The return of Pokémon 151 booster bundles to Amazon has caught the attention of collectors, but not necessarily for the right reasons. Priced at over $60, these bundles are more than double the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $26.94. While it's hard to call this a "deal," the rapid sell-out rate of this set makes it difficult to dismiss entirely.
Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle Is Back In Stock For A Premium
Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle
0Full Disclosure: MSRP is $26.94
$82.50 save 16%
$68.92 at Amazon
What draws me back to the Pokémon 151 set is its ability to transcend mere nostalgia. The card art in this set is exceptional, far surpassing the typical designs. Take the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur, for instance, which seems to have wandered into a scene from a Ghibli film, nestled among giant leaves. Then there's Alakazam ex, depicted in a cluttered study, working on a psychic PhD—an image that is both unique and captivating.
Charmeleon - 169/165
0$30.99 at TCG Player
Bulbasaur - 166/165
0$37.99 at TCG Player
Alakazam ex - 201/165
0$53.99 at TCG Player
Squirtle - 170/165
0$40.99 at TCG Player
Charizard ex - 183/165
0$35.40 at TCG Player
The strength of this set lies in its seamless integration of art and gameplay. Cards like Blastoise ex not only boast impressive abilities but also feature artwork that could hang in a gallery. Even Charmander has seen an upgrade, now with 70 HP—a subtle yet significant enhancement that can withstand minor damage, reflecting the set's thoughtful design.
Charmander - 168/165
0$45.05 at TCG Player
Zapdos ex - 202/165
0$60.68 at TCG Player
Blastoise ex - 200/165
0$60.00 at TCG Player
Venusaur ex - 198/165
0$77.73 at TCG Player
Charizard ex - 199/165
0$234.99 at TCG Player
Not every card hits the mark. Zapdos ex, while decent, doesn't stand out in terms of art or gameplay enough to be a centerpiece. However, the overall quality remains high. Venusaur ex excels in both function and style, and Squirtle's artwork successfully integrates it into a realistic ecosystem, showcasing the meticulous care put into these designs.
Paying above MSRP isn't ideal, but it's challenging to overlook the value this set offers. If you're after packs that are enjoyable to open and have a good chance at high-value pulls, the Pokémon 151 set remains a strong contender—even if it comes at a premium set by Amazon's current pricing.
