Team Rocket Japanese Singles Prices Plummet: What to Buy Now

As we eagerly await the release of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, collectors have already begun diving into the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. Now is an opportune moment to join them, as the initial frenzy has subsided, and prices are rapidly decreasing.

This isn't merely the usual post-release dip; it's a combination of increased stock availability and savvy Pokébro investors shifting their focus elsewhere. This shift makes purchasing individual cards a more budget-friendly option compared to investing in expensive sealed boxes, despite their allure. Here's why opting for singles could be a wise choice for US collectors at this time.

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 their initial shelf price. We haven't witnessed such overpricing since the release of 151, but there's hope as we see signs of recovery from global Pokémon TCG stock shortages.

Take Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, for instance; its sold listings started at around $500 on April 20th but have since plummeted to $370.77 in just a few days. This is a promising sign of market correction.

Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR saw a decrease from $250 to $163, marking an $87 drop within a week. While not as drastic, it's still significant. These rapid 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

It's not just the high-priced chase cards that are worth considering; the Glory of Team Rocket's Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants are visually striking. These often-overlooked cards are a great find for collectors like us.

For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has increased in value by over $6 since its release, now at $38.75. These cards, featuring the full-color Pokémon with an outline of their trainer in the background, are definitely worth collecting.

Perhaps it's a Mewtwo trend? On the other hand, Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has dropped from $26 to a stable $12.94. This iconic card is beloved by fans of the first generation and watchers of the original Pokémon anime. Its menacing appearance is a collector's dream, and it's poised to rise in value over time, as are 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

The nostalgia factor is strong with cards featuring Giovanni and Ariana from generations one and two. Giovanni, the infamous leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, the interim boss in Johto, bring back fond memories.

There's limited data on Giovanni 129/098, but its depiction of Team Rocket's leadership suggests it will hold steady at around $17. If you find it cheaper, it's a steal. In this set, expect to pay a premium for anything related to Giovanni or Mewtwo.

Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 boasts a stunning artwork variant, with prices ranging from $17 to $18. Given the set's recent release, it's hard to predict its long-term value, but any listing below $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 most impressive artwork from the Scarlet and Violet era can be found in illustration rares and art rares. These affordable and visually appealing cards are often overlooked, making them excellent additions to any collection.

Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 currently stands at around $19.25, a significant drop from its launch price of nearly $40. Given its iconic connection to Team Rocket, this card is still on a downward trend, making any price below $20 a fantastic deal.

Blaziken 101/098 is another card experiencing a rapid price decline. Its stunning artwork captures the essence of this beloved generation three starter Pokémon. With its potential for value growth and playable Infernal Legs attack, capable of dealing 120 damage to both an active and a benched Pokémon, it's a card worth snagging now.

While opening boosters from The Glory of Team Rocket can be thrilling despite their cost and limited contents, the real bargains are in the single cards. Please note that all prices mentioned are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability on TCG Player may fluctuate due to its live marketplace nature. That's part of the excitement! If you missed out on the Charizard Sam's Club deal, keep checking back; you might catch it at a better price.

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