A lot is currently going on in the Pokémon world as the franchise celebrated its 25th-anniversary last year.
A slew of new products were launched in conjunction with Pokémon’s 25th-anniversary set, “Celebrations,” much to the excitement of Pokemon’s millions of fans.
And they have every reason to be: the set contained 25 new cards, such as the coveted Gold Shiny Mew. However, inside the main Celebrations set, there is also the Celebrations “Classic Collection,” which contains reprinted cards from various previous sets, dating all the way to the first released Base Set!
This clangor is sure to attract some new collectors and this article is a guide to the various Pokémon release formats. It covers all you need to know to start your Pokémon collecting journey.
Search for the latest Pokemon cards on eBay
A brief history of Pokémon
The Pokémon franchise kicked off in Japan in the late 20th century with Game Freak, a magazine founded by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori. Tajiri wrote and Sugimori illustrated the story. In 1996 the first games in the series, Red and Green, were launched in Japan for the Game Boy.
Since then, the brand has expanded its footprint in film and television while also launching new mainline and spin-off games on the Nintendo platform regularly. Pokémon Red and Green were so popular that they spawned many recent limited editions.
One would be Pokémon Blue, which was only obtainable in Japan as a mail-order title. Do you remember mail-order catalogs? Yes, those were still around at the time, and CoroCoro Comics, a magazine, played a significant role in the history of Pokémon.
The magazine has complete knowledge about recent Pokémon in the latest games, which were to be released this winter.
Guide to the different release formats
The variety of formats keeps the gameplay interesting, clean, and enjoyable! They also provide players with options for discovering how they love playing the TCG.
Pokémon Booster pack/box
Booster packs are the most common way to obtain Pokémon cards. Each Pokémon booster pack contains six standard cards, three uncommon cards, and one rare card in random order. Among the ten cards in each booster pack, there is a parallel foil card and the possibility of a premium foil card.
When you buy a booster box (36 booster packs), you’ll receive 36 rare cards, 108 uncommon cards, and 216 standard cards.
When you open packs from the same box, you’re more likely to get a diverse range of cards. Another compelling reason to buy packs in a booster box is to save money. A booster pack’s MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) is $4.
Retail Price is between $3 and $5 per Pack and $120 to $300 per box, depending on the release.Each booster pack contains six standard cards, three uncommon cards, and one rare card in random order.A chance to receive a parallel foil card and the possibility of a premium foil card.
Find the latest prices of Pokemon Booster packs on eBay
Pokémon Elite Trainer Box
Pokemon Elite Trainer Boxes are an incredible deal for both new and experienced players. They are a collectible series with new cards, collectible dice, and gorgeously depicted sleeves.
If you’re new to the scene, the markers and dice included in the pack are outstanding. They consist of prevalent and uncommon VMAX Pokemon cards.
Elite Trainer Boxes are available in various sets, including Sun; Moon, Sword; Shield, and Generations.
The retail price is between $30 to $70.A player’s guideEight packs of Pokémon Elite boosters45 Pokémon Trading Card Game energy cardsOne coin-flip die collectibleA Pokémon Online Trading game codeTwo acrylic markers as well as a GX markerSix dice for damage and counter-attack65 credit card sleevesThe box itself functions as a limited edition collection box with dividers.
Find Pokemon Elite Trainer boxes on eBay
Pokémon Build And Battle Box
Pokémon TCG Build & Battle Boxes are an excellent way to engage in instant battles. Each box contains a randomized set of preset cards made to improve the experience of playing the game.
Retails for around $20.Four booster packs and a 23-card pack to help you build your decks.Contains one of four different foil promo cards.121 Pokémon Trading Card Game Energy cards6 Damage-response diceOne coin-flip die.Two condition markers made of acrylic.A collector’s box to keep everything together.
Each one contains four booster packs and a 23-card Evolution pack with an exclusive foil card. The card selection provides a solid foundation for creating new decks.
Check ebay for prices on Pokemon Build and Battle Boxes
Pokémon Theme Decks
A Pokémon Theme Deck is a preset playing deck of Pokémon Trading Card Game cards designed with mainstream card sets. We especially recommend purchasing these decks if you want to try the Pokémon TCG quickly and easily.
Retails at about $20Prebuilt deck of 60 cardsOne code is required to obtain a copy of the deck on Pokémon TCGO.One cardboard deck box containing some damaged countersA single coin
These decks are prebuilt decks of 60 cards based on a central theme. These can include a variety of cards and card types.
Find a Pokemon Theme Deck on eBay
Ultra-Premium Collections
As the name implies, this is a premium format and anyone looking to grab a box requires big pockets and lots of luck. As soon as the Celebrations Ultra-Premium Collection was announced as part of the Celebrations lineup, it was evident that this would be the year’s crown jewel in Pokémon.
The excitement level skyrocketed when we saw the metal Pikachu and Charizard cards for the first time. The Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Ultra-Premium Collection includes:
Retails for between $90 to $1201 Poké Ball in a special gold color.A lovely enamel pin featuring Charizard and Pikachu.1 Pokémon coin made of metal17 4-card booster packs for Pokémon TCG: Celebrations. Eight more Pokémon Trading Card Game booster packsA player’s guide to game play based on the story of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.Three storage bins to keep everything in one placeA card with a code for the online Pokémon Trading Card Game
The Ultra-Premium Collection is a genuine one-of-a-kind product.
Check out prices of Pokemon Ultra Premium Collections on eBay
First Partner Pack
The first partner packs come with the following:
Three large-sized cards and two Pokémon TCG booster packs.The large-sized cards feature Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble.Each booster pack in the Sword & Shield Series and Sun & Moon Series contains ten cards and one elemental Energy. Each XY Series booster pack includes ten cards. Booster packs differ depending on the product.Retails for $10
Generally speaking, the First Partner Packs are a good investment. These are reliable products, so this is a must-have if you’re a deluxe card collector.
Find Pokermon Partner Packs on eBay
Pokémon Tins
Pokémon Tins Tare is one of the numerous products available for the Pokemon card game. They’re also an excellent medium to ensure your cards are secured, particularly if you plan on bringing them to your next contest. Pokémon Tins typically contain;
Four booster packs for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (from various expansions)One promotional cardA code that grants you the same promotional card in the Pokémon Online game.Furthermore, the stylish tin box houses everything. They’re also pretty tough, excellent for packing and look amazing on a rack.
So is the Pokémon Tins worth buying? This is entirely dependent on your priorities. The promo card is the essential aspect of the Pokémon Tin. If you don’t like a particular promo card, it is likely not worth buying the Tin that contains it.
However, if you like the promo card then Pokémon Tins are good enough investments. Additionally, you could pull a Secret Rare card in one of your four booster boxes, making it an even more excellent investment.
Here is our list of the top 5 Pokémon Tins you could grab today;
V Powers: Pikachu VPikachu & Zekrom TinCharizard GX TinMewtwo & Mew TinTapu Bulu GX Tin
Find listings for Pokemon Tins on eBay
Pokémon Balls
A Poké Ball (also spelled Pokéball) is a round device utilized to capture and encapsulate Pokémon in the Pokémon series. The Poké Ball is also a signifier for the series.
The Poké Ball comes in various sizes and shapes, such as the Great Ball and Ultra Ball. The term applies to either the general ball style or the entire team. Below we’re going to discuss a few types of Pokémon Balls:
Great Ball: It is marginally superior to the standard Poké Ball.The Ultra Ball: It is twofold as effective as a standard Poké Ball.Master Ball: A very unique Poké Ball that never struggles to capture a Pokémon.The Safari Ball: Players can only utilize it in the Safari Zone, where regular wild Pokémon battles are not permitted, making catching more difficult.Level ball: A category of Ball whose capture success improves with the distinction in tier among the trainer’s Pokémon and the wild Pokémon.Lure Ball: A ball that best performs with Pokémon discovered while fishing.Moon Ball: If the Pokémon tried to be caught can evolve using a Moon Stone, the prospects of this Ball grows.Friendship Ball: It has the same possibility of catching a regular Poké Ball, but the Pokémon becomes more cordial to the trainer once captured.The Love Ball: This ball is more effective if the trainer’s Pokémon and the wild Pokémon are of opposite sexes.Large Ball: A ball whose capture rate intensifies in proportion to the mass of the aimed Pokémon.Rapid Ball: A Poké Ball that performs better with Pokémon who like running away from trainers. Also linked to Raikou, Entei, and Suicune.Sports Ball: A ball that Players can only use to catch Pokémon in a Bug-Catching Match.Premier Ball: They function similarly to standard Poké Balls but have an entirely white aesthetic and are offered as a gift when ten or more Poké Balls are purchased in one go.Repeat Ball: A ball that operates best if the player has the Pokémon in their PokéDex.Timer Ball: A ball that functions best the longer it has been since contact with a wild Pokémon.Nest Ball: A type of Ball that improves as the level of the aimed Pokémon decreases.Net Ball: A Poké Ball regarded to be more effective against Bug and Water kinds of Pokémon.Dive Ball: A category of Ball that works best with underwater Pokémon.Luxury Ball: A Poké Ball that renders the Pokémon you’ve captured friendlier.Heal Ball: A standard Poké Ball that revives a Pokémon as soon as it is captured.Quick Ball: A type of Poké Ball that performs best in battle the earlier it is used.Dusk Ball: A ball that performs best in dim lighting or in the dark.Cherish Ball: A type of Ball that is unreachable to everyone and has unidentified roots. Since Generation IV, event Pokémon have been distributed in Cherish Balls.Park Ball: A category of Poké Ball that Players only employ during the Bug Catching match in Johto. They are also utilized in Sinnoh’s Pal Park.Dream Ball: A form of Poké Ball that Players can only acquire during a Dream World contact with a Pokémon.Beast Ball: A category of Poké Ball that is more effective when attempting to capture Ultra Beasts. They are, nevertheless, terrible at catching standard Pokémon.
Where is the best place to buy Pokémon releases?
Many collectors still favor buying cards in person from their local game store for various reasons. This includes the ability to navigate and see the products in the flesh, allowing you to weigh all of your choices. Buying Pokémon cards in person will depend on your location and the availability of these cards.
Walmart and other retailers are other alternatives, so your best bet is to contact your local store and inquire about their policies. Other major retailers, such as Meijer, HEB, Costco, GameStop, and Sam’s Club, are also options if they are accessible locally for you.
Other good retailers include eBay and Amazon and other extensive online shopping websites. However, the collections aren’t always that excellent nor are the prices “fair”. We suggest either the retailers listed above or Amazon and other highly specialized online stores.
Value over time for Pokémon Wax
Pokémon card collecting has received much interest, as demonstrated by the over 34 billion cards in circulation today. Rapper Logic caused a stir on October 13, 2020, when he invested $220,574 for a Pokémon card.
The 2020 card boom also impacted the Pokémon community and even Pokémon creators admitted to feeling surprised when supply skyrocketed in mid-2020.
We shall review the last 3 Pokémon Major releases and how they’ve performed.
Pokémon Sword and Shield ReleaseAmount
Elite Trainer Box$65.00
Build and Battle Box$20.00
Booster pack$4.50
Theme Deck$22.00
Ultra-premium$257
First PartnerNot available
Tin BallsNot available
Booster Box$200.00
Pokémon Sun and Moon ReleaseAmount
Elite Trainer Boxes$50
Build and Battle Box$65
Booster Pack$5.00
Theme Decks$23.00
Ultra-premiumNot available
First PartnerNot available
Tin BallsNot available
Booster Box$158
While the prices of booster packs are pretty consistent, other formats have steadily increased in value over time. It’s possible to buy a $4 Booster Pack and pull a $1,800 Charizard GX SV 49. However, for assured ROI, dolling out the money for premium releases such as the Ultra-Premium is the way to go.
Final thoughts on Pokémon card collectibles
The Pokémon card collectible scene can be a little complicated for the uninitiated. However, it is a truly fun franchise that contains a variety of cards. The various releases (expansions) are not only extensive; they also include some big names that are sure to have collectors thrilled.
From an investment point of view, not every card is valuable. However, you’ll never go wrong when you collect chase and hit cards — it’s the easiest way at a chance for a positive ROI.
