Video summary

Allocations for Pitch Black Pokemon Cards Left Me SHOCKED

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Pitch Black Pokémon Card Set (Mid-July Release): What the Video Covers

Release & Hype/Chase Appeal

  • Set name: Pitch Black (next main series set)
  • Release date mentioned: July 17
  • Main feature/pull focus: includes Mega Chandelure as a Special Illustration Rare
  • The host is especially interested in Chandelure, and references additional Pokémon from the set’s theme (e.g., Zeraora, Darkrai, and other mentions shown in subtitles).
  • The set is framed as potentially easier to find than some higher-buzz recent sets, partly because it doesn’t have as much “buzz” as prior releases.

How Availability / Allocation Works (Key Message)

The video’s core focus is allocation expectations for stores and what customers should expect when pre-ordering.

  • Allocation numbers are store-specific, tied to the host’s LGS (local game store):
    • Host claims they’ve operated an LGS for ~10 years
    • They describe having strong distribution relationships, implying their allocation might be better than other stores
  • Important warning: these allocation numbers are not guaranteed elsewhere and are not comparable to big-box retailer availability.

Distributor process has changed

  • Previously: stores could sometimes order more later by contacting distributors.
  • Now: distributors often provide a limited allocation offer, and stores can take part or leave part.
    • Any remaining allocation may be reassigned elsewhere.
  • The host claims printing/reprints have slowed, leaving warehouses often empty, contributing to a weaker secondary market.

“Printing Back Off” Context (Impact on Prices)

  • The host says reprints of booster boxes are not happening much, and some second waves may be missing for other sets.
  • Because sealed supply is scarce, booster box prices are climbing.
  • Positive angle: reduced booster box printing could mean Pokémon is producing more smaller SKUs, such as:
    • ETBs
    • bundles
    • blisters
    • sleeve packs

Product Breakdown: Pitch Black Set Composition

Structure & Card Counts

  • Set size: 115 cards (before Secret Rares)
  • Mega Pokémon in the set (4):
    • Darkrai, Excadrill, Zeraora, Chandelure
  • EX Pokémon also included: mentions Wailord and others
  • Illustration rares:
    • 11 Illustration Rare Pokémon
    • Host says this is similar to Chaos Rising
  • Ultra rares: 18 total (e.g., full arts, full art megas)
  • Special illustration rares: 6
    • Host suggests a smaller set can make mastering the set easier
    • Mega Hyper Rare Darkrai is mentioned as the likely hardest pull
  • Expected pull rate: 1 in 72 packs for the rarest chase (top-tier pull discussed as toughest)

Japanese-to-English Mapping Note

  • The video explains the English Pitch Black set is largely based on the Japanese set Abyss Eye.
  • Some cards may be excluded from the main English set and moved to promos:
    • Example: Zerude illustration rare is excluded from the main set, but included as an Elite Trainer Box promo
  • Host notes English sets can be “bigger” when English releases include cards spanning multiple Japanese products.

Allocations / Expected Quantities (Store-Specific)

The host compares Pitch Black allocations to Chaos Rising and Perfect Order, focusing on how quantities change by product type.

Booster Boxes

  • Host says they’re getting about the same number of booster boxes as they did for Chaos Rising.
  • They believe the store receives around ~1,000 booster boxes across two waves (store-specific claim).
  • Allocation trend: booster boxes are not increasing.
    • Good for stability, but not great for improving sealed availability.

Pricing expectations

  • Booster box pre-order MSRP cited: ~$162
  • Host characterizes it as if MSRP “doesn’t seem to exist anymore”
  • Pre-orders are described as about $100 above MSRP
  • Host claims authorized pre-order stores set the market.

Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs)

  • Host claims 10% more ETBs for Pitch Black than Chaos Rising
  • They imply this could still represent ~40% more than Perfect Order (subtitle wording is confusing, but the intended comparison is “more than earlier sets”).
  • ETB MSRP cited: $49.99
  • Pre-order market price cited: about $123
  • ETBs are described as somewhat better for supply, but still not enough for demand.

User experience implication: more supply is coming, but still constrained.

Booster Bundles

  • Host reports a large amount, similar to Chaos Rising (and more than Perfect Order).
  • Booster bundle MSRP cited: ~$27–$28
  • Pre-order/market price cited: ~$55.84
  • Host frames this as a positive sign because bundles may be a key destination for increased production.

Three-Pack Blisters

  • Biggest surprise category:
    • 55% more three-pack blisters than Chaos Rising
  • Blister MSRP cited: around $15
  • Market/pricing described as “very expensive” initially, but the host sees increased availability as hopeful.

Sleeve Booster Packs

  • Sleeve boosters are said to be roughly staying the same as Chaos Rising
  • Sleeve pack MSRP cited: ~$4.50–$5
  • Pre-order stores are listed as above MSRP, with a note to be patient.

Check Lane / Checked Boosters

  • Supply described as consistent with Chaos Rising and Perfect Order.
  • Not commonly stocked; the store receives a modest amount.
  • MSRP cited: around $6
  • Pre-orders are higher, but supply is stable.

Building Battle Packs

  • Host is surprised by this allocation:
    • Store is getting 42% more building battles than for other sets
  • They speculate this might relate to running more events using these products.
  • Note: pre-release stores normally get building battles earlier, but this store (described as not authorized) is getting more than expected.

Combined “Total Packs” Perspective

  • Host combines multiple product lines (booster boxes, ETBs, etc.) into an “all packs added together” estimate.
  • Result stated: ~5% more total packs than Chaos Rising (store-specific).
  • Called a strong amount, but still not enough to meet demand.

Comparisons & Market / Purchasing Advice

Repeated comparison points

  • Pitch Black vs Chaos Rising vs Perfect Order
    • Availability/changes mostly appear in ETBs, bundles, blisters
    • Booster boxes remain the constrained category
  • Big-box vs LGS allocation realities
    • Different channels: big retailers/marketing chains vs distributor-to-wholesaler pipelines

Buying strategy guidance

  • If someone had success finding Chaos Rising / Perfect Order, they should expect similar demand for Pitch Black.
  • If they weren’t successful finding those sets locally, the host suggests:
    • shifting toward singles rather than chasing sealed
  • Host suggests watching retail availability because the broader ecosystem may be expanding (more “outside the box” retailers selling Pokémon cards).

Pros (as Presented)

  • More supply than some prior constraints, especially in:
    • ETBs (+10%)
    • Booster bundles (large quantity)
    • Three-pack blisters (+55%)
    • Building battles (+42%)
  • Set structure is smaller (115 cards) with fewer major rare categories, making it easier to master.
  • Host is excited about Mega Chandelure and the set’s pull prospects.
  • Macro trend: Pokémon appears to be shifting production toward smaller SKUs.

Cons / Downsides (as Presented)

  • Booster boxes are not increasing, and sealed availability is still constrained.
  • Pre-order prices are far above MSRP across products:
    • Booster boxes heavily marked up
    • ETBs around ~$123 vs $49.99 MSRP
    • Bundles around ~$55.84 vs ~$27–$28 MSRP
  • Even with allocation improvements, supply is still not enough for everyone, so competition stays high.
  • Store-specific allocation warning: viewers can’t assume identical results elsewhere.
  • Mentions Pokémon Center pre-order issues (queue/timeouts/error messages).

Overall Verdict / Recommendation

  • Overall: Pitch Black looks promising for availability of smaller products (ETBs, bundles, especially three-pack blisters), while booster boxes remain the most constrained and overpriced.

  • Recommendation implied by the host: If you want better odds of getting product closer to MSRP, prioritize ETBs/bundles/blisters rather than expecting booster boxes to be plentiful. Consider singles if your area struggles to find product.

  • Expected pull competitiveness: rare chase remains hard (~1 in 72 packs for the top-tier pull mentioned).

Unique Points (All Distinct Product-Related Points)

  1. Pitch Black is the next main series set; releases July 17.
  2. Includes Mega Chandelure as a Special Illustration Rare.
  3. Allocation numbers are store-specific (LGS with ~10 years operating).
  4. Distributor process changed—stores get fixed allocations; reordering later is harder.
  5. Host claims Pokémon has slowed/paused booster box reprints.
  6. Positive trend: more production of smaller SKUs (sleeves, bundles, blisters, etc.).
  7. Set size: 115 cards before Secret Rares.
  8. Four Mega Pokémon: Darkrai, Excadrill, Zeraora, Chandelure.
  9. Includes additional EX Pokémon (e.g., Wailord).
  10. 11 illustration rare Pokémon in the set.
  11. 18 ultra rares total.
  12. 6 special illustration rares; smaller set may be easier to master.
  13. Hardest pull likely Mega Hyper Rare Darkrai.
  14. Expected pull rate for top chase: 1 in 72 packs.
  15. English set corresponds to Japanese Abyss Eye, with occasional exclusions/promos.
  16. Zerude illustration rare moved to ETB promo (not in main set).
  17. Booster box MSRP cited ~$162, but pre-orders reportedly $100+ above MSRP.
  18. Booster box allocation: roughly same as Chaos Rising, not increased.
  19. ETBs: 10% more than Chaos Rising; much more than Perfect Order implied.
  20. ETB MSRP $49.99; market pre-order around ~$123.
  21. Booster bundles: MSRP ~$27–$28; market around ~$55.84.
  22. Three-pack blisters: 55% more than Chaos Rising; MSRP ~$15.
  23. Sleeve booster packs MSRP ~$4.50–$5.
  24. Check lane boosters MSRP around ~$6.
  25. Building battles: 42% more; MSRP ~$20–$25 mentioned (for pre-release stores).
  26. Total packs estimate across product lines: ~5% more than Chaos Rising (store-specific).
  27. Macro expectation: improved allocations could tie to 30th anniversary supply shifts.
  28. Video mentions legality timing for Worlds and that the set is legal into Worlds (end of August).
  29. General buying advice: use local history (Chaos Rising/Perfect Order) or buy singles.

Speakers / Views

  • Single primary speaker/host (no separate reviewers clearly identified).
  • Mentions other entities/entities’ roles in passing:
    • “Unlucky collector” is credited for etch work on giveaway master sets.
    • Others referenced include distribution/marketing chains (e.g., MJ Holdings, Excel Marketing), mainly for explaining allocation channels.

Original video