If you collect Pokémon cards, you know how important a good Elite Trainer Box (ETB) can be. Not only to open packs, but especially as an investment or showpiece in your collection. Some boxes have increased in value considerably over the years.
In this blog I will give you a complete overview of all ETBs that have ever been released. Including the names, series, contents, release prices and which boxes are the most interesting to keep sealed.
What exactly is an Elite Trainer Box?
As you probably know, anElite Trainer Box is designed as a starter kit for players. You will always find several boosters in it, along with sleeves, energies, dice, markers and often a promo card. Ideal for when you want to play, but also perfect for collectors.
However, many collectors myself also choose to keep these boxes sealed . Especially with sets with popular chase cards, like the Moonbreon from Evolving Skies or the shiny Charizard from Hidden Fates , you see that sealed ETB's become more and more valuable.
My tip? If you collect sealed, use an acrylic display box . This way your box stays neat, protected from sunlight, dust and damage.
Why is the original price important?
What many people forget is that every ETB was once sold for a fixed original edition price. That price was usually around €39.99 to €49.99, depending on the series and content. By knowing that original price, you can better estimate whether the current market value is fair.
It helps you avoid paying too much, something I sometimes fell into in the beginning. So search for good and look at all the offers .
Overview of all Elite Trainer Boxes (including release prices)
Below you will find all ETBs in a row. I divide them by series, with their original retail price, release date and what was approximately in it.
🖤Black & White Series (2013)
The first generation of ETBs, aimed at players. Original price: €39.99 .
- Plasma Storm
- Plasma Freeze
- Plasma Blast
Contents: 7 boosters, sleeves, energies, dice, markers.
🔵 XY Series (2014–2016)
original edition price: €39,99 per box. Known for the Evolutions ETB , with Base Set reprints that are still popular.
- XY Base Set
- Flashfire
- Furious Fists
- Phantom Forces
- Primal Clash
- Roaring Skies
- Ancient Origins
- BREAKthrough
- BREAKpoint
- Fates Collide
- Steam Siege
- Evolutions
8 boosters, sleeves, energies, markers, dice and a booklet.
🌞Sun & Moon Series (2017–2019)
original edition price: €39,99 per ETB. Especially Burning Shadows and Cosmic Eclipse stand out.
- Sun & Moon Base Set
- Guardians Rising
- Burning Shadows – because of Rainbow Charizard GX
- Crimson Invasion
- Ultra Prism
- Forbidden Light
- Celestial Storm
- Lost Thunder
- Team Up
- Unbroken Bonds
- Unified Minds
- Cosmic Eclipse
🛡️Sword & Shield Series (2020–2022)
Here, Pokémon began to add more variety to the ETBs. The original release price usually remained €39.99 , but Crown Zenith cost €49.99 upon release.
- Sword & Shield Base
- Rebel Clash
- Darkness Ablaze
- Vivid Voltage
- Battle Styles
- Chilling Reign
- Evolving Skies – one of the most expensive sealed ETBs, by Moonbreon!
- Fusion Strike
- Brilliant Stars
- Astral Radiance
- Lost Origin
- Silver Tempest
- Crown Zenith – including Lucario VSTAR promo
🟥Scarlet & Violet Series (2023–2025)
With standard 9 boosters and a promo card. original edition price: €49.99 .
- Scarlet & Violet Base
- Paldea Evolved
- Obsidian Flames
- Paradox Rift
- Paldean Fates – shiny Pokémon, always popular
- Temporal Forces
🌟 Specials and Limited Editions
Specials like Pokémon Center exclusives often had a slightly higher price. Standard €49.99, exclusive versions €59.99 .
- Hidden Fates – shiny vault with Charizard GX
- Shining Legends – shiny Ho-Oh promo
- Champion's Path – Rainbow Charizard VMAX
- Celebrations – 25th Anniversary
- Crown Zenith Pokémon Center Exclusive – Extra Content, Higher Price
What are the best ETBs for sealed storage?
Not every ETB increases in value. It's all about popularity, circulation and chase cards. From my experience, these are the boxes that have the best chance of remaining stable (or increasing in value):
- Evolving Skies – thanks to the Eeveelutions and especially the Moonbreon
- Hidden Fates – shiny vault sets remain top favorite
- Crown Zenith Pokémon Center Exclusive – Due to Limited Edition
- Shining Legends – increasingly difficult to find sealed
- Paldean Fates (early print) – Shiny sets have historically always done well
However, don't forget: collecting sealed is always a bit of a gamble. Choose what you like yourself. That makes collecting fun and sustainable.
My advice as a collector
An Elite Trainer Box is much more than a box of cards. It is a piece of Pokémon history. Especially the older boxes tell a story, from the first Black & White releases to the latest Scarlet & Violet series.
Want to buy smart? Always look at:
- The original original edition price (know where to start)
- The current market price
- The popularity of the set (how popular are the chase cards?)
And my most important tip: collect what you like . The fun in your collection is ultimately worth the most. 🚀
