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, and now is the perfect moment to join the fray. The initial frenzy has subsided, and inflated prices are plummeting rapidly.

This isn't merely a typical post-release dip; it's a combination of broader stock availability and savvy Pokébro investors shifting their focus elsewhere. This shift makes it much more cost-effective for collectors in the US to purchase individual cards rather than taking a chance on overpriced sealed boxes. Here's why opting for singles might be the strategic choice for collectors right now.

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

Just take a look at the current value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set; they're more than double the shelf price at the moment. We haven't witnessed such overpricing since the 151 set, but there's hope on the horizon as we're seeing signs of an end to the global stock shortages in the Pokémon TCG.

Consider Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR as an example; its sold listings started at around $500 on April 20, but have now plummeted to approximately $370.77 over the past few days. This represents a robust start to market correction.

Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has seen a decline from sales around $250 to $163. While not as drastic, this $87 drop in just a week is still significant. These early price drops indicate that more scalpers are exiting the hobby, which in turn reduces 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; Glory of Team Rocket's Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants are visually stunning. Often overlooked in each set, these cards are a gem for collectors like us.

Interestingly, certain cards such as Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex have seen a value increase of about $6 since release, now sitting at $38.75. With their full-color Pokémon art and trainer outlines in the background, these cards are definitely worth collecting.

Is it just a Mewtwo phenomenon? Not quite. Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has followed a predictable pattern, dropping from $26 to a stable $12.94. This card, iconic for fans of the first generation and viewers of the initial Pokémon anime, is a must-have, especially with its menacing design. This is one of those cards you should buy now and watch appreciate over time, and the same goes for 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

There's a wave of nostalgia here from generations one and two, particularly with Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the iconic leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, who steps in as the interim boss in Johto, are pivotal figures in the Pokémon lore.

Data on Giovanni 129/098 is limited, but it showcases Team Rocket's leadership alongside the boss himself. It's likely to maintain its value around the $17 mark, so any cheaper listings are a steal. A general rule for this set: if it's Giovanni or Mewtwo, expect to pay a premium.

Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 boasts stunning variant artwork, with prices ranging between $17 and $18. Although the set hasn't been out long enough for a definitive value assessment, any listing below $18 is a great deal currently.

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 belongs to illustration rares and art rares. They're affordable and visually striking, often the most underappreciated cards in the TCG. If you're looking to expand your collection across binders, increase its value, and enjoy stunning designs, this is the way to go.

Currently, Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 is topping the list at around $19.25. That's a nearly $20 drop from the launch of The Glory of Team Rocket, which is typical so soon after release. Given Meowth's iconic association with Team Rocket (though Jesse and James are notably absent from this set), it's still on a downward trajectory, making any price below $20 an excellent deal.

Surprisingly, Blaziken 101/098 is another card experiencing a sharp decline. Its artwork is phenomenal, capturing the essence of this beloved generation three starter Pokémon. These qualities usually signal a future value increase, suggesting this is a card to grab now. It's also playable, with its Infernal Legs attack capable of dealing 120 damage to both an active and a benched Pokémon, potentially securing two prize cards in one move.

If you're tempted to open boosters of The Glory of Team Rocket despite their price and the five-card count of Japanese packs, by all means, go for it. However, there are incredible bargains to be found on single cards. Please note that the prices mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability can fluctuate due to TCG Player being a live secondary marketplace. But that's part of the excitement, right? If you missed the Charizard Sam's Club deal, it might be worth checking back to see if it's still available.

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