As we eagerly await the release of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, Pokémon collectors are already making the most of the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. The initial excitement has subsided, and the previously inflated prices are rapidly declining, presenting an excellent opportunity for collectors to grab these coveted cards at more reasonable rates.
This isn't just a typical post-release price drop; it's a combination of increased stock availability and Pokémon investors moving on to other opportunities. As a result, buying individual cards has become a more affordable option than purchasing overpriced sealed boxes, even though the allure of opening packs can be strong. Here's why opting for singles might be the strategic choice for US collectors at this moment.
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 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, there's a silver lining as we see signs of relief from global Pokémon TCG stock shortages.
Take Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, for example; it was initially sold at around $500 starting on April 20th but has since plummeted to $370.77 in the last few days. This indicates a promising market correction.
Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR saw a drop from $250 to $163, a significant $87 decrease within a week. These swift price drops suggest that more scalpers are exiting the hobby, reducing artificial price inflation at 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-priced chase cards; the Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants from Glory of Team Rocket are visually stunning and often overlooked. For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has seen a modest increase in value from its release, now at $38.75. These cards follow the Journey Together art style, featuring full-color Pokémon with their trainers outlined in the background, making them a great addition to any collection.
While Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has settled at $12.94 after a drop from $26, it remains a favorite among fans of the first generation and the original Pokémon anime. It's a card worth picking up now, as it may appreciate in value over time, along with cards like 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 cards featuring Giovanni and Ariana from the first and second generations. Giovanni, the iconic leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, the interim boss in Johto, are particularly noteworthy. Giovanni 129/098, featuring Team Rocket's leadership, is likely to maintain its value around $17, making any listing below this a great deal. Similarly, Ariana 128/098, with its stunning artwork, is a solid investment 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 most impressive artwork through illustration rares and art rares. These cards are not only affordable but also visually striking, making them a sleeper hit in the TCG. If you're looking to expand your collection with valuable and aesthetically pleasing cards, this is the way to go.
Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 is currently priced at around $19.25, a significant drop from its launch price. Given its iconic connection to Team Rocket, it's a card to watch as its value continues to adjust.
Blaziken 101/098, despite its stunning artwork and strong in-game potential with the Infernal Legs attack, is surprisingly undervalued at the moment. This card's ability to deal 120 damage to both an active and a benched Pokémon makes it a strategic choice worth picking up now.
While opening boosters of The Glory of Team Rocket can still be exciting, the bargains available on single cards are hard to beat. Keep in mind that the prices mentioned here are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability may fluctuate due to the dynamic nature of TCG Player's marketplace. This unpredictability adds to the thrill of collecting.
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