We unpacked Pokémon TCG: Latest extensions from Scarlet & Violet
Blog Andrew Joseph 24 May , 2025 0
Slice the seal on the fresh Pokémon TCG box is magical. As the plastic slips off, the quiet shffffft, the weight of the booster box in your hand and the hope of flickering when each packaging wrinkle is shining. After unboxing yourself, Pokémon TCG: The latest extension to Scarlet & Violetthe doomed competitors have indeed gotten it.
After my hands were completely spread Destined to compete Early on, thanks to Pokémon, it was obvious that it wasn't just another scarlet and violet color. Nostalgia is hard to impress, and the artwork is truly amazing.
Construction and battle boxes
I started it all with a build and battle box that comes with four booster packs, a 40 card semi-built deck and one of four decks Stamped promotional card. Mine is Tyranitar of the Rockets and immediately set the tone. This promotion looks great on foil.
From the four booster backpacks, I managed to remove the illustration Rare and a front card. Hollo, who is alone, hopes that I can clone three more times. It's fun to put the quick deck together with the included card and some pull-up quick decks, which says a lot for products that are often considered warm-up behavior.
Booster Bundle
This is my favorite product to open. Booster Bundle In six Booster Packs with no fluff, I hit the gold with my favorite set. I pulled Ethan's grainy infrared out of this bundle. Honestly? I would be happy if I stopped unpacking here.
Both cards feel the idea and care of this design. And, when you hit the card back to back, it's hard not to start scrambling to tie more bundles just to see what else you'll get.
Booster box
There is something satisfying to crack a complete booster box, which is not disappointing. Of the 36 packages, I pulled 8 front cards, six illustrations were rare, one special illustration was rare, and one rare gold. That was 16 hits and it didn't feel like a filler.
While I pulled Ethan’s Ho-Oh Ex Gold Rare by Ethan, Mabosstiff Ex Sir by Arven and Crobat Ex Sr by Team Rocket, both of which immediately made me think about the new deck building. The Mabosstiff Ex Artwork alone was enough to make me want to run the mid-distance deck again, and Crobat looked like it was born for the damage caused.
The Rockets' Hound IR also appeared in the late stage of the box, and it felt like a perfect close-up. It's aggressive and looks like it can be made a hole through your binder and makes me actually stop and appreciate the rare illustrations instead of wanting to be too cute.
Elite training box
Next is the Elite Trainer box, whose sleek red and black team rocket designs look better. Inside you will find nine booster packs, Rocket's Wobbuffet promotional card, one sleevedice and all the other trimmings you expect.
Unfortunately, the pull is a bust for me. Sometimes that's it, but I'm going to say that box design is probably one of my favorite things in my recent memory. It feels like a fan of making it with the Rockets' Zapdos who grew up with the second generation and are still in the binder. Even if the hit doesn't come, it still feels like a collector's work.
Should you buy it?
If you want Buy a doomed competitorYour best bet right now is through Best Buy, which is giving up on the doomed competitor ETB May 23, book an event through a special “Best Buy” on its appjust like the recent one Black bolts and white flares expand Book.
Typically, these drips happen around 8 a.m. ET, so get your Best Buy app ready and log in and add ETB to your wishlist as soon as possible.
Then should you pick it up? I think, yes. If you are a collector, a deck builder, or just someone who misses the feeling of the beginning, it's really worth mentioning, and this is your suit.
If you want a full journey, get the booster box. If you're chasing IR like me, grab the booster bundle. Even the build and battle boxes provide a solid reason for themselves. Don't be surprised if one product becomes three. This kit has a habit that can be packed.
The final thought
Destined competitor It's the kind of scene that is not only leaning towards nostalgia, it uses it as a foundation and builds something new. The return of the trainer’s Pokémon opens up the potential of various creative decks. You no longer just build decks around the type.
You are building it around the character. Once, normal cards feel like they belong. I found myself looking at every card in the package instead of instantly bulking anything without foil.
and artwork. I know everyone says that every time a new suit drops, but actually I mean. The card illustrations in this collection are more expressive, dynamic, and more fun. I didn't realize I was missing until I opened the 40-plus package and found myself wandering around the House of Commons. Obviously, my favorite box opening experience is the scene with a booster box, absolutely crazy.
Christian Wait is IGN's contribution that covers all collectable and transactionable. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the gaming and tech industry and has a mixable and pocket-sized crafting charter. Christian also created a hand-painted collection for the miniature of the sword. Christian is also the author of The Ultimate Unofficial Game Guide for Pokemons by Warrior. Find Christians on x @chrisreggiewait.