As we eagerly await the arrival of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, savvy collectors are already diving into the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. With the initial frenzy now subsided, prices are plummeting, presenting a golden window for enthusiasts to acquire these coveted cards at a fraction of their peak costs.
This price correction isn't merely a standard post-launch dip; it's driven by a combination of increased stock availability and shifting focus from Pokébro investors. This makes now an ideal time for US collectors to purchase individual cards rather than risk investing in overpriced sealed boxes, no matter how tempting they may seem. Here’s why opting for singles is a strategic move for collectors right now.
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 astonishingly high, more than doubling their retail price. This level of overpricing harks back to the frenzy seen with set 151, but there's hope on the horizon as we see signs of easing stock shortages in the Pokémon TCG market worldwide.
For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, which saw sales at $500 starting April 20th, has now plummeted to $370.77. This marks a significant market correction and a promising sign for collectors. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR dropped from $250 to $163, a notable $87 decrease within a week. Such rapid declines indicate that more 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
It's not just the high-end chase cards that are worth your attention. The Glory of Team Rocket set includes stunning Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants that often fly under the radar. For example, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has seen its value rise by over $6 since release, now standing at $38.75. These cards, with their vibrant artwork reminiscent of Journey Together's style, are a smart pick-up.
Is it a Mewtwo phenomenon? Perhaps not, as Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex, a favorite among Gen 1 fans and viewers of the original Pokémon anime, has stabilized at $12.94 after a drop from $26. This menacing card, paired with its nostalgic appeal, is a great buy now and likely to appreciate over time. The same can be said for Moltres and Crobat.
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 Gen 1 and 2 characters like Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the iconic leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, who took charge in Johto, evoke powerful memories for many collectors. While data on Giovanni 129/098 is limited, its association with Team Rocket's leadership suggests it will maintain its value around $17, making any lower price a steal. Similarly, Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098, with its beautiful artwork, is a good find at under $18.
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
The Scarlet and Violet era has brought some of the best artwork to illustration rares and art rares, which are often overlooked yet offer incredible value and aesthetics. For collectors aiming to expand their binders with cards that not only look great but also have the potential to grow in value, these are the cards to watch.
Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098, currently at $19.25, has seen a significant drop from its launch price of nearly $40. Given its iconic connection to Team Rocket, it's a smart buy below $20. Meanwhile, Blaziken 101/098, with its stunning artwork and powerful gameplay potential, is surprisingly undervalued at the moment. Its ability to deal 120 damage to both an active and a benched Pokémon makes it a strategic choice for players.
If you're still tempted by the thrill of opening booster packs, go for it. However, the bargains on single cards are too good to ignore. Please note that the prices mentioned are accurate at the time of writing, but as TCG Player is a dynamic marketplace, stock levels and prices may fluctuate. This is part of the excitement of collecting. If you missed out on deals like the Charizard Sam's Club offer, keep an eye out for new opportunities.
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