The return of Pokémon 151 booster bundles on Amazon is a bittersweet moment for collectors. While it's great to see them back in stock, the price tag raises some eyebrows. Currently listed at over $60, it's more than double the MSRP of $26.94. It's hard to call this a "deal," but given the set's rapid sell-out rate, it's difficult to dismiss entirely.

Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle Is Back In Stock For A Premium

Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle

0Full Disclosure: MSRP is $26.94$82.50 save 16%$68.92 at Amazon

What keeps drawing me back to the 151 set is its quality beyond mere nostalgia. The card art in this set is exceptional, moving far beyond the typical shiny-thing-on-a-blank-background style. Take the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur, for instance. It's depicted hiding in a jungle of giant leaves, reminiscent of a Ghibli movie, and it's beautifully executed. Then there's Alakazam ex, portrayed as if it's studying for a psychic PhD in a cluttered study, which adds a unique charm.

Charmeleon - 169/165

0$30.99 at TCG Player

Bulbasaur - 166/165

0$37.99 at TCG Player

Alakazam ex - 201/165

0$53.99 at TCG Player

Squirtle - 170/165

0$40.99 at TCG Player

Charizard ex - 183/165

0$35.40 at TCG Player

The strength of this set lies in its seamless integration of art and gameplay. Cards like Blastoise ex not only have robust abilities but also boast artwork worthy of a gallery. Even Charmander has seen an upgrade, now with 70 HP, which is enough to withstand minor damage that would have previously knocked it out. This subtle yet significant enhancement encapsulates the essence of the set.

Charmander - 168/165

0$45.05 at TCG Player

Zapdos ex - 202/165

0$60.68 at TCG Player

Blastoise ex - 200/165

0$60.00 at TCG Player

Venusaur ex - 198/165

0$77.73 at TCG Player

Charizard ex - 199/165

0$234.99 at TCG Player

Not every card is a standout. Zapdos ex, for example, is decent but not particularly noteworthy in terms of art or gameplay. However, the overall quality of the set remains high. Venusaur ex excels in both function and aesthetics, while Squirtle's artwork successfully portrays a cartoon turtle in a realistic ecosystem, showcasing the meticulous design effort.

While I'm not thrilled about paying above MSRP, it's undeniable that this set is packed with value. If you're looking for packs that are genuinely enjoyable to open and offer a good chance at high-value pulls, the Pokémon 151 set remains a strong contender. Just be prepared to pay whatever premium Amazon decides to charge on any given day.