In the world of Pokémon TCG investment, not all sets are created equal. Whilst hundreds of modern expansions have been released since 2019, only a select few possess the fundamentals necessary for genuine long-term appreciation. Understanding which sets deserve your investment pounds—and which to avoid—can mean the difference between doubling your money or watching sealed products languish near MSRP for years.
This comprehensive UK-focused guide analyses modern Pokémon sets (2019-2025) through an investment lens, evaluating historical performance, chase card strength, print runs, and market demand. Whether you're a seasoned investor with thousands of pounds in sealed product or a collector wondering which Elite Trainer Box to keep sealed, this analysis reveals which modern sets offer the strongest long-term value proposition.
What Makes a Set Investment-Worthy?
Before diving into specific sets, let's establish the criteria that separate premium investment sets from mediocre ones.
1. Chase Card Strength and Diversity
Sets with multiple high-value chase cards outperform those reliant on a single expensive card. Evolving Skies exemplifies this principle with its Eeveelution alternate arts, particularly the "Moonbreon" Umbreon VMAX, alongside Rayquaza, Dragonite, and Sylveon variants.
Investment Advantage: Multiple chase cards create resilient demand even if one card's price declines.
2. Featured Pokémon Popularity
Sets centred on fan-favourite Pokémon consistently appreciate faster and higher:
Top-Tier Pokémon for Investment:
- Charizard (any appearance)
- Eeveelutions (all eight evolutions)
- Pikachu (mascot status)
- Legendary trio Pokémon (Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres)
- Mewtwo, Mew, Gengar
Second-Tier Pokémon:
- Rayquaza, Dragonite, Garchomp (dragon-types)
- Umbreon, Espeon, Sylveon (individual Eeveelutions)
- Lucario, Gardevoir, Greninja (competitive favourites)
3. Print Run Scarcity
Special sets with shorter print windows dramatically outperform unlimited main series expansions. Crown Zenith ETBs, for example, have appreciated significantly since their limited release window closed.
Print Run Indicators:
- Special/Holiday sets: 6-12 months production
- Main series sets: 18-24 months production
- Unlimited print runs: Potentially years of production
4. Artwork Quality and Aesthetic Appeal
Crown Zenith's Galarian Gallery subset, featuring 70 cards with stunning illustrations, exemplifies how superior artwork drives collector demand. Sets with visually memorable cards maintain value better than those with generic artwork.
5. Competitive Playability
Whilst less critical for sealed product investment, sets containing competitively viable cards benefit from ongoing player demand, creating price floors for singles and sustained interest in sealed products.
6. Nostalgia Factor
Sets like 151 leveraging nostalgia for the original Kanto Pokémon achieve immediate and sustained popularity, as collectors who played Red/Blue/Yellow in the 1990s now have adult purchasing power.
Tier 1: Elite Investment Sets (Highest Confidence)
These modern sets demonstrate exceptional investment potential based on historical performance, fundamentals, and market positioning.
Evolving Skies (August 2021) - TIER 1+
Release Date: August 2021
Launch Price (Booster Box): £120-140
Current UK Price: £350-450
Appreciation: 180-250% (4 years)
Annual ROI: ~27-35%
Why It's Elite:
Evolving Skies remains one of the most valuable modern Pokémon sets with sealed boxes becoming harder to find monthly. The set's combination of beloved Eeveelution alternate arts and powerful dragon-types creates unmatched demand.
Chase Card Highlights:
- Umbreon VMAX Alt Art ("Moonbreon"): £1,000-1,400 (PSA 10)
- Sylveon VMAX Alt Art: £180-250
- Rayquaza VMAX Alt Art: £160-220
- Leafeon VMAX Alt Art: £120-180
- Glaceon VMAX Alt Art: £100-150
Investment Advantages:
- Out of competitive rotation since August 2023, eliminating reprint risk
- Continuously opened on streaming platforms, reducing sealed supply
- Dual appeal: Eeveelutions AND dragon-types
- Over 200 cards providing collecting depth
- Demonstrates 112% annualized ROI since release
Long-Term Projection (UK Market):
- 2026: £450-550
- 2028: £700-900
- 2030: £1,000-1,400
- 2035: £2,000-3,000
Verdict: The single best modern set investment. Booster boxes show 44% higher annualized ROI than any other Sword & Shield era set.
Pokémon 151 (September 2023) - TIER 1
Release Date: September 2023
Launch Price (ETB): £50-55
Current UK Price: £110-140
Appreciation: 110-155% (2 years)
Why It's Elite:
151 is regarded as one of the best Pokémon sets of the decade, featuring every original Kanto Pokémon in stunning full-art treatments. The nostalgia factor combined with limited ETB-only availability creates exceptional demand.
Chase Card Highlights:
- Charizard ex SIR: £300-400
- Mew ex SIR: £120-160
- Erika's Invitation SIR: £100-140
- Alakazam ex SIR: £60-90
- Master Ball Pikachu: £40-60
Investment Advantages:
- Small but mighty set already becoming harder to find
- Appeals to nostalgic collectors and new fans equally
- No booster boxes—ETBs and specialty products only
- Complete set achievable, driving completion demand
- Strong singles market maintains sealed interest
Unique Consideration: Ultra Premium Collection includes 16 booster packs, metal cards, and exclusive promos, representing premium investment option at £180-250.
Long-Term Projection (UK Market):
- 2026: £140-180 (ETB)
- 2028: £200-270
- 2030: £300-400
- 2035: £500-700
Verdict: Instant classic with widespread appeal making it one of the most collectible modern releases.
Crown Zenith (January 2023) - TIER 1
Release Date: January 2023
Launch Price (ETB): £50-55
Current UK Price: £100-130
Appreciation: 85-135% (2 years)
Why It's Elite:
Crown Zenith has proven to be one of the best sets Pokémon TCG has ever seen, celebrating the Sword & Shield era with exceptional artwork. As the final special set before transitioning to Scarlet & Violet, it benefits from "end of era" collector sentiment.
Chase Card Highlights:
- Charizard VSTAR (Rainbow): £250-350
- Giratina VSTAR (Gold): £130-180
- Mewtwo VSTAR (Gold): £80-120
- Pikachu VMAX (Gold): £70-100
- Galarian Gallery cards: £10-60 each
Investment Advantages:
- No booster boxes exist—ETBs and bundles only, limiting supply
- First ETB to include promo card, creating unique collectibility
- 70-card Galarian Gallery subset with stunning artwork
- Reprint window closed—no new product coming to market
- Deep set with multiple fan-favourite Pokémon
Market Performance: Crown Zenith ETBs increased 30% in value within 7-8 months post-release, demonstrating strong appreciation trajectory despite reprints.
Long-Term Projection (UK Market):
- 2026: £130-160 (ETB)
- 2028: £180-240
- 2030: £250-350
- 2035: £400-600
Comparison Context: Whilst 151 may be proving more dominant, Crown Zenith's 40% lower price point (£100-110 vs £180-200) represents better risk-adjusted value.
Verdict: Exceptional value at current prices. Expected to potentially break £175 by end of 2025 based on current trajectory.
Brilliant Stars (February 2022) - TIER 1
Release Date: February 2022
Launch Price (Booster Box): £120-140
Current UK Price: £200-280
Appreciation: 67-115% (3 years)
Why It's Elite:
Brilliant Stars introduced the VSTAR mechanic and featured an exceptional Trainer Gallery subset showcasing nostalgic Pokémon-trainer interactions. The set features Charizard VSTAR, one of the most expensive Charizard cards in recent history.
Chase Card Highlights:
- Charizard VSTAR (Rainbow): £220-300
- Charizard V Alt Art: £160-220
- Arceus VSTAR (Rainbow): £80-120
- Trainer Gallery Charizard: £100-140
- Marnie's Pride: £60-90
Investment Advantages:
- First VSTAR mechanic introduction creates historical significance
- Trainer Gallery cards depict scenes from past Pokémon games, creating nostalgia
- Multiple Charizard variants in single set
- Strong competitive cards maintain player demand
- Well-rounded set with numerous desirable chase cards at affordable price
Long-Term Projection (UK Market):
- 2026: £280-350
- 2028: £400-500
- 2030: £600-800
- 2035: £1,000-1,400
Verdict: Undervalued relative to Evolving Skies. Currently at very affordable price with extremely well-rounded chase card selection.
Prismatic Evolutions (January 2025) - TIER 1 (Speculative)
Release Date: January 2025
Launch Price (Booster Box): N/A (Special set—no boxes)
Current UK Price (ETB): £60-80
Appreciation: Too recent to establish
Why It's Elite:
Prismatic Evolutions might be the #1 best-selling set, with every Eeveelution included and some of the strongest Master Ball cards to date. Early indicators suggest this could rival or exceed Evolving Skies' trajectory.
Chase Card Highlights:
- Umbreon ex SIR ("Sunbreon"): £900-1,000
- Sylveon ex SIR: £80-150
- Leafeon ex SIR: £60-100
- Master Ball Reverse Holos: £10-75 each
- Pikachu ex Gold: £60-95
Investment Advantages:
- Weak pull rates ironically boost single prices, benefiting sealed investors long-term
- Debut of Master Ball Reverse Holos in international release
- Immediate sellouts creating supply constraints
- Eeveelution precedent (Evolving Skies) suggests strong appreciation
- Special set with limited production window
Risk Factors:
- Multiple announced reprint waves through 2025
- Too recent to confirm long-term trajectory
- High initial hype may moderate
Long-Term Projection (UK Market - Speculative):
- 2026: £100-140 (ETB)
- 2028: £180-250
- 2030: £300-450
- 2035: £600-900
Verdict: Highest risk but potentially highest reward modern set. Buy sealed products at MSRP to minimize downside.
Tier 2: Strong Investment Sets (Good Confidence)
These sets demonstrate solid fundamentals and proven appreciation, though less spectacular than Tier 1 options.
Paldean Fates (January 2024) - TIER 2+
Release Date: January 2024
Launch Price (Booster Box): N/A (Special set)
Current UK Price (ETB): £90-120
Appreciation: 60-90% (1 year)
Why It's Strong:
Paldean Fates is noteworthy as the first "Shiny" set since Shining Fates, creating built-in collector demand for shiny variants of popular Scarlet & Violet Pokémon.
Chase Card Highlights:
- Shiny Charizard ex: £150-200
- Mew SIR ("Bubble Mew"): £180-240
- Shiny Mewtwo ex: £80-120
- Shiny Rayquaza ex: £70-100
Investment Advantages:
- Special set format with limited production
- Shiny hunting appeal creates sustained demand
- Borders make cards visually pop, creating aesthetic appeal
- Multiple high-value chase cards
- Historical precedent: Hidden Fates and Shining Fates both appreciated significantly
Long-Term Projection (UK Market):
- 2026: £120-160 (ETB)
- 2028: £180-250
- 2030: £280-380
- 2035: £450-650
Verdict: Following the proven shiny set appreciation pattern with strong early performance.
Silver Tempest (November 2022) - TIER 2
Release Date: November 2022
Launch Price (Booster Box): £120-140
Current UK Price: £160-200
Appreciation: 33-67% (2.5 years)
Why It's Strong:
Silver Tempest features Lugia as the set mascot alongside Alolan Vulpix and other fan favourites. Whilst not explosive in appreciation, it demonstrates steady growth.
Chase Card Highlights:
- Lugia VSTAR (Rainbow): £100-140
- Lugia V Alt Art: £80-120
- Alolan Vulpix VSTAR (Rainbow): £60-90
- Serena (Full Art): £50-75
Investment Advantages:
- Lugia's enduring popularity
- Steady appreciation without hype spikes (more predictable)
- Moderate print run balances accessibility and scarcity
- Recommended for long-term value alongside Crown Zenith and Brilliant Stars
Long-Term Projection (UK Market):
- 2026: £200-250
- 2028: £280-360
- 2030: £380-480
- 2035: £600-800
Verdict: Conservative, steady appreciation without the volatility of hype-driven sets.
Lost Origin (September 2022) - TIER 2
Release Date: September 2022
Launch Price (Booster Box): £120-140
Current UK Price: £180-230
Appreciation: 50-92% (2.5 years)
Why It's Strong:
Lost Origin managed to come out ahead of other 2022 sets like Astral Radiance, benefiting from Giratina as mascot and strong Trainer Gallery cards.
Chase Card Highlights:
- Giratina VSTAR (Rainbow): £150-200
- Giratina V Alt Art: £100-150
- Aerodactyl VSTAR (Rainbow): £70-100
- Trainer Gallery Charizard: £80-120
Investment Advantages:
- Trainer Gallery cards from Brilliant Stars & Lost Origin have some of best designs
- Giratina's popularity amongst Ghost-type collectors
- Reasonable current pricing versus appreciation potential
- Part of successful 2022 Sword & Shield lineup
Long-Term Projection (UK Market):
- 2026: £230-290
- 2028: £320-420
- 2030: £450-600
- 2035: £700-950
Verdict: Solid mid-tier investment benefiting from strong Trainer Gallery subset.
Temporal Forces (March 2024) - TIER 2
Release Date: March 2024
Launch Price (Booster Box): £121.99
Current UK Price: £130-160
Appreciation: 7-31% (8 months)
Why It's Strong:
Temporal Forces reintroduced ACE SPEC cards, which hadn't appeared for a very long time. These unique, powerful cards create historical significance and collector interest.
Chase Card Highlights:
- Raging Bolt ex SIR: £50-70
- Iron Valiant ex SIR: £40-60
- ACE SPEC cards: £15-40 each
- Ancient/Future Pokémon variants
Investment Advantages:
- First set reintroducing ACE SPEC mechanic
- Introduced ACE SPEC cards for Pokémon Tools and Energy, making it unique
- Ancient/Future Pokémon theme has dedicated following
- Decent pull rates reported by community
Long-Term Projection (UK Market):
- 2026: £160-200
- 2028: £220-290
- 2030: £300-400
- 2035: £480-650
Verdict: Unique mechanical introduction provides investment foundation, though not as explosive as Eeveelution or Charizard sets.
Tier 3: Moderate Investment Sets (Cautious Optimism)
These sets may appreciate moderately but lack the fundamentals of Tier 1-2 options.
Surging Sparks (November 2024) - TIER 3+
Release Date: November 2024
Launch Price (Booster Box): £121.99
Current UK Price: £180-220
Appreciation: 48-80% (3 months - likely unsustainable)
Why It's Moderate:
Surging Sparks coincided with Pokémon TCG Pocket's global launch, creating unprecedented influx of interest. However, this timing advantage may not translate to long-term fundamentals.
Chase Card Highlights:
- Pikachu ex SIR: £350-450
- Latias ex SIR: £150-200
- Pikachu ex Gold: £70-95
Investment Concerns:
- Extremely high current prices relative to launch (speculation premium)
- Standard main series expansion (not special set)
- Large announced print runs
- Single mega-chase card (Pikachu) creates vulnerability
- Recent release makes projection difficult
Long-Term Projection (UK Market):
- 2026: £160-210 (likely price correction)
- 2028: £220-290
- 2030: £300-400
- 2035: £480-650
Verdict: Wait for price correction before investing. Current £180-220 pricing reflects temporary hype, not fundamentals.
Obsidian Flames (August 2023) - TIER 3
Release Date: August 2023
Launch Price (Booster Box): £121.99
Current UK Price: £140-170
Appreciation: 15-39% (15 months)
Why It's Moderate:
Features Charizard ex, which typically drives demand, but overall set lacks depth of chase cards compared to elite options.
Chase Card Highlights:
- Charizard ex SIR: £180-250
- Erika's Invitation: £60-90
- Mew ex SIR: £50-80
Investment Advantages:
- Charizard presence provides price floor
- Reasonable current pricing
- Standard availability without excessive speculation
Investment Concerns:
- Limited chase card diversity beyond Charizard
- Standard main series release with large print run
- Modest appreciation to date suggests limited upside
Long-Term Projection (UK Market):
- 2026: £170-210
- 2028: £220-280
- 2030: £280-360
- 2035: £420-580
Verdict: Safe but unspectacular. Better options exist at similar price points.
Paradox Rift (November 2023) - TIER 3
Release Date: November 2023
Launch Price (Booster Box): £121.99
Current UK Price: £130-160
Appreciation: 7-31% (12 months)
Why It's Moderate:
Paradox Rift brought Ancient/Future archetypes that once dominated competitive play, but chase card values pale compared to top sets.
Chase Card Highlights:
- Illustration Rare Groudon commands top value despite being lesser rarity
- Roaring Moon ex SIR: £40-60
- Iron Valiant ex SIR: £35-55
Investment Concerns:
- Limited high-value chase cards
- Ancient/Future theme has niche appeal
- Modest appreciation suggests weak fundamentals
Long-Term Projection (UK Market):
- 2026: £150-190
- 2028: £190-250
- 2030: £240-320
- 2035: £360-500
Verdict: The Groudon Illustration Rare alone isn't sufficient to drive strong sealed appreciation.
Tier 4: Avoid or Wait for Deep Discounts
These sets lack investment merit at current pricing and should only be purchased at significant discounts for personal opening.
Stellar Crown (September 2024) - TIER 4
Why Avoid:
- Standard main series expansion
- Terapagos ex doesn't command premium pricing
- Heavy print run
- Minimal appreciation since launch
- No standout chase cards above £60
Verdict: Open for fun, don't hold sealed for investment.
Twilight Masquerade (May 2024) - TIER 4
Why Avoid:
- Ogerpon focus lacks Charizard/Pikachu/Eeveelution appeal
- Lacks nostalgic, familiar Pokémon in alternate artwork lineup
- Adequate chase cards but nothing exceptional
- May be short-printed temporarily but reprint likely
Caveat: Greninja and Eevee carry this set, but print run scarcity could make it a sleeper hit if reprint doesn't materialize. Monitor for deep discounts below £100.
Verdict: Unlikely to be as memorable as other excellent Scarlet & Violet packs.
Paldea Evolved (March 2023) - TIER 4
Why Avoid:
- Initially considered a set of forgettable cards with sole exception of Special Illustration Rare Iono
- Single chase card creates vulnerability
- Large print run
- Minimal appreciation despite 20+ months on market
Verdict: Only worthwhile if available significantly below MSRP for Iono hunting.
Investment Strategy Recommendations
Based on this analysis, here's how UK collectors should allocate sealed product investments:
Conservative Portfolio (Lower Risk, Steady Returns)
Allocation:
- 40%: Evolving Skies products
- 25%: Crown Zenith ETBs
- 20%: Brilliant Stars booster boxes
- 15%: Silver Tempest booster boxes
Expected Annual Return: 15-25%
Risk Level: Low
Time Horizon: 5-10 years
Balanced Portfolio (Moderate Risk, Strong Returns)
Allocation:
- 30%: Evolving Skies products
- 25%: Prismatic Evolutions products (at MSRP only)
- 20%: 151 ETBs and Ultra Premium Collections
- 15%: Crown Zenith ETBs
- 10%: Paldean Fates ETBs
Expected Annual Return: 20-35%
Risk Level: Moderate
Time Horizon: 3-7 years
Aggressive Portfolio (Higher Risk, Maximum Upside)
Allocation:
- 40%: Prismatic Evolutions products (at MSRP)
- 30%: 151 products
- 20%: Evolving Skies remaining sealed products
- 10%: Speculative positions (Temporal Forces, upcoming special sets)
Expected Annual Return: 25-50% (high volatility)
Risk Level: High
Time Horizon: 2-5 years
Budget-Conscious Approach (£500-1,000 Total Investment)
Recommendation:
- 3x Crown Zenith ETBs: £300-390
- 2x Brilliant Stars booster boxes: £400-560
- Remaining: Singles from Evolving Skies or Prismatic Evolutions
This approach balances immediate affordability with proven appreciation trajectories.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Chasing Recent Hype
Don't purchase Surging Sparks booster boxes at £200+ based on Pocket-driven hype. Wait for inevitable price corrections to £140-160 range.
2. Ignoring Print Run Information
Standard main series expansions with 18-24 month print windows rarely outperform special sets with 6-12 month windows. Prioritize accordingly.
3. Overlooking Crown Zenith
Many investors focus exclusively on 151, ignoring that Crown Zenith offers similar fundamentals at 40% lower entry cost.
4. Buying High, Selling Low
Panic-selling during temporary market corrections destroys returns. Commit to minimum 3-5 year hold periods.
5. Putting All Capital in Single Set
Diversification across 3-5 quality sets reduces risk whilst maintaining upside.
Where to Buy Modern Sets in the UK
For New Releases at MSRP:
- Pokémon Centre UK (online)
- Smyths Toys
- GAME
- Large Tesco locations
For Older Sets:
- Chaos Cards
- Magic Madhouse
- Total Cards
- eBay UK (verify seller ratings)
- Cardmarket EU
For Investment-Grade Sealed:
- Reputable UK card shops with strong feedback
- Established eBay sellers with 1,000+ ratings
- Collector Facebook groups (exercise caution)
Final Investment Tiers: Quick Reference
TIER 1 (Buy with Confidence):
- Evolving Skies
- Pokémon 151
- Crown Zenith
- Brilliant Stars
- Prismatic Evolutions (at MSRP)
TIER 2 (Strong Fundamentals): 6. Paldean Fates 7. Silver Tempest 8. Lost Origin 9. Temporal Forces
TIER 3 (Proceed with Caution): 10. Surging Sparks (wait for correction) 11. Obsidian Flames 12. Paradox Rift
TIER 4 (Avoid for Investment):
- Stellar Crown
- Twilight Masquerade
- Paldea Evolved
- Astral Radiance
- Fusion Strike
Where to Buy Quality Pokémon Products in the UK
Building a sealed Pokémon investment portfolio? Browse our selection of modern booster boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes, and specialty products. We stock Tier 1 and Tier 2 investment sets, all verified authentic with fast UK shipping and competitive pricing.
Whether you're building a conservative portfolio or taking aggressive positions on emerging sets, we help UK collectors make informed investment decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the single best modern set to invest in right now? A: Evolving Skies booster boxes. They demonstrate 112% annualized ROI and 44% higher returns than any other Sword & Shield set, with proven track record and closed reprint window.
Q: Should I buy Prismatic Evolutions sealed products? A: Yes, but only at MSRP (£50-60 for ETBs). The set shows exceptional fundamentals with every Eeveelution and strong Master Ball cards, but avoid paying secondary market premiums of £80-100.
Q: Is Crown Zenith undervalued compared to 151? A: Yes. Crown Zenith ETBs at £100-110 offer better risk-adjusted value than 151 ETBs at £180-200, with similar long-term potential at 40% lower entry cost.
Q: Should I buy booster boxes or Elite Trainer Boxes for investment? A: Booster boxes generally appreciate more in absolute terms (£120→£400 vs £50→£150), but ETBs appreciate at similar percentage rates. For sets without booster boxes (151, Crown Zenith, Prismatic Evolutions), ETBs are the optimal choice.
Q: When should I sell my sealed products? A: Minimum 3-5 year holding period for meaningful appreciation. Elite sets like Evolving Skies benefit from 10+ year holds, potentially reaching £2,000-3,000+ by 2035.
Q: Are modern sets safer investments than vintage cards? A: Safer in the sense of authentication (less counterfeit risk) and liquidity (easier to sell quickly). Vintage graded cards offer higher absolute returns but require more capital and expertise.
Q: How do I know if I'm buying authentic sealed products? A: Purchase from reputable UK retailers, verify shrinkwrap consistency, check for price-too-good-to-be-true red flags, and inspect packaging carefully for tampering signs.
Q: What's the biggest mistake sealed product investors make? A: Buying mediocre sets at full price whilst ignoring proven performers. £200 invested in Stellar Crown will underperform £200 in Crown Zenith ETBs by 100%+ over five years.
*Analysis accurate as of November 2025. Pokémon TCG market conditions fluctuate—conduct updated research before making investment decisions. Historical performance.