As we eagerly await the arrival of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, collectors are already diving into the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets, seizing the perfect opportunity to snap up singles. The initial frenzy has subsided, and the once-inflated prices are plummeting. This isn't just a typical post-release dip; it's a combination of increased stock availability and Pokébro investors moving on, making it much more budget-friendly to buy individual cards rather than risking it all on overpriced sealed boxes (as tempting as they may be!). Here’s why opting for singles could be the savvy choice 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
Just take a look at the current value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set, which are more than double the shelf price right now. We haven't seen overpricing like this since the release of 151, but there's a glimmer of hope as we approach the end of the tunnel for global Pokémon TCG stock shortages.
Consider Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, for instance; its sold listings started at the $500 mark on April 20th, but have now plummeted to around $370.77 in just a few days. A promising start to market correction.
Then there's Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR, which has dropped from around $250 to $163. While not a drastic fall, this $87 drop in about a week is still impressive. These rapid price drops indicate that more scalpers are exiting our 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-cost chase cards, though. The Glory of Team Rocket's Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants are visually stunning. These cards are often overlooked in each set, which is fantastic for collectors like us.
However, we're not alone in noticing their value. For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has increased by over $6 since its release, now standing at $38.75. Featuring Journey Together's art style of full-color Pokémon with an outline of their trainer in the background, these cards are definitely worth grabbing.
Is it just a Mewtwo phenomenon? Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex is performing as anticipated, dropping from $26 to a stable $12.94. This iconic card is beloved by fans of the first generation and viewers of the original Pokémon anime series, and its menacing appearance rivals Brock's frying pan. This is a card to buy now and watch its value climb in the future, a sentiment that also applies to 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
There's a wave of nostalgia here from generations one and two, particularly with Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the notorious head of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, the interim boss in Johto, are fan favorites.
While there isn't much data on Giovanni 129/098 yet, it showcases Team Rocket's leadership alongside the boss himself. It's likely to maintain its value around the $17 mark, so if you find it cheaper, it's a steal. A general rule for this set: if it features Giovanni or Mewtwo, expect to pay a premium.
Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 is a beautiful artwork variant of the standard trainer art, currently priced between $17 and $18. Given the set's recent release, it's too early to accurately gauge its value, but any listing under $18 is a great deal 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
Some of the best artwork in the Scarlet and Violet era is found in illustration rares and art rares. They're affordable and visually striking, making them some of the most underappreciated cards in the TCG. If you're aiming for a collection that spans binders, grows in value, and looks fantastic, these are the cards to focus on.
Currently, Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 stands at around $19.25, down nearly $20 from its launch with The Glory of Team Rocket. This drop is expected so soon after launch, but the iconic link between this Pokémon and Team Rocket (where are Jesse and James in this set?) makes it a standout. It looks like this card is still on a downward trajectory, so anything below $20 is an excellent deal.
Interestingly, Blaziken 101/098 is seeing a sharp decline. The artwork is incredible, perfectly capturing why this Generation III starter Pokémon is a fan favorite. These traits typically contribute to a card's value increasing, suggesting this is a card to buy now. It's even playable with its Infernal Legs attack, dealing 120 damage to your opponent's active Pokémon and another 120 to a benched Pokémon. This card could potentially win two prize cards in one move, another reason it should be worth more.
If you're still tempted to open boosters of The Glory of Team Rocket despite the high prices and limited five-card packs in Japanese sets, go for it. However, there are significant bargains to be found with single cards. Please note that the prices mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing. Also, stock may fluctuate due to TCG Player being a live secondary marketplace, which adds to the excitement. If you missed out on the Charizard deal at Sam's Club, it might be worth checking back to see if it's still available.
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