Team Rocket Japanese Singles Prices Plummet: What to Buy Now

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Team Rocket Japanese Singles Prices Plummet: What to Buy Now

May 18,25

As we eagerly await the arrival of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, collectors are already taking advantage of the falling prices of singles from the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. The initial excitement has subsided, and the inflated prices are rapidly declining, presenting a golden opportunity for savvy collectors.

This isn't just a typical post-release price drop; it's a result of increased stock availability and Pokémon investors moving on to other interests. This shift makes it significantly more cost-effective to purchase individual cards rather than risk investing in overpriced sealed boxes, no matter how tempting they might seem. Here’s why buying singles is a strategic move 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 market value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set is more than double the shelf price, reminiscent of the overpricing seen with the 151 set. However, we're seeing signs of relief from the global stock shortages affecting Pokémon TCG.

For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR was sold for around $500 starting April 20th, but its price has plummeted to approximately $370.77 in recent days, indicating a healthy market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has dropped from $250 to $163, a significant $87 reduction within a week. These rapid price drops suggest that more scalpers are exiting the market, reducing artificial price inflation upon 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

While the focus often falls on the high-value chase cards, the Glory of Team Rocket's Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants offer stunning visuals that are typically undervalued. Cards like Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex have increased in value by over $6 since release, now at $38.75. These cards, featuring full-color Pokémon with a trainer outline in the background, are worth collecting.

Interestingly, not all cards follow the same trend. Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has stabilized at $12.94 after dropping from $26, making it an appealing choice for collectors of the first generation and fans of the original Pokémon anime. Similarly, Moltres and Crobat cards are currently undervalued and could appreciate over time.

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, key figures from the first and second generations of Pokémon. Giovanni, the iconic leader of Team Rocket, and Ariana, his second-in-command in Johto, bring a sense of history to any collection. While there's limited data on Giovanni 129/098, its value is expected to remain around $17, making it a worthwhile purchase if found cheaper. Ariana 128/098, with its stunning artwork, is currently listed between $17 and $18, offering good value for collectors.

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 illustration rares and art rares from the Scarlet and Violet era are some of the best-looking cards available, often overlooked and undervalued. They are perfect for collectors looking to build a visually appealing collection that may also appreciate in value.

Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098, a card with strong ties to the franchise, has seen its price drop from nearly $40 at launch to around $19.25 currently. This is a great deal if you can find it below $20. Meanwhile, Blaziken 101/098, known for its stunning artwork and playable Infernal Legs attack, is surprisingly undervalued at $9.40, making it a must-buy for collectors and players alike.

While opening boosters of The Glory of Team Rocket can be thrilling, the current market offers incredible bargains on single cards. Keep in mind that the prices mentioned here are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability on TCG Player can fluctuate due to its live marketplace nature. This dynamic environment adds an exciting element to collecting. If you missed out on deals like the Charizard Sam's Club offer, it's worth checking back regularly for new opportunities.

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