ETB vs Booster Box vs Booster Bundle: What Should You Buy?

"Should I get the ETB or the booster box?" That's probably the question I get asked most at The Poke Office. And there isn't one right answer. It really comes down to what you want out of it. So here's how I explain it to people at the table.

The quick version

Elite Trainer Box (ETB)

An ETB is the "everything" box. Along with nine booster packs, a typical ETB comes with:

• 65 card sleeves and a stack of Basic Energy cards
• Damage-counter dice, a coin-flip die and a plastic coin
• A sturdy storage box with dividers, plus a player's guide
• A promo card that's exclusive to the ETB

For example, the 30th Celebration ETB has 9 packs, a full-art Nidorina promo, 65 sleeves and 16 foil Energy. That's why ETBs make such great gifts, and they look really cool on a shelf.

The trade-off? You're paying for the accessories, so the price per pack is usually higher than a booster box or bundle. If you've already got a pile of sleeves and dice at home, you might not need them.

Booster box

A standard English booster box is 36 packs and nothing else. It's the best way to rip a lot of one set, and it's usually the lowest price per pack. If you're chasing a specific illustration rare, trying to complete a set, or doing a group break with your buddies, this is the one.

A few things to know:

• Special sets often don't get booster boxes in English. Sets like 151, Prismatic Evolutions and 30th Celebration came in ETBs, bundles and collections instead.
• Keep it sealed if you're collecting. Factory-sealed booster boxes are a popular long-term hold, but nobody can promise you future prices, so buy what you'll actually enjoy.
• It's a bigger upfront cost. Better value overall, but there's more money sitting in one box.

Booster bundle

A booster bundle is six packs in a simple box. No sleeves, no dice, no promo. It's my go-to recommendation when someone says "I just want to open some packs without spending ETB money." It's also a good way to try out a new set before you commit to a booster box.

What about collection boxes and tins?

Collection boxes, ex boxes and tins usually come with 2 to 6 packs plus a promo card, and sometimes an oversize card, a pin or a coin. If there's a promo you specifically want, they're great. They're usually not the cheapest per pack though, so you're really buying them for the promo and the presentation.

My honest recommendations

• First-time player or a gift for a kid: ETB
• A collector chasing one set: Booster box, or several bundles if it's a special set
• On a budget but want to rip: Booster bundle or sleeved packs
• Want a specific promo: The collection box that includes it

Still not sure?

Just ask. We're a small shop in Kamloops and I'm always happy to help you pick. Email me at colin@thepokeoffice.com, or browse our ETBs, booster boxes and booster bundles. We ship across Canada, with free shipping on orders over $350.