As we eagerly await the arrival of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, collectors are already taking advantage of the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. Now is an ideal time to jump in, as the initial hype has subsided, and prices are dropping rapidly. This isn't just a typical post-release dip; it's a combination of increased stock availability and Pokébro investors moving on, making individual card purchases far more affordable than investing in overpriced sealed boxes. Here’s why buying singles from the Glory of Team Rocket set could be a smart move for US collectors.
TL;DR: Single Card Prices Are Crashing
4$146.99 at TCG Player
2$370.77 at TCG Player
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The current value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set is more than double the shelf price, reminiscent of the overpricing seen with set 151. However, we're seeing signs of relief from global Pokémon TCG stock shortages.
Take Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, for example; its sold listings started at $500 on April 20th but have plummeted to around $370.77 in recent days. This marks a strong beginning to market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has dropped from $250 to $163—a significant $87 decrease in just a week. These early price drops indicate that more scalpers are exiting the hobby, reducing artificial price inflation at release.
Most Affordable Team Rocket Cards
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0$12.99 at TCG Player
While chase cards often steal the spotlight, the Glory of Team Rocket's Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants offer stunning visuals that are often overlooked. These cards provide great value for collectors. Notably, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has increased in value by over $6 since release, now at $38.75. Its artstyle, reminiscent of Journey Together with full-color Pokémon and trainer outlines, makes it a worthwhile addition.
Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex, on the other hand, is performing as expected, dropping from $26 to a stable $12.94. An iconic card for Generation 1 fans and watchers of the original Pokémon anime, its menacing look is a must-have. Both Nidoking and Moltres, along with Crobat, are cards to consider purchasing now, as they are likely to appreciate in value over time.
Best Team Rocket Trainer Cards
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The nostalgia from Generation 1 and 2 is strong with cards featuring Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the boss of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, the interim leader in Johto, are key figures in the Pokémon universe. While there's limited data on Giovanni 129/098, its value is expected to remain around $17, making any lower price a good deal. With this set, if it involves Giovanni or Mewtwo, expect to pay a premium.
Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 boasts stunning artwork, and its price ranges between $17 and $18. Given the set's recent release, it's difficult to fully assess its value, but any listing below $18 is a solid purchase.
Best Team Rocket Art Rares
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The Scarlet and Violet era features some of the best artwork in illustration rares and art rares. These cards are not only visually stunning but also affordable, making them some of the most underappreciated cards in the TCG. If you're looking to expand your collection with high-quality, potentially appreciating cards, these are the way to go.
Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 is currently priced around $19.25, a nearly $20 drop from its launch price. Given its iconic connection to Team Rocket, this card is still falling, making anything below $20 a great deal.
Blaziken 101/098 is another card to watch, with its price unexpectedly dropping despite its incredible artwork and popularity as a Generation 3 starter. Its Infernal Legs attack can deal 120 damage to both an active and a benched Pokémon, potentially earning two prize cards in one move. This makes it a strong contender for future value growth.
While opening boosters from The Glory of Team Rocket can be tempting, the bargains on single cards are too good to pass up. Please note that all prices mentioned are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability on TCG Player can fluctuate due to its live marketplace nature. If you missed out on the Charizard deal at Sam's Club, keep an eye on TCG Player for more opportunities.
1$55.42 at Amazon
0$39.99 save 60%$15.93 at Walmart
1$55.88 save 5%$53.08 at Amazon
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