Honestly, the Pokemon Trick or Trade 2024 release caught a lot of people off guard this year. Not because the cards were some crazy, high-value secret, but because the "BOOster Bundle" actually got smaller.
If you bought these last year, you probably remember the bag being huge. It had 50 mini-packs. This year? The Pokemon Company dropped it down to 35 packs per bundle. You're still paying about $14.99 at big retailers like Target or Walmart, so the "value" conversation has shifted a bit.
But look, nobody is buying these to retire early.
These are for the kids. Or, more specifically, for the parents who are tired of handing out Snickers bars only to find the wrappers stuffed into the sofa cushions three weeks later.
The 2024 Card List: Spooky Reprints and Cosmos Holos
This year’s set is a tight 30-card collection. Basically, if you open about 10 to 15 of these mini-packs, you’ve probably finished the whole set. It’s not like trying to pull a Charizard from a main expansion where you might spend $500 and still come up empty-handed.
💡 You might also like: Stuck on the Connections hint June 13? Here is how to solve it without losing your mind
What makes the Pokemon Trick or Trade 2024 cards unique is the little "Pumpkin Pikachu" stamp in the corner of the artwork. It’s a dead giveaway. Even though the cards are reprints from sets like Twilight Masquerade, Paldean Fates, and Paradox Rift, that stamp makes them a specific collectible for 2024.
The Heavy Hitters (If You Can Call Them That)
There are 10 holographic cards in this set. This year, they used the Cosmos Holofoil pattern—that classic "starry" look that older collectors get really nostalgic about.
- Gengar (057/091): Easily the most popular pull. It’s Gengar. People love the purple ghost.
- Pikachu (018/091): Obviously. It’s not a Halloween set without the mascot.
- Munkidori, Fezandipiti, and Okidogi: The "Loyal Three" from the Scarlet & Violet DLC made their debut in this format.
- Mimikyu (037/091): A staple for anything spooky.
- Darkrai (136/197): A personal favorite for many because the art is genuinely moody.
The rest of the set is filled out with commons and uncommons like Gastly, Haunter, Litwick, and Phantump. You’ve also got some starters in there, specifically Sprigatito and Quaxly, just to keep things balanced for the younger kids who might not be into the "creepy" side of Pokemon yet.
Why the "Investment" Crowd is Wrong
You’ll see people on eBay trying to sell "rare" 2024 Halloween Pikachus for $20. Don't fall for it.
📖 Related: GTA Vice City Cheat Switch: How to Make the Definitive Edition Actually Fun
These cards are mass-produced. Like, really mass-produced. The entire point of the Pokemon Trick or Trade 2024 bundle is that it’s accessible. The cards are printed on slightly thinner stock than your average Ultra Rare, and because you get a guaranteed holo in every 3-card pack, the "scarcity" is non-existent.
If you’re looking to make money, go buy a booster box of Surging Sparks. If you want to be the coolest house on the block on October 31st, buy these.
Spotting the Difference: 2023 vs. 2024
I’ve seen a lot of confusion at the stores because the bags look similar if you’re just glancing at the shelf.
The 2024 bag is bright orange and features a massive Gengar on the front. Last year’s 2023 bag was more of a lime green/teal color and featured Mimikyu and Pikachu. Also, check the pack count. 35 is the 2024 standard; 50 was the 2023 count.
👉 See also: Gothic Romance Outfit Dress to Impress: Why Everyone is Obsessed With This Vibe Right Now
If you find the 50-pack bags still on shelves, they’re likely "new old stock." Grab them. You get more cards for the same price, though you’ll be getting the 2023 card list instead of the new 2024 ones.
Practical Tips for Pokéween
If you’re actually planning to hand these out, here’s a tip from someone who has done this for three years straight: don't just leave them in a bowl.
Kids will grab five or six at a time because they look like regular packs. One pack per kid is the move. It’s a 3-card hit of dopamine that lasts longer than a fun-sized Milky Way.
Some collectors like to "master set" these, which means getting one of every card (all 30) and putting them in a specific Halloween binder. It’s a cheap, fun project to do with kids. Since there are no "secret rares," it’s one of the few sets you can actually finish in a single afternoon without breaking the bank.
Next Steps for Collectors
Check your local Target, Walmart, or Best Buy first. Avoid the marked-up prices on Amazon or secondary marketplaces where people are charging $25 for a $15 bag. If you're a completionist, aim to pull the Gengar and Darkrai cosmos holos first, as those tend to be the "chase" cards for this specific set. Once you have the 10 holos and 20 non-holos, you've officially conquered the Pokemon Trick or Trade 2024 collection.