Topps Advanced Challenge 2004 Booster Box

This advanced challenge booster box holds Topps Pokémon Advanced Challenge packs from 2004. Topps closed its Pokémon line with this set, so it stands as the last Topps Pokémon release. These cards retell the TV animation, and none of them plays in the official Pokémon TCG. Animation collectors still chase the set for its artwork, its foils, and its odd chase cards.

Ninety cards inside every advanced challenge booster box

The base set holds 90 cards: 89 Pokémon plus one checklist card. Every base card also exists in a foil version, which doubles the chase. Pokémon appear in alphabetical order; meanwhile, the roster spans Generations I through III. Each packet holds seven cards, with one foil card guaranteed inside. This 2004 set followed the 2003 Pokémon Advanced release, and it closed the Topps Pokémon line.

Die-cuts and pop-ups

An advanced challenge booster box also hides 28 chase cards beyond the checklist. Eighteen embossed Evolution cards arrive die-cut, in six three-stage lines. The Bulbasaur and Charmander lines sit among those six. Die-cuts land in about one of every two packs, so they surface often. Ten pop-up cards complete the chase set; however, they land in only about one of every six packs. Our sealed products shelf still holds more vintage sealed stock from this era.

Advanced challenge booster box specs

• Set: Pokémon Advanced Challenge Trading Cards
• Maker: Topps
• Release: June 2004
• Cards per packet: 7 (one foil guaranteed per packet)
• Base set: 90 cards (89 Pokémon + 1 checklist), each with a foil version
• Chase cards: 18 embossed Evolution die-cuts (about 1 per 2 packs), 10 pop-up cards (about 1 per 6 packs)
• Not a playable TCG product — TV animation trading cards

Frequently Asked

How many packs come in an advanced challenge booster box?

Topps never published a pack count for the 2004 box in the sources we checked, so we do not print one. Each packet holds seven cards with a guaranteed foil.

Are Advanced Challenge cards legal in the Pokémon TCG?

No. Topps based these cards on the TV animation, and Topps never made cards for the official game. Collectors buy them as animation memorabilia instead.