As we eagerly await the US release of Destined Rivals on May 30, savvy collectors are already diving into the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. The initial excitement has settled, and the inflated prices are rapidly declining, presenting a golden opportunity to snag some great deals on individual cards.
This isn't just the typical post-release price drop; it's a result of increased stock availability and Pokébro investors moving on to other ventures. This shift makes it much more cost-effective to purchase singles rather than taking a chance on the pricier sealed boxes, no matter how tempting they might be. Here’s why focusing on single cards could be the best strategy for US 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 more than double the retail price, a level of overpricing reminiscent of the 151 set. However, there's hope on the horizon as we see signs of relief from the global stock shortages affecting the Pokémon TCG.
Consider Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, which started at around $500 on April 20 but has plummeted to $370.77 in recent days. This significant drop is a clear indicator of market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has fallen from $250 to $163 within a week, a drop of $87. These swift declines suggest that more scalpers are exiting the market, 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 the high-end chase cards grab most of the attention, the Glory of Team Rocket's Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants are visually striking and often overlooked. These cards present great value for collectors like us. For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has increased by over $6 since its release, now fetching $38.75. These cards feature the unique Journey Together art style, showcasing full-color Pokémon with their trainers in the background, making them highly desirable.
It's not just Mewtwo; other cards like Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex are performing as expected, dropping from $26 to a stable $12.94. This card, reminiscent of the first generation and the iconic Pokémon anime, is a must-have for fans and a solid investment for future growth. 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 Team Rocket's Giovanni and Ariana, key figures from the first and second generations. Giovanni, the notorious leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, who steps up in Johto, are both highly sought after. Although there's limited data on Giovanni 129/098, it's expected to maintain its value around $17. If you spot it cheaper, it's a deal worth grabbing. As a general rule for this set, expect to pay a premium for cards featuring Giovanni or Mewtwo.
Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098, with its stunning artwork, is currently priced between $17 and $18. Given the set's recent release, it's too early to fully assess its value, but anything under $18 is a steal right now.
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 most beautiful artwork to illustration rares and art rares. These cards are not only affordable but also visually stunning, making them some of the most underappreciated gems in the TCG. If you're looking to expand your collection with cards that are both valuable and aesthetically pleasing, these are the ones to go for.
Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 is currently priced at around $19.25, a significant drop from its launch price of nearly $40. Given its iconic connection to Team Rocket, this card is still on a downward trend, making anything below $20 a fantastic deal.
Blaziken 101/098 is another card experiencing a sharp decline, despite its stunning artwork and fan-favorite status. This card's potential for future growth, combined with its powerful Infernal Legs attack, makes it a must-buy at its current price.
While opening boosters from The Glory of Team Rocket can be exciting, the real bargains are in the single cards. Keep in mind that the prices mentioned here are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability on TCG Player can fluctuate due to its live marketplace nature. That's part of the thrill of collecting, isn't it? 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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