Customer Ratings & Reviews

I opened the First Partner collection with trepidation and, to be frank, a lack of enthusiasm only tempered by the fact that I paid MSRP and not the $50+ our local scalpers (SORRY, "resellers") claim is "fair market value" - which is a construct of society and not a measurable metric. The packaging advertises "30 years of first partner Pokémon," a sentimental framing for what is essentially a delivery system for three very specific pieces of cardboard. The box contains two standard booster packs and a sticker sheet. The stickers are high-gloss and feature the various starters exhibiting forced, cheery expressions. I have placed the stickers in a drawer. I suspect they will remain there until the adhesive eventually fails or the house is reclaimed by the earth, whichever happens first. The primary objective of this purchase, as it is for any person currently participating in this economy, was the pack containing the illustration rare-style cards. It is an inefficient transaction. The Pokémon Company insists on bundling these cards with additional filler, creating a surplus of loose booster packs and stickers that now clutter my living space. They could sell the cards separately, but that would acknowledge the cold reality of the market, and they prefer the veneer of a "journey." We purchased two of these collections. Both contained the Kanto starters: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. I am informed by various internet forums that these are the most desirable of the three possible regional sets. This information did little to soothe the household. My children are visibly upset that neither box contained the Alola set featuring Litten. My husband, whose emotional investment in these creatures mirrors that of our offspring, shared in their quiet devastation. The situation deteriorated further when the first Kanto set went missing. A frantic search ensued, during which my husband convinced himself that the cards had been discarded. I watched from the kitchen as he spent twenty minutes sifting through the kitchen trash, meticulously inspecting coffee grounds and eggshells for any sign of a holographic Bulbasaur. It was a thorough, if harrowing, display of commitment to the hobby. He eventually located the cards. They were in the box of cards designated for sorting, precisely where one would expect to find them. The relief in his eyes was palpable, though it was tempered by the lingering scent of garbage under his nails. I explained to the family that the Kanto starters represent the foundation of the entire franchise and that their presence is a mathematical win. My eldest looked at the Charmander with a profound sense of betrayal. It seems that "desirability" is a subjective concept that does not survive the disappointment of a child who specifically requested a fire-cat. We now own two sets of the same three cards. They sit on the shelf, a pair of identical triumphs that I alone am pleased to have obtained. I will likely use the empty box to store the screws I find on the floor that I cannot identify. It is a flimsy yet colorful box that my children beg me not to throw away. Would I wait 2 hours in line to repeat this purchase? Probably, because I am a masochist like that.

Our family loves when its anniversary time, they always put out some very fun cards and cool new things. The 3 card bonus pack is so cool with great art. Now we just have to hope we can attempt to collect all 9 which is likely difficult with pokemon right now.

This might be one of the coolest sets ever made. The series 1 packs with the original cards are so awesome and if you buy 3 and get them all it's so fun

So my husband snuck out of work to catch this restock and omg wouldn’t you know it. I got my hits !!

bsolutely loved this First Partner Illustration Collection - Series 1! The three promo cards in the special pack have stunning illustration rare-style artwork of the classic starters from Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola — they're nostalgic, vibrant, and feel super premium. The two extra booster packs and cute sticker sheet are a nice bonus too. Perfect for collectors or anyone who wants to celebrate the bond with their first partner Pokémon. Great quality and value overall — highly recommend!

Excellent selection, love the promo cards. Now i need more lol. Great price point, I would definitely recommend.

Cool little set. Didn’t get no hits from the packs apart from the promos. Got all 9 So can’t complain much.

Loved opening this product at the correct retail price. The cards in this set look really good.

Amazing arts of everyone's favorites. Can't wait for the other series to come out!

It was great quality and recommend you really get your moneys worth and more

We were super excited to see this product for sale. Yesssssssssssss

Best Buy is very organized when it comes to pokemon cards. Its extremely hard to find cards for our kids and best buy make sure scalpers cant grab them all. The staff is very friendly and helpful. We will definitely continue to purchase pokemon cards from best buy!

Great box, I got a couple of them and pulled some heat

Was able to get it because minimum of one person to get 1

I was extremely impressed with the quality of these boxes! The pack that contained the 3 promo cards makes this box worth every penny! This was the second First Partner box I had opened, and I was very satisfied with my purchase!

Partner first collection. Should have grabbed more

Was happy that these were actually instore at the store. The employees were friendly and the price was MSRP! This will be where I come to get new releases!

Waited in line and i was at the end of the line and still was able to get one. Scored the original 3 partners too!

I haven’t bought more than 4 of these. My first 3 got me all 3 generations for the starter set. The 4th was another 1st gen.

This product is tough to get with all the pokemon hype going on. Im just glad i was able to grab 1. Bestbuy has been fair with releases.