Booster pack vs bundle vs ETB: which one should you buy?

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• Single packs, a six-pack bundle or a full ETB? Here is the difference and how to pick the right format for your budget and goal.

Booster pack vs bundle vs ETB: which one should you buy?

You want to buy Pokémon cards, but you see three formats on the shelf: single booster packs, booster bundles and Elite Trainer Boxes. All three contain the same kind of cards, the difference is the amount and the extras. Here is how to pick the format that fits your budget and goal.

What is the difference between the three?

A booster pack is the smallest format. It is one sealed pack with 10 random cards from a set. You never know which cards are inside, and that is exactly the fun of opening one.

A booster bundle is a small box with 6 booster packs from the same set. No accessories, no extras, just six packs in one package.

An Elite Trainer Box, or ETB for short, is the biggest option. It holds 9 booster packs plus accessories such as sleeves (protective covers for your cards), dice, energy cards and a sturdy storage box.

Pick a booster pack if you want to start small

Single packs are the cheapest way to get cards from a set. They are perfect if you just want to discover the game or a new set, or if you need a small gift for a kid who loves Pokémon.

Single packs also work well for focused collecting. You choose which set to buy from and you decide how much to spend each time. No big purchase up front, but that opening thrill every single time.

Pick a booster bundle if you want more packs from one set

A bundle gives you six packs from the same set in one go. Per pack you usually pay a bit less than buying six single packs. That makes the bundle a smart pick when you are collecting a specific set and simply want more cards, without accessories you may already own.

If you already have sleeves, a binder and dice, the bundle is often the more logical choice than an ETB. You only pay for cards.

Pick an ETB if you want the complete package

An ETB shines as a gift. Everything comes in one great looking box: nine packs, starter accessories and a storage box you will keep using afterwards. For a birthday or holiday, that wow factor is hard to beat.

Keep in mind that the accessories are basic. The 65 sleeves protect only one deck, and serious players and collectors usually buy their own gear anyway. Want to know exactly what is inside? Read our full Elite Trainer Box guide.

How to decide fast

Small budget or first purchase: go for a single booster pack. Collecting a set and already own accessories: go for a booster bundle. Gift for a fan or want everything in one box: go for an ETB.

Still not sure? Start with a few single packs from a recent set, for example Ascended Heroes from the Mega Evolution series. You will find out what you enjoy without a big spend. Browse our booster packs, all authentic and shipped fast from Belgium with bpost.