What’s the draw for PC ETBs?

Collecting
1

I’ve been collecting for a few years now and I’ve never understood why people slobber over PC ETBs so much. I’m of the school of thought that Pokemon products (especially ETBs) are meant to be opened. They were designed to be opened. I understand that some ETBs have cool artwork (Champions Path has a sweet artwork), but even still why not just buy the box and display that?

I don’t see what the draw is for collectors to have a product that has two more packs than the regular product and a stamped card of the regular product as well. Because if it’s for the stamped product…you don’t have it unless you open it…so then you might as well just buy the card.

If someone collects PC ETBs, help me understand why? Why are they worth paying almost 5x the price for a regular ETB?

(Also y’all were so cool the last time I posted and I really appreciate the replies and perspectives)

2

More packs, stamped promo, more exclusive release, stonks

3

They do sometimes have a unique appearance that’s different from the standard ETB. Crown Zenith is one example. For those who like to display sealed product that could be a draw.

I usually buy a case of 4 direct from Pokemon Center with every set release, except for this year since it’s been nearly impossible. I only buy them to hold and eventually resell years later to fund other goals.

When I open ETBs (rarely) it’s always the regular ones.

2 Likes
4

There isn’t much limited or scarce about modern. People want whatever they can get

1 Like
5

But that’s what I’m saying. Willing to pack 5x the price for 2 more packs? And the only thing that makes it exclusive is the stamped promo inside. Like, I’m wondering who later on down the line is going to buy a PC ETB for 2 extra packs? Haha

6

Totally understand this. I think the celebrations PC ETB looks cooler than the regular. But why not just buy the box?

But then are the people you’re selling to going to open it? Or are they going to hold and eventually resell years later to fund their goals as well :joy:

7

Some will open them hoping to get a PSA 10 on the stamped promo. Before those existed it was definitely harder to understand why people would open them unless the price difference was small compared to the regular ETB.

Especially in the case of the Evolving Skies PC ETBs. I imagine at this point most of those are just getting bounced around between sealed collectors and other speculators.

8

People view them as the modern equivalent of 1st editions.

2 Likes
9

If i could sum it up “speculation” plays a big part.

10

I think people can choose to enjoy the product sealed, everyone has the choice to collect however they want

11

“Collect”

12

I think that enjoying the product and what it was designed to do are different. I think of it like people enjoying coffee. Sure people can enjoy looking at the package, but the coffee makers designed the coffee to be used, not looked at. The PC ETBs for example, are there that many enjoyers of the design of the ETB to merit a 5x increased price on the product? I guess I don’t know of that many people who enjoy that specifically, so it sounds more niche to me. It seems like the PC ETBs are more for ‘investment’ than actual enjoyment.

13

Hmm. Tell me more

14

I think you already got the point. People simply like to keep sealed stuff, hoping to increase its value over time.

15

There are entire classes of collectibles that are “supposed to be opened”. Wine comes to mind. It’s supposed to be drunk but people will keep bottles sealed for a variety of reasons whether it is to age it to a vintage to one day open or to potentially resell at a higher price.

If its a question of whether or not the PC version is worth 5x the price… if people are paying that then it is

16

Ah, right.

1 Like
17

At release there was little difference at MSRP, Celebrations for example was £50 and £65 respectively for the ETB and the PC ETB in the UK. If the PC ETBs are now way more expensive I guess that’s just part of the crazy modern market and probably something to do with Youtubers hyping PC ETBS and their promos as investments