Pokémon Card Pack Selection Guide | Differences and Selection of Expansion Packs, Strengthening Expansion Packs, and High-Class Packs

For beginners who have just started with Pokémon cards, the first dilemma is "which pack should I buy?" In stores and online shops, there are various types available, such as expansion packs, strengthening expansion packs, and high-class packs, each differing significantly in price and content. If you cannot choose the right pack, you may waste your budget or end up with cards that cannot be used in battles.

This article thoroughly compares the types and differences of Pokémon card packs, supporting beginners in selecting the optimal pack according to their goals. Whether you want to collect battle cards, rare cards, or start with a focus on cost performance, we will specifically explain the best options for each. We will also detail the points to consider before purchasing packs and the differences between buying boxes and individual packs, so you will acquire all the knowledge needed for successful pack selection.

There are 3 Types of Pokémon Card Packs

Pokémon card packs can be broadly classified into three types: "expansion packs," "strengthening expansion packs," and "high-class packs." These three differ in various aspects such as price, number of cards included, rarity, release frequency, and difficulty of acquisition. Understanding the role and positioning of each is the first step in choosing the right pack.

Expansion packs are the most basic packs and serve as the central element that regularly adds new Pokémon and strategies. Strengthening expansion packs are positioned as supplementary to expansion packs, focusing on specific themes. High-class packs are special packs released at the end of the year, which guarantee high-rarity cards as premium products. Many beginners typically start with expansion packs, but depending on their goals, it may be worth considering other options as well.

What is an Expansion Pack?

Expansion packs are the most standard packs that form the core of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. New sets are released every 2 to 3 months, adding new Pokémon, trainers, and strategies. The price per pack is around 180 yen including tax, and it contains 5 cards. They are always compliant with the latest regulations for official tournaments, and since they include cards that are central to the battle environment, players aiming for battles prioritize purchasing expansion packs. They are also relatively easy to obtain in stores, making them the packs that beginners should first pick up.

What is a Strengthening Expansion Pack?

Strengthening expansion packs are complementary packs released between expansion packs. They feature fewer types of cards than expansion packs and are characterized by content focused on specific themes or types. The price is similar to that of expansion packs, around 180 yen including tax, and they also contain 5 cards. They are compliant with regulations, making them usable in battles, but their release frequency is lower compared to expansion packs, and the difficulty of acquisition is slightly higher. They serve to reinforce elements that are lacking in expansion packs, making them suitable for intermediate players who want to strengthen specific decks.

What is a High-Class Pack?

The High-Class Pack is a special pack released every year at the end of the year. The price per pack is 550 yen including tax, which is quite high, but it contains 10 cards, and multiple high-rarity cards are guaranteed to be included. It mainly features reprints of popular cards released in the past, making it popular among players who collect for that purpose. Due to the limited number of releases, lottery sales or reservation systems are common, making it difficult to purchase in-store on the release day. It is suitable for those who want to efficiently collect rare cards or enjoy cards with a sense of exclusivity, but it is not a pack that beginners should choose first.

Thorough Comparison of 3 Types of Packs

When comparing the differences between the three types of packs in detail, their characteristics become clearer. By organizing them from four perspectives: price, content, difficulty of acquisition, and regulation compliance, it becomes easier to choose a pack that fits your purpose. Here, we will compare specific data and examples to answer the questions that beginners are most concerned about: "Which one is the best value?" and "Which one should I prioritize?" Whether you want to collect battle cards, rare cards, or start with a focus on cost performance, the optimal choice will vary depending on your purpose.

Comparison of Price and Content

When summarizing the price and content of the three types of packs in a table, it looks as follows:

Pack Type	Price (including tax)	Number of Cards	Guaranteed Rare Cards	Unit Price per Card
Expansion Pack	About 180 yen	5 cards	0-1 card	About 36 yen
Strengthening Expansion Pack	About 180 yen	5 cards	0-1 card	About 36 yen
High-Class Pack	About 550 yen	10 cards	2-3 cards	About 55 yen

The Expansion Pack and Strengthening Expansion Pack have almost the same price and content, with 5 cards available for 180 yen per pack. Rare cards are not guaranteed, and the likelihood of getting them depends on the inclusion rate. On the other hand, the High-Class Pack is expensive at 550 yen per pack, but it contains 10 cards, of which 2-3 are guaranteed to be high-rarity cards. When looking at the unit price per card, the High-Class Pack is about 1.5 times that of the Expansion Pack, but considering the guaranteed number of rare cards, it can be said to have high cost performance for collection purposes.

Differences in Difficulty of Acquisition

The Expansion Pack is the easiest to obtain, available at a wide range of places such as card shops, convenience stores, electronics retailers, and online shops across the country. It is rare for it to sell out on the release day, and it is often restocked a few days later, so there is no need to rush to purchase. The Strengthening Expansion Pack is released less frequently than the Expansion Pack, so it is easy to obtain right after release, but over time, the in-store stock tends to decrease. The High-Class Pack is the hardest to obtain, with reservations and lotteries taking place before its release, making it almost impossible to purchase in-store on the release day. Resale prices often soar, and whether you can buy it at the regular price depends on luck.

Differences in Regulation Compliance

The expansion packs are guaranteed to comply with the latest regulations at the time of release and can be used in official tournaments. They are the top choice for competitive players as they can thrive in the battle environment until the regulations change. While enhancement expansion packs generally comply with the regulations as well, they are released less frequently than expansion packs, making the latter more suitable for keeping up with the latest environment. High-class packs mainly feature reprints of popular cards from the past and may include cards that are already out of regulation, making them less suitable for competitive purchases.

Recommended Packs by Purpose

The most important thing when choosing a pack is to clarify your purpose. Whether you want to win in battles, collect rare cards, or enjoy the game with cost performance in mind, the optimal pack varies greatly depending on your goal. Here, we will specifically introduce the most recommended packs according to three representative purposes. Beginners should first consider which purpose applies to them and refer to the relevant section.

If You Want Battle Cards, Choose "Expansion Packs"

If your goal is to win in battles, choose the latest expansion pack without hesitation. Expansion packs include powerful Pokémon that are active in the current battle environment and important trainer cards that support your deck. They are guaranteed to comply with the regulations, ensuring they can be used in official tournaments. For example, as of 2025, by purchasing the latest expansion packs like "Wild Force" or "Cyber Judge," you can efficiently gather the necessary cards for top-tier decks in the environment. They are easy to obtain and reasonably priced, making them the best choice for competitive players. It is recommended to purchase 3 to 5 packs of the latest expansion pack first to see what kind of cards you get.

If You Want to Collect Rare Cards, Choose "High-Class Packs"

If you want to efficiently collect high-rarity cards for your collection, high-class packs are the best option. Priced at 550 yen per pack, they are expensive, but you are guaranteed to get 2 to 3 high-rarity cards out of 10 cards, making the inclusion rate of rare cards significantly higher than that of expansion packs. There are many reprints of popular cards released in the past, and they include special illustrations and holo cards, providing high satisfaction for collectors. However, the difficulty of obtaining them is very high, and you need to participate in pre-orders or lotteries before release. It is not uncommon for resale prices to be 2 to 3 times the retail price, so whether you can purchase them at retail price is crucial. For those with a budget to spare who want to efficiently collect rare cards, high-class packs are recommended.

For Beginners, "Expansion Packs" Are Recommended

For beginners who have just started with Pokémon cards, expansion packs are the most recommended. They are reasonably priced, starting from 180 yen per pack, making them easy to purchase, and even if you make a mistake, the damage is minimal, allowing you to enjoy the game with reduced risk. They are easy to obtain and can be purchased at card shops and convenience stores nationwide, so there is no need to rush to collect them. You can learn about the latest environment while collecting cards, deepening your understanding of battles. Even if you don't get rare cards, many common and uncommon cards are useful for deck building, so there is little waste. It is recommended to first purchase a few packs of the latest expansion pack to experience the fun of Pokémon cards, and then challenge enhancement expansion packs or high-class packs according to your purpose.

Box Buying vs Individual Buying: Which is More Cost-Effective?

When purchasing packs, many people may wonder whether to buy them individually or to buy a whole box (BOX) at once. There are many differences between box buying and individual buying in terms of price, the inclusion rate of rare cards, risks, and more. For beginners, it is crucial to determine which option is more cost-effective and which one to choose. Here, we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of box buying and individual buying in detail and provide advice on how beginners can make the right choice without making mistakes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Box Buying

The biggest advantage of box buying is that the price per pack becomes cheaper. For expansion packs, the market price for a box of 30 packs is around 5,400 yen including tax, which is about 10-15% cheaper than buying individually. Additionally, box buying guarantees the inclusion rate of rare cards, ensuring a certain number of high-rarity cards in each box. This makes it ideal for those who want to enjoy competitive play by efficiently gathering the necessary cards for deck building.

On the other hand, the disadvantage is the high initial investment. Spending over 5,000 yen for a box can be a significant hurdle for beginners, and the damage from a failed purchase can be substantial. Moreover, it is common to receive multiple copies of the same card, which can lead to the hassle of trading or disposing of them. Storage space is also required, and if the cards are not managed properly after opening, there is a risk of them going to waste.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Individual Buying

The biggest advantage of individual buying is that it allows for a low-cost and casual trial. At 180 yen per pack, you can purchase one pack at a time according to your budget, minimizing risk. Even if you don’t get the desired cards, you have the flexibility to try different packs next time, making it a less psychologically burdensome method for beginners. Additionally, since you can buy at your preferred timing, it suits a style of gradually purchasing more as new sets are released.

The disadvantage is that the price per pack is higher than box buying. Compared to box buying, you will end up paying about 10-15% more in total. Furthermore, the inclusion rate of rare cards is not guaranteed with individual buying, so if luck is not on your side, you may not get any rare cards no matter how many packs you buy. There is also a risk of encountering searched packs (packs with rare cards removed) at card shops, so it is important to purchase from reliable stores.

Beginners Should Start with Individual Buying

I strongly recommend that beginners start with individual buying. At the stage of just starting Pokémon cards, it is often unclear which packs suit you and which cards you want. With individual buying, you can try various packs while keeping risks low, allowing you to identify your preferences. Experiencing the joy of getting rare cards after purchasing a few packs and realizing the charm of Pokémon cards is the ideal flow before considering box buying seriously. Once you become familiar with Pokémon cards and have a clear idea of the cards you want and the deck you aim for, transitioning to box buying can help avoid unnecessary expenses.

Important Points to Know Before Buying Packs

Before purchasing packs, there are several important points that beginners should be aware of. Starting to buy packs without understanding these can lead to unnecessary expenses and mistakes. In particular, the importance of starter sets, checking regulations, and understanding inclusion rates are points that must be grasped before purchasing packs. Here, we will introduce specific advice to help beginners avoid common pitfalls.

Let's Buy the Starter Set First

When starting with Pokémon cards, I strongly recommend purchasing a starter set before buying packs. Just buying packs will not provide you with the 60 cards needed for a deck to compete, and you won't be able to play right away. The starter set includes a complete deck of 60 cards that you can use immediately, along with a playmat, damage counters, coins, and all the basic items needed for play. It is ideal to first understand the basic rules and flow of the game with the starter set, and then purchase packs to strengthen your deck. For more details, please refer to "Comparison of Recommended Starter Products for Pokémon Card Beginners | 2025 Edition".

Check the Regulations

In Pokémon cards, there are restrictions on usable cards known as "regulations," and only cards with specific marks (F, G, H, etc.) can be used in official tournaments. Older cards fall outside the regulations and cannot be used in matches, so it is important to check whether the packs you are purchasing comply with the regulations. Expansion packs and enhancement expansion packs generally comply with the latest regulations, but high-class packs and older expansion packs may contain cards that are already out of regulation. Be sure to check the regulation mark printed on the bottom left of the card and verify the latest regulation information on the official website before making a purchase.

Understand the Pull Rates

When purchasing packs, it is important to understand that rare cards do not always appear. In expansion packs and enhancement expansion packs, the probability of getting high-rarity cards is fixed, but if you are unlucky, you may not get any rare cards no matter how many packs you buy. If you expect too much, you may end up disappointed, so I recommend approaching pack openings as just "one of the joys" and being prepared to feel lucky if you do get a rare card. If you want to ensure you get high-rarity cards, consider looking into high-class packs or purchasing single cards.

Where and How to Buy Packs

Pokémon card packs can be purchased at various locations, but each has its own characteristics. The stock status, prices, and reliability can vary greatly by store, so it is important to choose the right place to buy. Additionally, popular packs often sell out on the release date, and pre-orders may be necessary. Here, I will explain places where beginners can purchase with confidence and key points to avoid mistakes.

Recommended Purchase Locations

Pokémon card packs can be purchased at Pokémon Centers, card shops, electronics retailers (such as Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera), convenience stores, and online shops like Amazon and Rakuten. For beginners, Pokémon Centers and card shops are highly recommended. Pokémon Centers are official stores, making them highly reliable, and they are sure to have new releases in stock. Card shops offer a wide selection and the advantage of being able to consult with staff while making a purchase. Electronics retailers and convenience stores are convenient to visit, but their stock is often unstable. Online shops offer the convenience of purchasing from home, but you need to consider shipping costs and delivery times. Detailed purchasing methods are explained in the "Complete Guide to Buying Pokémon Cards | Purchase Locations, Reservation Methods, and Tips for Great Deals".

Popular Packs Require Reservations

New expansion packs and high-class packs are so popular that it is difficult to purchase them in-store on the release date, making reservations essential. In particular, high-class packs are limited in quantity, and pre-release lottery sales or reservations are common. Reservations are accepted at Pokémon Centers, card shops, electronics retailers, and online shops, often starting 1 to 2 weeks before the release date. Popular packs can sell out within hours of the reservation opening, so it is important to frequently check official websites and social media for release information. Even if you fail to reserve, there may be restocks, so continue gathering information without giving up.

Purchase on Flea Market Apps with Caution

Pokémon card packs are also sold on flea market apps like Mercari and Rakuma, but careful judgment is necessary when purchasing. The biggest risk is the existence of "searched packs." Searched packs are those that have been weighed or measured to determine that they do not contain rare cards, making it highly likely that no rare cards will be found even if opened. It is important to check the ratings and reviews to see if the seller is trustworthy and to avoid purchasing from suspicious sellers. Be especially cautious if the price is significantly lower than the retail price. Consider purchasing on flea market apps as a last resort when you cannot obtain them otherwise, and prioritize buying from official stores or card shops.

[Latest Recommendations for Packs to Buy in 2025]

As of 2025, the Pokémon card environment is actively changing, with new expansion packs being released regularly. Here, we introduce recommended packs to buy now, categorized into three types: expansion packs, enhancement expansion packs, and high-class packs. Choose the pack that suits your needs, whether you want to collect cards that are active in the current environment or for collection purposes.

Latest Expansion Packs

The latest expansion packs as of 2025 include "Wild Force" and "Cyber Judge," featuring many new Pokémon ex (such as Eevee evolutions and Terastal forms). These packs contain powerful Pokémon ex that are active in the current battle environment, as well as versatile Trainer cards, making them essential for deck building. In particular, "Wild Force" includes many cards used in top-tier decks, making it a must-buy pack for competitive players. The price is also reasonable and easy to obtain, making it ideal for beginners to purchase as their first pack.

Featured Expansion Packs

Among the expansion packs released in 2025, "Crimson Haze" and "Raging Surf" are noteworthy. These packs contain cards specialized in specific types or themes, making them suitable for enhancing existing decks. Since they have fewer card types than regular expansion packs, there is the advantage of a higher chance of obtaining targeted cards. However, they are released less frequently and tend to have lower stock, so it is recommended to purchase them as soon as you find them.

Upcoming High-Class Pack Release

The high-class packs released every year at the end of the year are scheduled to be released in December 2025 as well. Similar to past high-class packs like "VSTAR Universe" and "Shiny Treasure ex", it is expected that high-rarity cards will be guaranteed, and many popular cards will be reprinted. The reservation period is expected to start around November, so it is advisable to check the official website and social media for the latest information and apply as soon as reservations open. Since there is a high possibility of a lottery sale, applying at multiple stores can increase your chances of winning.

Summary: Choose Packs According to Your Purpose

Choosing Pokémon card packs is most important when you clarify your purpose. If you want to win in battles, the latest expansion packs; if you want to collect rare cards, high-class packs; and if you want to enjoy cost performance, buying individual packs of expansion packs are optimal choices depending on your goals.

For beginners, it is recommended to first learn the basics with a starter set, and then purchase a few individual packs of expansion packs to grasp the fun of pack opening and the sensation of card collecting. By understanding the regulations and inclusion rates and purchasing from reliable stores, you can avoid mistakes.

Pokémon cards offer a fun experience from choosing packs to battling. Using the points introduced in this article as a reference, choose the packs that suit you and fully enjoy the world of Pokémon cards. For detailed starting methods, please refer to "Complete Guide to Pokémon Cards | How to Start, Rules, Deck Building, and Everything About Battles".