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

The Pokémon 151 booster bundles have made a comeback on Amazon, which might seem like a win for collectors at first glance. However, the price tag, soaring over double the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26.94 at a whopping $68.92, raises more than just eyebrows. It's hard to call this a "deal," yet given the set's tendency to sell out quickly, it's not something to dismiss outright.

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 its ability to transcend mere nostalgia. The card art is exceptionally crafted, moving beyond the typical shiny-object-on-a-blank-background style. Take the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur, for instance; it's cleverly hidden amidst a jungle of oversized leaves, reminiscent of a scene from a Ghibli film. It's captivating. Then there's Alakazam ex, depicted in a cluttered study, seemingly engrossed in a psychic PhD. The charm is undeniable.

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, without feeling forced. Cards like Blastoise ex boast robust abilities and aesthetics that could grace a gallery. Even Charmander has seen an upgrade, now sporting 70 HP, a subtle yet crucial improvement that helps it withstand minor attacks that would have previously knocked it out.

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 particularly noteworthy in terms of art or gameplay. However, the overall quality remains high. Venusaur ex strikes a perfect balance between function and aesthetics, while Squirtle's artwork convincingly places the cartoon turtle within a realistic ecosystem, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail in these designs.

While the premium pricing on Amazon is a tough pill to swallow, it's undeniable that the 151 set is packed with value. If you're on the hunt for packs that are both enjoyable to open and offer a chance at valuable pulls, this set remains a strong contender. Just be prepared to pay whatever Amazon decides is today's price of entry.