I noticed Pokémon 151 booster bundles are back on Amazon, which should be exciting news for collectors. However, the price tag raises some eyebrows. Amazon is listing the bundle for over $60, significantly higher than the MSRP of $26.94. It's hard to call this a "deal," but given how quickly this set sells out, it's difficult to completely dismiss it.

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, which goes beyond mere nostalgia. The card art in this set is exceptional, far surpassing the typical shiny-object-on-a-blank-background design. For instance, the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur is depicted hiding amidst giant leaves, reminiscent of a scene from a Ghibli movie. It's truly captivating. Then there's Alakazam ex, portrayed as if it's studying for a psychic PhD in a cluttered study, adding a unique charm to the card.

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 strong abilities but also boast artwork that could grace a gallery. Even Charmander has been upgraded, now sporting 70 HP, which is significant enough to withstand minor attacks that would have previously knocked it out. This subtle yet important enhancement encapsulates the set's overall approach.

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 winner. Zapdos ex, for example, is decent but doesn't stand out enough to be a centerpiece for a deck or a framed piece. However, the overall quality remains high. Venusaur ex excels in both functionality and aesthetics, while Squirtle's artwork successfully portrays a cartoon turtle as part of a real ecosystem. The attention to detail in these designs is truly commendable.

While I'm not thrilled about paying above MSRP, I can't deny the value this set offers. If you're looking for packs that are enjoyable to open and have a good chance of yielding high-value pulls, the Pokémon 151 set remains a strong contender. Just be prepared for the price being whatever Amazon decides it should be on any given day.