Magic Starter Kit

Many have (rightly) criticized Wizards of the Coast for the explosion of Magic products in recent years. The releases and prices are getting out of hand. While I join the criticism, I also realize that in a capitalist economy, companies will do what makes them profitable. If you don't like it (the product or the business model), don't buy cards. That is the strongest message you can send. But I digress; today's post is on the one Magic product that bucks the trend of costliness and craziness: the starter kit.

Wizards has been releasing starter kits for a few years now. Sometimes dubbed "Arena starter kits" or "spellslinger starter kits," they come with two 60-card decks, deck boxes, instructions, sometimes dice, and codes to put your decks on Arena. And with a MSRP of $10, they are by far the most reasonably-priced Magic product out there.

This year's release is especially good (see the decklists here). The decks contain cards from the last few sets (Streets of New Capenna, Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, Crimson Vow, and Midnight Hunt). Each deck features five rares, and they're decent ones. Even some of the commons and uncommons can be higher-tier cards. When you add up the value, it well exceeds $10. This has led (unfortunately) to some people scooping these up in bulk and re-selling for an upcharge. That's too bad, but if you see these at (say) your local Target or game store, I recommend picking up one. 

Though Magic has generally gone crazy in the last few years, it is nice to see products like this. You don't need to break the bank to enjoy this game.