The Pokémon 151 booster bundles are making a comeback on Amazon, which might seem like great news for collectors at first glance. However, the excitement quickly wanes when you notice the price tag. Currently listed at over $60 on Amazon, this bundle is more than double its Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26.94. It's hard to call this a "deal," but considering how quickly this set tends to sell out, it's not something collectors can easily dismiss.
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 151 set isn't just the nostalgia—it's the quality and creativity of the card art. This set goes beyond the typical shiny-on-a-blank-background design. For instance, the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur is depicted amidst a lush jungle of giant leaves, evoking the feel of a Ghibli movie. It's beautifully executed. Then there's Alakazam ex, portrayed in a cluttered study, seemingly engrossed in psychic research, which adds a unique and charming touch to the card.
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, without feeling forced. Cards like Blastoise ex not only boast impressive abilities but also appear worthy of display in a gallery. Even Charmander has seen an upgrade, with 70 HP—a subtle yet significant boost that helps it withstand chip damage better than previous versions. This attention to detail encapsulates the essence of the 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 is a hit. Zapdos ex, for example, is decent but doesn't stand out enough to be a centerpiece or the foundation of a deck. However, the overall quality remains high. Venusaur ex strikes a perfect balance between function and aesthetics, while Squirtle's artwork successfully places a cartoon turtle in a believable ecosystem, showcasing the meticulous care put into these designs.
While paying above MSRP isn't ideal, it's hard to ignore the value this set offers. If you're looking for packs that are fun to open and have a good chance at high-value pulls, the Pokémon 151 booster bundle remains a solid choice. Just be prepared to pay whatever premium Amazon decides to charge.
