As we eagerly await the arrival of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, collectors have already turned their attention to the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. The initial frenzy has subsided, and prices are rapidly decreasing, presenting a golden opportunity for collectors to dive in. This isn't just the typical post-release price drop; it's a result of increased stock availability and Pokémon investors shifting their focus elsewhere, making individual card purchases more cost-effective than investing in overpriced sealed boxes.
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 original shelf price, reminiscent of the overpricing seen with set 151. However, there's hope on the horizon as we witness a significant correction in stock shortages across the Pokémon TCG worldwide.
Take, for instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, which started at around $500 on April 20th but has plummeted to $370.77 in recent days. This sharp decline indicates a strong market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has dropped from $250 to $163 in just over a week, a decrease of $87. These early price drops suggest that more scalpers are exiting the market, 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 the high-value chase cards that are worth considering. The Glory of Team Rocket set features stunning Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants that often go unnoticed. These overlooked gems offer great value for collectors. For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has increased by over $6 since its release, now valued at $38.75. Its art style, featuring a full-color Pokémon with a trainer outline, makes it a must-have.
Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has seen a more expected decline from $26 to $12.94, yet its iconic status among first-generation fans and its menacing design make it a card to watch. Similarly, Moltres and Crobat are cards that could appreciate over time, making now an ideal time to buy.
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, iconic figures from the first and second generations. Giovanni's card, 129/098, showcases Team Rocket's leadership and is likely to maintain its value around $17. If you spot it cheaper, it's a steal. Ariana's card, 128/098, with its stunning artwork, is currently priced between $17 and $18. Any listing below $18 is a good deal to consider.
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 illustration rares and art rares, which are often undervalued yet stunning additions to any collection. If you're looking to expand your collection with cards that not only look great but also have potential for growth, these are the way to go.
Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098, though currently at $19.25, has fallen nearly $20 since the set's launch. Given its iconic link to Team Rocket, it's still a card to watch, especially if you can snag it below $20. Meanwhile, Blaziken 101/098 is surprisingly undervalued given its stunning artwork and gameplay potential with its Infernal Legs attack. This card is a sleeper hit that could see a significant rise in value.
While opening boosters of The Glory of Team Rocket remains an exciting prospect, the real bargains are in the single cards. Prices mentioned are accurate at the time of writing, but remember that stock on TCG Player can fluctuate as it's a live marketplace, adding to the thrill of the hunt.
More Pokémon TCG Deals
### Temporal Forces Elite Trainer Box
1$55.42 at Amazon### 2024 Trick or Trade BOOster Bundle
0$39.99 save 60%$15.93 at Walmart### Pokémon TCG: Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection
1$55.88 save 5%$53.08 at Amazon### Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Surging Sparks Booster Bundle
6$54.92 save 9%$49.99 at Amazon### Pokémon TCG Paldean Fates Booster Bundle
2$66.99 at Amazon### Pokémon TCG: Shining Fates Collection Pikachu V Box
1$57.30 at Amazon$49.99 at TCGPlayer### Pokemon TCG: Azure Legends Tin - 5 Packs
4$29.99 at Amazon### Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade Elite Trainer Box
3$57.90 at Amazon