I don't have to tell you how much Pokemon TCG products have appreciated in value over the last 2 years. There was an obvious bubble between 2020 and 2021 and there has been a price correction over the latter part of 2021. Overall, the Pokemon TCG still remains a viable investment, one that will have its bull and bear markets. So if your new to collecting, investing or just in it for the thrill of opening packs and building desks there's something in this hobby for everyone. This is a short guide on my views and opinions on which sets will and won't appreciate well. Each set I have rated out of 10 and I will give you some brief reasons why.
Rating 
4/10
The first set in this era of the Pokemon TCG was not a strong start. Besides the two legendary Pokemon and the Snorlax VMAX there aren't many chase cards. The one thing that this set does have in its favour is that it preceded the 2020 bubble and hence was not printed in large quantities. Though there are a lot booster packs produced alongside other sealed non-booster box products (similar to Sun and Moon)
Rating
2/10
The worst set to put your money towards. Not many chase cards and overall a fairly unremarkable set. Again, similar to the base set, this was also not printed in large amounts which may help add value over time.
Rating
6/10
A massively successful and high selling set, which boasts the first big hitting Charizard in this era. Beyond the Charizard VMAX though there is not a more than a handful of worthwhile chase cards. This set has had multiple reprints and continues to be printed despite its release almost 18 months ago. The amount of product printed may lead to a slower monetary appreciation in this box.
Rating
7/10
Similar to Darkness Ablaze this set had a handful of chase cards with the highlights being the Pikachu variants and the amazing rares. That being said this was an extremely difficult set to get pulls. I personally have opened over 20 boxes and still have not pulled the full art or secret Pikachu. It has and continues to be printed and similar to Darkness Ablaze may have an oversaturated supply which will likely slow its investment growth.
Rating
3/10
The less said about this set the better. One of the poorest sets in recent years. It has some great cards to build desks but very limited pulls for collectors. This is not a set I would recommend to keep sealed and hold as an investment.
Rating
8/10
A highly underrated set on its release (and continues to be). Has the 3 legendary birds, the Calyrex variants and multiple alternate arts. It remains a difficult set to get decent pulls. It also was not a massive seller and hence was not printed to excess. A great investment box to keep sealed and I predict it will appreciate remarkably in the next 2 to 3 years.
Rating
10/10
The set to invest in and keep sealed. The best set in multiple aspects for collectors, players and investors. Multiple high value cards and a set that up to this point is underpinned for the amount of demand (a demand which will continue to grow). From the multiple eeveloutions, Rayquaza, Dragonite and so many more. Will be a great box to keep sealed as will appreciate well over the next few years.
Rating
6/10
Likely going to be an underrated set over time, similar to Cosmic Eclipse from the Sun and Moon era. This is the latest release and the first set that has not had the popularity of other recent releases. There are some great cards in this set for collectors, but has been weighed down by the size of the set. It will likely becoming a highly valuable set over time but it may take a few years to appreciate.
Rating
8/10
One of the newest sets to be released and one that will be highly valued because of the Charizards' to be found in this set. This, in combination with the multiple legendary Arceus variants, the trainer gallery cards will make this set highly valued in the future. It's early days for this set but I see potential for this to be a great investment.
Rating
7/10
Astral Radiance is an interesting set in that introduces Hisuian region Pokemon from the "
Pokemon Arceus" video game. Again this set has some great chase cards including alternate arts, and the ever popular trainer gallery. I suspect that this set will have a modest growth over the coming years.
In closing, remember that all booster boxes will appreciate with time. None of these boxes will reach the heights of a 1st Edition Base Set Box, but they will gain value. Going back to when I got back into the hobby, when Burning Shadows released in 2017, I picked up a XY base set box for $170, a box which now sells in excess of $1700. Don't expect to come out with quick profits, but if you care and hold onto these boxes they can provide a massive return on investment.
Krishneel Dutt
