The second wave of the First Partner Illustration Collection is almost here, and this one leans straight into nostalgia: Johto, Unova, and Galar starters, all dressed up as Illustration Rares. If you grew up with Cyndaquil, Oshawott, or Sobble, this is the product aimed squarely at you. Here's exactly what's in the box and how we'd think about buying it.
When it drops and what it costs
Series 2 is set to release on June 19th at an MSRP of $14.99. That's the same launch price as Series 1, which arrived back on March 30th with Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola. A third series is expected later this year covering Hoenn, Kalos, and Paldea, so collectors chasing the full run have one more wave to plan for. Dates and pricing this close to launch are usually reliable, but treat them as directional until product is physically on shelves.
What's actually in the box
Each collection is built around one region's starters. Inside you get a special promo booster pack containing three of nine Illustration Rare promo cards — all three from a single region — plus two regular Pokémon TCG booster packs and a sticker sheet.
The nine promos break down across the three featured regions:
- Johto: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile
- Unova: Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott
- Galar: Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble
The key detail: you get three Illustration Rares that all come from one region — but which region is random, and there's no marking on the box to tell you which trio is inside before you open it. So you can't simply grab "the Galar box" to guarantee Sobble; you might pull Johto or Unova instead. If there's one specific starter you're after, that randomness is the thing to keep in mind.
How it compares to a normal booster product
| Standard booster bundle | First Partner Collection | |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Illustration Rares | None | 3 (all from one region) |
| Regular booster packs | 6+ | 2 |
| Which region you get | N/A | Random — not marked on box |
| Approx. MSRP | ~$25+ | $14.99 |
| Best for | Pure ripping | Nostalgia / starter art |
Should you buy it?
Here's the honest gut-check. This is not a heavy "rip for chase cards" product — you only get two regular packs, so don't buy it expecting to hit a big ex or Special Illustration Rare. The value is the three guaranteed Illustration Rares and the artwork, which highlights iconic locations and items from each region.
That makes the math simple. If you love any of these starter lines, the collection is a clean, affordable way to land three Illustration Rares plus a couple of packs and a sticker sheet. Just go in knowing the region is luck of the draw — if you've got your heart set on one specific starter, you may need a few boxes or a trade to get there. In that case it's worth comparing the box price against buying that single on the secondary market, where you can target the exact card (you'd just miss the sealed packs). Secondary prices on these promos move quickly, so check before you commit.
For most collectors, the appeal here is nostalgia and solid value rather than a guaranteed specific pull. At $14.99 for three Illustration Rares, it's an easy yes for fans of these regions — as long as you're happy with whichever trio you open.
We'll be stocking First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 alongside the rest of our sealed lineup — all authentic and shipped directly from us. See what's in stock right now.
Dates, prices, and contents are directional and based on the official reveal — they can shift before launch.
Sources: PokéBeach Series 2 reveal, PokéBeach promos reveal, Pokemon.com product gallery.
