The return of Pokémon 151 booster bundles on Amazon has sparked mixed feelings among collectors. While it's great to see these bundles back in stock, the price tag of over $60, more than double the MSRP of $26.94, raises eyebrows rather than cheers. It's hard to call this a "deal," yet the rapid sell-out of this set makes it impossible to dismiss entirely.
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 draws me back to the 151 set is not just its nostalgic appeal; it genuinely delivers on quality. The card art in this set transcends the typical shiny-on-blank-background design. Take the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur, for instance. It's nestled amidst a jungle of giant leaves, evoking the charm of a Ghibli film. Then there's Alakazam ex, depicted as if it's pursuing a psychic PhD in a cluttered study, adding an oddly 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. Cards like Blastoise ex boast impressive abilities while also looking like they belong in an art gallery. Even Charmander has seen an upgrade, now with 70 HP, which might seem minor but is crucial in surviving chip damage that would have previously knocked it out. This subtle yet significant enhancement 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 home run. Zapdos ex, for instance, is decent but not exceptional in either art or gameplay. However, the overall quality remains high. Venusaur ex strikes a balance between functionality and style, while Squirtle's artwork successfully places a cartoon turtle within a believable ecosystem, showcasing the meticulous care that went into these designs.
Paying above MSRP isn't ideal, but it's equally hard to deny the value packed into this set. If you're after packs that are genuinely enjoyable to open and offer a good chance at high-value pulls, the Pokémon 151 set is still one of the better options out there. Just be prepared for the price of admission, which Amazon sets at its discretion.
