From Phat to Fat: The Origin of the Fat Pack
The product originally known as the fat pack for Magic: The Gathering had an informal beginning, with a designer's joke during a brainstorming session leading to the name. The name, slightly adjusted from "phat pack," stuck and became a branded product released with each new expansion.
Introduced in 1999 with the Mercadian Masques set, early fat packs differed significantly from today's versions. They initially included a mix of booster packs, a tournament pack, a rulebook, a novel, and sometimes foil cards. Over time, the contents shifted, replacing items like novels with more booster packs and a substantial land pack.
The Evolution to 'Bundles'
In May 2016, with the launch of the Kaladesh set, Wizards of the Coast rebranded the fat pack as the "Bundle". The name change aimed to better reflect the product's nature as a collection of items. The modern Bundle maintains the concept of its predecessor, offering a collection of booster packs, accessories, and basic lands, all presented in a themed storage box.
Key contents of a modern Bundle typically include:
- Booster Packs: Currently, most Bundles feature nine Play Boosters from the latest set.
- Basic Lands: A mix of non-foil and foil basic lands is provided, sometimes featuring unique full-art designs.
- Life Counter: A custom, oversized spindown die is a standard inclusion.
- Promo Card: An exclusive traditional foil promotional card is often part of the package.
- Storage Box: A durable box adorned with set art serves as a convenient storage solution.
- Tokens and Counters: A sheet of punch-out tokens is now commonly included.
Comparison Table: Fat Pack (Bundle) vs. Other Products
| Feature | Fat Pack (now Bundle) | Booster Box | Elite Trainer Box (Pokémon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Packs | 9 Play Boosters (currently) | 36 Draft or Set Boosters | 8-10 Booster Packs |
| Extra Accessories | Lands, spindown die, storage box, promo card | No extra accessories | Card sleeves, energy cards, dice, tokens |
| Primary Purpose | Intro to a new set; includes deck-building necessities | Maximize random card acquisition; drafting | Starting kit for playing, with play accessories |
| Value Proposition | Good balance of packs and extras for casual players | Better value for opening a large volume of packs | Excellent value if you need the included play accessories |
| Investment Potential | Older, sealed versions can appreciate, especially from popular sets | Generally seen as a more reliable long-term investment sealed | Older boxes can appreciate, but often viewed as display pieces |
Are Fat Packs (Bundles) Worth It?
The value of a fat pack, now a Bundle, depends on individual goals. For new players or those exploring a set, a Bundle provides good value with its combination of booster packs, basic lands, a life counter, and storage. It's a less expensive entry point than a full booster box.
For players seeking specific cards, buying singles is usually more efficient than relying on the randomness of packs in a Bundle. While Bundles offer less value per pack compared to a booster box, the included extras can be a worthwhile bonus if needed.
As a collectible item, sealed older fat packs, particularly from sought-after sets like original Zendikar with its unique contents, can become quite valuable. Modern Bundles may appreciate but often require more market research and are considered a lower-risk way to diversify a collection.
Conclusion
The product originally known as the fat pack, now the Magic: The Gathering Bundle, has evolved while keeping its core purpose: offering a substantial collection of booster packs and essential accessories in a single package. For players, it's a solid introduction to a new set, and for collectors, understanding the difference between vintage fat packs and modern Bundles is key to assessing their value.
Understanding what are fat packs and their modern equivalent, the Bundle, is helpful whether you're a player expanding your collection or a collector considering sealed products.
Visit the MTG Wiki for a comprehensive history of the Magic: The Gathering Bundle
