I Tried Rips, the Card-Pack App Where Users Spend Thousands Chasing Pricey Pokémon
The 'Rips' app has gained popularity by allowing users to pay for digital card packs, with the chance to win physical Pokémon or sports trading cards. Critics and users note the app's mechanics resemble gambling, as users spend significant money chasing rare items with the option to sell them back instantly.
Why it matters
The rise of such apps highlights the intersection of digital gaming, gambling, and the volatile collectibles market, raising concerns about consumer protection.
These digital card packs, primed for fast ripping and even faster rewards, are rising in popularity. People have downloaded the Rips app over 6 million times since its launch in October 2025, with half of those downloads happening in the past two months, according to data from Apptopia. You pay money to rip digital packs and win physical cards, but you also have the instant option to sell them back.
The article provides a balanced look at the app's mechanics while acknowledging the addictive nature of the platform.
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