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. The initial surge in demand has now subsided, and prices are rapidly declining, presenting a golden window for enthusiasts to grab these cards at a bargain.
This isn't your typical post-release dip. It's a perfect storm of increased stock availability and shifting focus from Pokébro investors, making single card purchases much more cost-effective than investing in overpriced sealed boxes. Here’s why now is the perfect time for US collectors to buy singles from the Glory of Team Rocket set.
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 initial shelf price, a phenomenon reminiscent of the 151 set. However, the tide is turning, signaling potential relief from global Pokémon TCG stock shortages.
For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR has seen its price plummet from $500 on April 20th to around $370.77 in recent days—a clear sign of market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has dropped from $250 to $163 within a week. These rapid price declines indicate that scalpers are exiting the market, reducing artificial inflation on release day.
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
Beyond the high-value chase cards, the Glory of Team Rocket set features stunning Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants that often go under the radar. For example, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has increased in value by over $6 to $38.75 since its release, highlighting its appeal due to its art style featuring full-color Pokémon with their trainers in the background.
On the other hand, Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has stabilized at $12.94 after a drop from $26. Its iconic status among fans of the first generation and anime series, coupled with its menacing design, makes it a card to watch for future value growth. 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
Nostalgia plays a significant role with cards featuring Giovanni and Ariana from the first and second generations. Giovanni, the iconic leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, his second-in-command in Johto, are particularly noteworthy. Team Rocket's Giovanni 129/098 is likely to maintain its value around $17, making any lower price a good deal. Similarly, Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 offers a beautiful variant of the standard trainer art, with current prices hovering between $17 and $18.
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 art rares and illustration rares from the Scarlet and Violet era are some of the most visually striking cards available. Often overlooked, these cards offer excellent value and aesthetic appeal. Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098, despite its iconic connection to Team Rocket, has fallen from nearly $40 at launch to around $19.25, making it a steal under $20.
Blaziken 101/098 is another card experiencing a significant price drop. Its stunning artwork and powerful gameplay potential make it a card to consider snapping up now before its value rebounds.
While opening Glory of Team Rocket booster packs remains an exciting prospect, the current market offers incredible deals on single cards. Remember, the prices mentioned here are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability on TCG Player can fluctuate. This dynamic environment is part of the thrill of collecting!
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