Pokémon TCG: Glory of Team Rocket Japanese Single Prices Have Crashed, Here's What You Can Pick Up

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. Now is the perfect moment to join them, as the initial frenzy has subsided and inflated prices are rapidly declining.

This isn't just the typical post-release dip; it's a combination of increased stock availability and savvy Pokébro investors moving on, making it more cost-effective to buy cards individually rather than risking high-priced sealed boxes. Here’s why opting for single cards is a smart strategy for US collectors at this time.

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

The current value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set remains more than double their shelf price, reminiscent of the overpricing seen during the 151 set. However, we're now seeing signs of relief from the global stock shortages plaguing the Pokémon TCG.

Take Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, for example. It started at around $500 on April 20 but has plummeted to $370.77 in recent days, indicating a strong market correction.

Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has also seen a significant drop, going from about $250 to $163—a decrease of $87 in just a week. These rapid declines suggest that more scalpers are exiting the market, reducing 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

While the chase cards often steal the spotlight, the Glory of Team Rocket's Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants offer stunning visuals that are typically underappreciated. Cards like Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex have seen a modest increase in value, climbing to $38.75 since release, showcasing the appeal of Journey Together's art style with full-color Pokémon and trainer outlines.

It's not just Mewtwo; Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex, a favorite among Generation 1 fans and Pokémon anime viewers, has stabilized at $12.94 after dropping from $26. This card, with its menacing look, is a good investment for future growth, as are 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

The nostalgia factor is strong with Generation 1 and 2 cards, particularly Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni 129/098, featuring Team Rocket's leadership, is expected to hold its value around $17. If you find it cheaper, it's a great pick-up. Ariana 128/098, with its stunning artwork, is currently listed between $17 and $18, making anything under $18 a good deal.

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

The Scarlet and Violet era has produced some of the best artwork in illustration rares and art rares, which are often overlooked yet affordable and visually striking. If you're aiming to build a collection that spans binders and appreciates in value, these cards are the way to go.

Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098, despite its iconic connection to Team Rocket, has fallen to around $19.25 from nearly $40 at launch. Any deal below $20 is worth considering.

Blaziken 101/098 is another card to watch, with its incredible artwork and playable Infernal Legs attack, which can deal 120 damage to both an active and a benched Pokémon. This card, capable of snagging two prize cards in one move, is currently undervalued and a great buy.

While opening boosters of The Glory of Team Rocket might still appeal despite the cost and smaller pack sizes, the real bargains lie in single cards. Note that all prices mentioned are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability may fluctuate on TCG Player, a dynamic secondary marketplace. Keep an eye out for deals, especially if you missed out on the Charizard Sam's Club offer.

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