Pokémon TCG: Team Rocket Prices Drop - What to Buy Now

As we eagerly await the release of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, savvy collectors are already diving into the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. With the initial frenzy over and prices dropping rapidly, now is an opportune time to start building your collection. The market is seeing a significant cooldown, fueled by increased stock availability and the exit of speculative investors, making single card purchases much more cost-effective than investing in overpriced sealed boxes.

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 for Japanese booster boxes of The Glory of Team Rocket set is significantly higher than their initial price, reminiscent of the overpricing seen with set 151. However, there's hope on the horizon as global stock shortages for Pokémon TCG are starting to ease.

For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, which was listed at around $500 on April 20, has plummeted to $370.77 in recent days, indicating a healthy market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has seen a notable decline from $250 to $163, a $87 drop within just a week. These rapid price drops suggest that fewer scalpers are inflating the market, reducing artificial price hikes on 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 spotlight often shines on the high-value chase cards, the Glory of Team Rocket set offers stunning Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants that are often overlooked. These cards, such as Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex, have seen a value increase to $38.75 since their release, showcasing their potential. The set's art style, reminiscent of Journey Together's full-color Pokémon with trainer outlines, makes these cards a must-have for collectors.

Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex, an iconic card from the first generation and the Pokémon anime, has stabilized at $12.94 after dropping from $26. Its menacing look and nostalgic appeal make it a great investment with potential for future growth. The same can be said for Moltres and Crobat cards.

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 set brings a wave of nostalgia with cards featuring Team Rocket leaders like Giovanni and Ariana, key figures from the first and second generations. Giovanni's card 129/098, showcasing Team Rocket's leadership, is expected to maintain its value around $17, making any lower-priced listings a great find. Ariana's card 128/098, with its stunning artwork, is currently priced between $17 and $18, and any deals below this are worth grabbing.

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 Scarlet and Violet era brings some of the best artwork in the form of illustration rares and art rares, which are often undervalued despite their aesthetic appeal. These cards are perfect for collectors looking to expand their binders while investing in pieces that may appreciate over time.

Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098, linked iconically to Team Rocket, has seen its price fall to $19.25 from nearly $40 at launch, making it a fantastic buy under $20. Blaziken 101/098, with its striking artwork and powerful in-game mechanics, is another card worth picking up now before its value rises.

While the allure of opening booster packs from The Glory of Team Rocket is strong, the real bargains lie in single cards. Keep in mind that prices mentioned here are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability on TCG Player can fluctuate, adding an exciting element to the hunt.

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