The Elite Trainer Box, or ETB, is one of the most popular Pokémon TCG products for collectors and players alike. If you have never bought one before, this guide explains exactly what you get, who it is for and how it compares with other Pokémon products.
What is a Pokémon Elite Trainer Box?
An Elite Trainer Box is a boxed bundle released alongside most main Pokémon TCG expansions. It combines booster packs with useful playing accessories and a sturdy storage box, all themed around the set it belongs to.
What is inside a modern ETB?
Contents can vary a little between sets, but a typical modern Elite Trainer Box includes:
- 9 booster packs from the matching expansion
- 1 full-art promo card, often exclusive to the ETB
- 65 card sleeves featuring artwork from the set
- 45 Energy cards
- A player's guide to the expansion
- 6 damage-counter dice and 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
- 2 acrylic condition markers
- A collector's box with 4 dividers to store your cards
Some sets also get a Pokémon Center exclusive version of the ETB with extra packs and a stamped promo. These are sold separately and are usually harder to find in the UK.
Who is an ETB best for?
- New collectors get packs, sleeves and storage in one box.
- Players get everything needed to build and sleeve a deck.
- Sealed collectors often keep ETBs unopened, as they are popular to display.
- Gift buyers find it an easy, well-presented present for any Pokémon fan.
ETB vs booster bundle vs booster box
Booster bundle: usually 6 packs with no extras. It is often the cheapest way to open packs if you do not need accessories.
Elite Trainer Box: 9 packs plus a promo and accessories. The best all-rounder for most people.
Booster box: 36 packs and nothing else. The best value per pack if you want to open a lot or chase specific cards.
Tips before you buy
- Check the box is factory sealed and the shrink wrap is tight with no tears.
- Buy from a trusted retailer to avoid resealed or fake products. Our guide on how to spot fake Pokémon cards covers the warning signs.
- Pre-order new ETBs early, as the most popular sets sell out fast.
Shop Pokémon Elite Trainer Boxes in the UK
Browse the latest Elite Trainer Boxes, booster bundles and booster boxes in our Pokémon cards collection, and protect your pulls with sleeves and binders from our card accessories range.