The hype surrounding the new First Partner Illustration Collection is real. With the 30th anniversary of Pokémon this set brings exactly what collectors want: nostalgia, unique artwork and limited feeling.
But what's particularly striking? The price differences are already high.
. What's in the box?
The First Partner Illustration Collection (Series 1) contains:
- 3 Illustration Rare promo cards
- 2 booster packs
- Sticker sheet
The focus is clearly on: collection above playability and that's reflected in demand and prices.
The booster packs in the box
. Prices: from budget to scalper territory
In Belgium and the Netherlands we are currently seeing a strikingly wide price picture:
- 💥 From €17.99 spotted in Belgium (extremely good deal)
- Round €23 – €25 at regular retail / pre-orders
- 🏪 ± €24.99 for large retailers such as MediaMarkt
- . Until €34,00 at resellers / low stock shops
- Market place? Let's not talk about this.
. In short: more than 2x difference for the exact same product
. Why the price differences?
There are a few obvious factors:
1. Low stock + high demand
Many shops are already out of stock before release. That's gonna cause price pressure right up.
2. Illustration Rare hype
The cards in this set fall in the popular .illustration weird . This type of artwork has increased in popularity in recent years.
3. . . Collectors product (no mass release vibe)
This feels less like a standard product and more like a . . . special collection . . .
. StockMonster Insight
The price range shows one thing:
This product is likely to increase in value in the long term.
Similar collector boxes from previous years:
- often rise quickly to €40+
- then slightly decrease
- and long-term stabilisation over retail
. What do you have to do?
- You see him around €19.99 €25? → buy directly
- All above €35? → only interesting if you have FOMO
. Conclusion
The Illustration Collection is a hugely hyped product that can't be missed if you run into it around €25.
