Should I Keep My Pokémon Booster Boxes Sealed? A Comprehensive Guide
The burning question for many Pokémon TCG enthusiasts – should you keep your booster boxes sealed or rip them open? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no; it hinges on your motivations. If you’re primarily driven by the thrill of opening packs and the hope of pulling valuable cards, go ahead and indulge. However, if you’re looking at a booster box as an investment, the answer leans heavily towards keeping it sealed. In the long run, sealed booster boxes often appreciate in value due to their limited availability as the product cycle progresses, whereas the value of opened packs depends solely on what you get inside. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of this debate.
The Allure of Sealed Product
Collectors’ Item Status
Sealed Pokémon booster boxes are highly coveted as collectors’ items. Unlike individual cards, which can degrade from handling or wear, sealed boxes maintain their pristine condition, preserving the promise of untouched contents. This novelty factor, coupled with the fact that more and more boxes are being opened over time, contributes to the increasing scarcity and subsequently, the value of unopened boxes on the secondary market.
Maximizing Card Condition
One of the most compelling arguments for keeping boxes sealed is the guarantee of card quality. Every card inside a sealed box is in the best possible condition. Investing in sealed product ensures that when you eventually choose to open it, or more likely, when you sell it, the cards have the highest value. Damaged or worn cards, even valuable ones, see their worth diminish considerably. By keeping the box sealed, you’re safeguarding your cards from scratches, edge wear, UV damage, and other forms of degradation.
Investment Potential
Perhaps the most persuasive reason to leave a booster box sealed is its potential for long-term investment. As Pokémon sets age, the amount of sealed product decreases. This limited availability, coupled with the continued demand for these iconic products, pushes the value of sealed boxes up over time. There are various examples of Pokemon booster boxes that have risen dramatically in value, becoming rare and highly sought after.
The Allure of Opening Packs
The Thrill of the Pull
Opening packs is undeniably exciting. The chance to pull rare, chase cards is a major draw for many collectors and players. The dopamine rush of getting a highly sought-after card can be incredibly rewarding. This thrill can be a great hobby and provide entertainment to a lot of people.
Building a Deck
If you’re an avid player of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, opening packs can be a way to acquire cards to build new decks. However, if you have specific decks in mind, it may be more cost-effective to purchase single cards. Instead of opening packs in hopes of pulling what you want, purchasing individual cards is more targeted and less costly on average.
Factors to Consider
Your Motivations
Are you a collector who values pristine condition and the potential for investment, or are you a player looking for specific cards to build decks? Understanding your priorities will inform your decision. The answer to this question is key to helping you know if keeping your boxes sealed is right for you.
Set Popularity and Scarcity
Some booster boxes have more investment potential than others. Sets with popular Pokémon or unique mechanics often see higher demand and appreciate faster. Also, the smaller print runs create the most scarcity, so research the set of the box you want to invest in to make sure that is the case.
Storage
Maintaining sealed boxes in optimal condition is vital. Protect your boxes from physical damage and extreme temperatures. Storing them in a dark, dry environment can minimize the risk of deterioration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ROI of opening a booster box?
The Return on Investment (ROI) for opening a booster box is generally poor. The value of the cards you pull is rarely equal to or greater than the cost of the box itself. Most of the value lies in the sealed product and the condition of the cards inside.
2. How do I protect my unopened card packs?
To protect individual unopened card packs, store them in toploaders. A 197 Point Thick Toploader is generally appropriate for standard booster packs. This will help prevent damage to the pack.
3. What is a booster box theft?
Booster box theft often involves shoplifters using foil-lined bags to bypass security sensors. The aluminum foil blocks the radio frequencies that the anti-theft tags rely on.
4. Do booster seats protect?
While unrelated to Pokémon cards, booster seats in vehicles are crucial for ensuring children’s safety and preventing injury in accidents. They help correctly position the car’s safety belt.
5. Will Pokémon booster boxes go up in value?
Yes, many Pokémon booster boxes do increase in value over time, especially for sets with high demand or limited availability. However, there is never a guarantee that it will go up in value, but historical data would support the likelihood of this.
6. What Pokémon booster boxes are worth investing in?
Popular sets for investment include VSTAR Universe (Japanese) and Crown Zenith (English). Sets with popular characters or unique mechanics also have significant potential.
7. Should I open booster boxes?
Opening booster boxes is best for entertainment purposes. If you’re aiming for specific cards, it’s generally more cost-effective to buy them individually.
8. Is it better to buy Pokémon booster boxes or packs?
For opening and building collections, buying booster boxes is more economical per pack compared to purchasing individual packs. But the long-term value may come from keeping it sealed.
9. Will Pokémon cards ever lose value?
Pokémon cards can lose value if they are not kept in pristine condition. Damage, scratches, and signs of wear can significantly reduce their worth.
10. What Pokémon products to keep sealed?
Some of the best products to keep sealed in 2023 include Paldea Evolved Booster Box, Obsidian Flames Booster Box, 151 Booster Bundle, Crown Zenith Booster Pack, Scarlet & Violet Booster Box, Lost Origin Booster Box, Ultra Premium Collection: Charizard, and Celebrations Elite Trainer Box.
11. What is the best way to store sealed booster boxes?
The best way to store sealed booster boxes is in a dark, dry place away from extreme temperatures and potential physical harm. Store in a cool, dark, and dry environment. Avoid basements or attics that could fluctuate drastically in heat.
12. Are you guaranteed a secret rare in a booster box?
No, there are no guaranteed specific higher-than-rare cards or card types included in each booster box. Pull rates may vary between different sets and print runs.
13. Should I sleeve all my Pokémon cards?
Yes, you should sleeve all your valuable Pokémon cards. Sleeves help protect them from damage and preserve their value.
14. How many of the same Pokémon card should I keep?
For deck building, keeping up to four copies of important cards is common to improve consistency in drawing those cards during gameplay.
15. How to know which boxes are fake?
Fake boxes will have bad printing on the box itself and/or the packs inside. Check the quality of the graphics, the colors and fonts, and the material quality of the box itself. Watch Youtube videos of people opening legit boxes of the same set to learn more about what to look for. It is very important to purchase from a reputable vendor that you can trust.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to keep your Pokémon booster boxes sealed is a matter of personal preference and financial goals. While the temptation to open them and chase that elusive pull is real, the long-term value and potential for investment in sealed products are often higher. If you are looking to maximize value and potential investment opportunities, keeping the boxes sealed is generally the way to go.