As we eagerly await the U.S. release of Destined Rivals on May 30, savvy collectors are already diving into the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets, where prices are rapidly becoming more accessible. The initial frenzy has subsided, and the inflated prices are on a sharp decline, presenting a golden window for collectors to snatch up individual cards at a bargain.
This isn't merely a typical post-release price adjustment; it's a combination of increased stock availability and a shift in focus among Pokébro investors. This makes it a more cost-effective choice to buy cards as singles rather than risking high-priced sealed boxes, no matter how tempting they may seem. Here's why purchasing singles could be a strategic move for U.S. 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
Just take a glance at the current prices of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set, which are now more than double their original shelf price. We haven't witnessed such overpricing since the 151 set, but there's hope on the horizon as we see signs of easing global stock shortages for Pokémon TCG.
Consider Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, which started at $500 on April 20th and has plummeted to around $370.77 in recent days. This is a promising sign of market correction.
Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has seen a notable decrease, dropping from approximately $250 to $163—a significant $87 drop within just a week. This swift decline indicates that more scalpers are exiting the hobby, reducing artificial price inflation upon release.
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 about the high-value chase cards; the Glory of Team Rocket's Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants are visually striking and often overlooked. This presents a great opportunity for collectors like us.
For instance, the value of Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has increased by over $6 since its release, now sitting at $38.75. These cards, with their full-color Pokémon and trainer outlines, are definitely worth picking up.
While Mewtwo cards seem to hold a special allure, other cards like Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex are behaving as expected, dropping from $26 to a stable $12.94. As a beloved card among first-generation fans and anime viewers, and with its menacing design, it's a wise investment to buy now and watch its value rise 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 first and second-generation cards, especially with Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the head of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, the interim boss in Johto, evoke fond memories.
There's limited data on Giovanni 129/098, but it features Team Rocket's leadership alongside the boss himself, likely holding its value around $17. If you find it cheaper, it's a steal. A general rule with this set is that cards featuring Giovanni or Mewtwo tend to be pricier.
Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 boasts a stunning artwork variant, with prices hovering between $17 and $18. Given the set's recent release, it's challenging to fully assess its value, but anything under $18 is 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
Some of the most compelling artwork in the Scarlet and Violet era comes from illustration rares and art rares. These cards are both affordable and visually stunning, often overlooked gems in the TCG. If you're looking to expand your collection with cards that are both valuable and visually appealing, these are the way to go.
Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 is currently priced at around $19.25, a significant drop from its launch price of nearly $40. Given the iconic link between this Pokémon and Team Rocket, it's a great deal if you can find it below $20.
Blaziken 101/098 is another card experiencing a sharp price decline. With its breathtaking artwork and strong gameplay potential, thanks to its Infernal Legs attack, it's a card you should consider snapping up now.
While opening boosters from The Glory of Team Rocket can still be exciting, the real bargains are in the single cards. Remember, the prices mentioned here are accurate at the time of writing, and stock on TCG Player may fluctuate due to its live marketplace nature. That's part of the thrill, right? If you missed out on the Charizard Sam's Club deal, it might be worth checking back to see if it's still available.
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