We couldn't overlook this article (and let’s be honest, it should have been released even sooner) to warn you about a phenomenon affecting quite a few new Pokémon collectors. The Scarlet & Violet—151 (SV3.5) expansion is among the most popular and sought-after at the moment—which comes as no surprise given the return of the first-generation Pokémon. But be careful: as this is a special set, also known as a ".5" set, there is some essential information you need to know to avoid unpleasant surprises… or even scams.

Is it possible to buy a Pokémon 151 booster box in French?

Pokémon 151 is a special expansion, much like Shrouded Fable, Paldean Fates, Crown Zenith, Pokémon GO, or even Celebrations. As with all these special expansions, there are no booster boxes available in French. The only way to obtain boosters from these series is through the various official products available: ETBs (Elite Trainer Boxes), Pokéboxes, mini-tins, and other themed collections.

It is a rule established by The Pokémon Company: for all special sets, no display (box of 36 booster packs) is produced in a French version. This rule applies systematically, without exception. So, if you come across an advertisement offering a French Pokémon 151 display box... it is 100% a scam. Avoid these types of offers, even if they seem tempting.

The French Pokemon 151 booster box scam

For some time now, certain unscrupulous shops — often specializing in counterfeits — have been promoting fake French Pokémon 151 booster boxes. In reality, these products are unofficial: they are copies bought for a handful of euros (often less than €15 on sites like AliExpress), then resold for more than €80 on websites or marketplaces that do not check them carefully.

👉 Here is what a fake Pokémon 151 booster box looks like:

Display Pokémon Écarlate et Violet 151, boîte présentoir contenant plusieurs Booster Bundles, avec illustration de Mew et de nombreux Pokémon, idéal pour collectionneurs et joueurs du JCC Pokémon.

Booster Box (Display) | Pokémon | Scarlet & Violet | 151 (EV3.5) | 🇫🇷

Booster Box (Display) | Pokémon | Scarlet & Violet | 151 (EV3.5) | 🇫🇷

999,90€

Japanese and Korean Pokemon 151 booster boxes

The only way to get a genuine Pokémon 151 booster box is to turn to the Japanese or Korean versions. These are the only two languages for which The Pokémon Company has officially produced booster boxes (displays). Unlike the fake French boxes mentioned above, these displays are official, of much higher quality, perfectly legitimate, and easy to identify if you know the right references.

👉 Good news: an authentic Japanese Pokémon 151 booster box is available in our shop!

Why is it absolutely essential to avoid buying these fake Pokémon 151 booster boxes?

Buying a fake Pokémon 151 display isn’t just a bad deal—it’s downright illegal.

You risk spending over €80 on a product that isn't even worth €20 on sites like AliExpress. And in exchange? You will receive fake cards with zero value.

These counterfeit cards are often poorly printed, poorly cut, contain spelling errors, feature holographic effects that don’t exist in the real expansions, and have a generally mediocre look and feel. Worse still: if you add them to your collection, they will completely ruin your credibility the day you want to sell or trade with other serious collectors.

In short: you lose your money, your time, and your credibility.

So, what can you do to collect Pokémon 151 legitimately?

For the French version, there are only two reliable options:

Buy official products (ETBs, boxes, Poké Balls, etc.) from trusted sellers.
Buy singles through specialized shops or secure marketplaces.

It is a highly coveted expansion, so prices have inevitably climbed since its release. But if your budget doesn't allow for it right now, don't force it: it’s better to move on to a more recent, more accessible expansion and keep enjoying the hobby legitimately.

A binder full of fake AliExpress cards isn't collecting.
It's just getting ripped off!

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