For most of crypto’s history, the script was simple: own Bitcoin and ignore everything else. However, that mindset is now fading. Bitcoin has evolved to behave more like digital gold, while the real experimentation—and much of the upside—is shifting to newer chains and application layers.
The rise of spot Bitcoin ETFs has accelerated this shift. Many veteran holders in the US are moving their coins from self-custody into ETF wrappers to gain tax advantages and easier reporting, all without giving up long-term Bitcoin exposure. Yes, original whales definitely aren’t selling their Bitcoin; they’re simply going the ETF route.
On-chain, this change unlocks fresh capital that no longer needs to sit idle. Instead of chasing random meme coins, that capital is rotating into infrastructure and narrative-rich plays. High-throughput networks like Avalanche, DePIN platforms such as Peaq, and experimental designs like Kaspa’s blockDAG are drawing serious research attention from investors who once swore they would never touch altcoins.
In this more mature market, Bitcoin can remain the macro anchor, while the upside shifts toward top altcoins that combine clear stories with working products and lean tokenomics. Meme coins still matter, but now they need actual hooks.
### Introducing PEPENODE (EPENODE): A New Hook in Meme Coins
PEPENODE (EPENODE) attempts to be one of those hooks. It blends Pepe-style culture with a mine-to-earn model that turns virtual mining into a browser-based strategy game. With more than $2.1 million already raised at a presale price of $0.0011454 and 605% staking rewards, it offers rotated Bitcoin profits a defined, higher-risk lane.
### PEPENODE’s Mine-To-Earn Model and Presale at a Glance
Most crypto presales and staking pools are passive: you buy, you lock, you wait, and attention fades long before launch. PEPENODE’s whitepaper presents a different approach—a virtual mining simulator.
After the Token Generation Event (TGE), holders will build a server room inside a web app by purchasing Miner Nodes and upgrading Facilities using EPENODE tokens. A dashboard will track simulated hashrate, energy use, and rewards, making it feel like running a mining farm without hardware, noise, or power bills.
PEPENODE also integrates with existing meme coin liquidity rather than ignoring it. Leaderboards and bonus pools aim to reward users not only in EPENODE but also in popular meme coins such as EPE and ARTCOIN. This means one active position can offer exposure to several assets, appealing to traders who prefer to keep their holdings working instead of parked in a single token.
### Presale and Staking Details
The presale runs as a community-first public sale, with no private rounds or insider allocations. Pricing began around $0.001 and currently sits at $0.0011454. The project accepts payments via TH, NB, SDT, and card payments.
Early staking yields are running at an impressive 605% annual percentage rate (APR), live alongside the raise. These yields are designed to decrease as more tokens are locked, encouraging long-term commitment rather than quick flips.
### Price Outlook
Our EPENODE price prediction suggests a potential high near $0.0031 in 2025, with a 2026 range between roughly $0.0022 and $0.0077—provided the game launches on time and user adoption grows.
From the current presale level of about $0.0011454, that implies indicative returns of approximately 2.7x at the 2025 target and up to roughly 6.7x at the top of the 2026 range.
### Why Consider PEPENODE?
For investors who currently hold Bitcoin exposure through ETFs and want a defined risk sleeve for growth, PEPENODE offers a compelling narrative aligned with the wider rotation into utility-driven altcoins and interactive on-chain products.
If you’re shaping your next altcoin portfolio sleeve, consider PepeNode as part of your strategy.
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*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and can lead to the full loss of invested capital.*
https://www.newsbtc.com/news/bitcoin-maximalism-fading-top-altcoins-pepenode-rise/