Attention, Pokémon TCG collectors! Get ready for another exciting drop at Walmart, featuring early access to the highly anticipated Phantasmal Flames expansion, which is generating significant buzz.
Following the frenzied release of the recent Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box (ETB), Walmart is once again giving its paid Walmart+ members the first chance to preorder three key Phantasmal Flames products. These items will be available at their original manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) before they open to the general public.
Mark your calendars for October 9 at 10 AM ET! Walmart+ subscribers will gain exclusive online access to preorder the Phantasmal Flames ETB, Booster Bundle, and Three-Booster Blister. Each of these products highlights the stunning Mega Evolution lineup, headlined by the impressive Mega Charizard X ex.
The centerpiece of this latest Pokémon TCG offering at Walmart is the Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box. Instead of the $150+ price tag it currently commands on platforms like TCGPlayer, it will be available for just $55.
This box includes a mix of booster packs, card sleeves, dice, and other game accessories, providing everything you need to dive headfirst into the new set and keep your collection battle-ready.
If you’re not yet a member, you’ll need to factor in the $12.95 membership cost. While this might seem like an extra expense, it’s often a necessary step to acquire these items and avoid the eye-wateringly high resale prices.
While purchasing products at their intended retail price isn’t necessarily a ‘bargain’ in the traditional sense…
…given current market conditions, including a Pokémon card shortage and high demand, this is still a fantastic opportunity compared to the inflated prices found at other major retailers like Amazon, and resale marketplaces such as eBay or TCGPlayer.
It is also expected to be significantly cheaper than what these items will likely sell for after the set’s official launch on November 14.
It’s important to note that while Walmart+ offers a 30-day trial, only paid members are eligible for this early access on October 9.
The initial Walmart+ subscription process might only present the option to claim the 30-day trial. However, you can bypass this by starting your free trial, immediately canceling it, and then re-subscribing for paid access.
For those primarily interested in booster packs without the additional extras, the Booster Bundle, retailing for $29.87, provides multiple boosters in a convenient package, ideal for players who enjoy cracking packs at home.
Meanwhile, the Three-Booster Blister, listed at $15.87, offers a quick and affordable way to snag a few packs, complete with a free Sneasel promo card. This is perfect for collectors hunting specific pulls or newcomers looking to join the fun.
Just like with the previous Prismatic Evolutions drop, early access is strictly for paid Walmart+ members; trial members are not eligible. With the resale market already listing these products at two to three times their MSRP, these items are expected to sell out within minutes once they go live.
If you’re a Pokémon card fan hoping to preorder Phantasmal Flames at its intended price, ensure your paid Walmart+ subscription is active and you’re ready the moment the preorder window opens. Our advice is to be logged in and prepared to add items to your basket immediately if you get the chance.
This early access event is part of Walmart’s ongoing ‘Walmart Deals’ promotion, which runs through October 12 and is designed to directly compete with other major sales events.
Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. You can find him on social media.
Note: Pokémon TCG pricing is highly volatile, and any mention of sale pricing is indicative of the current market rate for the aforementioned products.
For example, Pokémon Elite Trainer Boxes are meant to sell for around $50-$60 MSRP, but instead often retail at around $100+ post-launch.