As we eagerly await the arrival of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, collectors are already capitalizing on the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets, and now is an opportune moment to dive in. The initial frenzy has subsided, and inflated prices are rapidly declining. This isn't just the typical post-release dip; it's a combination of increased stock availability and Pokébro investors moving on, making it more cost-effective to purchase individual cards rather than taking a risk on overpriced sealed boxes. Here’s why opting for singles might 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
The current value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set is more than double their retail price. We haven't seen such overpricing since the 151 set, but there's hope as we approach the end of global stock shortages for Pokémon TCG.
Consider Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR; its sold listings started at $500 on April 20th, plummeting to around $370.77 in recent days. This marks a strong beginning to market correction.
Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has also seen a decline, dropping from around $250 to $163—a $87 decrease within a week. These early price drops indicate that more scalpers are exiting the hobby, 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 chase cards may grab the headlines, the Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants from Glory of Team Rocket are visually stunning and often overlooked. These cards present great value for collectors.
For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has seen a modest increase of over $6 since its release, now valued at $38.75. These cards, featuring the full-color Pokémon with a trainer outline in the background, are worth picking up.
It's not just Mewtwo; Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has followed a typical trajectory, dropping from $26 to a stable $12.94. This card, iconic for Gen 1 fans and viewers of the first Pokémon anime season, is a menacing addition to any collection and likely to appreciate over time. 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
These cards evoke strong nostalgia, especially for Gen 1 and 2 fans. Giovanni and Ariana stand out as key figures in the Team Rocket saga, with Giovanni as the boss in Kanto and Ariana as the interim leader in Johto.
Team Rocket's Giovanni 129/098 features Team Rocket's leadership alongside the boss himself. It's expected to hold its value around the $17 mark, making any lower price a good buy. A general rule for this set: if it's Giovanni or Mewtwo, be prepared to pay a premium.
Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 boasts stunning artwork and is currently priced between $17 and $18. Any listing below $18 is a solid deal, given the set's recent release.
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 produced some of the best artwork in the form of illustration rares and art rares. These cards are affordable and visually striking, making them a great addition to any collection aiming to grow in both value and aesthetic appeal.
Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 is currently priced at around $19.25, a significant drop from its launch price of nearly $40. The iconic connection between Meowth and Team Rocket makes this card a must-have, especially at prices below $20.
Blaziken 101/098 is another card that's currently undervalued. The artwork is exceptional, showcasing why this Gen 3 starter is a fan favorite. Its potential for appreciation, coupled with its playable Infernal Legs attack, which deals 120 damage to both an active and a benched opponent’s Pokémon, makes it a strategic purchase.
While opening booster packs from The Glory of Team Rocket can be tempting despite their high cost and limited five-card count, the real bargains lie in individual card purchases. Please note that all prices mentioned are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability may fluctuate on TCG Player's live secondary marketplace, adding to the excitement of hunting for deals. If you missed out on the Charizard Sam's Club deal, it's worth checking back to see if it's still available.
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