Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle Available on Amazon - Still in Stock

The return of Pokémon 151 booster bundles on Amazon is a mixed bag for collectors. While it's exciting to see them back in stock, the price tag raises some eyebrows. Currently listed at over $60, it's more than double the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26.94. It's hard to call this a "deal," but given the rapid sell-out rate of this set, it's not something to dismiss outright.

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, moving far beyond the typical shiny-on-blank-background style. Take the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur, for instance. It's depicted hiding amidst a jungle of giant leaves, reminiscent of a scene from a Ghibli film. It's captivating. Then there's Alakazam ex, portrayed as if it's studying for a psychic PhD in a cluttered study. It's quirky and endearing.

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 boast impressive abilities but also look like they belong in an art gallery. Even Charmander has seen an upgrade, now with 70 HP, which is enough to withstand minor damage that would have previously knocked it out. It's a subtle yet significant enhancement, reflective of 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 home run. Zapdos ex, for example, is decent but not particularly noteworthy in terms of art or gameplay. However, the overall quality remains high. Venusaur ex strikes a balance between function and aesthetics, while Squirtle's artwork successfully places a cartoon turtle in 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 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.