Scarlet & Violet Base: Investment Guide 2023

Scarlet & Violet, The Fresh Start of the Pokémon TCG

Launched in March 2023, the Scarlet & Violet set (or Scarlet & Violet Base Set in English) marks the beginning of a whole new era for the Pokémon TCG. Farewell to V and VMAX cards, make way for the new-generation Pokémon ex, with a significant graphic overhaul and a return to modernized classic visual codes. For collectors, this set represents an essential entry point into the new block, and potentially an investment opportunity not to be overlooked.

In this article, I offer you a complete analysis: available sealed products, flagship cards to watch, and an investment strategy suited to the market.

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A New Era, New Mechanics

The Scarlet & Violet set introduces several important structural changes:

• Pokémon ex replace Pokémon V, they give up 2 prizes when knocked out, like the old ex of Generation 3
• Special Illustration Rare cards (Special Illustration Rare, SIR) replace Alternate Rares as the ultra-premium cards of the set
• A new card frame with a thin border and a clean presentation
• Tera Pokémon ex make their appearance, with striking full-frame illustrations

These changes were broadly well received by the community, which supported the value of the products from their release.

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The Sealed Products Available

Display (Box of 36 boosters)

The base Scarlet & Violet display is the reference product for investors. At its release, it traded at around €130 to €150.

⚠️ Indicative price, to be checked on CardMarket and specialized shops, prices change regularly.

The pull ratio is broadly decent for a launch set: on average about one illustrated rare card or better per booster, which makes the display attractive both for opening and for keeping sealed.

Elite Trainer Box

The Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Box is available in two versions: one in Koraidon colors, one in Miraidon colors. Each version contains:

• 9 Scarlet & Violet boosters
• Game accessories (dice, dividers, sleeves)
• An exclusive promo card

At its release, the suggested price was around €50 to €55. This type of product is often the first to sell out at retailers, and it's a good choice for a medium-term investment in a sealed product.

⚠️ Indicative price, to be checked on CardMarket.

Single boosters

Individual Scarlet & Violet boosters are generally found between €4.50 and €5.50 per unit, depending on the retailer. Buying by the unit remains barely profitable for pure investment, but useful for completing a collection.

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The Flagship Cards of the Set

Koraidon ex, Special Illustration Rare

Koraidon ex is unquestionably the most iconic card of this set. Its Special Illustration Rare version (reference 252/198) features a spectacular full-frame illustration that has won over collectors and investors. This card ranks among the most sought-after of the set.

⚠️ Check CardMarket for the current price, the market value evolves frequently depending on condition (NM, LP, etc.).

Miraidon ex, Special Illustration Rare

Its futuristic counterpart, Miraidon ex in SIR (reference 253/198), shows a comparable market value. The two legendary Pokémon of Paldea form a pair much sought after by collectors wishing to complete their set.

Gardevoir ex, Secret Rare

Gardevoir ex has several versions in this set, including a particularly prized Illustration Rare and Special Illustration Rare. Its persistent popularity makes it a card to watch over the long term.

Other Notable Cards

The Trainer SIR cards, notably Paldea characters like Penny and Professor Turo, saw strong demand, a trend that was confirmed on the subsequent sets of the block.

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Investment Analysis: Is It Worth It in 2023-2024?

Strengths

✅ Launch set of a new era, historically, block-opening sets gain value over 3 to 5 years when the block ends

✅ Popular mechanics, Pokémon ex remind veteran players of a beloved era, widening the base of interested collectors

✅ Quality SIR illustrations, the premium cards of this set have a recognized artistic level, which supports long-term demand

✅ Well-distributed products, decent availability at release made it possible to buy at the suggested price without overpaying

Points of Caution

⚠️ High production volume, The Pokémon Company has been printing in large quantities since 2021, which can limit artificial rarity in the short term

⚠️ Many sets to follow, the Scarlet & Violet block spans several years, which dilutes buyers' attention across each individual set

⚠️ Patience required, the significant revaluation of sealed displays generally occurs after the block ends, i.e. several years later

Recommended Strategy

For a collector-investor, the most reasonable strategy for this set is as follows:

1. Keep 1 to 2 sealed displays in a dry place away from light
2. Acquire the key SIR cards (Koraidon ex, Miraidon ex, Lucario ex) in PSA 10 graded copies if the budget allows
3. Avoid mass opening unless you have a complete-set objective

To track price evolution in real time and manage your collection intelligently, the PokeItem tool is particularly useful: it lets you track the value of your cards and sealed products without juggling between several platforms.

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Where to Buy?

For sealed Scarlet & Violet products, several options are available to you:

• Local specialized shops, often at the suggested price, with the possibility of seeing the product before buying
• Large specialized retailers (Fnac, Cultura), variable availability, sometimes with interesting promotions
• Online retailers, a wider choice, compare prices before ordering
• CardMarket, for single cards, the essential reference in Europe

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Conclusion

The Scarlet & Violet set marks a genuine turning point in the history of the Pokémon TCG. For collectors looking to invest in sealed products or premium cards, this set offers solid foundations: iconic legendary Pokémon, high-quality SIR illustrations and a founding-set positioning that will work in its favor over the long term.

The key, as always, remains patience. Keep your sealed products in good condition, follow the market values regularly via PokeItem and CardMarket, and reassess your position at the end of the Scarlet & Violet block.

Good luck with your hunt, and may your pulls be generous! 🎴