Team Rocket Japanese Singles Prices Plummet: What to Buy Now

As we eagerly await the arrival of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, collectors are already diving into the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. Now is an opportune moment to join the fray, as the initial hype has subsided and prices are rapidly declining. This isn't just the typical post-release dip; it's a result of increased stock availability and Pokébro investors shifting their focus, making it more cost-effective to purchase individual cards rather than investing in overpriced sealed boxes.

Here's why opting for singles could be a savvy strategy 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

Consider the current market value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set, which are now more than double their shelf price. We haven't witnessed such overpricing since the 151 set, but there's hope on the horizon as global stock shortages for Pokémon TCG seem to be easing.

For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, which was fetching around $500 on April 20th, has plummeted to approximately $370.77 in recent days. This indicates a robust market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has dropped from $250 to $163—a significant $87 decrease within a week. These swift price reductions suggest that more scalpers are exiting the hobby, reducing artificial price inflation at 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

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 and often overlooked. These cards are a great find for collectors like us. Notably, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has increased in value by over $6 since its release, now at $38.75. These cards, featuring full-color Pokémon with their trainers in the background, are definitely worth picking up.

Is it just a Mewtwo phenomenon? Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has performed as expected, dropping from $26 to a stable $12.94. This card, iconic for Generation 1 fans and viewers of the original Pokémon anime, is a menacing addition to any collection. It's a card to buy now and watch appreciate over time, much 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

These cards evoke peak nostalgia from Generations 1 and 2, particularly with Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the notorious leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, the interim boss in Johto, are key figures. While there's limited data on Giovanni 129/098, it's expected to maintain its value around $17, so any lower price is a steal. A general rule for this set: if it features Giovanni or Mewtwo, expect to pay a premium.

Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098, with its stunning artwork, is currently priced between $17 and $18. Given the set's recent release, it's too early to fully assess its 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 finest artwork in the Scarlet and Violet era can be found in illustration rares and art rares. These cards are not only affordable but also 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 to focus on.

Currently, Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 is priced 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 anything below $20 a fantastic deal.

Blaziken 101/098 is another card experiencing a price crash, despite its incredible artwork and fan-favorite status from Generation 3. Its Infernal Legs attack, which deals 120 damage to both the active and a benched Pokémon, makes it a powerful card that should be worth more. This is a card to grab now before its value rebounds.

While opening boosters from The Glory of Team Rocket can be tempting despite their cost and limited five-card packs, the real bargains are in the single cards. Please note that the prices mentioned here are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability on TCG Player can fluctuate due to its live secondary marketplace nature. This dynamic environment is part of the fun. If you missed out on the Charizard Sam's Club deal, it's worth checking back to see if it's still available.

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