Is a Pokémon ETB Worth It for Beginners in 2026?

Is opening a Pokémon Elite Trainer Box still worth it for beginners in 2026?

Everyone says ETBs are the best way to start collecting Pokémon cards — but with prices going up and availability getting worse, I wanted to test that for myself.

In this video, I open a Twilight Masquerade Elite Trainer Box and judge it from a true beginner perspective:

How hard ETBs are to find right now

Why MSRP is supposed to be $50 (and why that almost never happens)

Whether paying $70 actually feels worth it

What you really get inside an ETB as a new collector

The overall beginner experience from both a collector and TCG point of view

I’m not chasing profits or trying to flip cards — this is about starting a collection the right way, sticking to a budget, and enjoying the experience without overpaying.

If you’re new to Pokémon card collecting, coming back as an adult, or just wondering if ETBs are still a good starting point, this video is for you.

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Until next time… stay heroic.
0:00 – Are Pokémon ETBs Still Worth It for Beginners in 2026?
0:12 – Why I’m Testing This ETB as a Beginner
2:20 – ETB Booklet & Beginner Value Explained
5:00 – Pack Openings Begin (Beginner POV)
9:10 – My Personal Chase Card
12:30 – Last Packs & Final Pulls
16:20 – Final Verdict: Is an ETB Worth It?