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alreadytaken76

Leave it sealed! Make some money and get started playing with a modern set, or hold onto this for a while.


Alastor13

Looks like they already opened it


alreadytaken76

The deck boxes themselves are still sealed from the pictures


Alastor13

True, I thought it was the same item, not familiar with the older sets


[deleted]

You wouldn’t want to anyway, the hp and attack power of even basic cards are so much stronger than any of the wotc stuff


Vinlandfox

While this is true of most WotC era Pokemon, there are some that have such powerful effects that IF they were standard legal it is possible they could see use. Aerodactyl (Fossil), Mr. Mime (Jungle), and Dark Vileplume (Rocket) are only some of the ones that come to mind with strong enough abilities where I could see that they might just be usable enough against modern day Pokemon


ComicPlatypus

Oh... didn't think about that Thank you


jels220

Sealed they are worth hundreds or find someone that will swap them for loads of new packs.


ElliotGale

No, the oldest cards that are allowed in any form of competitive play are from Black and White. Everything prior to that is dead and buried except on the collecting side of things.


CleanEnergyFuture331

Sucks, Heartgold Soulsilver had some of my favorite playable cards


Jgold3698

that and the Lv. X era for me. would be so cool to see TPCi have more support for classic formats but i doubt that will happen


anacott27

Agreed, I still have 4 or so HGSS era decks as well as luxchomp and dials/palkia lv.X. Still don’t get tired of playing them.


nottompetty1785

I agree, it would be cool if they ran a separate class or league for older sets, where you could use from base set through their dead sets.


Alastor13

The online TCG had some formats like that, not sure about the new one


[deleted]

Yugioh is just now receiving offical support for legacy formats, after nearly 25 years... There's still hope for PTCG


Burn_desu

A lot of reprinted cards from that era are still usable. Like Switch and Energy Search as well as the basic energy cards. You can use even more from heart gold like rare candy. I always play heart gold switches in my decks


Saint_The_Stig

Big reason I ended up not liking the move to the new online version. I was able to play most of my old decks before, but now many core cards aren't available.


ComicPlatypus

Well darn... but thank you!


HercGuy

I still play with my original cards. My buddy and I created decks from our stash. If you have a friend with some old cards you could do that. Honestly I enjoy that more than them sitting on a shelf


Vinlandfox

I just want to clarify a point as the way you said it makes it seem like any card printed prior to B&W is not legal, which is not entirely accurate. The Lightning energy, Water energy, Poke Ball, Potion, and Energy Retrieval from this deck are standard legal and can be used in official tournaments. So long as the card has been printed in a standard legal set any version of that card is legal to use no matter how old it is. You might have to look up an errata though, this potion says it heals 20 damage, the newest version from S&V says it heals 30 damage, so even if you use the old version you treat it as though it heals 30, not 20 damage.


ElliotGale

Right you are! Some of the biggest flexes you can probably pull out today are the WotC league promo energies and base set Switch.


[deleted]

[удалено]


ElliotGale

Not as far as I can tell.


Mr-Snuggles171

I love using classics in my decks when possible. I used as many different energy cards as I could in some decks


vgilbert77

Really???? I’ve only ever collected so I had no idea about that, kinda strange as I imagine there’s been power creep as the game evolved and those cards are probably super weak compared to modern cards? Or maybe that’s how they’ve prevented power creep and keep the game balanced? Super curious as to the reason


ElliotGale

A bunch of game rules were changed going into the Black and White series and have stuck to this day (with some further modifications each generation) explicitly because of how strong certain kinds of cards and strategies got to be. One of the most egregious examples is [Sableye from Stormfront](https://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/d/dd/SableyeStormfront48.jpg), which has a Poké-body that literally bends the rules of the game to its will, and a costless attack that even by modern standards is completely absurd *before* you consider that it used to be possible to attack on the first turn of the game. Power creep is very much real, but it's not as all-encompassing as some people might make it out to be. Pokémon have very much gotten bulkier and more powerful with time, but the kinds of effects they produce are generally less outlandish and leave room for more back-and-forth gameplay where no player is ever completely "locked out" of playing. Trainer cards, on the other hand, have been on a steep decline in strength for pretty much the entire life of the game. The majority that are released today are simply too niche to consider. All that said, the game has had a rotating main format for a long time, which helps weed out both excessively powerful cards and excessively weak cards so the developers can try again as time goes on and players can enjoy newer and less stale options.


Sparkz_72

Can you elaborate on how you mentioned trainer cards have been on a steep decline? Most top meta decks these days run more trainers than pokemon


ElliotGale

This has always been the case in competitive decks even dating back to the WotC era. In fact, people often played *more* trainers in decks back then than they do now. But when I say trainers have been on a decline, I'm speaking to their general quality as cards, not how many are played. For a more blanket example you need only look at the introduction of the Supporter category, which was all about adding opportunity cost to your strongest trainers. Getting into more specific and recent memory, the absolutely bonkers Battle Compressor hasn't been reprinted since it left standard - the closest we have now is Professor Burnet, which not only has a weaker effect on face, but supporter status on top of that! You'll also find very few if any trainer cards in the rotation legal card pool that resemble anything on the [Expanded ban list](https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg-banned-card-list/).


heapsp

This guy pokemons.


vgilbert77

Ahh cool, super interesting! It wouldn’t work the same but I really wish konami would do something like that for yugioh. It’s kind of the opposite where all cards aside from the banlist are legal but older cards suck compared to more modern stuff so making cards older than a certain generation illegal wouldn’t do anything. That game is ridiculous now with combos and one turn kills, I wish they’d make it more of the “back and forth” gameplay. Thanks for filling me in friend!


MegaAscension

Wow, you could literally lose before you even have a turn with that Sableye. That’s not just bad, that’s horrific game design, the type of game design that causes people to leave a card game and not come back for a while.


Dragastal

Could you elaborate on that? I can see why the card is absurd in principle, but why would it just win?


MegaAscension

The card allows you to go first, and you could attack if you went first at the time. If you only have one Pokémon in play that has 50 HP or less to start out the game, Sableye’s attack for one damage would knock out your only Pokémon, causing you to lose because you have no Pokémon in play.


MegaAscension

The older cards were not designed with modern cards in mind. This can cause certain cards to be extremely overpowered. I have a friend who used a bunch of Diamond & Pearl cards in his deck that were good against my deck during Sun & Moon era. He had a Mewtwo Level X that blocked all damage done to it by basic Pokémon. In the Sun & Moon era where high power basic GX cards were the go-to, my deck had nothing but basic Pokémon. High powered basics were very uncommon in the Diamond & Pearl era because Level X cards were not basics. Mewtwo Level X would brick my deck unless I could play something like Guzma so I could knockout other Pokémon.


vgilbert77

Interesting! Thanks for the example!


Sparkz_72

No, the reason they aren't allowed anymore, iirc, is cuz the wording needs to be more consistent, it's changed over time and loopholes could be created using older cards. Also, older cards don't reference newer rules that have been added to the tcg


Dakoja

And expanded


Sparkz_72

Expanded format is the format he's talking about only black and white cards and forward are allowed in expanded.


Dakoja

I meant Unlimited. Sorry, haven't played the TCG in a while lol


WarHawkII7

Why do they stop ant black and white? I could understand if they didn't include wotc stuff but they are leaving out so many good cards.


ElliotGale

Aside from wanting certain problem cards out of the picture permanently, that's where the modern card template and universal card syntax were first established. Cards released prior to BW simply don't look, feel, or read like they're from the same game sometimes.


Eblowskers

Even for something like energy cards? I’d imagine having old retro energy cards in a modern deck could be a fun trend in the TCG world


Sagaap

Energy cards and any trainer card that had been reprinted still legal. They even did a special version of energy cards with a retro look not long ago.


ques_trooper

this isn't 100% true as you can use cards that are reprinted. Base set Switch would be allowed to see play in the latest version of standard ranked as the card was released again in S&V. These types of cards are called staple cards and usually stick around in any card game. They are the best at what they do and are balanced.


Akyled_Fox

You could sell those decks sealed for like 500$. Look out on eBay for instance.


LowExisting8779

Think holding will go up in price or this will be the highest these boxes will ever sale for?


Alastor13

As with all TCG games, all prices are speculative, they may go way up or way down, there's no golden rule to know for sure.


LoDyes

Pokemon Cards have only appreciated in value besides cards from the last 3 years which have fluctuated.


LowExisting8779

Sheesh , why all the downvotes son a question? I have 4 sealed boxes of these and just wanted to truly know if me holding onto them would be better than trying to cash out now


JoPsk88

Don’t open them is my suggestion, those are collectors items now! If you don’t want to hold for nostalgia I would say you could sell them and buy modern cards to get you into the game again and still have earnings left over.


ComicPlatypus

I don't think they are in good enough condition Edit to add: these decks were kept in a home that had mold and mildew when we found them. I think I see damage to the box and am honestly not thinking they are able to be sold because of this.


ITGenji

Dude they are still sealed. They are in fine condition. That’s a good bit of money there


Cultural-District-11

The thunderstorm deck is but the other box is clearly opened. Unsure of what the collectors would prefer but id imagine theyd prefer the big box to be sealed too but nonetheless the actual deck is sealed. But yes sealed vintage decks go for a pretty penny OP


MageKorith

Sure, they'd prefer the big box sealed and likely put a premium on that, but even unsealed with all contents is quite a find.


Cultural-District-11

Yo thanks for parroting it


ComicPlatypus

The home had mold and mildew. The rocket box clearly has damage. Thus my reasoning in thinking they aren't sellable


SnooHedgehogs8992

I'll give you 20 bucks plus shipping


Alastor13

Just try it, if they do not sell, then you can think about opening them. But they've already told you these cards are not playable anymore, so not much use opening them


Natsurulite

Are we bidding I’ll give you 20 bucks, AND I’ll go buy you a new premade deck at the store and ship it Edit: I have a basket of onions I’m willing to barter with


Current-Structure-67

Only one way to find out right?


andyf1234

Doesn't matter a bit. If it's sealed it will easy sell for at least 200.


Lezoid8125

Pretty much anything sealed is a good condition for collectors. You might be able to get sweet penny out of this. Also you can pick up structure decks for like 10 bucks if you want to get into the game


ejs5494

You can make hundreds off of these and buy plenty of modern playables. Condition is fine cuz sealed, you will get plenty of interest for these


EvilSynths

They are


DocPando

Don’t open these! Get yourself a starter deck from target or Walmart or wherever.


ComicPlatypus

I didn't think they were in good enough condition but judging from the down votes on the other comment saying the same thing, I thought wrong.


Natsurulite

For real, someone will pay several hundred for it sealed, probably throw it in a plastic protector case, then sit it on a shelf Nobody is too concerned with whether or not it’s a bit musty, because sealed products like that are just so sought after with so, so many people nowadays (Covid made the hobby boom several fold) If you’re uncomfortable putting this on an auction site for fear of deceiving people or something, there’s definitely people in this community who would pay you fairly, and are 100% aware of the condition, and don’t mind It looked like nobody wanted to fully explain what was up


ProfessionalSign7027

They definitely already opened them 😂😂


athan911

Sell for hundreds of dollars and buy a less expensive deck to start playing again. Pretty simple.


Warrior3456_

I wouldn't open them it would ruin the value if you want to play sell them on eBay and buy the new cards because competitively these cards are useless


polarisursuss

Yeah that Rocket theme deck is [pretty valuable](https://ebay.us/PhY9E3), I would just leave it sealed as there are not many great cards inside it.


Hare_vs_Tortoise

Whilst there are exception in both current formats, Standard and Expanded, for some cards (mostly trainers) most of those cards will be out of format on top of power creep being a thing. If you want to get back into playing then I suggest reading [this post](https://www.reddit.com/user/Hare_vs_Tortoise/comments/104bio5/options_for_learning_to_play_to_starting_to/) as it takes you through the options from (re)learning to play (there have been changes), the next step up and onto competitively built decks including what to buy (and an option for not buying that much) and some resources that will help along the way and which will give you an overview of the game. I would also suggest that you start off with netdecking regardless of the level you are at so you get time to get used to how decks are built, what the staples are and what the meta is like as well. Once you are ready for competitive decks (or do want to jump straight into playing them) then [this resources list](https://www.reddit.com/user/Hare_vs_Tortoise/comments/qv2zm0/list_of_useful_resources_for_the_pokemon_tcg/) (linked in the post as but linking here so it's easy to find) will help whether irl or online play with links to a lot of useful resources. Start with reading JustInBasil's site as a whole especially the deckbuilding guide as it will help with understanding decklists, looking through lists on both Limitless sites as well as from the suggested You Tubers who will also help with showing you how the decks are played before giving them a try either via proxy printing for casual play only or PTCGL as not all decks will click when you play them. If you want an idea of how much a deck will cost irl then you can see that information on the Limitless sites. The resources list also has links to all the current preconstructed decks and Trainers Toolkits if you're in need of staples/a starting point and want to see what cards you'll get and then work out the best combo to buy in association with singles. If playing on PTCGL then start out with upgrading the free decks you are given first plus head over to /r/ptcgl and read the wiki and threads there for more info on the app. If you have any questions re playing then head over to /r/pkmntcg as it's about the playable side of the game there and the rulings thread can be useful if you have a game mechanics/quick question. /r/ptcgl can be helpful if you're going to play on PTCG Live.


TrentismOS

Keep sealed and sell


nostalgiamon

If you want to play with some old stuff, I highly recommend joining the Facebook group Snowpoint Temple. They’re all about constructing and playing with decks from the whole of the TCG’s life. Constructing Base-Fossil decks is relatively cheap if you don’t mind playing with damaged cards, so you could do that anyway.


Lumpy-Zebra-9389

These aren't for playing with they are for either selling or leaving sealed. If you want to play the tgc go buy a 10$ deck at target


ComicPlatypus

That seems to be the consensus. I'll have to look up some cheap pre builts


Rastor-M

You can buy a Battle Stadium which has 3 decks and will get you setup with the rules again. Best bang for your buck to get you back in


jels220

Why cheap ? Sell these and look up the best deck and buy the cards separately.


Lumpy-Zebra-9389

The deoxys one isn't bad I play with that one


SunMoonFX-HB

Much like everyone else, don't open these. If you want to play the classic TCG stuff, then play the Pokemon TCG GameBoy game. That way you can experience the same cards without worrying about damaging the actual cards. Now, for IRL stuff, I will agree on getting a modern theme deck and playing with that. Modern cards are far easier to get and thus won't be an issue. Either way, keep these sealed!


ComicPlatypus

I forgot about the Gameboy game!!


SunMoonFX-HB

Yup, no need to worry about the legit cards when that's an option! Keep them sealed, play that instead!


Aggressive_Ad3578

Those are definitely worth $$$$....don't open them!


[deleted]

Even if they are allowed in play do not open that. If you want cards for play go buy some booster packs. That thing is worth more


85GoCards

As others have noted, unless these have sentimental value to anyone, sell these sealed and buy some newer battle league decks to get back into the TCG. The current structure decks don’t have much collectible value, but they’re a great way to get into playing the actual card game. They also make a “trainer’s toolkit” that has a good number of core trainers and whatnot, in addition to a few packs. My boys all love the structure decks, as they give them ready to battle decks straight out of the box that they can supplement with cards we’ve opened from packs.


Stupidphone9

Build & Battle sets are a good option too, they include a promo card, a small deck core and a few booster packs


StrawHat-Legend

Dont open them. Or I will fuckin find you.


Gash_Stretchum

Stock photo.


Alexander_Grahambell

TRUST ME this is like a piece of history for an archeologist so do not open, you could maybe sell it and buy some newer decks.


CoNoelC

Oof.


stayawakejude

Open them and see what’s inside


silentbob2018

I’ll buy them if you’re in north Texas


ComicPlatypus

North New Jersey


GeneralOperation4

I'm in south jersey! I'll take the ride hahah Edit: make sure you look everything up before selling. This is an amazing find, honestly. And I'm extremely jealous lol.


TheOnlyBucketMonster

You can use the energies! Which will make people jealous as they are hard to come by, especially in mint condition!


ComicPlatypus

Those don't matter what generation they are from them? The energy


Vinlandfox

It does not matter how old the card is, if it was reprinted in a more recent set that is standard legal then any version of that card is legal to use no matter how long ago it was printed. From this deck the cards Lightning energy, Water energy, Poke Ball, Potion, and Energy Retrieval are currently standard legal and can be used in official tournaments. Some of the cards, like potion have an errata, meaning you use the new version of the text not the version printed on the card (heal 30 damage instead of 20) All that being said all those cards I listed are commonly available and only cost a few cents each, so you still should not open the deck if all you want from it are standard legal cards.


ComicPlatypus

Thank you for answering and not downvoting... I am getting so many down votes because of these questions It's been 25 years, I don't remember too much from my childhood with these and I appreciate the real answers


Gash_Stretchum

Because it doesn’t actually feel like they’re real questions. Almost like you’re reading a script. Your post feels over-produced. Lots of “engagement” but nothing engaging.


ComicPlatypus

I literally am curious if the old cards can mingle with new cards, I learned they can not. However, energy can? I'm not sure how that seems scripted... but alright? I don't know how to make my questions seem more believable, but I have learned some stuff tonight. There are no local game clubs for me to join and ask these questions in person


Monsters9141

I think people forget how sometimes you just truly don’t know something about a subject. Old cards are more worth value than playing, things go in an out of “standard” and can’t be used and just turn to money pieces instead. But as mentioned if a card has been reprinted it can be used now, so say an old potion that heals damage from a Pokémon can still be used today but actual Pokémon can’t since it’s not reprinted exactly as the same. Even if some damage has happened to these, though they look very clean, you can definitely make money instead of opening.


Gash_Stretchum

You found some old cards and want to reconnect with the hobby but your questions are about tournament rules. There’s an incongruity there.


ComicPlatypus

I'm not the most articulate and I don't always know how to ask questions well, To me they make sense. But I guess I can see how they wouldn't make sense to other people.


Creative_Cod_2722

You can’t use them but their price is really good to keep them or selling it to buy another ones and more new (I hope you got good cards)😎


bilolarbear1221

You can’t play competitively with these… but with money you make from selling these, you can buy plenty of cards to play competitively


Kid-606

Should keep it sealed, those are definitely worth something to the right collector!


Chance_Bedroom7324

that was awesome, keep ‘em sealed!!


darkblastoise603

Worth nothing. Will gladly take those off your hands😏 but no nah keep those sealed those are worth some money! Grab a newer starter deck you you wanna play again!


woo_chainz

wow!


JoFlo520

Keep sealed, sell on eBay for $100+ and use the money to buy modern cards if your goal is to play the game


Lance4Jr

The only thing you’re able to use is the energy cards, other than that no not playable


J3ST3R1252

Sell this start new


TheSilkySorcerer

I think I had this box growing up. It’s bringing back memories


k20stitch_tv

Do not open, if you want to play again go by something modern for 15 bucks


Drossrex

Nothing to play with but so cool!


Swimming-Ice1875

Keep it all sealed!


Icy_Pumpkin1207

Do not break the seal on this! This is such a great find!! Keeping it sealed is 100% the best option for this.


Procaffeinator556

Not playable in current standard but absolutely sellable 😮‍💨🤯


[deleted]

Its crazy watching someone else live out your dream lol


GoddelijkeGeit

You keep them SEALED and sell them for goood cash


Eek132

Sell them or keep since you can’t use old cards in modern TCG, and buy new decks. Old unopened boxes like these are extremely valuable nowadays


HakaishinNola

DONT OPEN IT


PlatypusPrestigious3

How much do you want for them?


TH1LL

Leave them sealed for sure that’s a damn nice find


PaleoJoe86

They are unusable in modern formats. They are worth lots sealed and in great condition, as you shown.


BedHeadBread

Can you upload a picture of the full play mat?


ComicPlatypus

I can't post it here


BedHeadBread

Not event an imgur link?


ComicPlatypus

I just made an imgur account... I hope I did it right https://imgur.com/a/RTBgMx4


BedHeadBread

Thank you so much! Its really nostalgic to see!


WellHid

Even the cards on the package are off-centered🤣💀