Is Your Pokemon 2-Player Starter Set Shadowless?

There are many different variants of the original Pokemon 2-Player Starter Set. Each one may contain different contents that can drastically alter the collectability and overall value.

The box to the left is the standard look for each variant. The changes that giveaway the contents are noticed from the back. Due to this aspect, they are often overlooked. Or they aren't even known to the owner that the contents may be shadowless.

Variant 1

Guaranteed Shadowless

The variant on the right is the only guaranteed shadowless starter set that can be identified by the look. The easily identifiable difference from this version and the one above is the gold pull strip. The gold strip was only on the first version of the starter set and will contain shadowless cards.

Variant 2

Possible Shadowless

The variant on the left has the highest chance of containing shadowless cards IF it meets the following criteria.

1. All energy cards on the back

2. States 10 damage counters under the contents list.

3. Within the trademark description it will state 1995, 1996, 1998, AND 1999 Nintendo Creatures GAMEFREAK 1999 Wizards of the Coast.

4. The next two steps must be completed in person. When you gently squeeze the box you will feel both decks on the top half and when you shake the box you will hear and feel loose damage counters in the bottom of the box.

Both decks are stacked on the top of the box with damage counters in the lower half.

Variant 3

Unlimited

You can now compare the differences from the shadowless box above to this unlimited box. This one contains pokemon, trainers, and energy cards instead of all energy cards. Also, the trademark description no longer contains 1999 printed twice. Even though the Machamp in the photo is shadowless. This box will not contain shadowless cards