The Pokémon 151 booster bundles are back on Amazon, but at a price that's more than double the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). While the bundle's MSRP stands at $26.94, Amazon is currently listing it for over $60. It's a steep price, but considering how quickly this set sells out, it's hard to dismiss it entirely.
Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle Is Back In Stock For A Premium
Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle
Full Disclosure: MSRP is $26.94
$82.50 save 16%
$68.92 at Amazon
What keeps drawing me back to the 151 set is its quality, which goes beyond mere nostalgia. The card art is exceptional, far surpassing the typical shiny-on-a-blank-background style. For instance, the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur card is beautifully integrated into a jungle scene reminiscent of a Ghibli film. Meanwhile, Alakazam ex looks like it's studying for a psychic PhD in a cluttered study, adding a unique charm to the card.
Charmeleon - 169/165
$30.99 at TCG Player
Bulbasaur - 166/165
$37.99 at TCG Player
Alakazam ex - 201/165
$53.99 at TCG Player
Squirtle - 170/165
$40.99 at TCG Player
Charizard ex - 183/165
$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 solid abilities but also look like they belong in an art gallery. Even Charmander has seen an upgrade, now with 70 HP, which is enough to withstand minor damage that would have previously knocked it out. It's these subtle yet significant improvements that define the set.
Charmander - 168/165
$45.05 at TCG Player
Zapdos ex - 202/165
$60.68 at TCG Player
Blastoise ex - 200/165
$60.00 at TCG Player
Venusaur ex - 198/165
$77.73 at TCG Player
Charizard ex - 199/165
$234.99 at TCG Player
Not all cards are equally impressive. Zapdos ex, for example, is functional but lacks the allure to be framed or built around. However, the overall quality remains high. Venusaur ex balances function and flair beautifully, while Squirtle’s artwork successfully integrates the character into a realistic ecosystem, showcasing the meticulous care put into these designs.
While I'm not thrilled about paying above MSRP, it's undeniable that this set is packed with value. If you're looking for packs that are enjoyable to open and offer a good chance at valuable pulls, the Pokémon 151 set remains a solid choice. Just be prepared to pay whatever premium Amazon is asking for today.