The Pokémon 151 booster bundles are back on Amazon, which should be great news for collectors. However, with the price more than double the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), it's hard to call it a celebration. Amazon lists the bundle at over $60, despite its actual retail price being $26.94. It's a steep "deal," but considering how quickly this set sells out, it's hard to dismiss entirely.
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 is exceptional, far surpassing the typical shiny-thing-on-a-blank-background style. Take the Illustration Rare Bulbasaur, for instance. It's depicted hiding in a jungle of giant leaves, reminiscent of a scene from a Ghibli movie. Then there's Alakazam ex, portrayed in a cluttered study as if working on a psychic PhD. These designs are not only visually appealing but also oddly charming.

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 offer robust abilities and look like they belong in an art gallery. Even Charmander has been upgraded, now boasting 70 HP, which is enough to withstand chip damage that would have knocked out weaker versions. This subtle yet significant enhancement encapsulates the essence of the set.

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 standout. Zapdos ex, for example, is decent but not particularly noteworthy for its art or gameplay potential. However, the overall quality of the set remains high. Venusaur ex excels in both function and flair, while Squirtle's artwork convincingly places the cartoon turtle in a realistic ecosystem. The attention to detail in these designs is commendable.
While I'm not thrilled about paying above MSRP, it's undeniable that the 151 set is packed with value. If you're looking for packs that are fun to open and offer a chance at high-value pulls, this set is still one of the better options available. Just be prepared to pay whatever premium Amazon decides to charge on any given day.