Pokemon Go ETB Deal: Cop Or Drop At $100?

Hey guys! So, I stumbled upon a deal that I wanted to get your thoughts on. There's a Pokemon Go Pokemon Center Elite Trainer Box (ETB) available for $100, which is a steal considering the current market price is around $124. Now, I'm seriously tempted, but I've heard some mixed reviews about this set. Many people are saying it's not the greatest, and that's making me hesitate. But honestly, I kinda dig it!

The Dilemma: To Buy or Not to Buy?

This brings me to my big question: Would you cop it? I'm stuck in a classic collector's dilemma. Do I jump on a potentially good deal, or do I listen to the naysayers and save my money for something else? Let's break down the factors that are swirling around in my head.

First off, that $100 price tag is definitely appealing. Saving $24 compared to the market price is nothing to sneeze at. That's basically a free booster pack (or close to it!). But then again, if the set really is as bad as some people claim, am I just throwing good money after bad? I'm trying to think long-term here. Is this ETB something that will appreciate in value over time, or will it just sit on my shelf gathering dust?

The Pokemon Go set itself is a bit of a wildcard. On one hand, it's a collaboration between the wildly popular mobile game and the classic trading card game. That's a recipe for success, right? The set has some really cool artwork and a nostalgic feel, especially for those of us who spent countless hours catching Pokemon in the real world. The radiant rares are particularly eye-catching, and the character rares featuring trainers from the game are a nice touch. I really like the design of the ETB itself; it's sleek and captures the essence of the mobile game perfectly. The included accessories, like the card sleeves and the damage counter dice, are also nice additions.

Why the Negative Buzz?

So, if I like the set, why am I even hesitating? Well, that's where the negative reviews come in. A lot of people have been complaining about the pull rates in this set. Pull rates, for those who are new to the TCG world, refer to how often you pull rare and valuable cards from booster packs. Some collectors have reported opening a ton of packs and not getting much in return, which can be incredibly frustrating. It's like buying a lottery ticket and never winning, even the small prizes!

This is a valid concern, especially for those who are primarily interested in the set for its monetary value. If the pull rates are low, it means the chances of pulling a valuable card are also low, which can impact the overall value of the set. However, I'm not solely in it for the money. I genuinely enjoy the thrill of opening packs, the excitement of potentially pulling a rare card, and the satisfaction of adding cool cards to my collection. For me, the experience is just as important as the potential profit.

Another criticism I've heard is that the set is a bit… underwhelming. Some people feel that it doesn't have enough chase cards, which are those super rare and highly sought-after cards that everyone wants to get their hands on. A set with a strong lineup of chase cards tends to maintain its value better over time, as collectors are always on the hunt for those elusive gems. The lack of a huge, standout chase card in the Pokemon Go set might be contributing to the lower market value and the negative sentiment surrounding it.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Okay, let's recap. On the pro side, we have the discounted price, the cool artwork, the nostalgic theme, and the overall fun of opening packs. On the con side, we have the potentially low pull rates and the lack of a major chase card. It's a tough call!

I'm trying to think about this from a few different angles. First, as a collector, I do genuinely like the set. I think the artwork is unique, and the Pokemon Go theme resonates with me. I also appreciate the fact that this set is a bit different from the main series sets. It's a fun little side adventure in the world of Pokemon cards.

Second, as an investor (or at least, someone who likes to think about the long-term value of my collection), I need to consider the potential for appreciation. The discounted price helps in this regard, as it lowers my initial investment. However, the low pull rates and the lack of a major chase card could limit the set's potential growth. It's possible that this ETB will appreciate modestly over time, especially if the Pokemon Go game continues to be popular. But it's unlikely to become a holy grail item like some of the older, more sought-after sets.

Community Input: What Do You Think?

Ultimately, I'm still on the fence. That's why I'm turning to you guys for your opinions. What do you think? Would you buy a Pokemon Go Pokemon Center ETB for $100, even with the negative buzz surrounding the set? I'm really interested to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have you opened this set? What were your pulls like? Do you think this is a good long-term investment, or should I pass and save my money for something else?

Let me know in the comments! Your insights will definitely help me make a decision. Maybe together, we can unravel the mystery of the Pokemon Go Pokemon Center ETB!

Final Thoughts: A Collector's Perspective

For me, collecting Pokemon cards is more than just about making money. It's about the joy of the hunt, the thrill of the pull, and the satisfaction of building a collection that I love. While the potential for profit is always a consideration, it's not the only factor. I'm drawn to sets that have interesting themes, unique artwork, and a certain nostalgic appeal. The Pokemon Go set definitely ticks some of those boxes for me.

However, I also want to be a responsible collector. I don't want to blindly buy into hype or chase after things that are likely to lose value. That's why I try to do my research, listen to the community, and make informed decisions. This Pokemon Go ETB situation is a perfect example of that. It's a tempting deal, but it's also a bit of a gamble.

So, I'm going to continue to weigh the pros and cons, listen to your feedback, and hopefully, make the right decision. Wish me luck, guys! And thanks in advance for your input. Happy collecting!