As we eagerly await the arrival of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, Pokémon TCG enthusiasts are already diving into the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. Now is an opportune moment to join the fray, as the initial excitement has subsided and prices are rapidly declining.
This isn't just the typical post-release price drop; it's a result of increased stock availability and savvy "Pokébro" investors moving on to new ventures. This shift makes it more cost-effective for collectors to buy individual cards rather than taking a chance on overpriced sealed boxes. Here’s why opting for singles might be the smartest move for US collectors at this time.
TL;DR: Single Card Prices Are Crashing
### Glory of Team Rocket Booster Box
4$146.99 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 125/098
2$370.77 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 124/098
1$163.00 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 127/098
1$107.00 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Nidoking ex - 126/098
1$99.00 at TCG Player
The current market value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set is more than double the shelf price, reminiscent of the frenzy around the 151 set. However, we're seeing signs of relief from the global stock shortages plaguing the Pokémon TCG.
Take, for example, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, which started at $500 on April 20th but has plummeted to around $370.77 in recent days—a clear indicator of market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has seen a decrease from $250 to $163—a significant $87 drop in a mere week. These rapid price drops suggest that scalpers are exiting the hobby, reducing artificial price inflation at launch.
Most Affordable Team Rocket Cards
### Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 130/098
0$74.27 at TCG Player
### Jamming Tower - 132/098
0$32.00 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 131/098
0$27.95 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 114/098
0$38.75 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Nidoking ex - 116/098
0$12.94 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 117/098
0$14.97 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 112/098
0$10.75 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Persian ex - 118/098
0$12.99 at TCG Player
While high-value chase cards grab headlines, the stunning Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants from Glory of Team Rocket are often overlooked. These cards present a great opportunity for collectors to enhance their collections at reasonable prices.
For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has seen a modest increase to $38.75 since its release, showcasing the appealing art style from Journey Together with full-color Pokémon and trainer outlines. Conversely, Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has stabilized at $12.94 after a drop from $26, a must-have for fans of the first generation and early Pokémon anime. Cards like Moltres and Crobat also present good buying opportunities with potential for future value appreciation.
Best Team Rocket Trainer Cards
### Team Rocket's Giovanni - 129/098
0$34.95 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Ariana - 128/098
0$39.94 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Archer - 120/098
0$14.99 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Ariana - 119/098
0$18.95 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Giovanni - 121/098
0$17.10 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Proton - 123/098
0$15.00 at TCG Player
The nostalgia factor is strong with Trainer cards featuring iconic Team Rocket leaders like Giovanni and Ariana. While there's limited data on Giovanni 129/098, it's expected to maintain value around the $17 mark, making it a smart purchase if found at a lower price. Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 showcases stunning artwork and is currently valued between $17 and $18, making listings below $18 a good deal.
Best Team Rocket Art Rares
### Team Rocket's Houndoom - 100/098
0$12.49 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Raticate - 108/098
0$7.96 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Wobbuffet - 103/098
0$7.31 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Weezing - 105/098
0$8.95 at TCG Player
### Blaziken - 101/098
0$9.40 at TCG Player
### Kangaskhan - 110/098
0$8.67 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Murkrow - 106/098
0$6.96 at TCG Player
### Zamazenta - 107/098
0$4.49 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Orbeetle - 104/098
0$2.95 at TCG Player
### Clamperl - 102/098
0$3.00 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Spidops - 099/098
0$2.60 at TCG Player
### Regirock ex - 115/098
0$7.15 at TCG Player
### Cetitan ex - 113/098
0$3.50 at TCG Player
### Glory of Team Rocket Booster Pack
0$3.41 at TCG Player
Illustration Rares and Art Rares from the Scarlet and Violet era boast some of the finest artwork in the Pokémon TCG. These cards are affordable and visually stunning, often underappreciated yet perfect for collectors looking to enhance their portfolios with both beauty and potential value growth.
Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 has fallen from its launch price of around $40 to $19.25, reflecting the typical post-launch dip. Given its iconic link to Team Rocket, it's a card to watch for any price below $20. Meanwhile, Blaziken 101/098 is experiencing a surprising drop despite its striking art and strong in-game playability, making it a great pick-up at current prices.
While opening boosters of The Glory of Team Rocket remains tempting, the real bargains lie in single cards. Keep in mind that the prices mentioned are current at the time of writing, and stock availability on TCG Player can fluctuate due to its nature as a live secondary marketplace. This dynamic environment adds to the excitement of hunting for deals, much like the recent Charizard Sam's Club offer.
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