Pokémon TCG: Sword and Shield—Brilliant Stars

Feedback on the Elite Trainer Box

Status
Not open for further replies.
Absolutely loved this product and as far as I'm concerned it is easily the best thing you have released in years. I've been envious of my partner being able to collect MTG fat packs for so long. It is nice to finally have a similar product.

As for what I would like to see change? A better deck box is a must. Something resembling what is released in Japan with each expansion would be a much larger draw for me than packs. Really the boosters are second nature to the dice and deck box for me. I's also really love for different art on the inner portion of the outside sleeve. The mural style pieces that are used for promotion in Japan would be ideal. Pokemon is severely lacking in poster style art that appeals to an older crowd. I would love to be able to add some of these pictures to the walls of my game room. You could advertise it as an exclusive poster on the packaging as well. Make it seem like something we get already is an extra feature. Keep the dice. They are amazing. Maybe make the energy more interesting. Give us a reason to buy multiple boxes. Holo energy or even energy similar to the hgss expansion energy that features various pokemon included in the set would be amazing. Don't know how feasible this really is, but it would make me spend more money. Also one promo card would be a nice addition

I don't really care about sleeves being included, but I would like to add that if you have any way of selling the sleeves released in Japan in international markets please do. I am willing to shell out a fair bit of money to online scalpers for these sleeves. That is money id be much happier giving to you for the same product.
 
Maybe I heard wrong but wasn't the Elite Trainer box originally supposed to include the full Dragon Vault set or something? If so, that'd be a nifty way of releasing the Japanese mini-sets since these days Dragons Vault seems to have become one of those shelf warmers nobody purchases or maybe it's just my area.
 
Widdi said:
I would like to add that if you have any way of selling the sleeves released in Japan in international markets please do. I am willing to shell out a fair bit of money to online scalpers for these sleeves. That is money id be much happier giving to you for the same product.
Click to expand...
This. Since Japan already makes these sleeves, if there is a way to transport them to international locations to put in the ETB(Designs would match the set eg the plasma Genesect sleeves) it would be 100% better for players who want to buy these things since we get everything else as well. Other than that, everything else was good and usable except the deck box.
 
I was pleased that the final comment box of the survey was able to fit all of the following:

The Elite Trainer Box is an excellent product. However, there were a few details I would have like to have seen realized. One would be exclusivity of the Energy cards. Some examples for this would include alternate artwork styles or holofoil. In my opinion, one of the major selling points of EX: Emerald were the holographic energy; I found the rest of the set to be substandard. Likewise, I was a huge advocate of the Energy card being given out at Leagues, most notably the basic Energy and Double Colorless Energy for the previous year. (On a tangent, while I understand the push to promote the TCGO, many of the players at the League I run were dissatisfied with them in comparison to the incredibly useful Pokemon and other cards that dominated the pre-HGSS League promo cards.) I wish for the Energy found within this or future boxes to be unique, to some extent.

I also wish for the quantity of damage dice to be upgraded. I had purchased two copies of the Elite Trainer Box; the only thing preventing me from purchasing a third for the additional dice was that I had already purchased a box of Plasma Storm booster packs, and had no need for any more of the Elite Trainer Box's contents. Despite this, I was dissatisfied with the quantity of special dice I had in my collection, and will likely attempt to trade for or buy the dice separately.

My next point comes from the position of a Tournament Judge and Pokemon Professor. What I would love for the box to become is a "Pre-Release in a Box"; that is, either making the number of booster packs six or eight. Being able to hand the box to each player in a Pre-Release, having everything from a coin die to damage and status counters in a easy-to-distribute bundle would be excellent. In fact, it would be interesting to restrict players entirely to the box's contents (and by extension, Energy) rather than allow for any number of basic Energy cards to be added. Eight booster packs would allow for the bonus boosters for game play to be given out at the same time, but would likely increase the number of drops or people not interested in continuing, since they already have everything.

Along these lines, with six boosters in the box, upgrading to a plastic box would mean that all that would need to be given out at the end of a Pre-Release would be the two boosters and promo card, allowing players to store their excess cards in the plastic box while playing with their deck during the Pre-Release. I also have considered running tournaments in a sealed format, with the aforementioned box contents forming the basis to make 40 card decks from, with one of the seven boosters being thrown into a prize pool by each player and distributed amongst the winners. I have heard deck sleeves mentioned or suggested as a possible addition.

In my opinion, if they were to be of the older pre-release quality of sleeves, I would be against their addition, if it were to increase the price of a future box. I have had poor experiences with the art backing repeatedly peeling from the remainder of the sleeve.

I would like to thank Dylan Mayo for trying to make this product available. I would not have purchased any more items from the Plasma Storm set, were it not for the inclusion of the high-quality dice and status counters within. In conclusion, I cannot say for certain if I will purchase future Elite Trainer Boxes thanks to the supplies I received from the two Plasma Storm ETBs; however I would definitely take the purchase into greater consideration if the quantity of dice included were greater or if the Energy cards included had interesting art or holofoil.
 
Improvements (some of these were already mentioned):
1) Make all the dice the same, damage counter dice should be translucent as well (not transparent)
2) Make better deckboxes or something else (even blank sleeves) because we get plenty of deckboxes at pre-releases
3) Use the ETB at pre-releases (would solve #2), 7 boosters should make for better decks, 1 booster to give out at the end
4) Add card dividers
5) Not a fan of adding another booster and increasing the price
6) Make the energy unique to the set
 
I think it would be cool if in each box set, the energies were different than anything else. They would all be energy that people can't get from any other thing, other than the ETB. Also, some more space length-wise would be nice.
 
I agree; basically anything that makes the content in the ETB exclusive makes it more valuable in the players' and collectors' eyes. I really don't think the booster packs are a major draw for me. I would much rather pay $35 for an ETB with only 3 booster packs, but with a set of cool and durable sleeves, a good quality deck box, and exclusive energies/promo.

The only problem I see (business-wise) for you guys in doing this is that I imagine the manufacturing costs of producing these exclusive items in higher quality may make it prohibitive and not as easy to produce as just sticking the extra 4 boosters in there. After all, it means creating new designs, getting it approved, sending it to the factory, making sure you have the correct materials, shipping it, etc.

Butttt, it would be cool if you did it ;)
 
Feedback

Howdy Exo!
I was a bit disappointed in the quality of the deck box included in the ETB. I would like to see a quality, plastic deck box with a Velcro closure that can fit a double sleeved deck, akin to the Japanese
Deck boxes. I was very disappointed in the cardboard one and felt like it was done as cheaply as possible.

Dice:
I would vehemently agree with the other users on here about changing the pip colors on the coin flip dice to something easier to see, the dark blue is too dark.
Also, I noticed a severe disparity in quality among the damage counter dice. Several people I met that had the ETB had damage counter dice that were swollen on one side or had pips that were not completely filled in with ink. If you continue with these this needs to be addressed. I personally would not mind seeing the damage counter dice removed, Since a coin flip dice can be used for the same purpose.

Booklet:
I understand the inclusion here for people who are new to the game and for some reason ended up buying the ETB. I don't see it as necessary for 'Elite' players, but from a commercial standpoint I understand the need for its inclusion.

Energy:
As far as the energy goes, I gave mine away. I have more than enough energy since I have been playing for a few years. If the energy is included, I would like to see it changed to holo energy. If necessary, the quantity could be reduced to adjust for cost.

Condition Markers:
This. This is by far the BEST item included in the ETB. I was extremely satisfied by the quality of the condition markers and have no complaints.

As a side note, I disagree with making these into a 'prerelease in a box'. I see these as meant for 'Elite' players, and using them in a prerelease seems to take away some of the prestige associated with them.
 
Last edited:
I guess there might've been something wrong with my status markers, as they felt gritty and cheap.

It's great to see TPCi seeking feedback, and I want to thank you guys for taking the chance to listen to us.

All that being said: Instead of dice, could we see Japanese style Damage Counters? Or are there safety risks that dice avoid there?
 
Appart from the improvements of the product itself, it would be good to release the Elite Trainer Box (and the futures ones released) to other countries non-english speakers fully translated. It's a very interesting and superb product to sell and an oportunity to create interest in the game. And I think it would be very well sold within the players and collectors.
 
ExoByte said:
Sleeves have some issues.

  • Expense
  • Quality
  • Lead time

To get sleeves that are consistently as high quality as we'd want to see, we'd probably have to raise the price, and remove everything but the boosters. The deckbox costs probably less than 10% of 65 decent sleeves. The much better deckbox we're considering is probably still less than half the cost of sleeves.
Click to expand...

I would just love to have sleeves just appear in stores as it's own product. Card shops in my area are moving out or already far away, so plenty of parents have been asking at league where to get sleeves (mainly Pokemon ones). Some don't like buying online, let alone from out of country, so selling designed sleeves in store would be helpful.

For the box feedback:

Upgrading the deck box (if kept) is a must. Had one that was damaged when bought, also fitting sleeved decks in the box is difficult/potential damage to sleeves/box.

Dice/Condition markers are great. Booklet could have more helpful tips for new players (how to build a deck/what one looks like)

The packs could be placed in the box better, cause heard from others some started to bend a bit being moved around so much. I didn't have a problem with it but just a note otherwise.


Every set maybe overkill, but with the next two sets having lots of good cards, I wouldn't mind seeing it for the next two sets, then every other:thumb:
 
Profesor Bain said:
Appart from the improvements of the product itself, it would be good to release the Elite Trainer Box (and the futures ones released) to other countries non-english speakers fully translated. It's a very interesting and superb product to sell and an oportunity to create interest in the game. And I think it would be very well sold within the players and collectors.
Click to expand...

non-english sets release 2-3 months later, so it might still happen. (also it depends on the distributor).

I personally hope the ETB will be released in the EU too (it doesnt matter if translated or non-translated). As european i dont want to spend 50$ for the ETB (the regular price is okay, but shipping and import duties are too expensive).
 
More packs, axe the deckbox or improve it, advertise leagues/op, and promo cards would be nice(I wouldn't consider the prerelease deckbox an increase, and ultra pro obviously has rights for the licenses.)
 
I like the dice, and counter aspect. i felt everything else wasn't needed. What am I going to do with 40 energy? Maybe adding special energy would be nice (DCE REPRINT PLEASE!!!)
If we got a better deckbox, maybe I will use it, but the cardboard just isn't cutting it, and ruins the condition of my cards.
Sleeves are needed. "Core" players need sleeves.
 
CrystalEyeMonster said:
"Core" players need sleeves.
Click to expand...

All players needs sleeves, mainly new. Pre-releases need sleeves again. Seeing little kids get so excited for getting an Ultra Rare is fun to see, but then right after seeing them already in horrible condition after only 10 minutes out of the pack.... uggg... I always bring spare old sleeves/penny just for kids that bring cards without any protection.
 
I bought the box but was disappointed, and would probably not buy another one. I don't think adding boosters would make this a better product. If someone wants more boosters, well, they sell them right on the next shelf at the store. Since sleeves aren't an option, I'd like to see some other unique items that players would like to give them a reason to buy these. I'm thinking, nice deck boxes, dice, even a high quality coin would be cool to have.

The box design itself was pretty bizarre. It came with these cardboard things to make the product appear "bigger" but when you take them away the box fits together, and the little book insert (while high quality) doesn't even fit inside. The cardboard deck box was such a cool design too, but the fact that it wasn't made of a stronger material made it even more disappointing. I'd like to see a deck box in here of much higher quality than the prereleases, as those fall apart very quickly.
 
Last edited:
I think including a random EX (regular art or FA) from the set featured would be fun. It would also be a way to get more powerful cards, reduce prices in secondary market, and possibly increase sales. Maybe exclusive art or non holo versions of the EX for the box? Maybe a stamp with the set logo or something? i dunno just brainstorming.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top