As we eagerly await the US release of Destined Rivals on May 30, collectors are already diving into the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets, and now is an ideal time to join them. The initial excitement has subsided, and the inflated prices are rapidly decreasing. This isn't just the typical post-launch dip; it's a result of increased stock availability and Pokébro investors moving on, making it much more cost-effective to buy individual cards rather than risk investing in overpriced sealed boxes (tempting as they may be!). Here’s why opting for singles could be a smart strategy 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 prices of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set, which are more than double the shelf price. We haven't seen such overpricing since the 151 set, but there's a glimmer of hope as we approach the end of global Pokémon TCG stock shortages.
Consider Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, which was fetching around $500 on April 20 but has now plummeted to $370.77 in recent days. This is a promising sign of market correction. Meanwhile, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has dropped from $250 to $163 in just a week—a decrease of $87. These swift price drops indicate that more scalpers are exiting the market, 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
It's not just about the high-priced chase cards; the Glory of Team Rocket's Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants are visually stunning. These cards often get overlooked, which is great news for collectors like us. For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has seen its value increase by over $6 since release, now sitting at $38.75. Following the Journey Together art style with full-color Pokémon and trainer outlines in the background, these cards are definitely worth picking up.
Perhaps it's a Mewtwo phenomenon? Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex is holding steady after dropping from $26 to $12.94. This card is iconic for fans of the first generation and viewers of the initial Pokémon anime season, and it looks as menacing as Brock wielding a frying pan. It's a card to buy now and watch appreciate in value over time, just 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
There's a wave of nostalgia here from generations one and two, particularly with Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the notorious leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, who served as the interim boss in Johto, evoke strong memories. While there's limited data on Giovanni 129/098, it features Team Rocket's leadership and is likely to maintain its value around $17. If you find it cheaper, it's a steal. A general rule for this set: expect to pay a premium for anything featuring Giovanni or Mewtwo.
Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 is a beautiful variant of the standard trainer art, with prices hovering between $17 and $18. Given the set's recent release, it's too early to accurately assess its long-term value, but any listing under $18 is a good deal.
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 is found in illustration rares and art rares. These cards are affordable and visually striking, often overlooked gems in the TCG. If you're aiming to expand your collection across binders, increase its value, and enjoy stunning visuals, these are the cards for you.
Currently, Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 stands out, priced at around $19.25, down nearly $20 from its launch price. The connection between this Pokémon and Team Rocket is iconic, though curiously, Jesse and James are absent from the set. Meowth's price continues to drop, so anything below $20 is a fantastic deal.
Surprisingly, Blaziken 101/098 is also experiencing a price drop. The artwork is exceptional, showcasing why this generation three starter is a fan favorite. These are typically indicators of a card that will appreciate, making it a great buy now. Its Infernal Legs attack can deal 120 damage to your opponent's active Pokémon and another 120 to a benched Pokémon, potentially earning two prize cards in one move—another reason it should command a higher value.
If you're set on opening boosters of The Glory of Team Rocket despite their cost and the five-card count of Japanese packs, go for it. However, there are significant bargains to be had with single cards. Note that the prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of writing. Stock levels may fluctuate due to TCG Player being a live secondary marketplace, which adds to the excitement. If you missed out on the Charizard Sam's Club deal, keep an eye out as it might still be available.
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