If you’ve spent any time at a Target or scrolling through Pokémon TCG subreddits lately, you’ve definitely seen it. That massive, dark-themed box featuring the world’s most famous fire-breathing lizard. Honestly, the Charizard ex Premium Collection is one of those products that feels like a fever dream for collectors who remember the dark days of 2020 when you couldn't find a single pack on a shelf.
It’s everywhere. Yet, it’s also special.
Why? Because for once, The Pokémon Company actually listened. They took a fan-favorite Pokémon, stuffed it into a box with high-end accessories, and printed enough of them so that scalpers couldn't ruin the fun for everyone else. But as we move further away from its late 2023 release date, the question for most of us isn't "Can I find it?" but rather "Should I still buy it?"
Prices fluctuate. Print runs eventually end. Let's get into the weeds of what’s actually inside this thing and whether the "Charizard tax" is worth paying this time around.
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What’s Actually Inside the Charizard ex Premium Collection?
Most people buy this for the promo card. Let's be real. The etched foil Charizard ex (SVP 056) is a stunning piece of art that depicts Charizard in its Terastal form, specifically the Darkness type from the Obsidian Flames era. It looks like obsidian glass catching the light. It's moody. It's sharp.
But a box isn't just one card. You’re also getting two foil cards of the pre-evolutions, Charmander and Charmeleon. These aren't just random filler; they complete the evolutionary line for your binder. Then there are the packs. You get six booster packs. Usually, these are a mix of recent Scarlet & Violet era sets like Paldea Evolved, Obsidian Flames, and Scarlet & Violet base.
The accessories are where things get surprisingly high-quality.
Forget those flimsy cardboard deck boxes. This set comes with a magnetic card protector with a display base. It’s heavy. It feels premium. You also get 65 card sleeves featuring Charizard in its Tera form, which, frankly, are hit or miss depending on if you actually play the game or just collect. TCG players often find official Pokémon sleeves a bit "sticky" for shuffling, but for a display piece? They’re perfect.
The Art of the Promo: Why This Version Matters
There’s a specific nuance here that collectors often overlook. The Charizard ex in this box is an "SVP" Black Star Promo. That differentiates it from the Charizard ex you might pull from an Obsidian Flames pack.
Is one "better"?
Collectors usually prefer pulled cards (the "chase" cards) because the pull rates are so low. However, the SVP 056 has a unique texture and a specific numbering that makes it a "must-have" for master set completists. If you’re looking to grade a card with PSA or Beckett, buying a Charizard ex Premium Collection gives you a guaranteed shot at a mint-condition card, whereas pulling one from a pack is a total gamble.
I’ve seen some of these promos come out of the box with slightly off-center borders. It happens. Pokémon's quality control isn't always 10/10. But generally, the protection provided by the plastic casing in the packaging keeps these cards flatter and crisper than a card rattling around in a loose booster pack.
Gaming Utility: Is it Competitive?
If you're a player, you already know the Tera Charizard ex (Darkness type) absolutely dominated the meta for months. It has a massive 330 HP. Its "Burning Darkness" attack does 180 damage plus 30 more for each Prize card your opponent has already taken.
It’s a comeback king.
While the "standard" version of this card is relatively cheap to buy as a single, the Charizard ex Premium Collection version adds that extra bit of "bling" to a deck. Most competitive players I know started with one or two of these boxes to build the core of their Charizard ex deck while also grabbing the necessary playmat and damage counters. It’s a functional purchase, not just a shelf-warmer.
Breaking Down the Value (The Math)
Let’s talk money. You’re typically looking at an MSRP of around $39.99.
Six booster packs at a standard retail price of roughly $4.49 each puts the "pack value" at about $27. That means you’re paying roughly $13 for the three promo cards, the magnetic protector, the sleeves, and the deck box.
Does that hold up?
- Magnetic Protector: Usually $5–$8 on its own.
- Charizard ex Promo: Usually fluctuates between $5 and $12 depending on the market.
- Sleeves and Deck Box: Maybe $5 in value.
Essentially, you’re breaking even or coming out slightly ahead if you were going to buy those packs anyway. It’s not a "steal" in the sense that you’ll double your money tomorrow, but it’s a very fair price for the contents.
The "Overprinting" Myth and Long-Term Value
You'll hear people on YouTube claiming this box is "overprinted" and will never be worth anything.
Don't buy into the panic.
Yes, The Pokémon Company produced a lot of these. They wanted to satisfy demand. But look at the history of Charizard products. The Hidden Fates Charizard-GX Tin? People said the same thing. The Celebrations Ultra-Premium Collection? Same story. Eventually, these boxes disappear from big-box retailers. Once they move to the secondary market and the "out of print" status hits, the price almost always creeps up.
Charizard has a floor. There is a literal army of collectors who only collect Charizard. This creates a permanent demand that other Pokémon simply don't have. Even if there are a million of these boxes out there, there are ten million people who want one for their Christmas morning or their display shelf.
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Common Pitfalls When Buying
Watch out for the "re-sealed" trap. Because this box is so popular, it’s a prime target for shady returns at big retailers.
If you see a Charizard ex Premium Collection where the plastic wrap looks loose, or the glue on the side flaps looks messy, walk away. Scammers sometimes buy these boxes, carefully take out the packs, weigh them or swap them for older, less valuable packs, and then return them.
Always buy from a reputable Local Game Store (LGS) or a verified seller on TCGPlayer if you can't find one in person at a major chain.
Also, check the corners of the box. If you’re a "sealed collector"—someone who never intends to open the box—the condition of the cardboard matters immensely. Dents and creases can knock 20% off the resale value five years down the line.
Comparison: Premium Collection vs. Ultra-Premium Collection
Don't get this confused with the Charizard Ultra-Premium Collection (the UPC) from the Sword & Shield era.
The UPC is much larger, more expensive (MSRP $119.99), and contains 16 packs and three distinct Charizard promos. The Charizard ex Premium Collection is the "younger brother." It’s more affordable and focused specifically on the Scarlet & Violet era mechanics.
If you're a casual collector, the $40 box is a much better "bang for your buck." If you're a high-roller looking for the centerpiece of a collection, you want the UPC.
The Reality of Pull Rates
Don't buy this box expecting to pull a $200 card from the six packs inside.
Sure, it can happen. You could hit a Special Illustration Rare from Paldea Evolved. But the "hit rates" in the Scarlet & Violet era are statistically consistent across all products. There isn't "better luck" in a Premium Collection box than there is in a random blister pack from a gas station.
The value is in the promos. Treat the packs like a fun bonus, and you won't be disappointed.
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How to Display the Contents
If you do open it, don't just throw the cards in a binder.
The magnetic one-touch case included in the box is designed specifically for that Charizard ex. Use it. Keep the card in a "perfect fit" sleeve inside the one-touch to prevent it from rattling and getting "surface wear."
The display stand looks great on a desk, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Pokémon cards are notorious for fading when exposed to UV rays for long periods. A few months on a sunny windowsill can turn your vibrant Charizard into a pale, washed-out ghost.
Actionable Steps for Collectors
If you're on the fence, here is exactly how to handle the Charizard ex Premium Collection right now:
- Check the Price: Do not pay more than $40. If your local shop is asking $60, go to a different shop or check online. Inventory is still high enough that you shouldn't be paying a premium.
- Inspect the Seal: Look for the "pokeball" shrink wrap pattern (if applicable in your region) or ensure the factory glue is intact.
- Evaluate Your Goal: If you want the card for a deck, buy the "single" card on TCGPlayer for a few bucks. Only buy the box if you want the unboxing experience and the high-end magnetic display case.
- Storage: if keeping it sealed, place it in a plastic "tote" or a protective acrylic case to prevent the box art from scuffing.
This box represents a turning point where Pokémon became accessible again. It's a solid, well-constructed product that gives you exactly what it promises: a very cool dragon and a handful of chances to find something even cooler.