Pokémon TCG: Ascended Heroes ETBs Experience Massive Surge in Value at TCGplayer

The latest expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Ascended Heroes, is proving to be a challenge to acquire. While the new cards have started to circulate, availability in major retail outlets is alarmingly scarce. Several products from the Ascended Heroes line, including the Elite Trainer Box (ETB), are set to be released in stages through April 2026. For collectors eager to secure an ETB featuring the stunning Mega Dragonite ahead of its official launch on February 20, here's a rundown of where to find them and the expected prices. Currently, TCGplayer lists the ETB at $141.11, which represents a staggering markup of approximately 186% over its manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $49.99. This price point marks a significant increase from the $115 to $120 range observed just weeks ago. The surge in interest since the end of January, coinciding with the set's release, has contributed to a notable 20.88% rise in value over the past month. Fans are hoping that prices do not escalate any further in the weeks to come. While the market may be stabilizing, the current pricing puts the ETB on par with the more expensive Phantasmal Flames ETB upon its release. The Pokémon TCG: Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box includes: - 9 booster packs from the Ascended Heroes expansion - 1 full-art foil promo card featuring N’s Zekrom - 65 card sleeves - 40 Energy cards - A player’s guide for the Ascended Heroes expansion - 6 damage-counter dice - 1 coin-flip die suitable for competition - 1 plastic coin - A collector's box with 6 dividers for organization - A code card for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live Previously, the market price for this ETB hovered around $150-$200 back in November, but it has since decreased to a more manageable average of $82. This price is more in line with what many collectors expect to pay for an ETB these days, despite still being above the original retail price. There is hope that Ascended Heroes will follow a similar path. In terms of purchasing options, TCGplayer remains the most reliable, albeit at a premium cost. Amazon has yet to list the ETB, but it is anticipated that it will become available after the official release date. GameStop is offering preorders for Pro members at $99.99, or $94.99 for Pro members, with an added shipping fee of $8.99. While this offers a decent choice for existing Pro members, it does add costs for others. GameStop Pro Memberships are available for $25 per year, bringing the total cost for the ETB, membership, and shipping to around $128.97, still lower than the average resale price on TCGplayer. Best Buy has a 'Coming Soon' page for the ETB listed at $49.99, but buyers must be ready to purchase right at release. Additionally, Walmart is listing the ETB at $138.99 through a third-party seller, which raises concerns about reliability and trustworthiness. For fans interested in the exclusive Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box for Ascended Heroes, current market prices show it at around $339.85, a decrease from the recent $399 price tag. This ETB has also seen a 10.63% decline in the past month on TCGplayer. The resale market has become quite expensive, yet many collectors are accustomed to these high prices. It may be wise to wait for a price drop post-release on February 20, as patience might yield better prices. Targeting around the $100-$110 range for the standard ETB could be ideal, and with a little more waiting, prices might drop closer to $80, similar to the Phantasmal Flames ETB.