Magic Goes (Back) to MSRP . . . Sorta

Treasure token card art

In the beginning [of Magic], there were MSRPs ("Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price"). This price was printed on the pack or starter deck directly, so it was clear to consumers what Wizards expected vendors to charge. Of course, a given store didn't have to follow that, but if one was marking things up, people would know immediately.

In 2019, Wizards stopped offering MSRP for the reasons they listed in this article. That led, not surprisingly, to price variation and frustrated customers.

In 2024, Wizards announced a return to listing MSRP for Magic products. That article lists suggested prices for Foundations, Innistrad Remastered, and Aetherdrift. And subsequent releases get their own "Collecting _____" articles that include MSRP. Three other examples of recent and upcoming sets:

Final Fantasy:

MSRPs for Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY will be set as follows:

• Play Booster: $6.99
• Collector Booster: $37.99
• Commander Deck: $69.99
• Collector's Edition Commander Deck: $149.99
• Bundle: $69.99
• Gift Bundle: $89.99
• Starter Kit: $19.99

Edge of Eternities:

MSRPs for Edge of Eternities will be set as follows:

• Play Booster: $5.49
• Collector Booster: $24.99
• Commander Deck: $44.99
• Bundle: $53.99

Marvel's Spider-man:

MSRPs for Magic: The Gathering | Marvel's Spider-Man will be set as follows:

• Play Booster: $6.99
• Collector Booster: $37.99
• Bundle: $69.99
• Scene Box: $41.99

A few observations:

- Intellectual Property sets (called "Universes Beyond") cost much more; one pack is 27% more than a 'in-world' Magic release; Bundles are 32% more. As I've said previously, there is an upward trend in Magic doing IP-based sets; perhaps profit margin is one reason why.

- Though MSRPs are back, that has not stopped vendors from upcharging from the outset. Or scalpers from buying up stock from [say] Target and upcharging online. (In one local game store, I saw Final Fantasy Commander Decks selling for $90 today.) It is exasperating.

- From my prior point, do your research before buying. TCGPlayer is a good place to check for market value of a given product, regardless of MSRP. Sometimes product value swings in consumers' favor. If you know where to look.

There are two points to remember as you navigate this world:

- Buying singles is always the cheapest way to collect.

- A given product is only worth the value people are willing to pay to get it. Be patient, shop around, and don't give into the hysteria. Or scalpers.