VSTAR Universe Booster Box

The VSTAR Universe Booster Box is one of the most recognizable Japanese Pokémon TCG products from the Sword & Shield era. Released in Japan on December 2, 2022, VSTAR Universe is a High Class Pack designed around popular Pokémon, premium artwork, reprints, and special rarities.

The Japanese set is officially known as VSTAR Universe S12a. It brings together powerful Pokémon V, VSTAR, and VMAX cards with an extensive collection of Art Rare (AR) and Special Art Rare (SAR) cards.

For collectors, the set is particularly memorable because it introduced AR and SAR rarities to the Japanese Pokémon TCG and features popular cards such as Mewtwo VSTAR, Charizard VSTAR, Giratina VSTAR, Arceus VSTAR, Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR, Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR, and Pikachu.

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What Is the VSTAR Universe Booster Box?

The VSTAR Universe Booster Box is the Japanese sealed box product for the Sword & Shield High Class Pack VSTAR Universe, identified by the set code S12a.

Unlike a regular Japanese expansion, VSTAR Universe is a High Class Pack. These special sets traditionally bring together popular cards from the era, new artwork, reprints, and premium rarities.

The official Pokémon Card Game website lists VSTAR Universe as a Sword & Shield High Class Pack released on December 2, 2022, with each pack containing 10 randomly inserted cards.

VSTAR Universe Booster Box at a Glance

Feature	Details
Set	VSTAR Universe
Japanese Set Code	S12a
Series	Sword & Shield
Product Type	High Class Pack
Language	Japanese
Release Date	December 2, 2022
Packs per Box	10
Cards per Pack	10
Main Numbered Set	172 cards
Higher-Rarity Cards	Numbered beyond 172
Notable Rarities	AR, SAR, SR, UR

A sealed box therefore contains 100 cards across 10 booster packs.

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Why Is VSTAR Universe So Popular?

VSTAR Universe stands out because it combines several features collectors look for in a Pokémon TCG set.

The expansion includes popular Pokémon, alternative artwork, reprints of important cards, and a large premium-rarity section.

The official Pokémon website specifically highlights the return of popular Pokémon V, VSTAR, and VMAX cards, including Mew VMAX, Mew V, Arceus VSTAR, Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR, and Giratina VSTAR.

The set also introduced AR and SAR rarities to the Japanese Pokémon TCG.

That combination makes VSTAR Universe interesting for both collectors and players.

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VSTAR Universe Booster Box Contents

A sealed Japanese VSTAR Universe Booster Box contains:

• 10 VSTAR Universe booster packs
• 10 cards per pack
• 100 cards in total
• Japanese-language Pokémon TCG cards

Each pack is randomly assembled.

The official Pokémon product information confirms that each booster contains 10 randomly inserted cards.

One of the defining features of the High Class Pack format is that every booster pack contains at least one Pokémon V, VSTAR, or VMAX.

This gives VSTAR Universe a different opening experience from a standard Japanese expansion.

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VSTAR Universe Card List

The main VSTAR Universe checklist contains 172 numbered cards.

However, the complete collector checklist extends beyond card 172 because the set also contains premium cards with additional numbering.

The Japanese Pokémon Card Game database, for example, lists Mewtwo VSTAR as 221/172, while premium Arceus VSTAR appears as 262/172.

This means collectors should distinguish between the 172-card numbered base portion and the larger master checklist that includes the higher-rarity cards.

The premium section includes:

• Art Rare
• Special Art Rare
• Super Rare
• Ultra Rare

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Art Rare Cards in VSTAR Universe

One of the biggest innovations in VSTAR Universe is the introduction of Art Rare, or AR, cards.

These cards give individual Pokémon larger, more detailed illustrations that often show them in their natural environments.

Instead of simply presenting a Pokémon against a traditional card background, the artwork can tell a small story.

The AR cards are one of the reasons VSTAR Universe became so popular with collectors.

Some Pokémon featured in the Art Rare section include:

• Pikachu
• Riolu
• Swablu
• Lapras
• Duskull
• Magmar
• Keldeo
• Electivire
• Miltank
• Altaria
• Ditto
• Deoxys

The AR cards make the set feel more like an illustrated Pokémon collection than a traditional expansion.

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Special Art Rare Cards

The Special Art Rare, or SAR, cards are another major attraction.

These cards feature premium artwork that often places the Pokémon in a larger scene.

VSTAR Universe includes SAR cards featuring many popular Pokémon and Trainers.

Some of the notable examples include:

• Charizard VSTAR
• Mewtwo VSTAR
• Giratina VSTAR
• Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR
• Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR
• Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR
• Hisuian Samurott VSTAR
• Hisuian Goodra VSTAR
• Deoxys VMAX
• Zeraora VMAX

Trainer SAR cards are also part of the collection.

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Mewtwo VSTAR

Mewtwo VSTAR is one of the standout Pokémon in VSTAR Universe.

The set includes Mewtwo VSTAR in the regular numbered portion as 051/172, as well as a premium version numbered 221/172.

The premium Mewtwo VSTAR artwork is particularly recognizable because it depicts Mewtwo in a dramatic battle scene with Charizard.

The card also has the Star Raid VSTAR Power, which deals 120 damage to each of the opponent’s Pokémon V without applying Weakness or Resistance.

For collectors, Mewtwo VSTAR combines gameplay relevance with premium artwork.

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Charizard VSTAR

Charizard has a major presence in VSTAR Universe.

The set includes Charizard VSTAR and a premium Special Art Rare version.

Charizard’s popularity across Pokémon collecting makes its VSTAR Universe appearance an important part of the set.

The premium artwork is especially appealing to collectors building Charizard-focused collections.

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Giratina VSTAR

Giratina VSTAR is another important card from the set.

The regular version appears in the numbered portion, while the premium version appears later in the higher-rarity sequence.

A particularly interesting feature of Giratina VSTAR is its Star Requiem VSTAR Power.

The attack can instantly Knock Out the opponent’s Active Pokémon when the player has at least 10 cards in the Lost Zone.

Its combination of competitive history and premium artwork makes Giratina VSTAR an important VSTAR Universe card.

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Arceus VSTAR

Arceus VSTAR also receives multiple treatments in VSTAR Universe.

The regular version is numbered 127/172, while a premium version appears as 262/172.

Arceus VSTAR is particularly notable for its Starbirth VSTAR Power, which allows the player to search the deck for up to two cards and put them into their hand.

Its premium artwork is also part of the Ultra Rare section of the set.

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Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR

Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR is another important Pokémon from VSTAR Universe.

Its regular version is numbered 028/172.

The Pokémon has the Star Portal VSTAR Power, allowing the player to attach up to three Energy cards from the discard pile to their Pokémon.

The set also includes a premium version of Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR.

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Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR

Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR is another major Legendary Pokémon in the set.

Its VSTAR Power, Star Chronos, is particularly distinctive. After using the attack, the player takes another turn.

VSTAR Universe also contains a premium version of the card, adding another collectible variation for Dialga fans.

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Pikachu in VSTAR Universe

Pikachu is one of the most recognizable Pokémon in the expansion.

Its Art Rare card is particularly notable because the artwork connects Pikachu with several other Pokémon in a detailed environment.

For collectors, Pikachu provides another reason to explore the AR portion of VSTAR Universe.

It also demonstrates the set’s broader approach to Pokémon artwork: individual cards can work together to create a larger visual story.

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Trainer Cards and Reprints

VSTAR Universe isn’t exclusively about Pokémon.

The High Class Pack also includes numerous Trainer cards and reprints of cards that had already appeared during the Sword & Shield era.

The official Pokémon product page specifically highlights Trainer cards such as:

• Cynthia’s Ambition
• Friends in Sinnoh
• Friends in Hisui
• Gardenia’s Vigor
• Roxanne
• Irida

The set also includes useful gameplay cards such as Sky Seal Stone.

Sky Seal Stone gives a Pokémon V access to the Star Order VSTAR Power, which can allow a player to take an additional Prize Card when a Basic Pokémon V knocks out an opponent’s Pokémon VSTAR or VMAX.

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VSTAR Universe and VSTAR Pokémon

The name of the set comes from the VSTAR mechanic that was introduced during the Sword & Shield era.

VSTAR Pokémon are powerful evolutions of Pokémon V.

They also have a special VSTAR Power, which can generally be used only once during a game.

VSTAR Universe features several important VSTAR Pokémon, including:

• Mewtwo VSTAR
• Arceus VSTAR
• Giratina VSTAR
• Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR
• Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR
• Leafeon VSTAR
• Zeraora VSTAR
• Lucario VSTAR
• Regigigas VSTAR
• Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR

The official Pokémon card database confirms individual VSTAR cards and their VSTAR Powers.

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VSTAR Universe Booster Pack Opening

Opening a VSTAR Universe booster pack is different from opening a standard Japanese Pokémon booster.

Each pack contains 10 cards, and the official product information states that a Pokémon V, VSTAR, or VMAX is guaranteed in each pack.

This makes every pack potentially interesting.

Collectors can encounter:

• Pokémon V
• Pokémon VSTAR
• Pokémon VMAX
• Art Rare cards
• Special Art Rare cards
• Super Rare cards
• Ultra Rare cards
• Trainer cards

The exact cards are randomized, so no particular chase card is guaranteed.

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VSTAR Universe Booster Box for Collectors

The sealed booster box has appeal beyond the individual cards.

A factory-sealed Japanese VSTAR Universe box preserves:

• Original Japanese packaging
• Ten booster packs
• The S12a product identity
• Sword & Shield-era branding
• The High Class Pack presentation

For sealed collectors, the box can sit alongside other Japanese High Class Packs such as VMAX Climax and Shiny Star V.

The packaging also makes the product easy to identify within a Japanese Pokémon TCG collection.

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Should You Open a VSTAR Universe Booster Box?

There are two ways to enjoy this product.

Open the Box

Opening gives you access to 10 packs and 100 cards.

It is a good format for collectors who enjoy the surprise of discovering AR, SAR, VSTAR, VMAX, and other premium cards.

Keep It Sealed

A sealed box preserves the original product.

This approach may appeal to collectors who focus on sealed Japanese Pokémon TCG products.

However, sealed Pokémon products do not come with a guaranteed future financial return. Market demand, supply, condition, reprints, and collector preferences can all change.

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How to Store a VSTAR Universe Booster Box

If you decide to keep your Japanese S12a box sealed, proper storage can help preserve its condition.

Consider:

• Keeping it away from direct sunlight.
• Avoiding high humidity.
• Storing it in a cool, dry location.
• Avoiding heavy objects on top of the box.
• Using an acrylic case for additional protection.
• Handling the shrink wrap carefully.
• Keeping the original seal intact.

For individual cards, use sleeves and a quality binder or protective card holders.

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VSTAR Universe vs Crown Zenith

VSTAR Universe is sometimes confused with Crown Zenith, the international Pokémon TCG expansion released during the same general period.

They are closely related products, but they are not identical.

VSTAR Universe is the original Japanese High Class Pack with the S12a set code.

Crown Zenith is the international expansion that adapted much of the VSTAR Universe card pool for English-language markets.

Collectors interested specifically in Japanese cards should therefore look for the VSTAR Universe S12a product rather than assuming a Crown Zenith product is the same release.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VSTAR Universe Booster Box?

It is the Japanese booster-box product for the Sword & Shield High Class Pack VSTAR Universe S12a.

How many packs are in a VSTAR Universe Booster Box?

A Japanese VSTAR Universe Booster Box contains 10 booster packs.

How many cards are in each VSTAR Universe pack?

Each Japanese pack contains 10 randomly inserted cards.

How many cards are in a VSTAR Universe box?

With 10 packs containing 10 cards each, a sealed box contains 100 cards.

When was VSTAR Universe released?

The Japanese set was released on December 2, 2022.

What is the Japanese set code?

The set code is S12a.

Does VSTAR Universe have SAR cards?

Yes. VSTAR Universe contains Special Art Rare (SAR) cards, one of the defining features of the set. Pokémon officially introduced AR and SAR rarities with this High Class Pack.

Does VSTAR Universe have Mewtwo VSTAR?

Yes. Mewtwo VSTAR appears in the set, including a premium version numbered 221/172.

Does VSTAR Universe contain Charizard?

Yes. Charizard appears in VSTAR Universe, including Charizard VSTAR and premium artwork.

Does VSTAR Universe contain Arceus VSTAR?

Yes. Arceus VSTAR appears in both the numbered portion and a premium version, including 262/172.

Is VSTAR Universe a Japanese Pokémon set?

Yes. VSTAR Universe is a Japanese-language Sword & Shield High Class Pack.

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Explore the VSTAR Universe Booster Box Collection

The VSTAR Universe Booster Box is one of the defining Japanese Pokémon TCG products of the Sword & Shield era.

Released on December 2, 2022, the S12a High Class Pack combines popular Pokémon, powerful VSTAR cards, reprints, Art Rare cards, Special Art Rare cards, and premium Ultra Rare cards.

With 10 packs and 10 cards per pack, each sealed box provides 100 cards to discover. More importantly, the set gives collectors access to some memorable artwork featuring Mewtwo, Charizard, Giratina, Arceus, Origin Forme Palkia, Origin Forme Dialga, Pikachu, and many other Pokémon.

The introduction of AR and SAR rarities also gave VSTAR Universe a distinctive place in Japanese Pokémon TCG collecting.

Whether you enjoy opening Japanese booster packs, collecting premium artwork, building a Sword & Shield-era collection, or preserving sealed Pokémon products, VSTAR Universe S12a offers plenty to explore.