Buying guide for Best Pokémon pin collector's boxes
Pokémon first caught the attention of kids and adults everywhere when the Pokémon Red and Green games were released in the mid-1990s. The concept hasn't changed much since then, but the franchise is still hugely popular thanks to Pokémon games, TV shows, movies, and trading cards. Pokémon pin collector's boxes are related to the Pokémon trading card game (TCG), featuring collectible pins, cards, and sometimes additional extras.
If you're new to the world of the Pokémon TCG or want to buy a pin collector's box for a Pokémon-loving friend or family member, it can seem baffling. There's a significant amount of Pokémon card lingo that can be confusing to newcomers, but we're here to help. Read on to learn more about Pokémon pin collector's boxes and check out our favorites if you want some recommendations.
Considerations
Box contents
Before buying a Pokémon pin collector's box, you should check what you'll receive. Each box has slightly different contents, but most follow the same basic rule. You'll usually receive an enamel pin, one or two promo cards, and a couple of booster packs containing 10 or 11 random Pokémon cards. However, some larger boxes contain two enamel badges and a greater number of promo cards or booster packs.
Pins
The pin is the main feature of a Pokémon pin collector's box — otherwise, you might as well buy a booster box, trainer's box, or another box of Pokémon cards. Each pin is a high-quality enamel pin, which is what makes them so appealing and collectible. The majority of pins feature just one Pokémon, but a handful of them feature multiple Pokémon or a team sigil.
Theme
Pokémon pin collector's boxes are generally set around a particular theme. Most boxes are based around one particular Pokémon and contain special featured cards with the Pokémon in question on them, a pin featuring said Pokémon, and the usual booster packs. There are wider overarching collections, as well, such as the Sun & Moon Guardians Collection, the Shining Legends Collection, and the Mythical Pokémon Collection. These collections may correspond to a particular Pokémon TCG set. Some pin collectors may wish to complete a certain collection, or they might prefer to prioritize the pins they like the best.
Did you know?
Pokémon pin collector's boxes sometimes include collectible tins or other extras.
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Features
Series
All Pokémon cards belong to a series that usually corresponds to one of the generations of games in the franchise (though there are some exceptions, such as the Call of Legends series). In each series, you'll find a range of sets that usually contain a couple hundred cards apiece. For example, Shining Legends is a set within the Sun & Moon series. Anyone wishing to complete the Shining Legends set would purchase Shining Legends booster packs or Pokémon pin collector's boxes that contain Shining Legends booster packs.
Promo cards
Promo cards are special cards that often come with Pokémon pin collector's boxes, generally featuring the Pokémon that's on the pin. These cards aren't found anywhere but it the box, which makes them rarer than standard cards. They are playable in the trading card game, just like other Pokémon cards are.
Holo cards
Holo cards are Pokémon cards with shiny pictures, text, or other elements. They're also known as holofoil cards, foil cards, or shinies. The promo cards in Pokémon pin collector's boxes are often (but not always) holo cards. You can also find holo cards in the booster packs contained in the box.
Price
Pokémon pin collector's boxes generally cost between $15 and $40, depending on their size and contents.
FAQ
Q. Why should I buy Pokémon pin collector's boxes?
A. Pokémon pin collector's boxes are for anyone who already has a collection of Pokémon pins or wants to start one. If you aren't interested in the pins and just want to play the TCG or collect the cards, you'll get a better value buying other booster boxes or individual booster packs.
Q. Are Pokémon pin collector's boxes good gifts for Pokémon fans?
A. Pokémon pin collector's boxes can make excellent gifts for Pokémon fans, especially if you know they collect Pokémon cards or like enamel pins. However, if the gift recipient is already a big collector of Pokémon pins, you'll need to know what's in their collection, or you might end up giving them something they already own.
Q. Can I wear my Pokémon pins, or are they just for collecting?
A. While some collectors like to keep them in pristine condition, you absolutely can wear your Pokémon pins if you want to. In fact, these pins are a great way of displaying your love for Pokémon or representing your favorite Pokémon.
