Released in November 2014, Pokémon XY Phantom Forces remains influential for collectors and investors. The Elite Trainer Box contains eight booster packs—including content that yields some of the set’s most profitable cards. Let’s dive into the top five investment targets.
1. Gengar EX (Full Art, #114/119)
Buy Price Estimate: ~$50–$60 (raw mint); PSA 9–10 grades fetch $120–$450
Pull Expectations: One EX per ETB (8 packs) is typical; full art rarer but highly prized
Why It Sells:
- Beloved Dark-type Pokémon with striking artwork
- Full Art variant commands strong collector demand
- Solid price history and resale potential
Profit Strategy: Hold a few months post-release for grading, then resell PSA 9–10 copies for $200–$450 depending on grade, netting 200–750% returns.
2. Dialga EX (Secret Rare, #122/119)
Buy Price Estimate: ~$90–$110 raw; PSA 9–10 $300–$400
Pull Expectations: Approximately 1 in every 15–20 packs
Why It Sells:
- Legendary status with Secret Rare appeal
- Strong early demand during set hype
- Limited-grade supply fuels value
Profit Strategy: Grade top-condition raw pulls; a PSA 10 could resell for $400+, netting 300–400% profit.
3. Mega Gengar EX (Secret Rare, #121/119)
Buy Price Estimate: ~$35–$45 raw; PSA 9–10 $150–$280
Pull Expectations: 1 in 20–25 packs
Why It Sells:
- Highly sought after by Dark-type collectors
- Strong full-art aesthetics
- Reliable mid-range investment
Profit Strategy: Resell raw or grade. A PSA 9–10 fetches $150–$280 with 300–600% upside.
4. Mega Manectric EX (Secret Rare, #120/119)
Buy Price Estimate: ~$20–$25 raw; PSA 9–10 $50–$100
Pull Expectations: ~1 in 20 packs
Why It Sells:
- Strong value for Secret Rare
- Electrifying visual appeal
- Solid mid-tier demand
Profit Strategy: Grade top raw copies for $50–$100 resale, yielding 200–400%.
5. Florges EX (Full Art, #116/119)
Buy Price Estimate: ~$6–$8 raw; PSA 9–10 $30–$60
Pull Expectations: 1 in 6–8 packs; easier to find
Why It Sells:
- Elegant Fairy-type art loves by collectors
- Affordable yet profitable
- Easier box break targets
Profit Strategy: Even raw sells well; grade for PSA 9–10 to reach $30–$60. Net profit typically 200–400%.
🎯 Expected ETB Pull Value
Based on average pull chances, a Phantom Forces ETB (~8 packs) yields:
| Card Category | Likely Pull Count per ETB |
|---|---|
| EX (non-Full Art) | ~1–2 EX cards |
| Full Art EX | ~0–1 |
| Secret Rare (EX) | ~0.5 |
| Valuable Trainers | 1–3 rare Full Art Trainers (~$3–$5 each) |
| Reverse Holos | Multiple, valued at $1–$3 each |
Example sum: One full art Gengar, one Dialga SR, one Manectric SR, and a few holos could net $200 + $100 + $50 + $10 = $360 per ETB, not counting sealed or graded ETB value.
📈 Investment Tips & Breakdown
- Buy Multiple ETBs: Increases odds of securing high-value pulls.
- Open Smart: Set aside standout cards; consider grading EX and SR hits.
- Sell Strategically: PSA 9–10 fetch better prices. Raw full art often sells well too.
- ETB vs Singles: ETB is cost-effective—contains $360+ worth of hot singles for maybe $60.
- Monitor Prices: Track via eBay/Tcgplayer; wait for peak demand.
🗓️ Historical ROI Snapshot
Many collectors report ETBs pay for themselves with just a few pulls. One pulled both a Gengar full art and a Dialga SR—a total exceeding ETB cost. Most break evens or profit within months.
Conclusion
Phantom Forces ETBs offer high-value targets at a fair cost. The top 5 cards alone can cover the box cost multiple times over while providing long-term collectible value. Whether you grade or sell raw, understanding rarity and demand is key to profit.
📦 Ready to take the first step?
🔗 Order your Phantom Forces ETB now →