The return of Pokémon 151 booster bundles to Amazon has caught the attention of collectors, but not necessarily for the right reasons. Priced at over $60, these bundles are more than double their MSRP of $26.94, raising eyebrows rather than sparking celebrations. While it's hard to call this a "deal," the rapid sell-out rate of this set makes it difficult 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 continues to draw me back to the 151 set is its ability to deliver beyond mere nostalgia. The card art in this set transcends the typical shiny-object-on-a-blank-background aesthetic. For instance, the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur is depicted hiding amidst a jungle of giant leaves, reminiscent of a scene from a Ghibli movie. Alakazam ex, on the other hand, looks like 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, achieving a balance that feels both natural and sophisticated. Cards like Blastoise ex boast impressive abilities while sporting artwork worthy of a gallery. Even Charmander has seen an upgrade, now boasting 70 HP, which is just enough to withstand minor damage that would have previously knocked it out. This subtle yet significant enhancement encapsulates the thoughtful design throughout 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 in the set is a home run; Zapdos ex, for example, is functional but lacks the flair and deck-building potential of other cards. However, the overall quality remains high. Venusaur ex masterfully blends function and flair, while Squirtle's artwork convincingly places a cartoon turtle within a believable ecosystem. The attention to detail in these designs is commendable.
While I'm not thrilled about paying above MSRP, it's hard to deny the value packed into this set. If you're after packs that are genuinely enjoyable to open and offer a chance at high-value pulls, the Pokémon 151 booster bundle remains a strong contender, even if the price is set by Amazon's fluctuating market.
