There’s a unique appeal to older Pokémon TCG products. Whether it’s the nostalgia for cards you played with years ago, the distinct artwork styles, or the thrill of potentially finding a long out-of-print gem, vintage Pokémon packs collectors seek hold a special place. At We Love Collectibles, we understand that appeal, and we frequently source older items for enthusiasts.
Recently, we’ve acquired a selection of vintage Pokémon booster packs spanning several different eras, and they’re now available on our website. It’s important to note where these come from: some of our recent additions are tamper-sealed, and all of them where purchased from a verified, sealed booster box break. This provides assurance about the pack’s integrity. Let’s take a look at some of the history these packs represent.
Back to Base Set 2
(Early 2000s)
For many who started collecting early on, Base Set 2 holds significant nostalgia. Released in 2000 by Wizards of the Coast, it reprinted cards from the original Base Set and the Jungle expansion. While not the original original, it offered many players their first chance to get iconic Pokémon like Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur outside of the very first print runs. We currently have Base Set 2 packs featuring artwork of:
Opening one of these is like opening a time capsule back to the early days of the Pokémon TCG craze.
(Some of our product pages for vintage booster packs are not yet updated with accurate photos of the item, if your local then why not come down to WLC in Westwood, and see them for yourself)
The Power of the EX Era: Power Keepers
(Mid-2000s)
Jumping forward to the mid-2000s, the EX series introduced the powerful Pokémon-ex mechanic. Power Keepers, released in 2007, was the final set in the EX series. It revisited the Hoenn region and featured a mix of Pokémon from different generations, including reprints of popular cards alongside new ones. These packs offer a chance at pulling some formidable Pokémon-ex or perhaps even one of the elusive gold star cards if you’re incredibly fortunate. Our current stock includes:
- Power Keepers Booster Pack – Aggron Artwork (£450.00)
- Power Keepers Booster Pack – Absol Artwork (£450.00)
- Power Keepers Booster Pack – Walrein Artwork (£450.00)
- Power Keepers Booster Pack – Raichu Artwork (£450.00)
These packs represent the culmination of the EX era, known for its distinct holographic patterns and powerful game mechanics.
Diamond & Pearl Adventures:
Great Encounters (Late 2000s)
The Diamond & Pearl series took players to the Sinnoh region. Great Encounters (released late 2008) was the third set in this block, introducing more Pokémon LV.X cards – powerful evolutions that provided strategic advantages. This set featured iconic Sinnoh legendaries like Darkrai and Cresselia and offered diverse deck-building options. We have packs showcasing:
- Diamond & Pearl Great Encounters Booster Pack – Palkia Artwork (£195.00)
- Diamond & Pearl Great Encounters Booster Pack – Darkrai Artwork (£195.00)
- Diamond & Pearl Great Encounters Booster Pack – Cresselia Artwork (£195.00)
- Pokémon TCG Diamond & Pearl Great Encounters Booster Pack – Dialga Artwork (£195.00)
This era marked a transition with updated card designs and the introduction of Pokémon that remain popular today.
If you’re looking to pick up full art sets, then act quickly – before one of them goes! Either way there a great buy for collectors, with the full set or just one nostalgic pack.
Looking for something a little more special? With the price tag that shows it – take a look at our Pokémon TCG Expedition Base Booster Packs Graded Art Set currently on our website. A full art set, of expedition, one of the last sets before the end of the WOTC era.
Echoes of Johto & Kanto: Call of Legends
(Around 2010)
Call of Legends, released in 2011, served as a bridge between the HeartGold & SoulSilver series and the upcoming Black & White era. It was unique because it primarily featured Pokémon from earlier generations (Johto and Kanto) and included a highly sought-after shiny Pokémon subset (‘SL’ cards) within the main set, featuring reverse holographic bodies and silver foil borders. Pulling one of the shiny legendaries like Rayquaza, Groudon, or Kyogre from these packs is a major chase for collectors. The artwork reflects this legendary focus:
- Call of Legends Booster Pack – Groudon Artwork (£450.00)
- Call of Legends Booster Pack – Deoxys Artwork (£450.00)
- Call of Legends Booster Pack – Kyogre Artwork (£450.00)
These packs are particularly popular due to the chance of hitting those rare shiny variants.
These packs are particularly popular due to the chance of hitting those rare shiny variants.
Entering Unova: The Dynamic Black & White Era (Early 2010s)
The Black & White series introduced the Unova region and marked another significant shift, bringing in powerful Pokémon-EX (which replaced the Lv.X mechanic), stunning Full Art cards (for both Pokémon and Supporters), and focusing on Generation 5 Pokémon. We have packs from several key sets in this dynamic era:
- Noble Victories: The third B&W set, known for its battle focus. It debuted the legendary Victini and the powerful Eviolite trainer card, boosting the defenses of Basic Pokémon. It also introduced Fossil Pokémon that could be played directly without restoration cards and featured the first appearance of the impactful Supporter card ‘N’. (Druddigon Artwork – £70.00)
- Emerging Powers: The second B&W set, which brought more Unova Pokémon into the fold. Crucially, it introduced the first Full Art Supporter cards (like Bianca), setting a trend for highly collectible trainer cards. It also debuted the game-changing Pokémon Catcher item card. (Tornadus Artwork – £100.00)
Plasma Blast & Plasma Freeze
These later B&W sets revolved heavily around the antagonistic Team Plasma. They are easily identifiable by the distinct blue borders and Team Plasma logo on associated cards. These sets introduced incredibly powerful Pokémon-EX aligned with the villains, such as Lugia-EX, Genesect-EX, Thundurus-EX, Deoxys-EX, and Dialga-EX.
Perhaps most significantly, they debuted the extremely powerful ACE SPEC cards – unique Trainer cards limited to one per deck, like Dowsing Machine, Scramble Switch, G Booster (for Genesect-EX), and Rock Guard. Pulling an ACE SPEC or a Team Plasma EX was a major highlight.
Speaking of villainous teams, if you’re interested in another iconic group making a comeback, check out the details on the upcoming Team Rocket sets here – Destined Rivals, and Glory to Team Rocket (Japanese)
- Plasma Blast – Porygon Artwork (£95.00)
- Plasma Blast – Palkia Artwork (£95.00)
- Plasma Blast – Dialga Artwork (£95.00)
- Plasma Blast – Genesect Artwork (£95.00)
- Plasma Freeze – Thundurus Artwork (£125.00)
- Plasma Freeze – Bisharp Artwork (£125.00)
- Plasma Freeze – Absol Artwork (£125.00)
- Plasma Freeze – Deoxys Artwork (£125.00)
This era offered complex strategies, visually striking Full Art cards, and the unique Team Plasma mechanic, making these packs highly interesting for collectors and players interested in that period of the game.
Just a Glimpse into the WLC Vault
This selection provides a fantastic journey through Pokémon TCG history, but it’s really just a snapshot of what passes through WLC. We frequently acquire vintage Pokémon packs, plus booster boxes, graded cards, and singles spanning all generations. Some items make it onto the website, while others might only be found in our physical store binders.
So, if you’re hunting for a specific older card or sealed product, it’s always worth checking both online and dropping by our shop in Margate. Alongside vintage treasures, we stock the very latest Pokémon TCG sets, accessories, and have extensive binders filled with singles from Base Set right up to the current Scarlet & Violet era.
Don’t Forget Japanese Pokémon TCG!
Our love for Pokémon isn’t limited to English releases. We also maintain a strong stock of Japanese Pokémon TCG products. If you prefer the original language cards, different pull rates, or unique Japanese promo items, check out our dedicated section for Japanese Booster Boxes.
Keep an eye out – we’re expecting the latest Japanese set, Heat Wave Arena, to arrive very soon, hopefully this week!
Protect Your Investments
Whether you pull a valuable vintage card or keep these older packs sealed, protecting them is key. We stock a wide range of accessories like Vault X binders, sleeves, toploaders, and semi-rigid holders to help keep your collection in top condition.
WLC: Your Hub for All Things Pokémon TCG
From the earliest days of Base Set 2 to the latest releases, WLC aims to be your go-to spot for Pokémon TCG in Kent and online. Whether you’re chasing vintage Pokémon packs sellers rarely stock, building competitive decks, or looking for Japanese exclusives, we strive to cater to all collectors.
Shop Your Way:
- Online Convenience: Browse our website for vintage packs, modern sets, singles, accessories and more. Check the vintage Pokémon section regularly for new additions!
- In-Store Experience: Visit us at Unit 101, Westwood Business Park, Margate CT9 4JJ. Explore our singles binders, check out in-store exclusive vintage items, and chat with fellow enthusiasts.
Store Hours:
Tue–Sat: 10am–6pm | Sun: 11am–4pm (Closed Mondays)
Connect & Engage:
- TikTok Livestreams: Join us Wed–Sat for pack openings (rip-or-ship), giveaways, and general TCG fun.
- Discord Community: The best place for trading, showing off pulls, getting early stock updates, and connecting with the WLC Collectibles Kent community. Join here!
- Follow Us: Stay informed on restocks, events, and new arrivals via Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Happy collecting, and maybe your next vintage pack holds that card you’ve been searching for!
Contact Us
Unit 101, Westwood Business Park, Margate CT9 4JJ
Follow us on social media
@welovecollectibles
Mon: Closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 6:00pm
Sunday: from 11am – 4:00pm