Pokémon Pitch Black Buying Guide: Mega Darkrai, Zarude ETBs & the Right Pack Format
Pitch Black is an already-released Mega Evolution set for players drawn to Mega Darkrai ex and Mega Zeraora ex. Compare its packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and Build & Battle experience by what you want to do with them, rather than treating the largest box as the obvious next purchase.
What defines this set?
Mega Darkrai ex and Mega Zeraora ex lead the expansion, with Mega Chandelure ex and Mega Excadrill ex also featured. The large HP numbers and attacks come with a meaningful cost: these Mega Evolution Pokémon ex give up three Prize cards when Knocked Out.
That makes them an interesting deckbuilding question, not an automatic upgrade over every smaller attacker. When comparing cards, ask what the deck needs to establish its attacker and what happens if that attacker is Knocked Out. Powerful text only helps if the surrounding deck can support it.
Official launch announcement and Mega Evolution rule context →
The product comparison
| Product | What is guaranteed | Who should compare it |
|---|---|---|
| Booster Bundle | 6 packs | Someone planning a smaller opening. |
| Booster Display Box | 36 packs | Someone who has deliberately budgeted for a larger opening. |
| Elite Trainer Box | 9 packs, Zarude promo, 65 sleeves, Energy, dice, and storage | A player or collector who will use the extras. |
| Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box | 11 packs and 2 Zarude promos, one with the Pokémon Center logo | A collector who specifically wants the stamped promo. |
| Build & Battle Box | 40-card prerelease deck, a promo, and 4 packs | Someone interested in limited-pool deckbuilding. |
Official July US product roundup → · Official Pokémon Center ETB contents →
Do you need an Elite Trainer Box?
Consider the standard ETB if the Zarude promo, sleeves, and storage are things you want independently of the random cards. It combines several parts of a playing setup in one package. It does not supply a complete 60-card constructed deck, so a new player should still plan how they will get something ready to play.
If you already have sleeves, dice, and several empty storage boxes, compare a Booster Bundle before adding another ETB. Repeated accessories do not become useful simply because they are included in a new design. The relevant comparison is the experience and contents you will use, with the delivered price written beside each option.
Is the Pokémon Center version worthwhile?
The two additional packs and logo-stamped promo make the Pokémon Center ETB a distinct version. They do not make it necessary for everyone. If the stamp is part of your collecting goal, compare the exact exclusive product rather than assuming an ordinary ETB listing has the same contents.
The exclusive version can also appear through resellers. Check whether a price difference buys something you value or merely reflects a seller’s current asking price. This guide does not assume that a higher resale price predicts future appreciation, better random pulls, or a better purchase for a player.
Using Pitch Black for deck upgrades
Start with a decklist or at least a clear plan. Identify the main attacker, its Evolution requirements, and the search and draw cards needed to set it up. Then list which cards you own and which you still need. This turns a vague idea of “opening until the deck works” into a shopping list that can be compared with singles.
Test the plan before buying expensive alternate art. An attractive version can be a great personal choice after you know you enjoy playing the card. It does not change the attack, Ability, or Prize-card liability printed on the ordinary version. Keep gameplay choices and presentation choices visible as two separate parts of the budget.
Build & Battle after prerelease season
The box remains a way to explore a smaller pool after the launch event has passed, but its 40-card deck belongs to the prerelease-style experience with four Prize cards. It is not the same as a 60-card constructed starter played with six Prizes. If two friends want a casual opening-and-building evening, agree on the rules and supplies before purchasing, and check what is included rather than assuming an event kit comes with every component.
Collecting without chasing every treatment
Pick a focus that makes the cards enjoyable to browse: a featured Pokémon, a favorite illustrator, ordinary cards first, or a limited list of special illustrations. Reserve binder spaces for that plan. After opening your chosen number of packs, switch to a checklist and evaluate specific missing cards instead of increasing the sealed-product budget automatically.
Our starting point: Booster Bundle for a modest opening; standard ETB when the accessories and Zarude are useful; Pokémon Center ETB for the exclusive promo; singles when a specific deck or card is the goal.
Compare the next release in our Delta Reign guide, or return to the Pokémon hub.
Compare the products on Amazon
A six-pack Booster Bundle is a modest opening option when the ETB accessories are not your reason to buy. It does not guarantee a particular rare card.
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View Pitch Black Booster Bundle on Amazon →
Check the selected version, language, seller, sealed contents, delivery date, and total price on the listing. Availability and offers can change.