While some fans are no doubt conflicted over Wizards of the Coast’s packed release schedule for Magic: The Gathering, it does mean you’re only ever a few weeks from a fresh set.
While many loved Lorwyn Eclipsed, if you’re hankering for some half-shells, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pre-release has been and gone already – or has it?
It’s still possible to snag a pre-release kit if you know where to look, but we’d advise against paying markups. Here’s all you need to know.
What is a Pre-release Event in MTG?
As the name suggests, a prerelease is a sort of ‘mini preview’ that lets dedicated fans get their hands on cards from a new set up to a week early.
Many stores will hold these events, and they involve opening a prerelease box (or kit, however you want to name it) and building a 40-card deck from what’s inside before playing against other prerelease players.
The appeal is obvious: You get to play with new cards, maybe make some friends, or get some nifty trades in, all before a set is out.
We’d always advise checking with your local game store to sign up for an event, rather than just buying a prerelease box.
While Wizards of the Coast has a guide to prerelease with some strategies, I have one extra piece of advice: Bring sleeves.
The included deckbox is useful, but if you end up finding something potentially valuable, you’ll want to keep it in good condition.
What’s in a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pre-release Pack?
- 6 Magic: The Gathering | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Play Boosters
- 1 Traditional foil rare or mythic rare card
- 1 Deck box
- 1 Spindown die
Where Can You Still Buy a TMNT Pre-release Pack?
Didn’t manage to get into an event? Fear not – you can still buy some prerelease boxes at stores.
TCGplayer has listings for unopened ones, too, and the market price, via TCGplayer’s own data, sits at just under $30. If you can find one for that price, I’d recommend snapping it up – especially if you and a friend can get one each and run a quick game between you.
Lloyd Coombes is an experienced freelancer in tech, gaming and fitness seen at Polygon, Eurogamer, Macworld, TechRadar and many more. He's a big fan of Magic: The Gathering and other collectible card games, much to his wife's dismay.
