If you are a serious Pokémon collector, you know that opening a booster pack is one of the most exciting moments there is. Whether you are hunting that rare Charizard or simply want to top up your collection, booster packs are the way to discover new cards. But what exactly is a Pokémon booster pack, what is inside one, and where are they best bought? In this article we give you everything you need to know.

What is a Pokémon booster pack?

A booster pack is a sealed pack containing Pokémon cards. There are usually 10 cards in a pack, varying in rarity and type. Opening a booster pack is always a surprise, because you have no idea beforehand which cards are inside. It is a chance to pull rare cards that add to your collection or make your deck stronger.

As you know, opening a booster pack is about more than just getting cards. It is the experience, the tension of what you are going to find, and the hope of that one unique card that completes your collection.

What is in a Pokémon booster pack?

A standard booster pack contains the following cards:

• Commons: these are the cards that turn up most often. They are usually not that valuable, but they matter for building out your deck.

• Uncommons: a little rarer than Commons, but still not the most valuable cards.

• Rares: these are the cards you are after. They can be Holo (shiny) or simply rare without the shine.

• Holo cards: these cards have a shiny finish, which makes them visually appealing.

• Secret Rares: the crème de la crème of booster packs. These cards are ultra rare and often the highlight of a pack.

• Code card: every booster pack contains a code you can use for the Pokémon TCG Online.

With all these different cards, opening a booster pack is always exciting. It is your chance to find something unique.

When was the first Pokémon booster pack released?

The first Pokémon TCG booster pack came out in 1996 in Japan, together with the Base Set. That was the start of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and the Base Set held legendary cards such as Charizard, Blastoise and Venusaur. Those cards became popular fast, and from that moment on more and more sets and boosters followed.

In the years after the Base Set, countless other sets and expansions appeared, which not only kept the game exciting but also kept driving the collectors' market.

The most expensive Pokémon booster pack ever sold

There are plenty of rare and valuable cards to be found in booster packs, but the most expensive pack ever sold is a 1999 1st Edition Base Set Booster Pack. It went for €318,559 at auction in 2021. It could well have held a 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard, one of the most sought-after cards among collectors.

That shows how valuable some booster packs can be, especially when they contain rare cards. The combination of those rare cards and the first edition of the Base Set makes this pack extremely wanted and extremely pricey for collectors.

Where are Pokémon booster packs best bought?

If you are looking for Pokémon booster packs, RareCards.nl is absolutely the best place to get them. At RareCards.nl you will find a wide range of booster packs, from the newest sets to old and rare packs. We offer sharp prices, fast shipping and reliable service. Whether you are a collector or simply after great cards for your deck, RareCards.nl always has what you are looking for.