Experts debate the relevance of NFTs and the future of this market.
In early 2026, the $NFT market capitalization fell below $1.5 billion, or to 2021 levels.
Some experts are confident that the $NFT market will not revive in its current form.
It is facing a transformation, but it is difficult to pinpoint the direction.
While the cryptocurrency market is bottoming out, the Happy Coin News editorial team decided to explore which previously active segments could gain new momentum and generate profits for investors.
In early 2026, the $NFT market capitalization fell below $1.5 billion, returning to levels last seen before the sector's rapid growth in 2021.
Changes in $NFT Capitalization and Trading Volume
This significant decline has revived debate about the long-term relevance of $NFTs, as well as whether the market is in decline or undergoing a transformation.
Art Basel Senior Advisor Eli Scheinman believes that $NFTs as a category will not return to their previous levels of activity, describing the market as having ended in its previous form. He believes the underlying technology is still being developed, particularly for the use of $NFTs as digital property and a new form of art and collectibility.
Raoul Pal believes blockchain-based art continues to retain value, citing scarcity, cultural significance, and social consensus as key factors influencing pricing and long-term demand.
Animoca Brands co-founder Yat Siu noted that $NFTs remain sought after by wealthy collectors. Speaking at a crypto conference in St. Moritz, he described the $NFT market as community-driven, with participants acquiring assets for ownership rather than resale.
He compared $NFT collecting to traditional markets such as fine art and luxury goods, where ownership often reflects the shared interests of collectors.
Siu added that his personal $NFT portfolio has shrunk by approximately 80%, but the rest is long-term investments.
It's clear that this sector of the crypto economy needs transformation. Perhaps that's why Pudgy Penguins recently introduced the Pengu Card, a Visa-enabled crypto debit card. It allows users to spend cryptocurrencies, including PENGU, USDC, and USDT, at over 150 million merchants worldwide, with automatic conversion to local currency.
Risk Warning:
The information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or financial recommendations. Cryptocurrencies and digital assets carry a high level of risk, including possible loss of capital. The editors are not responsible for decisions made based on the published materials. It is recommended to conduct your own research before making investment decisions (DYOR).
Taken from the source: https://cryptonews.net/ru/news/nft/32664383/