As we eagerly await the arrival of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, collectors are already diving into the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets, which are now more accessible than ever. The initial frenzy around these cards has subsided, and prices are dropping rapidly, making it an ideal time to start collecting.
This price drop isn't just a typical post-release decline; it's fueled by increased stock availability and Pokébro investors shifting their focus elsewhere. As a result, purchasing individual cards has become far more cost-effective than investing in overpriced sealed boxes, no matter how tempting they may seem. Here's why opting for singles could be the savvy choice for US collectors right now.
TL;DR: Single Card Prices Are Crashing
### Glory of Team Rocket Booster Box
4$146.99 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 125/098
2$370.77 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 124/098
1$163.00 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 127/098
1$107.00 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Nidoking ex - 126/098
1$99.00 at TCG Player
The current market value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set is more than double the original retail price. This level of overpricing hasn't been seen since the release of 151, but there's hope on the horizon as stock shortages for Pokémon TCG products worldwide seem to be easing.
For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR was selling at around $500 starting on April 20, but prices have plummeted to approximately $370.77 in just a few days—a clear sign of market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has seen a drop from $250 to $163 in about a week. These rapid price decreases indicate that more scalpers are exiting the hobby, reducing artificial price inflation around new releases.
Most Affordable Team Rocket Cards
### Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 130/098
0$74.27 at TCG Player
### Jamming Tower - 132/098
0$32.00 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 131/098
0$27.95 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 114/098
0$38.75 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Nidoking ex - 116/098
0$12.94 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 117/098
0$14.97 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 112/098
0$10.75 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Persian ex - 118/098
0$12.99 at TCG Player
It's not just about the high-value chase cards; the Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants from Glory of Team Rocket are visually stunning and often overlooked. These cards present great opportunities for collectors like us. For example, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has risen in value by about $6 since its release, now at $38.75. These cards, featuring full-color Pokémon with an outline of their trainer in the background, are definitely worth picking up.
It's not just Mewtwo that's catching attention. Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has stabilized at $12.94 after dropping from $26, making it a great buy for fans of the first generation and the original Pokémon anime series. The menacing design is sure to appreciate over time, similar to Moltres and Crobat.
Best Team Rocket Trainer Cards
### Team Rocket's Giovanni - 129/098
0$34.95 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Ariana - 128/098
0$39.94 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Archer - 120/098
0$14.99 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Ariana - 119/098
0$18.95 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Giovanni - 121/098
0$17.10 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Proton - 123/098
0$15.00 at TCG Player
Nostalgia plays a significant role here, especially with characters like Giovanni and Ariana from the first and second generations. Giovanni, the iconic leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, the interim boss in Johto, are key figures. While data on Giovanni 129/098 is limited, it's expected to maintain its value around $17. If you find it cheaper, it's a steal. A general rule with this set: if it's Giovanni or Mewtwo, expect to pay a premium.
Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 features stunning artwork and is currently priced between $17 and $18. Given the set's recent release, it's early to determine its long-term value, but any price under $18 is a good deal.
Best Team Rocket Art Rares
### Team Rocket's Houndoom - 100/098
0$12.49 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Raticate - 108/098
0$7.96 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Wobbuffet - 103/098
0$7.31 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Weezing - 105/098
0$8.95 at TCG Player
### Blaziken - 101/098
0$9.40 at TCG Player
### Kangaskhan - 110/098
0$8.67 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Murkrow - 106/098
0$6.96 at TCG Player
### Zamazenta - 107/098
0$4.49 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Orbeetle - 104/098
0$2.95 at TCG Player
### Clamperl - 102/098
0$3.00 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Spidops - 099/098
0$2.60 at TCG Player
### Regirock ex - 115/098
0$7.15 at TCG Player
### Cetitan ex - 113/098
0$3.50 at TCG Player
### Glory of Team Rocket Booster Pack
0$3.41 at TCG Player
The illustration rares and art rares from the Scarlet and Violet era showcase some of the best artwork in the Pokémon TCG. These cards are often undervalued and visually striking, making them perfect for collectors looking to build a diverse and aesthetically pleasing collection.
Currently, Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 is priced at around $19.25, a significant drop from its launch price. Given its iconic connection to Team Rocket, any price below $20 is a fantastic deal. Meanwhile, Blaziken 101/098 is also seeing a price drop, despite its stunning artwork and playability with its Infernal Legs attack, which can deal 120 damage to an active Pokémon and another 120 to a benched one. This card has the potential to secure two prize cards in one move, making it a steal at its current price.
While opening booster packs from The Glory of Team Rocket can be thrilling, the real bargains are found in single cards. Keep in mind that prices mentioned here are accurate at the time of writing, and stock levels on TCG Player can fluctuate. That's part of the fun of collecting, right? If you missed out on the Charizard Sam's Club deal, it might be worth checking back to see if it's still available.
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