There are countless kinds of mystery collectibles waiting to be discovered! From blind boxes and gachapons, to trading cards, surprise packs, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious about the thrill of the unknown, there’s something for everyone.
Here is a detail guide on how to get yourself into mystery collectibles and find which one suits you best!
Blind Boxes
Blind boxes are collectible toys or figurines packaged so that the specific figure inside remains a mystery until the box is opened. They are typically released as a series containing multiple characters or designs, with some figures being rarer than others. They would be often called “secret” or “chase” figures, which makes the hunt for a complete collection part of the experience.
Unlike gachapon, which are dispensed from machines in capsules, blind boxes are usually purchased a individual boxed products. Its packaging may show the possible figures inside, but does not reveal which particular figure is inside.
EXAMPLES
- POPMART
- Anime Figurines
HOW TO ACQUIRE
Blind boxes can be purchased from official brand stores, toy stores, hobby shops, conventions, and online retailers. Due to the contents of these blind boxes being randomized, buying several boxes does not necessarily guarantee completing a series and you may receive duplicates.
BEST FOR
Collectors who love unboxing, completing sets, and hunting for rare figures. They are also a good entry point for casual collectors because you can start with a single box rather than committing to an entire collection.
Gachapon
Gachapon are capsule toys sold through coin-operated toy dispensers. These machines can contain a wide variety of collectibles, including food miniatures, animal replicas, stationery, accessories, and other novelty items.
The term Gachapon, on the other hand, is a trademarked toy brand by Japanese company, Bandai. It has the same mechanics of a regular gachapon, but instead strongly focuses on licensed merchandise from Japanese pop culture such as anime, manga, video games, etc.
EXAMPLES
- Anime figurines
- Gundam
- Miniatures
how to acquire
- Commonly found in Japan (inside or outside of stores, train stations, etc.)
- Outside Japan, gachapons may be found at toy novelty stores.
- Once you find a machine, insert the money into the dispenser (usually a coin), turn the crank, and receive a randomly selected toy or collectible inside a plastic capsule.
best for
Collectors who enjoy discovering small, affordable collectibles.
Gachapon are especially appealing to fans who enjoy anime, cute characters, miniatures, and quirky everyday objects without necessarily wanting a large display piece.
Trading Card Games (TCGs)
These are collectible card games in where players collect, trade, build their decks, and play against one another using cards with different characters, abilities, and rarities.
While TCGs are games first, their collectible aspect has created a large community of people who collect cards whether for the artwork, rarity, personal value, or their connection to a franchise, even if they do not actively play.
EXAMPLES
- Pokemon
- Magic The Gathering
- Yu-Gi-Oh!
how to acquire
- TCG cards can be obtained through booster packs, booster boxes, starter/preconstructed decks, collection boxes, special sets, and many more. While booster packs are randomized, preconstructed decks contain a fixed set of card. Collectors can trade with other players or purchase individual cards to complete their collections.
best for
Collectors who enjoy discovering small, affordable collectibles.
Gachapon are especially appealing to fans who enjoy anime, cute characters, miniatures, and quirky everyday objects without necessarily wanting a large display piece.