I've Just Picked Up a Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle Direct From Amazon And It's Still In Stock

The return of Pokémon 151 booster bundles on Amazon is a mixed blessing for collectors. While it's great to see them back in stock, the price tag raises eyebrows. Amazon is listing the bundle at over $60, significantly higher than the MSRP of $26.94. It's hard to call this a "deal," but given the set's rapid sell-out rate, it's difficult to dismiss entirely.

Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle Is Back In Stock For A Premium

Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle

Full Disclosure: MSRP is $26.94
Current Price: $82.50
Discount: Save 16%
Price at Amazon: $68.92

What keeps drawing me back to the 151 set is its quality beyond mere nostalgia. The card art in this set is exceptional, far surpassing the typical shiny-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 movie, and it's beautifully executed. Then there's Alakazam ex, which looks like it's pursuing a psychic PhD in a cluttered study—an oddly charming touch.

Charmeleon - 169/165

Price at TCG Player: $30.99

Bulbasaur - 166/165

Price at TCG Player: $37.99

Alakazam ex - 201/165

Price at TCG Player: $53.99

Squirtle - 170/165

Price at TCG Player: $40.99

Charizard ex - 183/165

Price at TCG Player: $35.40

The strength of this set lies in its seamless integration of art and gameplay. Cards like Blastoise ex not only have solid abilities but also boast gallery-worthy artwork. Even Charmander has been upgraded; its new version with 70 HP can withstand chip damage that would have knocked out weaker iterations. This subtle yet significant enhancement encapsulates the set's overall approach.

Charmander - 168/165

Price at TCG Player: $45.05

Zapdos ex - 202/165

Price at TCG Player: $60.68

Blastoise ex - 200/165

Price at TCG Player: $60.00

Venusaur ex - 198/165

Price at TCG Player: $77.73

Charizard ex - 199/165

Price at TCG Player: $234.99

Not every card is a standout. Zapdos ex, for example, is decent but not particularly noteworthy in terms of art or gameplay. However, the set's overall quality remains high. Venusaur ex excels in both function and aesthetics, while Squirtle's artwork successfully integrates the character into a believable ecosystem. The attention to detail in these designs is truly commendable.

While I'm not thrilled about paying above MSRP, it's undeniable that this set is packed with value. If you're looking for packs that are fun to open and offer a good chance at high-value pulls, the Pokémon 151 set remains a strong contender. Just be prepared to pay whatever premium Amazon decides to charge on any given day.