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The Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Box marks the beginning of a new era in the Pokémon TCG. The introduction of the Scarlet & Violet series not only changed the gameplay (think Pokémon ex), but also set the stage for new collectible products. As a result, the ETBs for this set have remained historically relevant and popular.

When was the Scarlet & Violet ETB released?

The Scarlet & Violet Base Set was officially released on March 31, 2023. The accompanying Elite Trainer Boxes were also released at the same time. This makes these ETBs the first of the Scarlet & Violet era , making them particularly interesting for long-term collectors.

What variants are there?

There are two standard Elite Trainer Box variations :

  • Koraidon Elite Trainer Box
  • Miraidon Elite Trainer Box
Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Boxes

Both variants are identical in content; the only difference is:

  • The artwork on the box
  • The included promo card
  • The sleeves and accessories (theme)

Collectors often consciously choose one variant, or even both, for a complete set.

Contents of the standard Scarlet & Violet ETB

Each standard ETB (Koraidon or Miraidon) contains:

  • 9 Scarlet & Violet booster packs
  • 1 full-art promo card (Koraidon ex or Miraidon ex)
  • 65 sleeves with matching design
  • 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
  • Game accessories (dice, damage counters, coin-flip dice)
  • Scarlet & Violet Set Player's Guide
  • Storage box with dividers
  • Pokémon TCG Live Code Card

This is the classic ETB setup as we have known it for years.

Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box – What's the Difference?

In addition to the standard ETBs, Pokémon Center-exclusive versions of both Koraidon and Miraidon were also released. These were sold exclusively through Pokémon Center and are therefore scarcer.

Extras in the Pokémon Center ETB:

  • 11 booster packs (instead of 9)
  • Exclusive promo card with Pokémon Center stamp
  • Often a slightly more luxurious finish of the box

It is precisely that stamped promo card that makes these versions very popular with collectors.

Scarlet & Violet Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Boxes

Price development since release

At release, the Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Boxes were priced around the usual MSRP. Since then, the price trend has been clearly visible:

  • Standard Scarlet & Violet ETBs (Koraidon & Miraidon)
    → Averaged about x2.5 compared to the release price

  • Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box variants
    → Averaged about x5 since release
    → The exclusive Pokémon Center stamped promo cards play a major role in this

Because these are the first ETBs from the Scarlet & Violet era , many collectors consider them the centerpieces of a sealed collection. This has directly contributed to the sharp price increase since their release.

Why are these ETBs relevant for collectors?

The Scarlet & Violet ETBs combine several strong factors:

  • First ETBs of a new Pokémon TCG generation
  • Introducing Pokémon ex (new mechanic)
  • Two iconic mascots (Koraidon & Miraidon)
  • Pokémon Center exclusives with unique promotions

This makes them attractive for both:

  • Sealed collectors
  • ETB completers
  • Promo collectors

Conclusion

The Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Boxes are more than just entry-level products. They represent the beginning of a new Pokémon TCG era and have proven to be reliable collector's items since their release in March 2023. With both standard and Pokémon Center variants, they offer interesting options for every collector. The ultimate question is: will you choose just one mascot, or should a complete Scarlet & Violet starter set be part of your collection?