Should You Open or Keep First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 Sealed?

The Question Every Collector Eventually Asks

After picking up a First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1, most collectors eventually face the same dilemma...

Should I open it, or should I keep it sealed?

There is no universal right answer.

Some collectors enjoy opening every product they buy, while others prefer to keep sealed items in their collection for display or long-term storage.

The First Partner Illustration Collection makes this decision particularly interesting because it offers value from both perspectives.

On one hand, opening the product gives collectors access to exclusive illustration promo cards and booster packs.

On the other hand, sealed products can become increasingly difficult to find once supplies dry up.

Let's examine both sides.

Reasons to Open the First Partner Illustration Collection

For many collectors, Pokémon products are meant to be opened.

The First Partner Illustration Collection offers several reasons to break the seal.

Complete the Promo Collection

One of the biggest attractions of the product is the exclusive illustration promo cards.

Series 1 features:

• Bulbasaur
• Charmander
• Squirtle
• Turtwig
• Chimchar
• Piplup
• Rowlet
• Litten
• Popplio

Each collection contains a promo pack with 3 randomly selected cards.

Collectors hoping to complete the full set will eventually need to open products.

A sealed box may look nice on a shelf, but it won't reveal which promos are inside.

Enjoy the Opening Experience

For many Pokémon fans, opening sealed products is part of the hobby.

The excitement of revealing your promo cards and opening booster packs is something that cannot be replicated by simply looking at a sealed collection.

Some collectors value the experience as much as the cards themselves.

Build a Display Collection

The illustration promos were designed to celebrate starter Pokémon from multiple generations.

Completing the full lineup allows collectors to create unique displays featuring their favourite starter Pokémon.

For many fans, that enjoyment outweighs any reason to keep the product sealed.

Reasons to Keep the First Partner Illustration Collection Sealed

While opening is tempting, there are also strong arguments for keeping products sealed.

Pokémon Products Become Harder to Replace

Once a product is opened, it can never be returned to its original factory-sealed condition.

Even if all contents remain intact, many collectors place additional value on sealed products because they represent the complete original item.

This applies not only to the cards inside but also to the packaging itself.

First Releases Often Receive Extra Attention

Series 1 has a unique position within the First Partner Illustration Collection lineup because it is the first release and features the original Kanto starters: Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle. Many collectors believe these factors give Series 1 a stronger collector appeal compared to later releases.

Historically, first releases often attract additional attention from collectors because they represent the beginning of a collection.

While future demand is impossible to predict, many collectors enjoy owning the first product in a series.

 

Series 1 Features Iconic Starter Pokémon

Series 1 includes:

• Bulbasaur
• Charmander
• Squirtle

These original Kanto starters remain some of the most recognisable Pokémon in the franchise.

Many collectors believe this gives Series 1 special appeal compared to later releases.

Whether that translates into stronger long-term demand is impossible to know, but the Kanto starters undoubtedly contribute to the product's popularity.

Pokémon's 30th Anniversary Celebration

The First Partner Illustration Collection is part of Pokémon's 30th Anniversary celebrations.

Anniversary products often hold special significance because they commemorate important milestones in the franchise's history.

For some collectors, preserving a sealed example becomes part of preserving that moment in Pokémon history.

The Hybrid Approach: Open One, Keep One Sealed

Many experienced collectors choose a middle-ground approach.

Instead of choosing between opening or keeping sealed, they do both.

A common strategy is:

Option A

• Open one collection

• Keep one collection sealed

Option B

• Open enough products to complete the promo set

• Store additional collections sealed

This allows collectors to enjoy the product while still maintaining sealed items in their collection.

For many people, this provides the best of both worlds.

Which Option Is Better for Investors?

This question comes up frequently.

The reality is that nobody knows.

Future prices depend on:

• Supply
• Collector demand
• Reprints
• Pokémon market conditions
• Long-term popularity

No article can accurately predict future values.

However, many long-term Pokémon collectors generally prefer sealed products because sealed items are finite once production ends.

At the same time, collectors who complete a full promo set may also benefit from owning a complete collection of starter Pokémon artwork.

Both approaches have merit.

Which Option Is Better for Collectors?

This answer is much easier.

If your primary goal is enjoyment, open it.

The First Partner Illustration Collection was designed to be experienced.

The promo pack, the booster packs, and the challenge of collecting all the starters are part of the product's appeal.

For many Pokémon fans, those experiences are worth far more than leaving a box untouched on a shelf.

Our Recommendation

If budget allows, many collectors find that a balanced approach works best.

Open a collection.

Enjoy the promos.

Experience the product.

Then consider keeping additional collections sealed if you enjoy collecting sealed Pokémon products.

This approach allows you to participate in both sides of the hobby without feeling like you've missed out on either experience.

Looking to Start Your Collection?

Whether you're planning to open your collection or keep it sealed, the First Partner Illustration Collection remains one of the most unique Pokémon products released as part of Pokémon's 30th Anniversary celebration.

Browse our available First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 products and decide which path is right for your collection.

👉 Shop First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1

Final Thoughts

The decision to open or keep sealed ultimately comes down to your personal collecting goals.

If you enjoy collecting cards, completing sets, and opening packs, opening the product makes perfect sense.

If you enjoy sealed collecting, display pieces, and preserving Pokémon history, keeping products sealed may be the better choice.

For many collectors, the ideal answer is simple:

Open one.

Keep one sealed.

And enjoy the best of both worlds.

Related Articles

• First Partner Illustration Collection Guide (Series 1, 2 & 3)
• Why Series 1 Could Be the Most Important First Partner Illustration Collection Release
• Complete First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 Card List
• Complete First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 Card List
• Is the First Partner Illustration Collection Worth Buying?