Pokémon TCG Products Through the Years: Booster Packs, Booster Boxes, ETBs and Everything In Between

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has evolved from a niche interest into a global phenomenon, captivating enthusiasts, collectors, and players for over two decades. From its humble beginnings in the late 1990s to its current status as a multi-billion-dollar industry, the history of the Pokémon TCG reflects the broader evolution of trading card games and collectibles as a whole.

The Origins and Early Years

The Pokémon TCG was first introduced in Japan in October 1996 by Media Factory. It quickly followed in the United States in 1999, distributed by Wizards of the Coast. The game’s initial success was fuelled by the simultaneous popularity of the Pokémon video games and animated series, leading to an explosive demand for the cards. The first English set, known as Base Set, included iconic cards like Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur, which remain highly sought after to this day.

Booster Packs and Booster Boxes

Booster packs have been the cornerstone of Pokémon TCG since its inception. These small packs typically contain ten random cards, including a rare card, and offer players and collectors the thrill of discovering new additions to their collections. Each set of booster packs is associated with a specific expansion, adding new Pokémon, moves, mechanics and strategies to the game.

For example, Pokémon abilities were first introduced in the Black and White era, replacing the previous Pokémon Powers mechanic (a major difference here being that Powers were disabled when the Pokémon was inflicted with a status condition). Tag Teams were first introduced in 2018, bringing two Pokémon together onto one card for extra power. Illustration rares and special illustration rares were introduced in the modern Scarlet & Violet era, bringing us a plethora of amazing alternative card artworks to collect enjoy.

Over the years, the artwork, packaging, and themes of booster packs have evolved, reflecting the changing dynamics of the Pokémon universe.

Booster boxes contain 36 booster packs and are typically purchased by serious collectors. While booster packs offer a small sampling, booster boxes provide a more comprehensive chance to collect rare and powerful cards from a particular set. The price of booster boxes has increased significantly over time. In the early 2000s, a booster box might cost around $80 to $100, but today, boxes from modern sets typically range from $120 to $150, with some older, out-of-print boxes fetching thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars due to their rarity. This appreciation makes booster boxes a favourite for Pokémon investors.

Elite Trainer Boxes: A New Era

In 2013, the Pokémon Company introduced a new type of product known as the Elite Trainer Box (ETB). Unlike booster packs or booster boxes, which focus primarily on card acquisition, ETBs offer a more rounded experience for players.

Each box typically includes eight to ten booster packs, card sleeves, dice, condition markers, a player's guide, and a storage box, all themed around a specific expansion or set. ETBs are particularly popular among both collectors and competitive players, as they provide not only the thrill of opening packs but also essential accessories for playing the game.

The price of ETBs has also seen a steady increase. Initially priced at around $35 to $40, modern ETBs now often retail for $50 or more, with special editions commanding even higher prices. For example, the Shining Fates ETB, released in 2021, became highly sought after, often selling for double or triple its retail price due to the popularity of the set and the scarcity of supply.

In addition to ETBs, a whole range on ancillary sealed products are now also available to collectors. Tins typically contain between two and five packs as well as a featured promo card, going for around $25-$35. Collection boxes offer slightly more packs, typically between 5 and 10, and sometimes comprised of a variety of different sets. Premium collection boxes are hugely popular. These high-end boxes typically cost upwards of $150 and contain around 15 packs as well as an assortment of additional products like metal promo cards and exclusive playmats. Collectors today are spoiled for choice and the Pokemon Company continues to release sets in new sealed forms.

The Rising Popularity and Market Trends

The Pokémon TCG's popularity has ebbed and flowed over the years but has seen a significant resurgence in recent times, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With people seeking hobbies and nostalgia during lockdowns, demand for Pokémon cards skyrocketed. This surge was amplified by influencers and content creators showcasing rare card openings online, driving up both interest and prices. Sealed products, in particular, became highly coveted, with some individuals and investment groups buying up large quantities, leading to shortages and price spikes.

Today, the Pokémon TCG market is more vibrant than ever. New sets continue to be released regularly, with each offering a mix of nostalgia, innovation, and excitement. Sealed products like booster packs, booster boxes, and ETBs remain central to the hobby, serving as both entry points for new players and prized possessions for seasoned collectors. The history of the Pokémon TCG is a testament to the enduring appeal of Pokémon and the unending thrill of the chase for that elusive, rare card.