The Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection stands as the flagship premium product of the Phantasmal Flames era—a towering box packed with exclusive promo cards, 18 booster packs, and a full suite of gorgeous blue-themed accessories. At £199.99 MSRP (and often trading at or below that on the secondary market), it represents a significant investment for UK collectors. But does the contents justify the premium price tag?
In this comprehensive UK-focused review, we break down every component of the Mega Charizard X ex UPC, calculate the true value of its contents, analyse investment potential, and determine whether this collection deserves a place in your collection—or whether your money is better spent elsewhere.
What's Inside the Box? Complete Contents Breakdown
The Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection delivers a substantial haul of exclusive items and booster packs. Here's everything you'll find inside:
Exclusive Promo Cards (2 Cards)
1. Mega Charizard X ex Promo (MEP #023)
The centrepiece of the entire collection—a stunning full-art foil promo featuring Mega Charizard X ex in all its blue-flamed glory. This exclusive artwork captures the iconic Fire/Dragon-type Mega Evolution mid-attack, with flames cascading around its powerful form.
Card Details:
- 320 HP Fire/Dragon-type
- Ability: Raging Heart
- Attack: Inferno X (200 damage + burn, discards all Fire Energy)
- Exclusive to this UPC—cannot be pulled from booster packs
Current UK Value: £50-65
This promo commands strong secondary market value due to its exclusivity and the quality of the artwork. For Charizard collectors, it represents an essential piece unavailable through any other means.
2. Oricorio ex Special Illustration Rare Promo (MEP #024)
The surprise star of the UPC—a gorgeous Special Illustration Rare featuring Oricorio ex drawn by fan-favourite artist Shinji Kanda. This card was originally the #3 most valuable card from Japan's Inferno X set, and it's been cut from Phantasmal Flames to become a UPC exclusive internationally.
Why This Card Matters: Shinji Kanda's artwork commands premium prices due to his distinctive, striking style. Despite Oricorio not being a particularly popular Pokémon, Kanda's involvement elevates this card to chase status. The Oricorio ex SIR was ranked #3 in value from Japan's Inferno X set—behind only Mega Charizard X cards.
Card Details:
- Fire/Flying-type Pokémon ex
- Ability: Excited Turbo (energy acceleration for Fire Pokémon)
- Attack: Dancing Fire
- Critical support card for Mega Charizard X ex decks
Current UK Value: £20-35
The competitive synergy with Mega Charizard X ex (Oricorio accelerates the Fire Energy needed for Inferno X) makes this card both collectible AND playable—a rare combination.
Booster Packs (18 Packs)
The UPC includes 18 booster packs from a randomised assortment of recent and classic expansions. Based on reports, expect packs from:
- Phantasmal Flames (newest set)
- Mega Evolution
- Destined Rivals
- Journey Together
- Other recent Scarlet & Violet/Mega Evolution era sets
Important Note: The specific pack distribution varies between UPCs. Some collectors report heavy Phantasmal Flames allocation, whilst others receive more diverse mixes. The 18 packs provide substantial opening content regardless of specific composition.
Expected Pack Value: At approximately £4-5 per pack retail value, the 18 packs alone represent £72-90 in pack value—before considering any chase card pulls.
Premium Accessories
The Mega Charizard X ex UPC includes a complete set of premium accessories, all featuring the iconic blue-flamed aesthetic:
1. Full-Size Playmat
A tournament-legal playmat featuring stunning Mega Charizard X artwork. Unlike previous UPC playmats (which were sometimes undersized), this playmat is a proper full-size competitive mat.
Quality Assessment: Reviewers praise this as one of the best UPC playmats ever produced, with vibrant artwork and quality materials suitable for both display and competitive play.
Estimated Value: £20-30
2. Deck Box
A standard-sized deck box featuring Mega Charizard X artwork. Previous UPC deck boxes were often too small for sleeved competitive decks, but this version fits properly sleeved 60-card decks—a significant improvement.
Estimated Value: £8-12
3. Card Sleeves (65 Sleeves)
Premium card sleeves featuring Mega Charizard X artwork in the iconic blue colour palette. Enough to sleeve a complete deck with spares.
Estimated Value: £8-12
4. Metal Coin
A collectible metal coin featuring Mega Charizard X. Premium weight and finish compared to standard plastic coins included in other products.
Estimated Value: £5-8
5. Damage-Counter Dice (6 Dice)
Blue damage-counter dice matching the Mega Charizard X colour scheme. Reviewers note these are larger and more premium-feeling than previous UPC dice—described as an "instant favourite" for competitive players.
Estimated Value: £5-8
6. Code Card
A code card for Pokémon TCG Live, providing digital versions of UPC contents.
Estimated Value: £1-2
Value Analysis: Breaking Down the Numbers
Let's calculate the true value of the Mega Charizard X ex UPC contents versus its price.
Component Value Breakdown
| Component | Quantity | UK Value |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Charizard X ex Promo | 1 | £50-65 |
| Oricorio ex SIR Promo | 1 | £20-35 |
| Booster Packs | 18 | £72-90 |
| Full-Size Playmat | 1 | £20-30 |
| Deck Box | 1 | £8-12 |
| Card Sleeves (65) | 1 | £8-12 |
| Metal Coin | 1 | £5-8 |
| Damage-Counter Dice | 6 | £5-8 |
| Code Card | 1 | £1-2 |
| Total Retail Value | - | £189-262 |
Expected Pull Value from 18 Packs
Beyond the guaranteed components, the 18 booster packs provide additional value through potential pulls:
Expected Pulls (Based on Phantasmal Flames/Recent Set Rates):
- Double Rares: 3.6 cards (£9)
- Illustration Rares: 2.0 cards (£15)
- Ultra Rares: 1.5 cards (£12.75)
- Special Illustration Rares: 0.23 cards (£40)
- Mega Hyper Rare: 0.014 cards (£7.90)
- Bulk value: ~£16
Total Expected Pull Value: £100-120
Complete Value Assessment
Guaranteed Value (Promos + Accessories): £117-172 Expected Pull Value (18 Packs): £100-120 Total Expected Value: £217-292
UK MSRP: £199.99 Current Secondary Market: £180-220
The Verdict on Pure Value
At MSRP (£199.99), the Mega Charizard X ex UPC offers positive expected value of £17-92—a solid proposition for a premium Pokémon product.
At current secondary market prices (£180-220), the UPC actually trades at or below the value of its contents, making it one of the few premium products offering genuine value at current market rates.
Why Secondary Market is Below MSRP:
Unlike booster boxes and ETBs, the £199.99 price point creates a natural ceiling on scalper activity. Most casual buyers won't pay £250+ for a single product, limiting markup potential. This works in collectors' favour, creating accessible pricing despite overall Phantasmal Flames shortages.
Comparison with Previous Ultra-Premium Collections
How does the Mega Charizard X ex UPC compare to recent predecessors?
UPC Evolution: Key Improvements
Deck Box Size: Previous UPC deck boxes were notoriously undersized, unable to fit properly sleeved competitive decks. The Mega Charizard X ex UPC features a standard-sized deck box that actually accommodates sleeved 60-card decks—a welcome improvement for competitive players.
Playmat Quality: The full-size Mega Charizard X playmat represents a significant upgrade from previous narrow-style playmats (like the Gigantamax Charizard version). Tournament-legal dimensions and premium materials make this playmat genuinely usable for competitive play.
Dice Quality: The blue damage-counter dice are larger and more premium than previous UPC dice, with improved readability and weight. Multiple reviewers describe them as potential "instant favourites" for regular use.
Promo Card Quality: The combination of an exclusive Mega Charizard X ex promo AND a Shinji Kanda-illustrated Oricorio ex SIR represents exceptional promo value. Previous UPCs often included one standout promo and one forgettable card—this UPC delivers two genuinely desirable promos.
Comparison Table: Recent UPCs
| UPC | MSRP | Packs | Promo Value | Accessory Quality | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Charizard X ex (2025) | £199.99 | 18 | £70-100 | Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Team Rocket's Moltres ex (2025) | £199.99 | 18 | £40-60 | Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Charizard UPC (2023) | £119.99 | 16 | £30-50 | Average | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pokémon 151 UPC (2023) | £119.99 | 16 | £80-120 | Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The Mega Charizard X ex UPC represents the most complete and highest-quality Ultra-Premium Collection in recent memory, justifying its higher £199.99 price point through genuine improvements across every component.
Investment Potential: Should You Keep It Sealed?
For collectors considering the UPC as an investment, long-term appreciation potential matters significantly.
Arguments for Keeping Sealed
1. Exclusive Promo Cards Appreciate The Mega Charizard X ex promo and Oricorio ex SIR are unavailable through any other product. As UPCs get opened over time, sealed examples become increasingly scarce, driving promo card values higher.
Historical Precedent: Pokémon 151 UPC promos have appreciated 40-60% since release. Charizard-focused promos typically show even stronger growth.
2. Charizard Premium Compounds Charizard-centric products consistently outperform alternatives. The combination of Mega Charizard X—one of the most beloved Charizard forms—and premium accessories creates strong collector appeal.
3. Limited Production Window Ultra-Premium Collections receive relatively short production windows compared to booster boxes and ETBs. Once production ends, sealed supply diminishes steadily.
4. Display and Collector Appeal The substantial box size and premium presentation make sealed UPCs attractive display pieces, supporting demand from collectors who never intend to open.
Arguments for Opening
1. Substantial Pack Count 18 booster packs from current sets provide meaningful opening content—more than any ETB and half a booster box worth of packs.
2. Usable Accessories Unlike some collectibles best kept sealed, the UPC accessories (playmat, deck box, sleeves, dice) provide genuine utility for active players.
3. Exclusive Promo Enjoyment The Mega Charizard X ex and Oricorio ex promos are stunning cards worthy of display in any collection. Keeping them sealed means never actually enjoying them.
4. Current Positive EV At £180-220, opening the UPC provides expected positive value. The maths favour opening more than most sealed products.
Investment Projections
If Kept Sealed (Purchased at MSRP £199.99):
| Timeline | Projected Value | Appreciation |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | £240-300 | 20-50% |
| 2027 | £300-380 | 50-90% |
| 2028 | £380-480 | 90-140% |
| 2030 | £500-700 | 150-250% |
Projected Annual Return: 18-25%
These projections assume continued Charizard popularity, no significant reprints, and overall Pokémon TCG market health.
Recommendation: The Hybrid Approach
For Most UK Collectors: If you can acquire two UPCs at or near MSRP:
- Open one to enjoy the promos, accessories, and pack opening experience
- Keep one sealed for long-term appreciation potential
This approach provides immediate enjoyment whilst maintaining investment exposure.
For Pure Investors: Keep all UPCs sealed. The combination of Charizard premium, exclusive promos, and premium accessories creates strong long-term fundamentals.
For Players: Open immediately. The accessories are genuinely useful, and the Oricorio ex promo supports competitive Mega Charizard X decks.
Who Should Buy the Mega Charizard X ex UPC?
Ideal Buyers
✅ Charizard Collectors The exclusive Mega Charizard X ex promo is essential for any serious Charizard collection. This card cannot be obtained through any other means.
✅ Competitive Players The improved deck box, full-size playmat, premium dice, and card sleeves provide genuine competitive utility. The Oricorio ex promo supports Mega Charizard X decks.
✅ Premium Product Collectors UPC collectors will want this for their sealed collection. The improved quality across all components makes it a standout piece.
✅ Gift Buyers At £199.99, the UPC makes an impressive, complete gift for Pokémon fans. The substantial box and premium contents create genuine "wow factor."
✅ Value-Conscious Collectors Unlike many premium products, the UPC offers positive expected value at current prices. The maths actually favour purchasing.
Who Should Skip
❌ Budget-Constrained Collectors £200 represents significant investment. Budget collectors achieve better value through booster boxes (£180-220) or targeted singles purchases.
❌ Non-Charizard Collectors If Charizard isn't your favourite Pokémon, the UPC's value proposition weakens considerably. The promos and accessories all feature Mega Charizard X.
❌ Opening-Only Collectors If you only want to open packs (not promos/accessories), a booster box provides similar pack count (36 vs 18) for similar price with better pull odds.
❌ Immediate Flip Seekers Current secondary market prices (£180-220) offer minimal margin above MSRP. The UPC isn't suitable for quick-flip speculation.
UK Availability: Where to Find the UPC
Finding the Mega Charizard X ex UPC at MSRP requires persistence but remains achievable.
Current UK Stock Status (November 2025)
Pokémon Centre UK: Primary allocation sold out rapidly at launch. Restock notifications available—sign up for alerts.
Smyths Toys: Limited in-store availability. Check local stores and online regularly.
GAME: Some stores received stock. Online availability intermittent.
Amazon UK: Third-party sellers often above MSRP. Watch for "Sold by Amazon" listings at retail price.
Specialist Retailers:
- Chaos Cards
- Magic Madhouse
- Total Cards
Check regularly for restocks. These retailers often receive allocation waves weeks after initial launch.
Secondary Market Pricing
Current UK secondary market prices sit at £180-220—actually at or below MSRP in many cases. This unusual situation (premium product trading below retail) results from:
- High MSRP creating natural price ceiling
- Lower demand compared to cheaper products
- Adequate initial allocation for interested buyers
Recommendation: If MSRP purchases prove difficult, secondary market prices around £180-200 represent fair value given contents.
Restock Expectations
Based on previous UPC patterns, expect:
- Sporadic retailer restocks through December 2025
- Potential second wave allocation January-February 2026
- Gradual availability improvement over 3-6 months
Unlike standard sealed products, UPCs typically don't face indefinite shortages—patience usually rewards collectors with MSRP opportunities.
Opening Experience: What to Expect
For collectors planning to open their UPC, here's what the experience delivers:
Unboxing Presentation
The Mega Charizard X ex UPC features premium packaging with substantial weight and impressive shelf presence. The blue colour scheme matching Mega Charizard X creates cohesive aesthetic appeal.
Box Contents Organisation:
- Promos typically sealed together in protective packaging
- Accessories layered beneath
- Booster packs arranged at bottom
- Code card and documentation included
Pack Opening Expectations
With 18 packs from mixed sets, realistic expectations include:
Good Box:
- 2-3 Illustration Rares
- 1-2 Ultra Rares
- 3-4 Double Rares
- Possible SIR (23% chance across 18 packs)
Great Box:
- Above average pulls PLUS
- 1 Special Illustration Rare
- Multiple valuable Illustration Rares
Exceptional Box:
- Great box contents PLUS
- Premium SIR (Mega Charizard X, Pikachu, etc.)
- Or multiple SIRs across different sets
Disappointing Box:
- Below average hit rates
- No SIRs
- Weaker Illustration Rares
The 18-pack count provides reasonable sampling, but variance remains significant. Don't expect consistent jackpots—enjoy the journey regardless of specific pulls.
Accessory Quality Assessment
Based on collector reviews:
Playmat: "Fantastic...one of the best UPC playmats ever produced"—premium materials, vibrant colours, tournament-legal size
Deck Box: "Finally fits sleeved decks properly"—significant improvement over previous undersized UPC deck boxes
Dice: "Instant favourite...larger and better than previous versions"—improved readability and premium feel
Sleeves: Quality Pokémon-branded sleeves matching the blue Charizard aesthetic
Metal Coin: Satisfying weight and premium finish
Overall, accessory quality represents a genuine step up from previous Ultra-Premium Collections.
Common Questions Answered
Is the Mega Charizard X ex UPC worth it?
Yes, at current UK prices (£180-220). The combination of exclusive promos (£70-100 value), 18 booster packs (£72-90 value), and premium accessories (£47-72 value) exceeds the purchase price. Few Pokémon products offer such clear positive value.
How does this compare to buying a booster box?
Different value propositions:
- UPC: Exclusive promos, premium accessories, 18 packs, ~£200
- Booster Box: 36 packs, no promos/accessories, ~£180-220
The UPC provides exclusive items unavailable elsewhere. The booster box provides more packs and better statistical chance at chase cards. Choose based on priorities.
Should I open or keep sealed?
For enjoyment: Open and enjoy the stunning promos and useful accessories For investment: Keep sealed for 18-25% projected annual appreciation Optimal: Buy two—open one, seal one
Can I get the promos any other way?
No. The Mega Charizard X ex promo (MEP #023) and Oricorio ex SIR promo (MEP #024) are exclusive to this UPC. They cannot be pulled from booster packs or obtained through any other product.
Is the Oricorio ex promo actually valuable?
Yes, despite Oricorio's relatively low popularity. Artist Shinji Kanda's involvement elevates this card significantly. It was the #3 most valuable card from Japan's Inferno X set, and the SIR treatment creates genuine collector appeal. Current UK value sits at £20-35 with appreciation potential.
When will more stock be available?
Restock waves expected through December 2025 and into January-February 2026. Sign up for retailer notifications and check specialist card shops regularly.
Is the UPC good for competitive players?
Excellent. The improved deck box fits sleeved decks properly, the playmat is tournament-legal, the dice are premium quality, and the Oricorio ex promo provides genuine competitive utility in Mega Charizard X decks.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth £200+?
After comprehensive analysis of contents, value, and investment potential, here's our definitive assessment:
The Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection is WORTH IT because:
✅ Positive Expected Value: Contents worth £217-292 versus £180-220 price point
✅ Exclusive Promos: Mega Charizard X ex and Oricorio ex SIR unavailable elsewhere
✅ Quality Improvements: Best UPC accessories in recent memory
✅ Investment Potential: 18-25% projected annual appreciation if kept sealed
✅ Charizard Premium: Mega Charizard X is one of the most beloved Pokémon forms
✅ Competitive Utility: Genuinely useful accessories for active players
✅ Reasonable Availability: Secondary market prices at/below MSRP
Consider alternatives if:
⚠️ You're strictly budget-constrained (£200 is significant investment)
⚠️ You don't particularly like Charizard
⚠️ You only want maximum pack opening (booster box provides more packs)
⚠️ You need immediate liquidity (appreciation requires patience)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection represents the best UPC value proposition in years. Genuine quality improvements, stunning exclusive promos, positive expected value, and strong investment potential combine to create a must-have product for Charizard fans and serious collectors alike.
At current UK prices of £180-220, this is one of the few premium Pokémon products we can recommend without reservation.
Where to Buy the Mega Charizard X ex UPC
Looking for the Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection at competitive UK prices? Browse our selection of Ultra-Premium Collections and premium Pokémon products. We stock the latest releases, all verified authentic with fast UK shipping.
Whether you're adding to your Charizard collection, seeking competitive accessories, or building a sealed investment portfolio, we help UK collectors access premium products at fair prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's in the Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection? A: 2 exclusive promo cards (Mega Charizard X ex and Oricorio ex SIR), 18 booster packs, full-size playmat, deck box, 65 card sleeves, metal coin, 6 damage-counter dice, and Pokémon TCG Live code card.
Q: How much is the Mega Charizard X ex UPC worth? A: Contents total approximately £217-292 in value. At UK prices of £180-220, the UPC offers positive expected value.
Q: Are the promo cards exclusive to this UPC? A: Yes. The Mega Charizard X ex promo (MEP #023) and Oricorio ex SIR promo (MEP #024) cannot be obtained through any other product or booster packs.
Q: What booster packs are included? A: A randomised assortment from recent sets including Phantasmal Flames, Mega Evolution, Destined Rivals, and other Scarlet & Violet/Mega Evolution era sets. Pack distribution varies between UPCs.
Q: Should I open or keep sealed for investment? A: Both approaches have merit. Opening provides immediate enjoyment of exclusive promos and useful accessories. Keeping sealed offers 18-25% projected annual appreciation. Ideally, buy two—open one, keep one sealed.
Q: How does this compare to previous Charizard UPCs? A: This represents significant quality improvements including larger deck box (fits sleeved decks), full-size tournament playmat, premium dice, and higher-value exclusive promos. It's the best Charizard UPC to date.
Q: Is the Oricorio ex promo actually good? A: Yes—both collectible (Shinji Kanda artwork, SIR treatment) and playable (energy acceleration for Mega Charizard X decks). It ranked #3 in value from Japan's Inferno X set.
Q: When will UK stock improve? A: Restock waves expected through December 2025 and January-February 2026. Current secondary market prices (£180-220) already sit at/below MSRP, making immediate purchase reasonable.
All prices and information accurate as of November 2025. Pokémon TCG market values fluctuate—always verify current prices before purchasing.