Pokemon’s Start Deck 100 isn’t your typical starter product. Released in Japan back in December 2021, this mystery box concept turns every purchase into a gamble—you won’t know which of 101 possible decks you’re getting until you tear open the packaging. With a spiritual successor dropping December 19, 2025, now’s the time to understand what makes this product tick and whether it deserves a spot in your collection.
The Concept: Gambling Meets Competitive Play
The premise is deceptively simple. Each sealed package looks identical, but inside sits one of 100 numbered decks—plus a secret “God Deck” (No. 101) with roughly a 1% pull rate. Every deck contains 60 tournament-legal cards ready to play out of the box, with at least one Pokemon V in each. The original Japanese tagline said it best: “Which deck you start with—your fate will be tested!”
What separated this from other starter products was scale. The complete set spans 414 unique cards across all eight energy types, making it the largest single Japanese TCG collection at the time. Decks range from straightforward single-type builds to powerhouses like Deck #35 featuring Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX or Deck #37 with Umbreon VMAX.
The real chase target remains Deck No. 101. Every card in this “God Deck” is holofoil or better, headlined by Gold Full Art prints of Galarian Articuno V, Zapdos V, and Moltres V. These Gold birds command serious secondary market premiums when they surface.
The Import Tax: What You’ll Actually Pay
Here’s the catch for Western collectors—Start Deck 100 has never received an English release. The product stayed exclusive to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Mainland China. That means import prices.
| Product | Japanese Retail | Import Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Sealed Deck | ¥790 (~$5-6) | $15-20 |
| 10-Deck Sealed Box | ¥7,900 (~$55) | $180-400 |
| God Deck (#101) | N/A | Significant premium |
You’re looking at roughly triple the retail price once shipping and seller margins factor in. Platforms like TCG Republic, CardTrader, and eBay Japanese sellers remain the primary sources. For European buyers, Cardmarket offers additional options.
Is the markup worth it? That depends on your goals. If you want the gambling experience of cracking mystery decks, importing remains your only option. If you just want specific cards, many were dispersed into English sets like Brilliant Stars—often at lower prices than hunting down Japanese imports.
Battle Collection: The December 2025 Sequel
The bigger news for current buyers is Start Deck 100 Battle Collection, hitting Japanese shelves December 19, 2025. This successor cranks up the formula considerably.
The new collection features 742 unique cards—nearly double the original’s pool—making it the largest single Pokemon TCG release ever. It transitions to Scarlet & Violet era mechanics, swapping Pokemon V for Pokemon ex and introducing the new “J” regulation mark. The headline additions include Mega Evolution ex cards like Mega Charizard Y ex (sporting a massive 360 HP) and new Trainer’s Pokemon like Erika’s Vileplume ex.
Retail pricing sits at ¥891 per deck, slightly higher than the original. Early import estimates suggest Western buyers should budget $15-25 per sealed deck shipped. Pre-orders are available through Japan Figure and Amazon Japan, though December demand typically squeezes supply.
The English Alternative: Ascended Heroes
Western collectors have a decision to make. Start Deck 100 Battle Collection won’t receive a standalone English release either. However, cards from the set will appear in Ascended Heroes, a massive 290+ card English expansion launching January 30, 2026. This special set combines Battle Collection cards with Japan’s MEGA Dream ex expansion.
The math becomes straightforward: import Japanese product now at premium prices for the mystery box experience, or wait six weeks for English versions through Ascended Heroes. Collectors chasing specific cards will likely find better value waiting. Those who want sealed Japanese product for the lottery mechanic or long-term collectibility should pre-order sooner rather than later.
Should You Buy?
Start Deck 100 represents something genuinely different in the TCG space—a product where uncertainty is the feature, not a bug. The original 2021 release still holds collector interest, particularly sealed boxes and the elusive God Deck. The upcoming Battle Collection offers fresh entry points with modern mechanics and an even deeper card pool.
For casual collectors, waiting for Ascended Heroes makes financial sense. For those drawn to Japanese exclusives or the thrill of mystery product, the import premium is the cost of admission. Just go in with realistic expectations—you’re paying roughly three times retail for the experience of not knowing what you’ll get.
That gamble is either the whole appeal or a complete dealbreaker. Only you know which side you fall on.
