Complete Guide to Buying Pokémon Cards | Explanation of Purchase Locations, Reservation Methods, and Money-Saving Tips

Are you looking to start collecting Pokémon cards but wondering, "Where should I buy them?" "How do I make a reservation?" "What is the best way to buy without losing money?" There are many places to purchase, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages, making it not easy for beginners to find the right purchasing method for themselves.

In this article, we will comprehensively explain how to buy Pokémon cards. We will cover the characteristics of physical stores and online purchase locations, how to participate in reservations and lotteries for popular products, how to choose packs, boxes, and single cards, and tips for buying at a good price, all packed with information that beginners want to know. By reading this article, you will be able to confidently purchase Pokémon cards starting today.

Where Can You Buy Pokémon Cards? A Complete Guide to Purchase Locations

You can purchase Pokémon cards both in physical stores and online. Each purchase location has its own characteristics, and it is important to differentiate between them based on your purpose and situation. Physical stores allow you to directly check the products and provide the reassurance of being able to consult with staff, but they can also be easily affected by stock availability. On the other hand, online shopping offers the advantage of being able to purchase 24 hours a day and makes price comparisons easier, but popular products often go to lottery, and shipping fees may apply.

Here, we will explain in detail the purchasing methods for both physical stores and online, including information that beginners should know.

• Purchasing Method in Physical Stores
• Purchasing Method Online
• Comparison Table of Purchase Locations

Purchasing Method in Physical Stores

The biggest appeal of purchasing Pokémon cards in physical stores is the immediacy of being able to check the products directly and take them home on the spot. Additionally, through communication with staff and other players, you may gain the latest information and advice on deck building. However, popular products often sell out quickly after restocking, so it is important to develop the habit of checking release dates and restock information.

Below, we introduce the characteristics of major physical stores.

Pokémon Center / Pokémon Store

Pokémon Centers and Pokémon Stores are official retailers of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. They provide a rich environment for enjoying Pokémon cards, including guaranteed restocking of the latest packs, distribution of limited products and promotional cards, and hosting of official tournaments. The staff is knowledgeable about Pokémon cards, creating an atmosphere where beginners can easily ask questions. However, popular products often go to lottery sales, so you may not be able to purchase them at your desired timing. Additionally, since the number of stores is limited, be aware that access may be restricted to certain regions.

Card Shops (Specialty Stores)

Trading card specialty shops are characterized by their abundant stock of single cards. They are very convenient if you want to purchase specific cards or gather the cards needed for deck building. You can also use buyback services to sell unwanted cards and purchase new cards with that funding. Some stores have battle spaces set up, and tournaments and meetups are regularly held, making them recommended for those who want to participate in the Pokémon card community. However, popular single cards may be priced higher than the market rate, so it is important to check prices carefully.

Electronics Retailers / Mass Merchants

You can purchase Pokémon cards at electronics retailers and large discount stores such as Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, and Aeon. Many stores have high point redemption rates, allowing you to accumulate points at your regularly used stores while making purchases. Additionally, the large number of stores makes them easily accessible. However, since they are not specialized trading card shops, they may have limited stock of minor products, and the staff's expertise may also be limited. Popular products often sell out shortly after the store opens, so it's advisable to visit early on the release day.

Convenience Stores

You can purchase some Pokémon card products at convenience stores like Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson. The biggest advantage is the convenience of being open 24 hours, making it easy to stop by. It's also convenient during your commute or when you suddenly want to open a pack. However, the products available are mainly the latest expansion packs, and larger items like boxes and starter decks are often not in stock. Additionally, the inventory is limited, so popular products can sell out quickly.

How to Purchase Online

The greatest appeal of online purchasing is the convenience of being able to buy Pokémon cards without being restricted by time or location. You can compare prices across multiple sites and consider purchases based on reviews. Moreover, even if you live in a rural area without nearby stores that sell Pokémon cards, you can still purchase them from anywhere in the country.

Below are the features of major online purchasing sites.

Pokémon Center Online

Pokémon Center Online is the official online store for Pokémon. Being an official site, the guarantee of genuine products and the sense of security are its biggest attractions. Information on new products is posted quickly, and limited items can also be purchased. However, popular products are generally sold through a lottery system, meaning not everyone who wants to buy can do so. To participate in the lottery, you need to register an account in advance and apply during the lottery period. If you win, you can definitely purchase at the regular price, making it much more advantageous than buying at resale prices.

Amazon and Rakuten Market

Major e-commerce sites like Amazon, Yahoo Shopping, and Rakuten Market have multiple sellers listing products, making it easy to compare prices. If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can take advantage of next-day delivery and free shipping benefits. Additionally, Rakuten Market frequently holds campaigns with high point redemption rates, and by utilizing super sales and shopping marathons, you can purchase at a significantly better price. However, popular products are often sold at prices higher than the regular price, so it's important to check the prices carefully before purchasing. It's also crucial to check the seller's ratings and reviews to buy from reliable sellers.

Online Stores of Card Shops

Many card shops with physical stores, such as Card Rush, Hareruya, and Hobby Station, also operate online stores. They have a very rich inventory of single cards, allowing you to efficiently gather the cards needed for deck building. Additionally, by combining it with a buyback service, you can sell unwanted cards to fund the purchase of new cards. Prices fluctuate based on the market, but you can often purchase at a good price by taking advantage of sales and campaigns.

Comparison Table of Purchase Locations

When comparing the characteristics of each purchase location in a list, it looks like this. Choose the optimal purchase location according to your purpose and situation.

Purchase Location	Price	Stock Stability	Variety	Beginner-Friendly	Recommended Points
Pokémon Center / Pokémon Store	Regular Price	△ (Popular items are by lottery)	◎	◎	Official reassurance, limited items
Card Shop	△ (Singles depend on market)	○	◎	○	Purchase of single cards, participation in tournaments
Electronics Retailer / Mass Retailer	Regular Price	○	○	○	Point rewards, easy access
Convenience Store	Regular Price	△ (Low stock)	△	◎	Open 24 hours, convenience
Pokémon Center Online	Regular Price	△ (Lottery system)	◎	◎	Official site, can participate in lottery
Amazon / Rakuten	△ (Depends on seller)	○	○	○	Price comparison, review confirmation
Card Shop Online	△ (Depends on market)	◎	◎	○	Abundant stock of single cards

For beginners, it is recommended to first purchase at the Pokémon Center / Pokémon Store or electronics retailers. This is because you can buy at regular prices and have peace of mind. Once you get used to it, utilizing price comparisons on online sites and purchasing single cards at card shops will allow you to enjoy Pokémon cards more efficiently.

If you are starting Pokémon cards, please also refer to 【Related Articles】: List of Items Needed to Start Pokémon Cards.

How to Participate in Reservations and Lotteries for New Products

It is not uncommon for popular expansion packs and limited items of Pokémon cards to sell out immediately upon release. To ensure you can get new products, it is important to understand the reservation and lottery systems and prepare in advance. In particular, products that are likely to contain rare cards or limited design packages are highly sought after by many collectors and players, resulting in very high competition.

Here, we will explain in detail the differences between reservations and lotteries, specific participation methods, and how to obtain information.

• Difference Between Reservations and Lotteries
• How to Participate in Lotteries at Pokémon Center Online
• How to Make Store Reservations
• How to Obtain Reservation and Lottery Information

Difference Between Reservations and Lotteries

Reservations and lotteries are both methods to secure new products in advance, but their mechanisms are significantly different. Reservations are secured in order of application as soon as the reception starts on a "first-come, first-served" basis. On the other hand, lotteries are "a method where winners are determined by lottery among applicants," and the winning probability is the same regardless of when you apply within the application period.

The advantage of reservations is that, since they are on a first-come, first-served basis, you can secure a purchase by applying as soon as the reception starts. However, popular items may close reception within minutes, so it is necessary to be on standby at the start time. The advantage of a lottery is that you can apply anytime during the application period, giving you more time. However, whether you win or not depends on luck, and you may not win.

Recently, many popular products are being sold in lottery format. This is to avoid concentrated access to the server and to provide more people with a fair opportunity to purchase.

How to Participate in the Pokémon Center Online Lottery

At the Pokémon Center Online, many popular products are sold in a lottery format. To participate in the lottery, you first need to create an account on the Pokémon Center Online. Account registration is free, and it can be completed by simply entering your email address and basic information.

When the lottery starts, a notice for "lottery sales" will be displayed on the top page or product page of the Pokémon Center Online. Within the application period, click the "Apply for Lottery" button on the product page, select the desired quantity, and complete your application. After applying, you will wait for the announcement of the lottery results.

The lottery results will be notified to the email address registered at the time of application. If you win, you must complete the purchase process within the deadline specified in the email. If you miss the deadline, your win will be invalidated, so be careful. If you do not win, you will have to wait for regular sales or restock opportunities, or look for other sales routes.

The Pokémon Center Online lottery is based on the principle of one application per person. Creating multiple accounts to apply multiple times is a violation of the terms and could result in all applications being invalidated, so be sure to avoid this.

How to Make a Store Reservation

Physical stores such as card shops and electronics retailers also accept reservations for new products. The method of store reservations varies by store, but generally follows the flow below.

First, obtain information on reservation acceptance. The start date and time for reservations will be announced on the store's official website, Twitter, or in-store posters. On the day of the reservation start date, you can either reserve directly at the store or call stores that accept reservations by phone. For popular products, tickets may be distributed, and only those who receive a ticket may be able to make a reservation.

When making a reservation, you may need to provide the product name, quantity, contact information, and possibly pay a reservation fee. Once the reservation is complete, you will go to pick up the product after the release date. Since there is often a deadline for pickup, make sure to go to the store within the deadline.

The advantage of store reservations is that if you are a regular customer, the store may prioritize your reservation. Additionally, since you can consult with the staff while selecting products at the time of reservation, it provides a sense of security for beginners.

How to Obtain Reservation and Lottery Information

Quickly obtaining information about reservations and lotteries is key to securing new products. The main methods for gathering information are as follows.

First, let's follow the official Pokémon Card Game website and the official Twitter (@Pokemon_cojp). Announcements about new product release dates and the start of lotteries will be communicated the fastest and most accurately. Next, by following the official Twitter or LINE accounts of Pokémon Center Online and your frequently used card shops, you can receive reservation information via push notifications.

Also, make use of Pokémon card information sites and community sites. On the Pokémon Card Trainers website and information aggregation sites run by volunteers, reservation information from multiple retailers may be compiled in a list. By searching for keywords like "Pokémon Card Reservation" or "Pokémon Card Lottery" on Twitter, you can obtain real-time information.

By making information gathering a habit and always keeping track of reservation and lottery schedules, your chances of obtaining the products you want will greatly increase.

How to Buy Packs, Boxes, and Single Cards

There are three main purchasing forms for Pokémon cards: Packs, Boxes, and Single Cards. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to choose according to your purpose and budget. If you want to enjoy the thrill of opening, packs or boxes are suitable, while if you want to ensure you get a specific card, single cards are the way to go.

Here, we will explain the characteristics of each purchasing form and recommend purchasing methods based on your purpose.

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Packs
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Boxes
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Single Cards
• Recommended Purchasing Methods by Purpose

Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Packs

Buying packs is the most convenient way to purchase Pokémon cards, with 5 cards included in each pack for 165 yen (tax included). They can be purchased at convenience stores and supermarkets, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of opening at a low cost, making it popular among beginners and children.

The biggest advantage of buying packs is that you can start with a low budget. With just a few hundred yen, you can enjoy Pokémon cards, making it easy to purchase casually if you want to "try it out a bit." Additionally, the excitement of not knowing what you will get and the joy of hitting a rare card are unique attractions of buying packs.

On the other hand, the disadvantage is that you cannot be sure to get the cards you want. The inclusion rate of rare cards is low, and it is possible to buy several packs without getting a single rare card. Moreover, when calculated per pack, it is more expensive than buying a box. If your goal is to build a deck, it can take time and cost to gather the necessary cards, so it is not the most efficient method.

Buying packs is suitable for those who want to "enjoy opening" and "start casually with a small amount."

Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Boxes

Buying boxes is a representative purchasing method for Pokémon cards, with 30 packs (in the case of expansion packs) included in one box. The price is 4,950 yen (tax included, regular price) per box, and the price per pack is 165 yen, which does not make it cheaper than buying packs individually, but it has the advantage of a higher inclusion rate of rare cards.

The biggest advantage of buying a BOX is that multiple rare cards are guaranteed to be included per BOX. In the case of expansion packs, a typical BOX contains about 5 normal rares (R) and several rare rares (RR) or higher. Additionally, there is a possibility of getting high-rarity cards such as SR (Super Rare) or UR (Ultra Rare). By purchasing a BOX, you can efficiently enhance your collection compared to buying packs individually.

Moreover, buying a BOX is the most cost-effective option for those who want to create a collection or a competitive deck, rather than for resale purposes. Especially right after the release of a new set, many cards are still not in circulation, so purchasing a BOX and opening it yourself is the most reliable and economical way.

The downside is that the initial investment is about 5,000 yen, which is quite high. Also, even if you purchase a BOX, it does not guarantee that you will get the highest rarity cards like SR or UR; it still depends on luck. Furthermore, popular BOXes often sell out immediately on the release date, making it difficult to obtain them without participating in reservations or lotteries.

Buying a BOX is recommended for those who want to "seriously enjoy Pokémon cards," "enhance their collection," or "build a competitive deck."

Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Single Cards

Buying single cards is a method of purchasing the desired cards one at a time from card shops or online stores. It is popular among players who want to ensure they get specific cards needed for deck building.

The biggest advantage of buying single cards is that you can definitely get the cards you want. This avoids the risk of not getting the desired card even after buying multiple packs or BOXes. Additionally, since you only need to purchase the cards necessary for deck building, you can avoid having unnecessary cards. Especially when building a competitive deck, it can be said to be the most cost-effective method as you can efficiently gather the required cards.

The downside is that the prices of popular cards and high-rarity cards tend to soar. In particular, cards that perform well in tournaments or those just before being rotated out of the regulation see increased demand, sometimes fetching prices from several thousand to tens of thousands of yen. Also, purchasing single cards does not provide the enjoyment of opening packs, making it unsuitable for those who are collecting.

Buying single cards is recommended for those who want to "efficiently build a competitive deck" or "only want specific cards."

Recommended Purchase Methods by Purpose

The optimal purchase method varies depending on the purpose. If you want to "enjoy the thrill of opening packs," then packs or BOXes are recommended; if you want to "win in battles," then single cards; if you want to "enhance your collection," a combination of BOX and single cards is advisable. If your budget is within 3,000 yen, choose pack buying; if it's over 5,000 yen, choose BOX buying; if you need specific cards, opt for single buying. Choosing your purchase method wisely according to your purpose and budget is the key to enjoying Pokémon cards for a long time.

If you want to know more about the purchasing guide, please refer to the 【Related Articles】: Pokémon Card Pack Selection Guide and 【Related Articles】: Pokémon Card Budget Start Guide.

Tips for Buying at a Bargain

To enjoy Pokémon cards for a long time, it is important to purchase wisely and at a bargain. It is best to buy at the regular price, but by taking advantage of sales and campaigns, you can often purchase at an even better price. Additionally, knowing the purchasing methods to avoid can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and the risk of scams.

Here, we will explain specific tips for buying at a bargain and recommend a starting budget for beginners.

• Utilize Sales and Campaigns
• Save on Shipping with Bulk Purchases
• Purchasing Methods to Avoid
• Recommended Starting Budget for Beginners

Utilize Sales and Campaigns

Amazon and Rakuten Market regularly hold sales and campaigns. By utilizing Amazon Prime Day, Rakuten Super Sale, and Yahoo! Shopping's 5th Day Campaign, you can significantly increase the point return rate and effectively purchase at a discounted price.

In the case of Rakuten Market, purchasing Pokémon cards during shopping marathons or super sale periods can often yield a point return rate of over 10%. For example, if you purchase a 5,000 yen box and receive 500 points back, you effectively bought it for 4,500 yen. The accumulated points can be used for your next purchase, leading to considerable savings in the long run.

Also, credit card point returns should not be overlooked. By using a credit card with a high point return rate, you can purchase even more affordably. By creatively combining the use of Rakuten Card on Rakuten Market or PayPay Card on Yahoo! Shopping, you can maximize the point return rate.

However, if you focus too much on targeting sales and campaigns, you might miss out on products you really want. Popular items can sell out quickly even at regular prices, so it is important to prioritize the timing when you can definitely make a purchase over waiting for a sale.

Save on Shipping with Bulk Purchases

When purchasing Pokémon cards online, it is often the case that shipping costs apply, so making bulk purchases to exceed the free shipping threshold is a key point for savings. Many online shops offer free shipping for purchases over a certain amount. For example, Amazon offers free shipping for purchases over 2,000 yen (for non-Prime members), and in Rakuten Market, it varies by store, but many stores offer free shipping for purchases over 3,980 yen.

If you can't reach the free shipping threshold by yourself, consider making a joint purchase with friends or family. By consolidating orders with a few people, you can save on shipping costs while each purchasing the items you want. Additionally, in online card shops, not only can you get free shipping on purchases over a certain amount, but by using buyback services, you may also be able to purchase at an even better price.

Purchase Methods to Avoid

When purchasing Pokémon cards, there are also methods to avoid. In particular, you need to be cautious of the risks of high-priced resales and counterfeits.

First, purchases through flea market apps like Mercari or Yahoo Auctions require careful judgment. There is a high possibility that items listed at prices higher than the retail price are being marked up by resellers to make a profit. Additionally, there may be counterfeits or re-shrink-wrapped items (boxes that have been opened and then shrink-wrapped again) circulating. When purchasing from flea market apps, be sure to check the seller's ratings and reviews, and buy from reliable sellers who list items at prices close to the retail price.

To distinguish counterfeits, check the printing quality, color, weight, and texture of the cards. If they are clearly different from the genuine products, there is a possibility they are counterfeit. In particular, cards sold cheaply from overseas sites carry a high risk of being counterfeit, so they should be avoided.

Moreover, purchasing resale items sold at several times the retail price promotes the profits of resellers and hinders the healthy development of the market. If there is a product you really want, it is wiser to wait for a re-release or lottery, or to purchase single cards.

Recommended Starting Budget for Beginners

Many beginners may wonder how much budget to prepare when starting Pokémon cards. The recommended starting budget is between 3,000 yen and 5,000 yen. With this budget, you can purchase one ex starter deck (500 yen) and one box of expansion packs (about 5,000 yen). Alternatively, you can choose to buy a Battle Academy (around 2,000 yen) and several packs of expansion packs. It is wise to start with a small amount, experience the fun of Pokémon cards, and then gradually increase your investment.

For a detailed budget guide, please refer to 【Related Article】: Pokémon Card Budget Start Guide.

Products Beginners Should Buy First

For beginners who have just started with Pokémon cards, deciding "what to buy first" is often the most challenging point. Purchasing an expensive box right away carries high risks, and buying just one pack won't allow for enjoyable battles. For beginners, products that allow you to enjoy battles while learning the rules, or products with excellent cost performance are recommended.

Here, we will specifically introduce the products that beginners should purchase first.

• ex Starter Deck (500 yen)
• Battle Academy (around 2,000 yen)
• Recommended Expansion Packs
• Next Steps After Purchase

ex Starter Deck (500 yen)

The ex Starter Deck is the easiest product for beginners to start with. The price is 500 yen (tax included) for one, and it comes with a pre-constructed deck of 60 cards. You can start battling right away, which is the biggest appeal of being able to learn the rules while actually playing.

The ex Starter Deck includes one Pokémon ex (a powerful evolved Pokémon) guaranteed, which is already a key card in the deck. Additionally, the Trainer cards and Energy cards are well-balanced, making it easy for beginners to handle the deck.

By purchasing multiple ex Starter Decks, you can battle with friends and family, and by combining different types of decks, you can also learn the basics of deck building. Start by purchasing one to understand the basics of Pokémon cards.

【Related Articles】: Comparison of Recommended Starter Products for Pokémon Card Beginners is also helpful.

Battle Academy (around 2,000 yen)

The Battle Academy is a learning set for beginners that allows you to enjoy battles while learning the rules of Pokémon cards. The price is around 2,000 yen, and it includes three pre-constructed decks, a playmat, damage counters, coins, and a rulebook, providing everything you need for battles.

The biggest feature of the Battle Academy is its design that allows you to learn the rules step by step. You start with simple rules and gradually add more complex rules, allowing you to master the rules of Pokémon cards without difficulty. Additionally, since it includes three decks, you can start with friends or family and enjoy it with multiple people.

The Battle Academy is the most recommended product for beginners who say, "I don't really understand the rules" or "I want to learn carefully from scratch."

Recommended Expansion Packs

Once you have learned the rules with the ex Starter Deck or Battle Academy, the next step is to purchase expansion packs to strengthen your deck. Expansion packs include the latest Pokémon and powerful Trainer cards, which can broaden the scope of your deck.

As of 2025, the recommended expansion packs are products that comply with the latest regulations (standard rules). Be careful when purchasing older expansion packs, as they may contain cards that cannot be used in official tournaments. You can check the latest expansion pack information on the official Pokémon card game website.

Also, it is recommended to choose expansion packs that contain many versatile Trainer cards. By selecting packs that include versatile cards like Professor's Research, Boss's Orders, and Ultra Ball, which can fit into any deck, you can greatly expand your deck building options.

【Related Articles】: Explaining How to Build Pokémon Card Decks for Beginners provides detailed explanations.

Next Steps After Purchase

When you purchase Pokémon cards, let's deepen your understanding of deck building and rules while enjoying actual battles. After learning the basics with ex starter decks and battle academies, try adding expansion packs or single cards to create your original deck.

Additionally, participating in official tournaments held at Pokémon card gyms or card shops is also recommended. By battling with other players, you can learn tips for deck building and new strategies. Furthermore, by referring to deck recipe introduction videos on the official site or YouTube, you can learn how to build more powerful decks.

Everyone enjoys Pokémon cards in their own way. Whether you want to master battles or enhance your collection, find your own way to enjoy and immerse yourself in the world of Pokémon cards.

【Related Articles】: Please also refer to 【Related Articles】: 5 Recommended Decks for Pokémon Card Beginners and A Thorough Explanation of the Flow of Pokémon Card Battles.

Summary: Enjoy Pokémon Cards in a Way That Suits You

The ways to buy Pokémon cards can be broadly divided into two categories: physical stores and online, each with its own characteristics. In physical stores, you can directly check the products and have the reassurance of consulting with staff, but you are more susceptible to stock conditions. Online shopping allows for 24-hour purchasing and makes price comparisons easier, but popular products often require a lottery.

To ensure you get new products, it is important to understand the reservation and lottery systems and to frequently check the official Twitter and Pokémon Center Online. Additionally, the methods for purchasing packs, boxes, and single cards should be differentiated based on your goals and budget. If you want to enjoy the thrill of unboxing, packs or boxes are recommended, while single cards are best if you are looking for specific cards.

To buy at a good price, it is important to take advantage of sales and campaigns, save on shipping through bulk purchases, and avoid high-priced resales and counterfeits. Beginners should start with ex starter decks or battle academies to learn the rules while experiencing the fun of Pokémon cards.

Pokémon cards are a deep card game that can be enjoyed both in battles and collections. Please refer to the buying methods introduced in this article and enjoy Pokémon cards in a way that suits you. Starting with a small amount and gradually finding your style is the key to enjoying it for a long time. I hope your Pokémon card life becomes even more fulfilling.