Whether you are new to the Pokémon TCG or have been around a while, you soon end up at one of the most recognisable and best-loved products in the hobby: the Elite Trainer Box, usually shortened to ETB. This product is hugely popular with players and collectors alike, and over the years it has taken an important place within the Pokémon TCG world.

In this article we explain exactly what an ETB is, what is inside, why some ETBs are worth more than others, and what the very first ETB ever looked like.

What is an Elite Trainer Box?

An Elite Trainer Box (ETB) is a premium product meant to help you play, collect and organise. You will find this box with almost every set, especially since the XY era.

A typical modern ETB contains:

• 9 or 10 booster packs
• 1 promo card (not with older ETBs)
• card sleeves
• Energy cards
• dice and markers
• a sturdy collector’s box

It is a complete set of materials in one package. That is why ETBs are handy for players and attractive to collectors.

Why is the abbreviation ETB used?

Elite Trainer Box is a long name, so fans and shops almost always use the abbreviation ETB.
When someone says “the new ETB is really good”, they simply mean the Elite Trainer Box of the newest set.

The Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box

Alongside the regular ETB there is a more premium and more exclusive variant: the Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box.

You can only buy this through the official Pokémon Center. Pokémon Center ETBs have a number of important extras:

What makes the Pokémon Center ETB different?

• More booster packs than the normal ETB
• Extra accessories such as better sleeves or extra markers
• a special promo card with a Pokémon Center stamp
• A smaller print run, so it sells out faster
• Higher collector value over the long term

That Pokémon Center stamp on the promo in particular is what makes these boxes worth far more than normal ETBs.

Collectors often prefer Pokémon Center ETBs because they are more exclusive and, historically, hold their value much better.

The very first ETB ever: Plasma Storm (2013)

The first Elite Trainer Box was released in 2013 for the set Plasma Storm from the Black & White era. This ETB was simple compared to modern versions, but it was the start of what is now one of the most important product lines in the Pokémon TCG.

What was in the Plasma Storm ETB?

• 7 booster packs
• sleeves
• dice
• Energy cards
• deck box

There was no promo card in it yet, and many extras we now take for granted did not exist back then.

The value today

Because Plasma Storm is a rare and well-loved set, and because this ETB was the very first one ever, its value has risen enormously.

A sealed Plasma Storm ETB is worth 10,000+ euros these days, depending on condition.
For collectors this is one of the holy grails among modern Pokémon products.

Why are Elite Trainer Boxes so popular?

There are several reasons why ETBs are popular with beginners and experienced collectors alike:

1. You get a lot of value for your money

An ETB combines booster packs with useful accessories and a sturdy box you can put to good use — for storing your cards, for example.

2. Ideal for people who want a complete package in one go

You do not have to buy sleeves, dice or Energy cards separately.

3. Great design

ETBs match the style and the theme of the set and are popular to keep sealed.

4. Promo cards (modern ETBs)

The promos of recent ETBs are often popular and sometimes even valuable.

5. Exclusivity with Pokémon Center ETBs

Thanks to small print runs and special stamps, these boxes have a lot of long-term value.

Are ETBs always the best choice?

That depends on what you are looking for.

ETBs are a good fit for:

• players who want a complete starter package
• collectors who want a nice collector’s box
• buyers who care about promos
• people who want to get to know a new set affordably

Less suitable if:

• you want as many booster packs for your money as possible → a booster box is better
• you are only after promos → buying single cards is cheaper

Summary

An Elite Trainer Box (ETB) is one of the most popular and most versatile products in the Pokémon TCG. You get boosters, sleeves, markers, Energy cards and a sturdy collector’s box in one package.

On top of that there are Pokémon Center ETBs, an exclusive variant with extras and promos carrying a Pokémon Center stamp. These boxes are far more wanted and often clearly worth more than the standard ETBs.

The first ETB ever, Plasma Storm (2013), is today one of the most expensive modern Pokémon products you can find sealed.

Whether you play, collect or just want to know more about Pokémon products: ETBs are an important part of the hobby and an excellent way to discover a new set.