Tins are a cost-effective and simple way to acquire the latest Pokémon TCG cards. While they may not offer the same volume of cards as booster boxes or Elite Trainer Boxes, tins often include some appealing promotional cards and several booster packs that can help enhance your collection.
Released in October 2023, one of the first products in the Scarlet & Violet series is the Paldea Partners tin. There are three different versions available, but what do they contain, and are they worth the purchase?
The Paldea Partners tin comes in three different editions, each themed around the final forms of the starter Pokémon from Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Each edition includes a corresponding promo card featuring that specific Pokémon.
Among these cards, the Meowscarada ex stands out as the most intriguing. It has become a key component in the current meta of the game, with decks featuring it performing well in various competitions.
While Quaquaval ex and Skeledirge ex have not made as significant an impact as Meowscarada, it’s important to note that the versions included in these tins feature exclusive artwork not available in other products.
You can find these cards in booster packs from Paldea Evolved, but they come with different artwork than the ones in the tins.
Four Booster Packs
The highlight of the tin is the four random booster packs. Each pack contains ten cards plus an energy card.
While the Pokémon Company hasn’t disclosed the specific packs included, community reports indicate that they may feature cards from various expansions ranging from Sword & Shield: Astral Radiance to Scarlet & Violet: Obsidian Flames, with Obsidian Flames being the most frequently included.
Special or supplemental products, such as Crown Zenith or 151, are not included. Only major expansions are available in the Paldea Partners tins, allowing for packs from the following sets:
- Astral Radiance
- Lost Origin
- Silver Tempest
- Scarlet & Violet
- Paldea Evolved
- Obsidian Flames
Pokémon TCG Live Code
You’ll also receive five code cards for Pokémon TCG Live, the digital version of the game.
Using the code from the tin will unlock one copy of the promo card (Meowscarada ex, Quaquaval ex, or Skeledirge ex). Additionally, each booster pack contains another code card that can be redeemed for an extra booster pack in the Live version.
Keep in mind that the cards you unlock won’t be a direct copy of those in your physical pack; they will simply give you another booster pack with different cards. Unfortunately, if you get a chase card from any of your packs, there’s no assurance that you’ll also receive it in the digital version.
The Live version is different from TCG Pocket, which has its own booster packs. You cannot redeem codes in TCG Pocket.
Is the Paldea Partners Tin Worth the Cost?
The Paldea Partners tin is among the earlier tins available, with most players interested in acquiring the Meowscarada ex card for its role in competitive decks. However, whether it’s a good value depends on your interest in the booster packs.
Although none of the packs included are considered top-tier like Evolving Skies or Prismatic Evolutions, there are still valuable cards to be found in Obsidian Flames and Paldea Evolved. Cards such as Alt-art Magikarp, Iono, and Charizard ex can be pulled, making the entire tin potentially worthwhile.
If you come across a tin or a case at a reasonable price, the Paldea Partners tin can be a fantastic way to discover some sought-after cards. Even if luck isn’t on your side, you’ll still enjoy an interesting selection from a notable period in the TCG, especially as Sword & Shield-era packs continue to become harder to find as time goes on.
