What’s Inside a Pokémon Booster Pack? Pull Rates & Card Types Explained

What’s Inside a Pokémon Booster Pack? Pull Rates & Card Types

Introduction

Curious about what’s inside a Pokémon booster pack? Whether you’re a new collector or returning to the Trading Card Game (TCG) after years away, understanding the contents and pull rates of booster packs is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down what you can expect to find in each pack, the types of cards included, and your odds of pulling rare or ultra-rare cards.

What Is a Pokémon Booster Pack?

A Pokémon booster pack is a sealed set of cards designed to expand your collection and offer the thrill of surprise. Each booster pack contains a randomized selection of cards from a specific set.

Standard English booster pack includes:

• 10 cards total
• 1 rare or better
• 3 uncommons
• 5 commons
• 1 energy card

Japanese packs typically contain fewer cards (e.g., 5 or 7), but are printed with higher quality and have different pull dynamics.

Types of Cards You Can Pull

Pokémon booster packs contain a variety of card types:

1. Common Cards

These are the most frequently pulled cards, usually featuring basic Pokémon.

2. Uncommon Cards

Slightly more powerful and rarer than common cards.

3. Rare Cards

Denoted by a ★ symbol; these include holo rares, non-holos, and sometimes legendary Pokémon.

4. Reverse Holo Cards

A version of any rarity that has a shiny, reflective background.

5. Ultra Rares & Secret Rares

This includes V, VMAX, EX, Full Art, Gold, and Rainbow cards. These are the most sought-after and hardest to pull.

“Every booster pack is a gamble—you might find a common Pidgey or a stunning Gold Rare Charizard. That’s the magic!”

Understanding Pull Rates

What Are Pull Rates?

Pull rates refer to the odds of finding certain rarities in a booster pack.

Average Pull Rates (English Sets)

Note: Japanese packs often have higher consistency, but fewer rare hits per box.

Cards

• Japanese packs: Usually 5 cards (some high-class packs contain 10+)
• Korean packs: Similar to Japanese, often cheaper for collectors

Some packs are part of special sets like Pokémon 151, Battle Partners SV9, or Shrouded Fable, each with its own chase cards.

Tips for Collectors and Buyers

• Buy sealed packs from trusted stores to avoid tampering
• Consider Japanese sets if you prefer better print quality
• Track your pulls to know which cards you still need
• Store your cards in sleeves or binders to preserve value

Shop Sealed Packs

Ready to test your luck? Shop sealed Pokémon booster packs now and start your hunt for ultra-rare treasures today. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for drop alerts and exclusive discounts!

Related Reads

• Top 5 Pokémon Booster Boxes to Buy in 2025
• Japanese vs English Pokémon Cards: What’s the Difference?

External Source

For an in-depth breakdown of card rarity and symbols, visit Bulbapedia’s Card Rarity Guide.

FAQ

Are Japanese Pokémon cards legal in tournaments?

No. Official tournaments outside Japan usually only allow English cards.

Can I mix Japanese and English cards in a collection?

Absolutely. Many collectors display both, but mixing in play decks may be restricted.

Are Japanese cards fake if they look different?

No. They are just printed differently. Always buy from trusted shops.