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 good news for collectors at first glance. However, the excitement is quickly tempered by the price—over $60, significantly more than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26.94. It's hard to call this a "deal," but given how quickly this set tends to sell out, it's not something we can completely dismiss.

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

Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle

• Full Disclosure: MSRP is $26.94
• $82.50 save 16%
• $68.92 at Amazon

What draws me back to the Pokémon 151 set is not just its nostalgic appeal; it genuinely delivers. The card art in this set transcends the typical shiny-object-on-a-plain-background design. Take the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur, for instance—it's nestled among oversized leaves as if it's stepped into a Studio Ghibli film. It's captivating. Then there's Alakazam ex, which looks like it's studying for a psychic PhD amidst a cluttered study. The charm is undeniable.

Charmeleon - 169/165

• $30.99 at TCG Player

Bulbasaur - 166/165

• $37.99 at TCG Player

Alakazam ex - 201/165

• $53.99 at TCG Player

Squirtle - 170/165

• $40.99 at TCG Player

Charizard ex - 183/165

• $35.40 at TCG Player

In my view, the strength of this set lies in how seamlessly it blends art with gameplay. It doesn't feel forced. Cards like Blastoise ex not only have robust abilities but also boast artwork that could hang in a gallery. Even Charmander has been given a boost, now with 70 HP—a small yet significant improvement that helps it withstand minor attacks better than its predecessors. It's these subtle enhancements that encapsulate the essence of the 151 set.

Charmander - 168/165

• $45.05 at TCG Player

Zapdos ex - 202/165

• $60.68 at TCG Player

Blastoise ex - 200/165

• $60.00 at TCG Player

Venusaur ex - 198/165

• $77.73 at TCG Player

Charizard ex - 199/165

• $234.99 at TCG Player

Not every card in the set is a winner. Zapdos ex, for example, is decent but doesn't stand out enough to be a centerpiece for a deck or a frame-worthy piece. Nevertheless, the overall quality remains high. Venusaur ex strikes a balance between function and aesthetics, while Squirtle's artwork successfully portrays a cartoon turtle in a lifelike ecosystem. The attention to detail in these designs is truly commendable.

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 enjoyable to open and offer a good chance at high-value pulls, the Pokémon 151 set remains one of the better options—provided you're willing to pay the premium price Amazon is currently asking.