Updated March 29th, 2023

I was eight years old when Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures created Pokemon. Yes, Pokemon has been around for a very long time and is one of the few franchises that not only spanned several media outlets (e.g. video games, TV/film, comics, and trading cards), but also maintained a loyal base base spanning generations. “Back in my day”, Pokemon was a franchise only geeks followed; however, with a son of my own now, I have learned that Pokemon is not only still relevant, but it is COOL.

Whether you are a parent with zero idea of what Pokemon is OR if you dabbled in Pokemon in the past (when there were only 150 of them, not over 1000), it will feel daunting when your child asks for Pokemon cards. When I arrived at a local store, I was flabbergasted by the sheer number of options: booster packs, trainer kits, battle decks, and tins. I didn’t know where to start. Even the name of the booster packs wouldn’t make sense to the average person–Astral Radiance? Chilling Reign? Shining Fates? Vivid Voltage? V, Vmax, V-WHAT, NOW?

Author’s Note: I am not sponsored by any retailer. Links are examples on where to purchase, and I try to provide a variety.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

What is the latest booster series?

Crown Zenith

What is the next booster series?

Scarlet and Violet

What does this all mean, and what are the differences?

The first thing to understand is that the Pokemon Company regularly releases a new expansion set a few times a year. Each set brings a new list of cards, primarily to bolster those that create decks to battle their friends; however, they can also bring joy to those that just want to collect. So, when you hear Crown Zenith, Silver Tempest, and Lost Origin, those are names of different expansions. Generally speaking, if your child is getting started and simply wants cards, any expansion will do–you may even find older ones on sale.

What’s Your Purpose?

Is your child asking for Pokemon cards to collect or battle? The original purpose of Pokemon cards is for two players to engage in a fun, interactive battle with their 60-card deck. The deck is compromised of Pokemon cards and supplemental cards to support them (e.g. energy, item, trainer cards).

For Those That Want to Collect

If your child is more of a COLLECTOR, booster packs provide wonderful variety and a fun surprise factor in each package. If your child is a fan of a certain Pokemon like Charizard or Pikachu, there are “oversized” card packages which come with a variety of items.

The latest booster pack available is Crown Zenith. The next set heralds the Scarlet and Violet series, which introduced the next generation of Pokemon. It releases March 31th, 2023.

About Booster Packs

Q: What are booster packs? They currently consist of ten cards, generally made up of Pokemon, an elemental card, a trainer or item card, and a code card. The code card allows people to redeem virtual cards–if that’s your thing. Cards are also designated a rarity via a circle (common), diamond (uncommon), and star (rare). Modern packs generally contain at least one rare and three uncommon cards.

Q: What are the types of rare cards? In this latest series, Sword and Shield, there are V cards. These are more rare, highly coveted cards, as the Pokemon tend to be stronger and come with full art. There are also VMAX cards, Pokemon that evolve from their V form, V-Union, four Pokemon cards combining into one larger card, and VSTAR, Pokemon new to the Brilliant Star expansion. The bottom line is that they are rare, powerful, and beautiful cards.

Q: Which Booster pack should I buy? Unless you are a hard-core collector, I recommend buying whichever pack is available and priced reasonably. You will notice many stores will selling “older” booster packs at a higher price because they are no longer in print. If your child simply enjoys collecting Pokemon, stick to the $3.99, current expansion booster packs. Pro Tip: If you child is looking for a certain set of Pokemon, you can actually view the card list (with pictures) at the Pokemon TCG site before purchasing. See sample links below:

[NEWEST SET] Silver Tempest at Gamestop (Crown Zenith is bundled as a set, more below)
Lost Origin at Gamestop
Astral Radiance at Gamestop
25th Anniversary Celebrations Packs on Amazon
Chilling Reign Pack on Amazon

While Amazon is convenient, be sure to check Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and GameStop. Many times, Amazon will not have the best price. I also caution against fraudulent listings (more below).

Pokemon Kits, Tins, Battle Decks, Oh My!

Kits and Tins are another way to package multiple booster packs. Battle decks are generally recommended for those who play the game (more below). They are sold primarily by Pokemon type, like fighting, grass, and water. Sample links below:

The various kits can be fun when you have a child who adores a certain Pokemon. While products may vary, they generally contain a foil card of that featured Pokemon, an oversized card of that Pokemon, booster packs, and any other collectible if listed. These make great gifts since they also include booster packs, so it is great for a player or a collector. Sample links below:

[LATEST RELEASE] Crown Zenith V Collections ($19.99 USD. Can be seen at higher prices elsewhere)

Tins are a nice touch since they can double as card holders. Sample links below:

This is the Crown Zenith Elite Trainer Box I mentioned earlier. It’s pricier, but it contains 10 boost packs, energy cards, card sleeves, and other items used when playing the game:

Crown Zenith Elite Trainer Box at Walmart

Q: Do the oversized cards hold any value? Maybe, but only time will tell!

For Those That Want to Play:

In this case, it would make sense to purchase a the Pokemon Battle Academy and/or a battle deck–which generally comes with 60 cards selected to support battling. Yes, there will be lots of duplicates, but that is important when the primary purpose is for playing the game. It is best to start there and save your money on booster packs for until your little Pokemon trainer is ready to supplement since cards found in boosters may or may not support the team they have built.

Pokemon Battle Academy 2 Board Game

This is a great item for kids to learn how to battle.

Where to Buy (not an all inclusive list): Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, GameStop

What a battle deck looks like. More for those that want to play the game.

What Else Do I Need?

For a little collector, it’s important to protect the integrity of the cards, so some sort of protection is recommended. Depending on personal preference, you can store cards in tins, boxes, or in individual sleeves. For those that love to gaze upon their collection, a binder is the top choice. Sample links below:

Ultra-Pro Pokemon Binder on Amazon -I bought a similar one and is the best quality
Binder with Pikachu’s Tail on Amazon
Bulbasaur Binder on Amazon
Charizard Binder on Amazon

For those that like to play the game, there are supplemental items like damage counters; however, outside of the 60-card deck, you could use household items like a coin, dice, or small flat objects.

Q: How do you play Pokemon TCG? Check out this link–How to Play Pokemon TCG. There are also an abundance of videos on Youtube.

Pro Tip: Watch Out For Counterfeits, Scalpers

If you are buying Pokemon cards for you kid(s), odds are you aren’t on eBay searching for a rare, out of print card; however, this does not mean you’re immune to scams. Like with most other coveted merchandise, there are scammers out there of all kinds. Some will sell you outright counterfeits. Scalpers will buy up all the cards and re-sell them at a ridiculous price. Some folks have even been know to re-package cards with only common cards, keeping the rare ones for themselves.

It is important to buy from a trusted source, such as licensed retailers. If you are on Amazon, just make sure the seller is a reliable one–such as any from The Pokemon Store. A note about reviews: some many give a poor review because of the cards their received. As long as you purchase from a reliable source, the odds of pulling rare cards are a gamble.

Finally, don’t forget to do you research. There is no need to pay double or triple to price for Pokemon cards. The average booster pack costs retail $3.99 USD. Shop around and even consider buying in advance of the holidays to avoid other shoppers, foaming at the mouths to get cards as well.

While cool looking, buyer beware–these are FAKE cards. It’s okay to purchase them as long as you know that and your kid is ok with it and prefers it over the real thing.
*Image credit*: Amazon

I sincerely hope this guide helps. Please share with us your experience with Pokemon cards–the wins and the woes–on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.

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Sources: TCG Pokemon, Wikipedia, Bulbapedia, Gamestop,Target, Walmart, Best Buy

Image Sources: GameNerdz, Amazon, TCG.Pokemon, Gamestop, Target, Walmart, Best Buy

Featured Image Source: The Pokemon Company