The return of the Pokémon 151 booster bundles on Amazon is a bittersweet moment for collectors. While it's great to see them back in stock, the price tag is a bit of a shock. Listed at over $60, the bundle is more than double its MSRP of $26.94. It's hard to call this a "deal," but given the rapid sell-out rate of this set, it's still tempting.
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 keeps drawing me back to the Pokémon 151 set is its genuine quality, not just nostalgia. The card art in this set is exceptional, going far beyond the typical shiny-on-blank design. Take the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur, for example. It's cleverly hidden amidst giant jungle leaves, evoking a scene straight out of a Ghibli film. Then there's Alakazam ex, depicted in a cluttered study, as if it's pursuing a psychic PhD. These designs are not just visually appealing; they're oddly charming.
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
One of the set's strongest aspects is how it seamlessly integrates art and gameplay. Cards like Blastoise ex are not only visually stunning but also have solid gameplay mechanics. Even Charmander has been upgraded, now boasting 70 HP, which is enough to withstand chip damage that would have previously knocked it out. This subtle enhancement reflects the care and attention put into this set.
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, for instance, is decent but not remarkable enough to be a centerpiece of a deck or a framed piece. However, the overall quality of the set remains high. Venusaur ex combines functionality with artistic flair, while Squirtle's artwork successfully integrates the character into a believable ecosystem, showcasing the meticulous design work.
While I'm not thrilled about paying above MSRP, it's impossible to deny the value packed into this set. If you're looking for packs that are genuinely enjoyable to open and offer a real chance at high-value pulls, the Pokémon 151 set is still a strong contender. Just be prepared to pay whatever premium Amazon decides to charge.