Welcome to the “how to survive Pokémon box day without losing your mind” section. Here’s the lowdown on what the heck are all the box options. There are sooooooooooooo many types of boxes, but here are the basics.

Ok…first…let me explain one question that perplexed me at first. WHY are there so many options? Answer: not only are there different types of boxes, but there are different SETS. Pokémon releases about three to four different sets per year. These sets are all unique, with a varying about of cards, varying characters and different artwork between the sets. For example: Destined Rivals features mostly “bad guy” Pokémon characters. Prismatic Evolutions has “diamond” artwork. Black Bolt and White Flame are the first sets to feature an all-black card and an all-white card. How to know what sets are best? Just show your kiddo the artwork on the front of the pack and let them decide. Because their joy is worth the most (allegedly).

Here are the different types of boxes available in the marketplace:

Booster Packs: Contain 10 cards (1 is always an Energy card, the others are character cards) and 1 TCG live card that everyone throws away.

Booster Boxes: Contain 6 booster packs (see above). These are popular because they are pure ripping pack fun.

Display Box: Contains 36 (yes, THIRTY SIX) booster packs. These are hard to find, but usually the best deal and the ultimate for ripping. Some Pokémon Center branded display boxes (available from Pokémon Center online only) contain a guaranteed promo stamped card (translation, they say “Pokémon Center” on the card and they’re worth more money).

EX or Illustration Boxes: Usually themed with a character or characters. Contain one “jumbo” collection card with cool artwork, a set amount of promo cards, and a set amount of booster packs to rip (usually 4 – 14, depending on the box).

Binder or Poster Collections: Contain what else… a binder and packs or a poster and packs. Both the binder and posters have artwork special to that set.

Tins: Small tins that contain 2-3 booster packs and 1 coin, sticker, or art card. The tins are big enough to hold a few cards. Personally, these are not my favorite because they contain only a few packs and the tins are everywhere in my house. However, my son loves these because they contain a few packs and he can put the tins everywhere in my house. On the serious side, the artwork on these tins is really cool.

Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs): These boxes tend to be one of the most collectible and have a high long-term value. But if your kiddo isn’t patient enough to hold them until they’re old enough to drive (whose kiddo isn’t), they’re fun to open. They contain booster packs (usually 9), divider cards, card protector sleeves with special artwork, booklet showing all the cards in that collection, and the guts to play the game (dice, coin, energy cards, and a ready to play card deck).

Ultra Premium Collection: These are aptly named… they are the highest of the high of collector items. I’ve only been able to secure a few of these in my time as they’re the hardest to find. These contain the same items as the Elite Trainer Boxes plus they contain (usually) 18 booster packs, a play mat with special artwork, a deck box, and sealed promo cards that are only available in UPCs. If you get one of these, either hold onto it OR use it for your best bribes (e.g. if you put on your shoes without me asking for a whole week in a row…)