Pokémon cards have been a huge part of collecting and playing for kids and grown-ups alike since the game started back in the late 1990s. One big question that pops up a lot among fans is about those 4th print cards—what booster packs actually contain them? Let’s dive deep into this, breaking it down step by step in plain words so anyone can follow along. We’ll look at what 4th print means, how printing works in the Pokémon Trading Card Game or TCG, which specific packs from recent and upcoming sets have these, and why it matters for collectors hunting for that extra edge.
First off, understand what a “4th print” card is. In Pokémon TCG, cards from popular sets get reprinted multiple times to meet demand. Early prints are the first runs, marked sometimes by symbols or just by when they hit stores. A 4th print means it’s from the fourth wave of printing for that set. These aren’t brand new cards; they’re identical to the originals but printed later, often when the set is still hot but supply needs a boost. They can be cheaper to find because they’re more common than first prints, but they still have the same artwork, stats, and rarity. Fans chase them for complete sets or because older prints skyrocket in value over time.
Now, booster packs are the heart of it all. Each booster pack usually holds 10 cards: a mix of commons, uncommons, rares, and maybe a shiny holo or secret rare if you’re lucky. The key is, not every booster pack has 4th print cards. It depends on the set and when the packs were made. Pokémon Company prints packs in batches, and later batches—like those from 2026 onward—start including these later prints to keep shelves stocked without flooding the market too early.
Take recent products as examples. The Roaring Moon ex Box comes with 4 booster packs from the Roaring Moon ex Collection. These packs are tied to special collections that pull from main sets, and sources show they’re part of ongoing print runs where later versions like 4th prints slip in[1]. Same goes for the Mysterious Powers Ho-Oh GX Tin Set, which packs 4 booster packs plus a promo card. Tins like this often use surplus packs from high-demand sets, meaning they can contain those 4th print pulls[2].
Looking ahead to 2026, things get even clearer. Spring 2026 tins featuring Mega Charizard X ex and Mega Charizard Y ex will include booster packs from Phantasmal Flames, Mega Evolution, and Destined Rivals. Specifically, two packs from Phantasmal Flames, one from Mega Evolution, and one from Destined Rivals per tin. These are confirmed to be from sets where multiple print runs are happening, and experts point out that Phantasmal Flames in particular is seeing heavy reprinting—exactly the kind that produces 4th prints[4]. Videos from collectors note how Pokémon is “pumping more and more” of these packs into bundles and collections, dropping loose pack prices but keeping booster boxes strong, which signals late-print inclusions[3].
Then there’s Ascended Heroes, a big one launching around January 2026. Products like the Ascended Heroes Collection include two booster packs from that set, plus promos and coins. The Elite Trainer Box has nine, the Mini Tin has two, the Premium Poster Collection packs 10, and Booster Bundles bring six. Pull rates discussed show secret rares like Mega Gengar ex or Dragonite versions hiding in these, and with 22 SIRs (special illustration rares) expected, later prints are guaranteed as production ramps up[5]. TwicebakedJake’s breakdowns highlight how these packs are printed in waves, with 4th prints likely in the later waves hitting stores by mid-2026.
To put this in the bigger picture, Pokémon TCG has over 125 mainline sets since the start, plus specials and minis[6]. Early ones like Base Set, Jungle, or Fossil had their own print runs—Base Set 2 was literally a reprint set—but modern sets like Prismatic Evolutions, Surging Sparks, or the 2026 lineup follow the same pattern. Regular sets like Phantasmal Flames get booster boxes of 36 packs each, while specials stick to ETBs or tins without full boxes[6][7]. Bulbapedia lists them all, from Platinum series to Black & White, showing how print runs evolved, but today’s focus is on these fresh 2026 packs where 4th prints are confirmed via product breakdowns[7].
Why do certain packs get 4th prints? Demand. Sets like Prismatic Evolutions are getting “the living daylights” printed out of them, with booster bundles at Costco and eBay flooding loose packs[3]. Enhanced versions or normal ones—prices hover around 180-220 for half boxes, with packs just 5% over retail. This oversupply means factories churn out 4th prints to match. PokeBeach confirms tins pulling from Phantasmal Flames (two packs), Mega Evolution (one), and Destined Rivals (one), all part of four regular sets in the current era: Journey Together, Destined Rivals, Mega Evolution, Phantasmal Flames[4][6].
Hunters know to target collections over full booster boxes. Boxes stay pricier because sealed value holds, but collections like Roaring Moon or Ho-Oh GX tins give direct access to those 4 packs potentially loaded with later prints[1][2]. For Ascended Heroes, the Premium Poster with 10 packs or Booster Bundle with six are goldmines for volume[5]. Even mini tins or ETBs mix in art cards and promos, but the boosters are where 4th prints live.
Digging into specifics, Phantasmal Flames packs in those Charizard tins are prime for 4th prints because the set’s seeing non-stop production alongside specials like Prismatic Evolutions and White Flare[3][4][6]. Mega Evolution packs follow suit—one per tin, but with mega themes tying into rares like Charizard ex. Destined Rivals rounds it out, pulling rivals-themed cards that fit the reprint wave.
Videos break down pull rates too: in sets like Ascended Heroes or Mega Dream ex cousins, you’re chasing one-in-1,200 odds for top secret rares, but 4th prints boost availability without diluting rarity symbols[5]. No enhanced prints for some, just normals at 180-182 quid for half boxes[3]. UK markets see prices drop from collection boxes, making loose packs accessible.
Historically, this mirrors older sets. Base Set boosters fetched thousands sealed due to scarcity, but reprints like Base Set 2 kept the game alive[6]. Jungle (64 cards, June 1999) or Fossil (62 cards, October 1999) had limited runs, unlike today’s machine[7]. Platinum—Arceus had 99 cards with shinies; modern equivalents like Plasma Freeze (116 cards) show the pattern[7].
For 2026 chasers, stock up on tins and collections early. Mega Cha
