What is an Elite Trainer Box?

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• What's inside an Elite Trainer Box, who is it worth it for, and when are loose boosters the better pick? The simple version.

What is an Elite Trainer Box?

It shows up with every big Pokémon set: the Elite Trainer Box. But what exactly is inside, and is it worth the money? Here's the simple version, so you know whether an ETB is right for you.

What's inside an Elite Trainer Box?

An Elite Trainer Box, ETB for short, is a deluxe package released with most new sets. The contents vary slightly per set, but you'll usually find: 8 to 10 booster packs (packs with a handful of random cards from the set), 65 card sleeves (protective pockets) with the set's artwork, 45 energy cards (basic cards you need to play), dice and damage counters, card dividers, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live, the free digital version of the game. Recent sets also include an exclusive promo card. Everything comes in a sturdy box you can reuse for card storage afterwards.

Who is an ETB worth it for?

An ETB is most useful for three groups. If you're just starting to play, you get boosters, energy cards and sleeves in one go, three things you'd otherwise buy separately. If you collect a set, the sleeves with set artwork and the promo card are a nice bonus, because you won't find those sold separately. And if you're looking for a gift, an ETB is a safe pick: it's a nicely finished package themed around one set, and the receiver can get started right away.

ETB or loose booster packs?

Let's be honest here. If you work out the price per booster, an ETB usually costs more than buying loose packs. You're also paying for the accessories, the promo card and the box. If all you want is as many cards as possible for your budget, loose booster packs are usually the smarter choice. If you mainly want good accessories, you're better off buying those separately, so you pick exactly the sleeves or deck box that suit you. You choose an ETB for the whole package: everything in one box, themed to the set, no puzzling required.

What to check before buying

Look at the set first. Every ETB belongs to one specific set, so pick one you (or the person receiving the gift) will love. Then compare the price per booster with loose packs, so you know what you're paying extra for the accessories. Also good to know: some sets get a separate Pokémon Center version with an extra booster and a different promo card; it's more exclusive and more expensive. And don't throw away the box: it's one of the handiest storage boxes you'll ever get for free.

In short

An Elite Trainer Box is an all-in-one package: boosters, accessories and a storage box themed around one set. Great as a starter package or gift, and fun for collectors following the set. If you only want cards, loose boosters give you more for your money. Browse our Elite Trainer Boxes, shipped fast from Belgium, for example the Ascended Heroes ETB from the Mega Evolution series.