The Pokémon 151 booster bundles have made a comeback on Amazon, which might sound like great news for collectors. However, the excitement quickly fades when you see the price tag. Amazon is listing these bundles at over $60, significantly higher than the manufacturer's suggested retail price (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 worth considering.
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 its nostalgic appeal. The card art in this set is exceptional, going beyond the typical shiny-on-blank-background design. For instance, the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur is cleverly hidden amidst giant leaves, reminiscent of a scene from a Ghibli film. Similarly, Alakazam ex appears to be studying for a psychic PhD in a cluttered, charming setting.
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 strongest aspects of this set is how it seamlessly integrates art and gameplay without feeling forced. Blastoise ex, for example, boasts impressive abilities while also looking like it belongs in an art gallery. Even Charmander has seen an upgrade, now sporting 70 HP, which is just enough to withstand minor damage that would have previously knocked it out. This subtle yet significant enhancement encapsulates much of what makes this set special.
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 all cards are equally impressive. Zapdos ex, while functional, doesn't stand out in terms of art or deck-building potential. However, the overall quality remains high. Venusaur ex strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal, while Squirtle's artwork successfully places the character in a believable ecosystem, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail in this set.
Paying above MSRP isn't ideal, but it's challenging to ignore the value this set brings to the table. If you're in the market for packs that are genuinely enjoyable to open and offer a chance at high-value pulls, the Pokémon 151 set remains a solid choice. Just be prepared for Amazon's fluctuating pricing.