Detective Pikachu is the 18-card movie tie-in set released on March 29, 2019, ahead of the live-action film, with every card a holofoil and packs of just four cards. It was never sold as a booster box or an Elite Trainer Box; instead it shipped inside Case Files, GX Case Files, a figure collection and a Collector Chest tin, most of which also included packs from the main Sun & Moon expansions. Sealed Detective Pikachu products are still affordable, which makes them one of the easier Sun & Moon items to collect. This page covers the full lineup, August 2026 prices and what to look for.
Quick facts
| Release date | March 29, 2019 (Collector Chest May 3, 2019) |
| Set code | DET (special set with no SM number; SM7.5 is Dragon Majesty) |
| Card count | 18 cards, all holofoil, no secret rares |
| Chase cards | Detective Pikachu (10/18), Charizard (5/18), Mewtwo (12/18), Greninja (9/18), plus Charizard-GX, Mewtwo-GX and Greninja-GX promos (SM195-SM201 range) |
| Sealed products | Case File, Special Case File, Charizard-GX Case File, Mewtwo-GX Case File, Greninja-GX Case File, On the Case Figure Collection, Collector Chest tin, single-pack blisters |
| Standard booster box | Not released (special set) |
| Case File price range (Aug 2026) | $70-$100 |
Sealed products for Detective Pikachu
Case File and Special Case File
The base Case File includes a Detective Pikachu promo, a metallic coin, two Detective Pikachu packs, one main-set booster pack and a code card, at $9.99 retail. The Special Case File added a Detective Pikachu four-pocket binder for $19.99. Sealed base Case Files sell for $70-$100 in 2026 and Special Case Files for $45-$70, oddly cheaper because the binder version was overproduced for big-box retailers. Both are small, easy to ship and the usual first purchase for anyone collecting this set.
Charizard-GX, Mewtwo-GX and Greninja-GX Case Files
Each GX Case File contains a foil GX promo, an oversized version of it, four Detective Pikachu packs and two main-set packs, retailing at $29.99; the Greninja box added a fifth Detective Pikachu pack and a pin. The Charizard-GX Case File is the one people want, trading at $120-$190 sealed. Greninja-GX sits at $75-$120 and Mewtwo-GX at $90-$140. The main-set packs inside these boxes are usually Team Up or Lost Thunder, which now adds real value to the sealed product.
On the Case Figure Collection
The On the Case Figure Collection packages a Detective Pikachu figure, four foil promos (Pikachu, Charizard, Mewtwo and Greninja), three Detective Pikachu packs and two main-set packs, at $39.99 MSRP. Sealed examples run $230-$300 and it is the most expensive single Detective Pikachu product because of the figure and the four promos in one place.
Collector Chest
The Collector Chest is a metal lunchbox-style tin released May 3, 2019 with seven Detective Pikachu packs, two main-set packs, a pin, a notepad and stickers. It retailed for $29.99 and now sells for $170-$220 sealed. It holds more Detective Pikachu packs than any other product, which makes it the best buy for anyone planning to build a complete set from packs.
Blisters and Loose Packs
Single-pack checklane blisters and hanging two-card promo blisters were sold at grocery and pharmacy checkouts. Loose four-card Detective Pikachu packs trade for $15-$22, and the blisters for $20-$30. Because packs are cheap and the set is small, plenty of collectors simply buy 20 or so packs and complete the set.
Chase cards and pull rates
Detective Pikachu (10/18) is the signature card, worth about $8-$12 raw but $400-$550 in PSA 10 because the textured holo foil chips easily and gem-mint copies are scarce. Charizard (5/18) and Mewtwo (12/18) follow at $7-$12 raw with strong graded premiums. The GX promos from the Case Files, especially Charizard-GX, are the highest-value raw cards tied to the set at $20-$40 each. There is no secret rare, and every card in every pack is a holo.
With four cards per pack and 18 cards in the set, a full set typically comes together in roughly 15-25 packs. Pull "rates" are not really the point here; the collector interest is in gem-mint grading and in keeping the product sealed as a movie collectible.
Is Detective Pikachu worth buying sealed?
Detective Pikachu is a low-cost sealed hold rather than a high-growth one. The base Case Files roughly tripled from 2019 to 2024 and have been flat to slightly up since. The upside case rests on the film's nostalgia, the fact that most product was opened by kids at release, and the main-set Sun & Moon packs inside the GX Case Files and Collector Chest, which are worth more than the Detective Pikachu packs themselves. The downside is that the set was widely distributed and Special Case Files are still plentiful. Buy the Charizard-GX Case File, Collector Chest or Figure Collection if you want the products most likely to hold value.
How to spot fakes and resealed products
Detective Pikachu products are inexpensive enough that outright counterfeits are rare, but pack swapping is common: sellers pull the valuable Team Up or Lost Thunder packs from a GX Case File and replace them with cheaper main-set packs before rewrapping. Genuine boxes show a tight clear shrink with one seam and the front window insert firmly seated over the promo. The four-card Detective Pikachu packs are noticeably thinner than a standard pack and have a distinct tan-and-yellow wrapper; each one still contains a code card. The Collector Chest should have its factory shrink intact around the tin with no tape, since tins are easy to open and reclose. Ask for a photo of the main-set packs through the shrink where the product allows it.
Where to buy Detective Pikachu sealed
Local card shops often still have Case Files and blisters from the 2019 movie push, sometimes at close to retail. Check the card shop directory for shops near you. Card shows are a reliable source for GX Case Files and Collector Chests. For online buying, these eBay searches are the most useful:
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Detective Pikachu booster box?
No. Detective Pikachu is a special movie tie-in set, and its four-card packs were only available inside Case Files, GX Case Files, the On the Case Figure Collection, the Collector Chest and checkout blisters. There is no booster box and no Elite Trainer Box.
How much is a Detective Pikachu Case File worth in 2026?
Sealed base Case Files sell for $70-$100 as of August 2026, while Special Case Files with the binder sell for $45-$70.
What is the most valuable Detective Pikachu card?
Detective Pikachu (10/18) is the key card, cheap raw at $8-$12 but $400-$550 in PSA 10 because of how hard the holo is to grade.
How many cards are in a Detective Pikachu pack?
Four cards, all holofoil, plus a code card. The full set is 18 cards with no secret rares.
Which Detective Pikachu product has the most packs?
The Collector Chest, with seven Detective Pikachu packs and two main-set packs.
Was Detective Pikachu reprinted?
No. It was printed for the 2019 film window and has not returned, though the 2023 Detective Pikachu Returns game produced a separate, unrelated promo card.
Prices in this guide were last reviewed 2026-08. Live eBay listings above update daily.
