TLDR Review: Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1
Pros
- •Includes highly soughfter cards like the Alolan starters and a secret EX card, making it a must-have for fans of the series.
- •Comes with fun extras such as stickers, adding value beyond just the cards.
- •Offers great value compared to typical store prices, especially when purchased during sales.
- •Artwork is stunning, making these cards beautiful display pieces that appeal strongly to collectors.
- •Each set features all three starter cards from the same generation, avoiding any mind-match frustration.
- •Highly enjoyable for children and encourages social interaction and strategic thinking through collecting and trading.
- •Nostalgia runs high, especially for fans of Bulbasaur, Chimchar, or Rowlet, tying nicely into the 30th anniversary celebrations.
- •The product reliably delivers the desired cards, impressing users with pull rates and satisfaction.
- •Cards maintain good resale value, so duplicates aren’t just clutter—they can be sold to recoup some cost.
Cons
- •Prioritizes art and nostalgia far over gameplay value, so it’s less ideal for competitive play.
- •Contains only three cards per pack, which is fewer than a typical booster pack, making it feel a bit limited quantitise.
- •Priced on the higher side, with many agreeing $30 or less is a reasonable target price to justify the purchase.
- •Availability is hit by scarcity and scalping, leading to frustrating price hikes and inflated market value.
- •Designed primarily as a display collectible, which means casual players may feel it doesn’t offer enough gameplay or variety.
Bottom Line
If you're a fan or collector looking for gorgeous, nostalgic Pokémon card artwork focused on the starters—especially the Alolan forms—this set nails it and is worth picking up, particularly during discounts or sales. However, if you're after a bulk of cards for gameplay or more affordable variety, these packs might feel a little light and pricey. The focus here is art and collection over gameplay, making it an excellent choice to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary or as a stunning display addition. Consider waiting for sales if the price feels steep, but overall, this set delivers an engaging collector’s experience that’s hard to beat for starter fans.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.
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