long context to help AI understand our world.

Gemini 2 added thinking, reasoning and native tool use to create a foundation for AI agents. And now Google is introducing Gemini 3, their most intelligent model, that combines all of Gemini’s capabilities together so you can bring any idea to life.

As a user of Gemini on a daily basis I have been following this very closely as to what Gemini brings to the table and with AI now part of daily lives changing almost daily it is interesting to see how this has progressed and what the future now holds with Gemini and AI

Since the Gemini era began, we’ve been pushing the frontier to build more general and helpful AI for everyone. With Gemini 1, we introduced multimodality and long context to help AI understand our world. Gemini 2 added thinking, reasoning and native tool use to create a foundation for AI agents. And now we’re introducing Gemini 3, our most intelligent model, that combines all of Gemini’s capabilities together so you can bring any idea to life.

See the full release

Where to Buy Limited-Edition Pokémon NFT Packs (Before They Sell Out)

Pokémon NFT packs have become sought-after due to the rare cards they can contain, combined with the thrill of opening a pack without knowing what’s inside.

Read on to discover a list of the leading online marketplaces selling tokenized Pokémon card mystery packs, so you can get in on the virtual pack-ripping fun. 

Key Takeaways

  • Pokémon NFT packs have become highly sought-after for their fun pack-opening experience, chance at rare cards, and instant buyback options.
  • Most marketplaces offer similar features, but they differ in terms of size and available liquidity. 
  • Magic Eden’s Pokémon NFT marketplace has emerged as the best choice due to its large user base, fun gamified pack-opening experience, and deep liquidity.

What Is a Pokémon NFT Pack?

A Pokémon NFT pack is a digital mystery pack containing a rare or exclusive Pokémon card NFT that represents the real physical card stored in a secure vault. 

 

Pokémon NFT packs are in great demand as opening them is a lot of fun, and almost every pack gives collectors a chance to pull a valuable chase card. 

 

What’s more, they’re considered a low-risk purchase, thanks to the buyback options available on all the platforms featured in this guide.

Top Marketplaces to Buy Pokémon NFT Packs

Now, let’s take a look at the marketplaces that allow you to buy and virtual rip Pokémon NFT packs. 

Magic Eden

Magic Eden is one of the leading NFT marketplaces by trading volume and market share. It features Pokémon NFT packs with access to an active secondary market with deep liquidity. 

Platform Overview

Magic Eden’s Pokémon NFT Packs marketplace was created in partnership with Collector Crypt, another platform featured in this guide. It’s a perfect match for collectors who want to trade more actively, with the option to redeem the physical card if they want to.

You can expect a fun and thrilling pack-ripping experience here, with animated visual reveals, rarity-tier highlights, and shareable moments. But Magic Eden’s biggest advantage lies in the size of its user base.

There is a huge community of NFT traders creating demand for unique Pokémon NFTs and providing deep liquidity. This creates more opportunities to sell the rarer pulls more quickly and at a favorable price. 

Pokémon NFT Pack Offerings

After ripping a limited pack, ME lets users list the pulled NFT on the secondary market in seconds, taking advantage of the marketplace’s strong liquidity during drop hype windows.

Unique Pack Features

Magic Eden offers a gamified pack-ripping experience where cards reveal instantly, display rarity highlights, and become tradable on the secondary market immediately, giving collectors a fast path from rip to resale.

Collector Crypt

Collector Crypt is a specialized platform that mints and sells limited-edition NFT packs. It focuses on authentication, secure vaulting, and easy redemption of Pokémon (and other) trading cards.

Platform Overview

If you want to get the latest limited-edition Pokémon packs first, sometimes you have to go directly to the source, which often turns out to be Collector Crypt. It handles everything, from securing the real-life cards, grading and storing them in vaults, to issuing blockchain-verified NFTs that are bundled into packs. 

This platform is almost entirely Pokémon-focused, with some additions of sports and other card game-based collections. Collector Crypt users often get exclusive drops before they reach secondary marketplaces, but trading activity here is lower, so listings don’t move as fast as on bigger platforms. 

Pokémon NFT Pack Offerings

The pack offerings are based on the Gacha machine system that distributes limited-edition Legendary packs along with the cheaper Elite ones. Cards for Legendary packs usually come from the pool that consists of top-graded ones, usually PSA 9 or PSA 10. 

Unique Pack Features

Additionally, Legendary packs may contain very expensive “chase cards,” such as 1st Edition Charizard or rare Trophy cards. They will sell like hot cakes on any secondary market.

Courtyard 

Courtyard is an online collectible card trading platform that highlights authenticity and high-quality storage solutions, working with institutional-grade vaults to secure its collectibles.

Platform Overview

Courtyard is a tokenized collectible cards NFT platform that offers a smaller selection of sports cards, comics, and other graded collectibles as well. The platform features frequent drops, high-quality grading, and secure redemption options. 

It’s great for collectors who value authenticity and proper storage. The project works with Brink’s and other institutional-grade vaults used for high-value real-world collectibles. 

Pokémon NFT Pack Offerings

Courtyard offers a broad range of Pokémon NFT packs, from affordable Starter Packs to premium Legend Packs with the best odds of pulling superior Pokémon cards. They are distributed using the “vending machine” system that replicates the real-life experience. 

Unique Pack Features

Courtyard’s packs often include curated card lineups rather than fully randomized bulk. Many drops focus on specific eras, themes, or chase cards.

RIP.FUN

RIP.FUN is a newer platform built specifically around the experience of digitally ripping Pokémon NFT packs. It’s still in beta. 

Platform Overview

RIP.FUN is a niche NFT platform focused entirely on the pack‑ripping experience. Though it doesn’t match the market breadth or liquidity of larger marketplaces like Magic Eden, it appeals to collectors seeking fun.

 

Users can trade pulled NFTs or redeem them for physical cards, but the main draw is the playful, engaging pack-opening experience rather than active trading.

Pokémon NFT Pack Offerings

Currently, RIP.FUN offers fewer than a dozen Pokémon NFT packs, with only one exclusive drop, the Team Rocket Returns pack. In spite of the limited selection, the platform is expected to expand its offerings as the project grows. 

Unique Pack Features

After opening a pack, collectors can unlock additional limited-edition packs for completing certain Pokémon sets. Additionally, the platform lets users earn XP points, which can be used for extra perks and bonuses.

Phygitals

Though Phygitals primarily focuses on sports collectibles, Pokémon fans can occasionally find interesting NFT packs and limited-edition drops on the platform.

Platform Overview

Phygitals works like other niche NFT marketplaces that tokenize and store physical cards, giving collectors the option to redeem or trade them. One unique feature is user revenue share: if you digitize and sell a Pokémon or other collectible card, you continue earning 1% of its future sales.

Pokémon NFT Pack Offerings

Phygitals distributes its Pokémon NFT packs using a Claw Machine system. The platform offers a wide variety of packs, ranging from common starter sets to expensive Mythic packs, which contain the rarest cards.

Unique Pack Features

Phygitals’ Mythic, Legendary, and Epic packs contain the most valuable chase cards. Users can rank their collections based on the rarity of their pulls as well, competing with other collectors on the platform.

What’s the Best Place to Get Your Hands on Pokémon NFT Packs?

For collectors looking to buy Pokémon NFT packs, Magic Eden would be the top choice for a few compelling reasons. It combines the thrill of opening a new pack and a massive secondary market with deep liquidity and the assurance that each card is authentic and redeemable, thanks to partnerships with trusted niche platforms. This makes it ideal for both trading and collecting rare, limited-edition Pokémon packs.