Display, Elite Trainer Box or Booster Bundle: Which is actually worth it?
You want to open booster packs and face three options: display, Elite Trainer Box or booster bundle. All three contain the same boosters, but price, contents and purpose differ a lot. Here is the honest comparison.
The three products at a glance
| Product | Boosters | Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Display (West) | 36 | none |
| Display (Japan) | 30 (some sets: 20) | none |
| Elite Trainer Box | 9 | Promo card, 65 sleeves, 40 Energy cards, dice, coin |
| Booster bundle | 6 | none |
Price per booster: the calculation that matters most
Divide the product price by the number of boosters before you buy. By that math, the display almost always comes out ahead. The Elite Trainer Box is the most expensive per booster because you pay for the accessories. The bundle sits in between and has the lowest total price.
When the display is worth it
If you are seriously collecting a set or chasing specific cards, there is no way around a display. You get the most boosters at the best price per pack, for example with the Eternal Rivals 36-pack display. Many collectors also keep displays sealed, because sealed product stays in demand.
When the Elite Trainer Box is worth it
For beginners and as a gift. Alongside 9 boosters you get sleeves, Energy cards, dice and an exclusive promo card, so everything you need to play, for example in the Eternal Rivals Elite Trainer Box. If you only want boosters, you pay extra here.
When the booster bundle is worth it
The cheapest way to try a new set: 6 boosters with no frills, like the Eternal Rivals booster bundle. Ideal when the budget is small or you first want to see if the set is for you.
Special case: Japanese displays
Japanese sets release earlier than the Western versions. A Japanese display usually contains 30 boosters with 5 cards each (Western boosters: 10 cards), some sets like Black Bolt and White Flare come with 20 boosters. The artworks are identical, the card language is Japanese. Often the faster route for collectors, at pokelix for example the Black Bolt display (Japanese).
Conclusion
Completing a set: display. Getting started or gifting: Elite Trainer Box. Small budget: booster bundle. You will find all three categories in the pokelix shop.