Or: Why I’m Somehow Reviewing Pokémon Cards Instead of Watching Netflix
A year ago I thought a “hit rate” was something baseball players worried about. Now I’m comparing Japanese pull rates, watching YouTube openings at 11:00 p.m., and casually explaining print runs to anyone who makes eye contact.
Life comes at you fast.
If you’ve wandered into the Pokémon aisle lately, you’ve probably seen all the different boxes and wondered…
“Are these different?”
“Which one should I buy?”
Excellent questions. Grab a coffee. Or a wine. Go ahead, I’m not judging.
First… Why Are These Sets So Small?
One thing you’ll notice right away is that these sets are tiny compared to monsters like Ascended Heroes or Prismatic Evolutions.
| Set | Approx. Main Set Size |
|---|---|
| Ascended Heroes | 181 cards |
| Prismatic Evolutions | 131 cards |
| Perfect Order | 88 cards |
| Chaos Rising | 86 cards |
| Pitch Black | 84 cards |
Smaller sets mean…
- fewer cards to collect
- fewer giant chase cards
- less crying when you’re 140 packs in and still missing Umbreon
(Ask me how I know…)
Wait… Isn’t “Less Valuable” Bad?
Actually… Not if you’re a parent.
Prismatic Evolutions created absolute madness because one card—the Umbreon ex Special Illustration Rare—can sell for around $1,500 in pristine condition.
That’s amazing…
…unless you’re just trying to buy a few packs at Target before soccer practice.
Suddenly shelves are empty, prices double overnight, and you’re competing against a guy named Steve who’s buying 40 ETBs because he “likes the investment.”
Sure, Steve.
These newer sets don’t really have that problem.
Most of the biggest chase cards land somewhere around $150–$250, depending on the set and condition.
Does that make them “less valuable?”
Technically.
Does it make them way easier to actually buy and open with your kids?
Absolutely.
And honestly…I’ll take that trade every time.
My Favorite Financial Term: “Scalper Repellent”
I almost think of these sets as Scalper Repellent™.
Without a four-figure chase card hiding inside every case… the investment crowd loses interest. Which means…
Parents win.
Kids win.
Everyone wins except Steve.
Pause for a second to discuss… What’s a “Hit Rate”?
You’ll hear Pokémon YouTubers and PokeNerds throw around the term hit rate like everyone automatically knows what it means.
Here’s the simple version:
Imagine buying a box of Cracker Jacks. Sometimes you get an awesome toy. Sometimes you get…a tiny paper sticker that immediately disappears into your car.
That’s the hit rate.
A high hit rate means you pull exciting cards more often.
A low hit rate means your child opens six packs before looking at you and asking,
“Did they forget to put the good cards in this box?”
No, buddy. That’s just Pokémon keeping us humble.
So here’s my take on the three most recent sets
Perfect Order ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
I’m just…
…meh.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with this set. I just don’t find myself excited to open another pack.
The artwork doesn’t really grab me, and the hit rate feels a little stingy.
It’s kind of like vanilla frozen yogurt. Perfectly fine. But if there are 18 other flavors sitting next to it…
I’m probably choosing one of those.
Chaos Rising ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now THIS is my kind of set.
The artwork has personality.
Bright colors.
Cool backgrounds.
Cards that make you stop and say, “Okay…that’s going straight into the binder.”
Every opening we’ve had has felt fun—even when Logan didn’t pull “the big one.”
And honestly…
that’s kind of the point.
Pitch Black ⭐⭐⭐⭐❓
We’re still dating.
Too early to say if it’s true love.
We’ve only opened a handful of packs, but first impressions are really strong.
The artwork is gorgeous if you like darker-themed Pokémon.
I’ll keep updating this page as we open more.
Because apparently that’s what we do now on Friday nights.
The Bottom Line
If you’re trying to retire off Pokémon cards…
These probably aren’t your sets.
If you’re trying to make your 7-year-old’s Saturday afternoon awesome…
They’re fantastic.
Personally, I love that these sets are flying just a little under the radar.
They’re easier to find.
Closer to MSRP.
Less stressful.
More fun.
Maybe I’m leaving money on the table by opening these boxes with Logan instead of stacking them in a closet for the next 15 years.
But I’d rather collect memories than cardboard.
Besides, I have a feeling he won’t remember what a sealed box was worth in 2041…
…but he’ll definitely remember opening it with his mom. ❤️
…which, as it turns out, is worth way more than a $1,500 Umbreon. 🥹
For a current list of my available inventory in these sets, check out these links:
Pokemon Mom 
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