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. Now is an ideal time to join them, as initial hype has subsided and prices are rapidly decreasing. This isn't merely a standard post-release dip; it's a combination of increased stock availability and Pokémon investors, or 'Pokébros,' shifting focus, making it more cost-effective to buy individual cards rather than gambling on expensive sealed boxes.
Here's why opting for singles could 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
Take a glance at the current prices of Japanese booster boxes for *The Glory of Team Rocket* set, which are currently over double their initial retail price. We haven't witnessed such overpricing since the set *151*, but there's a glimmer of hope as we see signs of global stock shortages easing for Pokémon TCG.
Consider the case of *Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR*, which started at around $500 on April 20th but has plummeted to approximately $370.77 in recent days. This swift market correction is a promising sign. Similarly, *Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR* has fallen from around $250 to $163 in just a week, indicating a $87 drop. These early price drops suggest that scalpers are exiting the market, reducing artificial inflation on new releases.
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 solely about the high-priced chase cards; the Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants from *Glory of Team Rocket* boast stunning designs that often fly under the radar. Cards like *Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex* have increased in value by over $6 since their release, now sitting at $38.75. These cards, which feature Pokémon in full color with their trainers outlined in the background, are definitely worth collecting.
Is it just a Mewtwo phenomenon? Not quite. *Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex* has followed expected trends, dropping from $26 to stabilize at $12.94. This iconic card resonates with fans of the first generation and watchers of the original Pokémon anime, and its menacing appearance adds to its appeal. Both *Moltres* and *Crobat* follow suit, suggesting these are cards to buy now and watch appreciate over time.
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 *Giovanni* and *Ariana* from the first and second generations. *Giovanni* is the iconic leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, while *Ariana* served as the interim boss in Johto. Although there's limited data on *Giovanni 129/098*, it's likely to maintain its value around $17, making it a worthwhile purchase if found cheaper. A general rule with this set: if it features *Giovanni* or *Mewtwo*, expect to pay a premium.
*Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098* showcases a stunning variant of the standard trainer art, with prices ranging from $17 to $18. This set is too new to accurately assess its long-term value, but any listing below $18 is a good deal at this stage.
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 finest artwork in the Scarlet and Violet era can be found in illustration rares and art rares. These cards are often undervalued yet visually stunning, making them perfect for collectors looking to expand their portfolios with pieces that both look great and have potential for growth.
*Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098* is currently priced at around $19.25, down nearly $20 from its launch price. Given its iconic link to Team Rocket, it's a card to watch, even if it's still declining in value. Anything below $20 is a fantastic deal.
*Blaziken 101/098* is another card experiencing a significant drop, which is surprising given its stunning artwork and fan-favorite status from Generation III. With its powerful *Infernal Legs* attack, capable of dealing 120 damage to both an active and a benched Pokémon, it's a card that could secure two prize cards in one move, making it an excellent buy at its current price.
If you're still keen on opening boosters from *The Glory of Team Rocket* despite their cost and the limited five-card packs of Japanese sets, go for it. However, the real bargains lie in single cards. Remember, the prices mentioned here are accurate at the time of writing, and stock levels can fluctuate on TCG Player, a live secondary marketplace, adding an exciting element to the hunt. If you missed out on the Charizard deal at Sam's Club, it's worth checking back to see if it's still available.
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