As we eagerly await the arrival of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, collectors are seizing the opportunity to acquire singles from the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. With the initial hype now subsiding, the inflated prices are rapidly declining, making this the ideal time to join the fray.

This price drop isn't just the typical post-release dip; it's driven by a combination of increased stock availability and Pokébro investors moving on to new opportunities. As a result, it's now far more cost-effective to purchase individual cards than to take a chance on overpriced sealed boxes, no matter how tempting they may seem. Here’s why focusing on singles is the strategic choice for US collectors at this moment.

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 value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set, which is more than double the shelf price right now. We haven't witnessed such overpricing since the 151 set, but there's hope on the horizon for resolving Pokémon TCG stock shortages worldwide.

For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR was initially listed at $500 starting April 20th, but it has now plummeted to around $370.77 over the past few days. This indicates a strong market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has decreased from around $250 to $163, marking an $87 drop within a week or so. These rapid price drops signal that more scalpers are exiting the hobby, reducing artificial 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 only about the high-priced chase cards; the Glory of Team Rocket set includes stunning Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants that often go underappreciated. These cards are a treasure trove for collectors like us.

We're not alone in recognizing their value. For example, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has increased by over $6 since its release, now valued at $38.75. These cards, featuring Pokémon in full color with their trainers outlined in the background, are a must-have.

Is it just a Mewtwo phenomenon? Not quite. Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has seen a more predictable drop from $26 to a stable $12.94. This card, beloved by fans of the first generation and the initial season of the Pokémon anime, not only holds nostalgic value but also looks more menacing than Brock with a frying pan. It's an excellent card to buy now and watch its value grow over time, similar to 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, especially for fans of generations one and two, with standout figures like Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the iconic leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, who steps in as the second interim boss in Johto, are central to the set's allure.

There's limited data on Giovanni 129/098 currently, but it showcases Team Rocket's leadership alongside Giovanni himself. It's expected to maintain its value around $17, so any cheaper listings are a steal. A general guideline for this set: expect to pay a premium for anything featuring Giovanni or Mewtwo.

Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 features a stunning variant of the standard trainer art, with prices ranging between $17 and $18. Given the set's recent release, it's challenging to assess its long-term value accurately, but any listing under $18 is a great deal at the moment.

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 most captivating artwork in the Scarlet and Violet era can be found in illustration rares and art rares. These cards are affordable, visually stunning, and often overlooked, making them perfect additions to any collection that aims to span binders, appreciate in value, and look impressive.

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, any price below $20 is a fantastic deal, especially as it continues to decline.

Blaziken 101/098 is another card experiencing a notable price drop. The artwork, showcasing why this generation three starter Pokémon is a fan favorite, suggests it has the potential for future value growth. Its Infernal Legs attack, capable of dealing 120 damage to both an active and a benched Pokémon, makes it a strategic choice for gameplay, offering the possibility of securing two prize cards in one move.

While opening boosters from The Glory of Team Rocket can be tempting, despite their price and limited five-card count, the real bargains lie in the single cards. Remember, 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 adds to the excitement of collecting. 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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