If you want to collect Pokemon cards again like me, this is the best place to start

Pikachu on a brick path looking up over its shoulder into the foreground — (Image credit: The Pokemon Company)

Dear reader, it may be time for me to get back into the cardboard crack that is Pokémon cards. It feels as though everyone's ripping booster packs these days (including celebs such as McKenna Grace at the Oscars), and honestly, I'm starting to feel left out. Thanks to the announcement of Winds and Waves, not to mention the reveal of the latest trading card game set, Chaos Rising, that siren's call isn't going away.

So, where should I start? If you're in a similar position, I've got a particular pack in mind: the Pokémon Day 2026 Collection, currently $34.43 at Amazon (or, if you're based in the UK, for £15.99 at Amazon). Thanks to the dire state of stock for one of the best card games, this may be the best-value way to pick up recent booster packs. Both feature three boosters and a unique card, plus you'll be getting Pokémon cards from the most up-to-date expansions. Considering how quickly stock is snapped up and the way resellers have caused rampant price-hikes across the market, that's harder than you might think.

Yes, it's a bit wild that $30ish is considered "good" for Pokémon cards. I totally agree. But unfortunately for us, that's the bananas situation we're in right now. My usual go-tos (such as the Build & Battle boxes or Charizard ex Super-Premium Collection, which comes with a host of boosters alongside a figurine) are harder to find than shiny Pokémon at the moment. As such, this is the best way of getting that hit of dopamine from opening a booster pack without it being incredibly out of date.

Do you have any recommendations for where a returning fan should start with Pokémon cards? Shout it out in the comments. In the meantime, I'll be trying to figure out where to buy Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising without needing to take out a second mortgage.

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