The Japanese Quick Starter Gift is one of the most unique and collectible products from the early Pokémon Trading Card Game era. Released in Japan on December 4, 1998, it was designed as a premium starter package that allowed two players to begin playing immediately.
Unlike traditional booster packs, the Quick Starter Gift included two complete 60-card decks, exclusive accessories, and several unique card variations that cannot be found in standard expansion packs.
Today, the product is highly sought after by vintage Pokémon collectors because of its historical importance, exclusive card printings, and the extreme rarity of sealed boxes.
Whether you’re a collector, investor, or simply interested in the history of the Pokémon TCG, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Japanese Quick Starter Gift.
Japanese Quick Starter Gift Overview
Item Details Japanese Name クイックスターターギフト Release Date December 4, 1998 Original Price ¥3,900 Total Cards 120 (Two 60-card Decks) Product Type Premium Starter Set
The Japanese Quick Starter Gift was created as an all-in-one starter product. Instead of opening booster packs and building decks, players could open the box and immediately begin battling using the included preconstructed decks.
More than 25 years later, sealed copies have become incredibly difficult to find, making them one of the most desirable vintage Japanese Pokémon products.
Why Is the Japanese Quick Starter Gift Special?
Complete Two-Player Experience
The product contains everything needed for two people to begin playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game immediately after opening the box.
Exclusive Card Variants
Many included cards are reprints of popular Expansion Sheet cards, but feature unique characteristics that distinguish them from their original releases.
Highly Collectible Today
Because relatively few sealed boxes have survived, collector demand has steadily increased over the years. High-grade cards and unopened boxes continue to attract collectors worldwide.
Top 5 Most Valuable Cards
The following cards are generally considered the most valuable cards included in the Japanese Quick Starter Gift. Prices are based on recent market sales and may change depending on card condition and professional grading. Rank Card Approximate Value 1 Articuno ¥120,000 2 Zapdos ¥105,000 3 Moltres ¥77,000 4 Snorlax ¥50,000 5 Scyther ¥45,000
The three Legendary Birds dominate the value rankings thanks to their popularity, beautiful vintage artwork, and limited availability in high grades. PSA 10 examples are especially difficult to obtain and are among the most desirable cards from this product.
Your original card images can remain exactly where they are. Simply replace the Japanese headings with the English card names shown above.
Current Sealed Box Price
Product Approximate Market Price Japanese Quick Starter Gift (Sealed) ¥1,350,000
The value of sealed Quick Starter Gift boxes has increased dramatically over the past decade. Since most products were opened shortly after release, unopened examples have become exceptionally scarce and continue to attract collectors around the world.
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Why Is the Sealed Box So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the high value of unopened Quick Starter Gift boxes:
- Very limited sealed supply remaining today.
- Exclusive card variations unavailable in standard booster packs.
- Includes premium accessories such as the exclusive Lucky Coins and playmat.
- Strong demand from vintage Pokémon collectors worldwide.
- Increasing interest in early Japanese Pokémon products as long-term collectibles.
Collecting Tips
If you’re planning to add the Japanese Quick Starter Gift to your collection, consider the following tips.
Buy the Best Condition You Can Afford
Cards in excellent condition become increasingly difficult to find every year. Spending a little more for a clean copy is often worthwhile over the long term.
Consider PSA-Graded Cards
Professional grading helps verify authenticity and condition. PSA 9 and PSA 10 examples are especially desirable among vintage Pokémon collectors.
Sealed Boxes Are True Collector Pieces
Because very few sealed Quick Starter Gift boxes remain, many collectors choose to keep them unopened rather than opening them for the cards inside.
Watch Market Trends
Vintage Pokémon prices can change significantly over time. Compare recent eBay sales and auction results before making expensive purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Japanese Quick Starter Gift?
The Japanese Quick Starter Gift is a premium Pokémon Trading Card Game product released in Japan on December 4, 1998. It contains two complete 60-card decks and accessories for two players.
How many cards are included?
The product includes 120 cards, divided into two preconstructed 60-card decks.
Why is the sealed box so expensive?
Most Quick Starter Gift boxes were opened shortly after release. As a result, unopened boxes have become extremely scarce and are highly sought after by collectors.
Which cards are the most valuable?
Among the most valuable cards are:
- Articuno
- Zapdos
- Moltres
- Snorlax
- Scyther
High-grade PSA copies generally command the strongest prices.
Is the Japanese Quick Starter Gift a good investment?
Although collectible prices are never guaranteed to increase, the Quick Starter Gift has consistently remained one of the most desirable vintage Japanese Pokémon products due to its rarity, historical significance, and strong collector demand.
Final Thoughts
More than 25 years after its release, the Japanese Quick Starter Gift remains one of the most iconic products from the early Pokémon Trading Card Game era.
Its exclusive card variants, premium accessories, and extremely limited number of surviving sealed boxes have made it a favorite among collectors around the world.
Whether you’re searching for individual cards, building a complete collection, or investing in sealed vintage products, the Japanese Quick Starter Gift deserves a place on every serious vintage Pokémon collector’s wishlist.
Related Guides
Continue exploring our Vintage Japanese Pokémon guides:
- What Are Vintage Japanese Pokémon Cards?
- Japanese Fossil Set (1997)
- Japanese Jungle Set
- Expansion Pack (1996)
- Most Valuable Vintage Japanese Pokémon Cards
- No Rarity Cards Guide