SHOP THE BEST POKEMON BOOSTER BOXES of ALL TIME
As the trading card industry has seen one of its greatest spikes in popularity ever, people are rushing to check old collections and see if they have any valuable cards hiding.
While many will jump right to baseball cards when they check their childhood stashes, one thing they may not know is that Pokemon cards have seen a similar jump in popularity. The Japanese trading card game is played all around the world, enjoyed by people of all ages, and many start playing while they are kids and continue into adulthood.
Pokemon fans will know that one of the best ways to upgrade your deck or find rare cards that could potentially be worth lots of money is to purchase booster packs. Luckily for collectors, there are booster boxes that include many packs bundled together for a better price. These packs are a gamble as you can never be sure as to what the contents will be.
However, because Pokemon has been around for so long, there have been many different types of booster boxes released.
Because of the different quantities as well as other characteristics of each of these boxes, some are much more sought after than others because of the better chance of finding something valuable inside of them.
While novice collectors may not know the difference between all the different boxes, veterans of the game will be constantly scouring the internet and local sales to find one that is underpriced.
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Booster packs each contain ten different cards and the distribution of the rarity of the cards in the pack is predetermined. For example, a pack with ten cards in it might come with six common cards, three uncommon cards, and one card that has been determined to be rare or better. This is better odds that one would get from buying one of the theme decks and is part of the reason that boosters are so popular.
20 Greatest Pokemon Booster Boxes of All Time
While there have been plenty of different Pokemon booster boxes released, there are some that are worth more than others for a variety of different reasons.
No matter if it’s due to low quantity, unique features, or any other of a number of characteristics that can make a box more desirable, knowing which booster box to buy is super crucial when shopping for Pokemon cards. You want to target booster boxes that are going to offer you the best chance at finding expensive cards.
With so many booster boxes released by Pokemon across the world in a variety of different languages, it’s almost impossible to do all the necessary research to find the most valuable booster boxes.
Thankfully for you, we’ve done the research to rank all the best boxes so that you know which ones to look out for to get the best return on investment. If you’re going to invest a significant amount of money into a booster box, you want to ensure that you’re getting the best possible product.
20. Sword and Shield – Chilling Reign Booster Display Box (SHOP NOW)
The Pokemon Sword and Shield – Chilling Reign Booster display box is the first one on this list and arrives at number twenty. The Pokemon that was included in this box featured “Pokemon V” which are stronger cards.
Even stronger than the “Pokemon V” are the “Pokemon VMAX” that can be found in these packs. Some of the Pokemon who received VMAX cards in this booster box are Blaziken and Celebi.
One other feature that you will notice with these cards is that some of them have a badge that describes the card as either “single strike” or “rapid strike”. This set puts these indicators on even more cards than before including Beedrill, Weavile, Passimian, and many more. Some of the art on these cards is also very impressive as Pokemon went all out with their designs. There are many cards that do not feature the traditional design format and instead have art that stretches from edge to edge.
19. Pokemon Fossil Sealed Booster Box (SHOP NOW)
The Pokemon Fossil booster box is one that fetches large prices at any auction it appears at. It comes in at 19 on our list because of how tough it is to get your hands on one of these boxes as well as because of the legendary contents of these booster boxes. This booster box is worth more sealed because of its age and the fact that the quantity of sealed boxes isn’t going up anymore. It was the third main expansion of cards in the Pokemon card game and featured many of the original Pokemon that many are familiar with.
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This set was released in a variety of different languages, though the set was named “Mystery of the Fossils” in Japan where it was released in Japanese. This was the first booster box that introduced the Galaxy Star Holofoil which gave some of the cards a special look that collectors had not seen yet.
18. Pokemon Booster Box Rebel Clash (SHOP NOW)
This is another set that is among the most impressive that Pokemon has ever released. It was the second main expansion set from the Sword and Shield series. Similar to the Chilling Reign booster box that was mentioned above at number twenty, this Rebel Clash booster box features a ton of “PokemonV” and “PokemonVMAX” which are stronger than their traditional counterparts. This is one of the more recent releases of any booster box on this list and thus the cards have a more modern feel and look to them.
This booster box also introduced new cards into the Pokemon ecosystem. These Pokemon were said to come from the Galar region and included Darumaka, Perrserker, and Sirfetch’d among others. In addition, there were many other cards that didn’t feature Pokemon such as new trainers and other accessories.
The only reason that the Rebel Clash booster box isn’t higher on this list is because of the fact that other expansions during this same era have been even better.
17. Sun and Moon Unbroken Bonds Booster Box (SHOP NOW)
This booster box was the tenth expansion during the Sun and Moon series of Pokemon and features many Pokemon from Generation VII. One interesting feature about this set is the fact that it features cards where two Pokemon have been placed together.
This is part of the “tagteam” aspect of the set where the Pokemon have teamed up. These cards are very powerful and are sought-after in the community.
Some of the more valuable cards that are a part of this booster box include the “Reshiram and Charizard GX (Secret)” and the “Blastoise GX (Secret)”. These GX cards are special in that they feature a powered-up version of the Pokemon.
Each of these GX cards has a special attack move that can only be used once per match but that is very strong. For that reason, these cards are wanted by investors and collectors of the game alike.
16. Pokemon Booster Box Darkness Ablaze (SHOP NOW)
Another set from the Pokemon Sword and Shield collection, this booster box is the third main expansion from that series. The Pokemon Darkness Ablaze booster box was released under a different name in Japan as it was called Infinity Zone for the Japanese cards.
Some of the best cards that are in the packs that are inside this booster box include a spectacular Charizard VMAX, a Mew V, and a Slowbro V. That Charizard card is especially sought after because of its iconic status as well as the stunning card art.
For those that are just looking at these booster boxes in terms of investments, this set might not be the most desirable. That’s because there aren’t any cards that have extremely high values, though there are plenty of interesting ones that have middling values. This set is more special for collectors who want significant cards or those that are looking to add to their decks in terms of battling power. Overall, the Darkness Ablaze booster box is one that resonates strongly with collectors
15. Pokemon Gym Heroes 1st Edition Booster Box (SHOP NOW)
This booster box was released in 2000 and has been a favorite among collectors ever since that day. This was one of the first booster boxes that really took off and has a lot of sentimental value with people because of that. The cards in this set are some of the most recognizable ever produced and thus collectors of all levels love adding them to their collection. This means that certain cards from this booster box can reach extremely high prices, making it one of the better boxes to open in terms of a return on investment outlook.
There are four different levels of rarity that the cards in this booster box can be found in. The hardest to find is called “holographic”, followed by “rare”, followed by “uncommon”, and then lastly there are the “common” cards. The cards from the English version of this set include a headshot of each Pokemon’s trainer in the bottom right corner. This is a defining feature that is synonymous with this iconic set.
14. Wizards of the Coast Pokemon Card Game Jungle 1st Edition Booster Box (SHOP NOW)
Another booster box that was released in 1999, this Jungle booster box is one of the most sought-after collections. Packs are weighed before they are sold as heavier packs are likely to have a rarer card. Thus, if you’re buying this booster box on the secondary market then it can be a good idea to get it weighed before you complete the transaction, though this could also result in a price increase if the seller has second thoughts now that they have a better idea as to what the contents might be.
Some of the most valuable cards that can be found inside this booster box include the Holographic Snorlax, the Holographic Clefable, and the Hologram Scyther. These first edition cards are super expensive and thus buying a box like this requires a heavy upfront investment. However, a big pull inside one of these packs can make that upfront investment very worth it if you find one of the cards listed above which all sell for humongous amounts on the resell market.
13. 2019 Sun and Moon Hidden Fates Elite Trainer Box (SHOP NOW)
Ever since it was first released in 2019, the Hidden Fates elite trainer box has been super popular among collectors. There are a few reasons that this booster box is always so sought-after and one of the biggest is the inclusion of shiny cards inside this set. The shiny cards are special editions that include normal Pokemon who get rare cards with a unique visual look. These cards are beloved by collectors everywhere.
Other reasons as to why this booster box is so popular include the rare Pokemon that are available as well as the presence of limited GX cards in every box. The values of these cards have continued to increase over time, making this one of the best investment options on this list.
12. Pokemon Celebrations 25th Anniversary Box (SHOP NOW)
The Pokemon Celebrations 25th Anniversary Box is an homage to the journey that the card game has taken over its lifetime. The set only contains fifty cards that are further broken into two different subsets, the Celebrations Collection and the Classic Collection. These are reprints of some of the most famous cards ever made for the game and many are fan favorites that collectors would die for.
These packs only contain four cards but each card is valuable in itself and worth something. You are very likely to pull a holographic card if you can get your hands on one of these booster boxes. This celebration of twenty-five years was received well by collectors and was very well done by the Pokemon team.
11. Japanese Eevee Heroes VMAX Box (SHOP NOW)
One of the only booster boxes on this list that doesn’t correspond to an English edition, this Japanese set has become popular due to the Pokemon present in the set and some of the special cards. Eevee is one of the most iconic Pokemon ever as they were able to evolve into a multitude of different very powerful Pokemon. This box was only sold in very limited quantities and you needed to win a raffle to earn the right to buy it from the store.
This super limited number of boxes results in much more supply than demand on the secondary market, driving prices upwards. The set contains eight booster packs plus one special pack that only contains four cards.
Out of those four cards, one is one of the Pokemon that Eevee evolves in a VMAX version alongside three holographic energy cards that correlate to their type.
10. 2021 Shining Fates Elite Trainer Box (SHOP NOW)
One of the more recent releases of all the boxes that are on this list, the Shining Fates Elite Trainer booster box has already established itself enough to arrive in tenth place. This booster box is a sequel to the Hidden Fates collection that was mentioned above.
The promo card for this collection is an Eevee VMax that has a really well-done design. In addition, this booster box features cards that are deemed “Amazing Rare” which have special designs and are tough to find. The presence of these gems inside the booster box gets collectors and investors excited.
9. 2020 Sword and Shield Vivid Voltage (SHOP NOW)
This was the fourth set released for Pokemon Sword and Shield and the Vivid Voltage booster box exceeded all expectations.
There are more ultra-rare cards in this booster box than other expansions, a Pikachu card that has become recognized across the Pokemon universe, and this was the set that introduced “Amazing Rares” cards.
All these factors combine to make this booster box one of the most well-liked.
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This set also features a few other special cards that collectors pay a hefty penny for, making it one of the best chances for a strong return on investment of any booster box. One of those is an Alakazam card that features a full-card design, something that is rare and that caught the eyes of everyone the moment it was released.
8. 2017 Sun and Moon Burning Shadows Booster Boxes (SHOP NOW)
The Pokemon Sun and Moon Burning Shadows booster box arrived in 2o17 and it brought a ton of new Pokemon along with it. In total there were around 140 new cards in this booster box collection and fans could get their chance at getting their hands on them by purchasing boxes or packs. There were many Pokemon GX available in these packs that were extra strong and great for placing in your deck.
This booster box also included six full card art supporter cards. These had human characters on them and were some of the best finds in the collection alongside the 12 new Pokemon GX.
7. 2020 Sword and Shield Series Champion’s Path Elite Trainer Box (SHOP NOW)
This booster box, the Champion’s Path Elite Trainer Box, features Pokemon from the seventh generation of the universe and featured a total of eighty cards. There are eleven different Pokemon V cards in this set and three Pokemon VMAX cards. Those fourteen cards in total are some of the most sought after and can be considered the crown jewels of the set.
The elite trainer box is special in that it guarantees a full card art Charizard V alongside the ten booster packs and a variety of other goodies. That promo card (the Charizard V) is a special one and it’s nice knowing that purchasing this box means that you will receive that card.
6. 2000 Pokemon First Edition Team Rocket Booster Box
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One of the most sought-after collections across the entire Pokemon universe, this booster set was released in English in 2000 and has become immensely popular. There were four different sets that were released at a similar time in the year 2000 but it’s this one that has stood the test of time.
There are a total of 83 cards in this set with the most valuable and rare being a “Dark Raichu” that was numbered 83/82. This card was made in lesser quantities than the rest in the set and is only available in a limited number of booster packs, adding to the allure of these booster boxes.
5. 2016 XY Generations Elite Trainer Boxes
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This booster box, XY Generations, was released to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokemon. To do that, they added extra features to booster boxes that aren’t usually present including special commemorative card sleeves, a guaranteed special Shaymin-EX card, and tournament legal dice and coins.
Those extra items help the value of the booster box if you’re looking at this from a pure transactional standpoint. On the other hand, there are also some very special cards included in this set including Zapados and Articuno.
4. 2016 XY Evolutions Booster Boxes
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For people that grew up with the classic Pokemon characters and are looking for a booster box that brings them back to their roots, the 2016 release of the XY Evolutions booster box is as good a choice as any. This set takes the Pokemon and other cards from the original set and brings them back in a modern way.
This means that this set includes popular Pokemon such as Charizard and Mewtwo which both always command a good price. While this set isn’t loved by players of the game, it is loved by those who enjoy collecting the cards and thus there still is a lot of value to be found.
3. 1999 1st Edition Booster Box in German
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The first edition booster boxes are some of the most important cards across the entire industry, not just including the Pokemon universe. Considering that it was printed for consumption in different places around the world, there are many different versions, and the German edition is one of the better ones for investors to target.
Prices for these cards in good condition can reach tens of thousands of dollars, making unopened booster boxes extremely valuable. To purchase any of these cards or packs will require a large upfront investment, but it could turn out to be one of the best investments of your life if you find gold.
2. Pokemon Team Rocket Booster Box in French
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We outlined the Team Rocket booster box in English above, but this one came before and didn’t have an English edition. The cards in here have become iconic across the industry and that remains true for the French edition of the set. The “Dark Pokemon” are still present and collectors will look to grab those for their collection no matter their language.
The Dark Charizard and Dark Blastoise are some of the most valuable cards that are inside of this set. While the language of the cards will affect their status in official tournaments, it’s not as big of a concern for collectors and investors.
1. 2021 Evolving Skies Booster Box
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Coming in at number one on this list of the greatest Pokemon booster boxes of all time is the Evolving Skies booster box that was released in 2021. There are cards with border-to-border art, secret rares, and Pokemon VMAX hiding inside these booster boxes.
These were not sold at the big box stores like Walmart and Target originally, making them harder to find. This set is widely considered to be the best release of this past year and is seen as a holy grail by plenty of collectors. Some of the themes of the box are the eight evolutions of Eevee as they’re all featured as well as the many dragon-type Pokemon.
Where to Find Cheap Pokemon Boxes?
Because these boxes can potentially hold expensive cards inside of them, some of the price tags can get expensive. Because of this, collectors are always looking for ways that they can find Pokemon boxes for cheap. It’s not easy to find Pokemon boxes for low prices as there are plenty of other people that are scouring the internet as they look for good deals where they can make a profit.
Despite the high level of competition, there are a few tricks that savvy veterans of the hobby use to find Pokemon boxes for cheap. These are small tips and tricks that you can employ to get the best deal on these booster boxes. If you’re buying these cards to flip, finding cheap boxes will help increase your profit margins. If you’re looking to collect these cards, this is the most cost-efficient way to do so.
1. eBay Auctions Combined with eBay Rewards Credit Card
Anyone that’s involved with trading cards knows that eBay is the place to be to find the best deals. It’s one of the world’s largest online marketplaces and the auction system that many of the sellers use means that there can often be some steals to be had. By scouring the auctions you can look for cards that have been underpriced or some that aren’t receiving enough bids for the final price to reach the true value.
Another veteran tip is to sign up for the eBay rewards credit card. This card is a collaboration between eBay and Mastercard and can help you earn rewards. One of the best parts about this special credit card is the fact that it has no annual fees, making it a legitimate option for those that are just looking to use it for the occasional eBay purchase. You can earn points for all purchases that are made with the card and then redeem those points in the future for a variety of rewards.
The combination of the eBay auctions with their special credit card means that you can often find booster boxes that can have a positive return on your investment. This is one of the best ways to find booster boxes for a reasonable price and one that doesn’t take too much work.
2. Walmart Promotional Discount on Black Friday
Everyone across the United States will be familiar with Walmart as they have established themselves as one of the largest retailers in the world. Walmart stores can often be good places to check for Pokemon booster boxes, but if you’re looking to get the best deals possible then you should be going shopping on Black Friday. The deals that are available to collectors on this day are second to none but you will have to deal with the craze that accompanies Black Friday.
Black Friday has turned into one of the best shopping days of the year as all the big brands offer massive discounts that consumers go crazy for. Walmart is no different and they mark down the prices of most of their products a significant amount. This results in plenty of different sales that allow shoppers to buy their favorite products for cheap. Pokemon cards are no different as the booster boxes will be cheaper than usual.
By stocking up on booster boxes on Black Friday you can get your hands on these cards at a major discount. From there, you have plenty of options as you can either open the boxes and resell the contents, resell the unopened boxes, or open the boxes and keep the cards for your collection. All in all, every smart collector should be buying from Walmart on Black Friday to ensure that they get a steal of a deal.
3. Check your Local Craigslist or eBay Market Boards
While the internet has made it easier for collectors everywhere to get their hands on a variety of different boxes that they might not have been able to before, it has also led to the prices of these boxes becoming homogenized. Because there are so many people trolling the internet looking for deals, the good discounts often get swept up quickly and a base price floor is created. This means that it can be difficult to find booster boxes, especially those that are rarer and more sought after, for cheap.
One tip to find good deals is to merge the old-school local search with the technology of the internet and check local message boards. Some great places to start your search are Craiglist, eBay market boards, or even local Facebook groups. Because there is less competition in these corners of the internet you will have a better chance at finding a good deal or an undervalued box.
In addition, local boards can help you cultivate relationships with other collectors that live nearby to you. These people can sometimes help you find other local avenues to cheap boxes or act as trading partners that can help you improve your collection. By immersing yourself in your local card scene you can entrench yourself as an expert in the field and establish yourself as a figure of authority, eventually improving your chance at getting your hands on a discounted booster box.