Hello E4! With Guardians Rising releasing today, I was ready to go out, buy the four pack arts, and test my luck with some pulls. Before I went through with my usual release day plan, I decided to check ebay for Guardians Risings uncommon/common lots. I found one that contained all of the rares/uncommons/commons and decided to pick it up. The kicker? It cost less than buying my usual 4 packs. Sure, I’m missing out on the thrill of an amazing pull, but from a monetary standpoint, the thrill doesn’t work for me as it used to.
I also checked TCG Player this morning to check single prices on the new cards, seeing where the post prerelease hype was falling for these cards. All of the holos from what I can tell are under $0.50. I could buy 8 holos instead of getting a $4 booster pack! Right now for Ultra Rares I can purchase Wishiwashi, Kommo-o (my favorite Guardians Rising GX), Metagross, Vikavolt, and Wishiwashi FA for less than a booster pack. The most expensive card is SR DCE, which is at $77, less than a booster box.
Once again, thinking of my bank account in mind, I just can’t find the need to buy packs. I’d much rather buy into a guarantee and something I really enjoy than a chance. This isn’t helped with all of the reprint EX boxes Pokemon has been putting together lately. No one is really buying the Pokemon Legacy Evolution Pin collection, right? For $40 you really want a holo Slowking, Blissey, Crobat, Bellossom, Politoed, and reprint Steelix EX? For $40 you could buy a high end NM ungraded Ultra Rare. I can’t justify buying tins/boxes like I used to since if I like the promo, I can just buy it separately.
So, I guess the thrill of the pull has switched to the thrill of the ebay hunt? It’s becoming a lot more satisfying to hunt down the perfect single than it is to pull the perfect single.
Also, me thinking of this hobby with a larger understanding of costs/money in mind hasn’t decreased my enjoyment. It makes planning easier/goals easier to accomplish when you see how much a lot of cards is going to cost you, and plan your budget accordingly.
Are your opinions similar to mine? Completely different? Would love to hear what you think about buying packs vs singles!