I've noticed that Pokémon 151 booster bundles are back on Amazon, and while that might seem like good news for collectors, the price tag raises some concerns. These bundles are listed at over $60, which is more than double the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26.94. It's hard to call that a "deal," but given the rapid sell-out rate of this set, it's difficult to completely dismiss it.

Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle Is Back In Stock For A Premium

Pokémon TCG: 151 Booster Bundle

Full Disclosure: MSRP is $26.94
$82.50 save 16%
$68.92 at Amazon

What keeps drawing me back to the 151 set is its ability to go beyond mere nostalgia. The card art in this set is exceptional, far surpassing the typical glossy designs. Take the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur, for instance, which appears as if it's lost in a lush jungle, reminiscent of a scene from a Ghibli film. It's captivating. Then there's Alakazam ex, depicted as if it's conducting psychic research amidst a cluttered study, adding an endearing charm.

Charmeleon - 169/165

$30.99 at TCG Player

Bulbasaur - 166/165

$37.99 at TCG Player

Alakazam ex - 201/165

$53.99 at TCG Player

Squirtle - 170/165

$40.99 at TCG Player

Charizard ex - 183/165

$35.40 at TCG Player

The strength of this set lies in its seamless integration of art and gameplay, without overdoing it. Cards like Blastoise ex boast strong abilities while also being visually stunning enough to hang in a gallery. Even Charmander has been given a boost, now with 70 HP, which is significant enough to withstand minor attacks that would have previously knocked it out. These subtle yet important enhancements encapsulate the essence of this set.

Charmander - 168/165

$45.05 at TCG Player

Zapdos ex - 202/165

$60.68 at TCG Player

Blastoise ex - 200/165

$60.00 at TCG Player

Venusaur ex - 198/165

$77.73 at TCG Player

Charizard ex - 199/165

$234.99 at TCG Player

Not every card hits the mark. Zapdos ex, for example, is satisfactory but not particularly noteworthy either for its art or gameplay. However, the overall quality of the set remains high. Venusaur ex successfully blends functionality with artistic flair, and Squirtle's artwork convincingly places a cartoon turtle into a believable ecosystem. It's clear a lot of thought and care went into these designs.

While I'm not thrilled about paying above MSRP, it's impossible to ignore how packed with value this set is. If you've been waiting for packs that are genuinely exciting to open and offer a good chance at high-value cards, the Pokémon 151 set remains a strong contender. Just be prepared for the price to be whatever Amazon decides on any given day.