Hey there, crypto enthusiasts! If you’ve been scrolling through X lately, you might have stumbled upon a hot take from MR SHIFT (@KevinWSHPod) that’s got everyone talking. Posted on August 11, 2025, at 05:19 UTC, the tweet claims the real winning move in this crypto cycle wasn’t snagging Solana at $15 or Hype at $3—it was buying blue-chip Ethereum-based NFTs during the brutal 2022-24 NFT bear market. Let’s dive into this bold statement, break it down, and see if it holds water.
Why Ethereum NFTs in a Bear Market?
For those new to the game, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are unique digital assets on the blockchain, often tied to art, collectibles, or virtual goods. The 2022-24 period was a rough patch for NFTs—prices crashed, trading volumes on platforms like OpenSea and Magic Eden plummeted, and many projects faded into obscurity. Yet, MR SHIFT argues that this downturn was the perfect time to scoop up high-quality Ethereum NFTs, especially the “blue-chip” ones—think top-tier collections like CryptoPunks or Bored Ape Yacht Club.
The logic? When markets tank, undervalued gems get overlooked. Buying during a bear market means you’re grabbing assets at a discount, setting yourself up for big gains when the market rebounds. It’s like buying your favorite stocks during a dip—patience can pay off handsomely.
The Counterarguments: Not Everyone Could Jump In
The thread sparked some lively replies. Incenzee pointed out a practical hurdle: blue-chip NFTs can be pricey, making them out of reach for folks with smaller budgets. Instead, they suggest investing in tokens, which might offer a lower entry point. It’s a fair point—while a CryptoPunk might cost tens or hundreds of thousands, tokens like Solana (which has seen a 14% price jump in the last week, according to CoinGecko) are more accessible.
Another user, jamie, added a playful jab, asking if MR SHIFT bought in themselves. It’s a reminder that not everyone who shares a hot tip is acting on it—always do your own research!
What the Data Says
Looking at the broader context, the 2022 NFT crash was brutal. A CryptoVantage article from July 2024 noted that trading volumes dropped off a cliff, with many projects disappearing. But it also highlighted a silver lining: just like the ICO boom-and-bust of 2017, the bear market weeded out weak projects, leaving stronger ones to thrive. Ethereum, launched as an ICO at $0.31, is a classic example of a survivor that rewarded early believers.
Fast forward to 2025, and the NFT market is showing signs of maturity. A HackerNoon piece from April 2024 predicts 2024 could be a turning point for wider adoption. Blue-chip NFTs, backed by solid communities and utility, seem to be weathering the storm better than speculative fads.
Is This the Trade of the Cycle?
So, was buying Ethereum NFTs in 2022-24 the smartest move? It depends. If you had the capital and the foresight to pick winners, the potential upside is huge—especially as the market heats up again. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all strategy. For smaller investors, diversifying into tokens or betting on emerging artists (as suggested in a Medium guide on blue-chip NFT investing) might be a safer bet.
What do you think? Have you scored big with NFTs or tokens during the bear market? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your story! And if you’re new to this space, check out Meme Insider for the latest on meme tokens and blockchain trends to level up your knowledge.