The return of Pokémon 151 booster bundles on Amazon has sparked mixed feelings among collectors. While it's exciting to see them back in stock, the price tag raises eyebrows. Currently listed at over $60 on Amazon, this bundle's MSRP is only $26.94, making it more than double the original price. It's hard to call this a "deal," yet given how quickly this set sells out, it's 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 draws me back to the 151 set is not just its nostalgic appeal but its exceptional quality. The card art stands out, moving beyond the typical shiny-thing-on-a-blank-background style. Take the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur, for instance; it's depicted hiding in a jungle of giant leaves, reminiscent of a Ghibli film. Then there's Alakazam ex, which seems to be studying for a psychic PhD amidst a cluttered study room. These artistic choices are uniquely charming.
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 not only boast powerful abilities but also feature artwork worthy of a gallery. Even Charmander has been upgraded; its new version boasts 70 HP, enough to withstand chip damage that would have knocked out its weaker counterparts. These subtle yet significant improvements encapsulate the essence of the 151 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 hits the mark. Zapdos ex, while functional, doesn't stand out enough to frame or build a deck around. However, the overall quality remains high. Venusaur ex successfully blends function with flair, and Squirtle's artwork impressively situates a cartoon turtle within a believable ecosystem. The meticulous care put into these designs is undeniable.
While I'm not thrilled about paying above MSRP, I can't deny that this set is packed with value. If you're looking for packs that are genuinely fun to open and offer a chance at high-value pulls, the Pokémon 151 set remains a strong contender—provided you're willing to accept Amazon's current pricing.
