It’s a Better Deal Than the Booster Bundle

The upside? Prices for singles from the 151 set are dropping fast. So instead of gambling on blind packs, you can pick up exactly the cards you want — from heavy hitters like Charizard ex to stunning collector pieces like the alt-art Pikachu — for way less.

If you’re after nostalgia, go ahead and crack some packs from the wallet-busting 151 bundle. But if you’re building a competitive deck or just chasing standout cards like Blastoise ex, the smart move is investing in singles. Sites like TCGplayer offer great value, and buying directly means no dud pulls, no wasted cash, and just the cards you care about.

Best 151 Illustration Cards to Collect

Blastoise ex (200/165) is currently the crown jewel of the 151 illustrated rares, and for good reason. Priced at about $66, it features a serene riverside scene of Blastoise at rest, a far cry from typical action poses.

The artwork feels more like a Ghibli frame than a trading card, which is why collectors are paying top dollar for it. It’s a grail card that you’d be extremely lucky to pull from a booster pack, let alone multiple copies.

Venusaur ex (198/165) isn’t far behind. Retailing around $60, it showcases the Grass-type legend lounging among blooming flowers in a dreamy forest scene.

These Illustration Rares are printed with unique texturing and alternate art styles, offering depth and color palettes that set them apart from standard ex cards. If your collection leans toward display-worthy art, this is an easy pickup.

Then there’s Charmander (168/165), a fan favorite that combines cuteness and nostalgia in one of the most beloved alt-art designs in recent memory. Despite its popularity, you can currently snag it for under $50, which is less than the price of the booster bundle and a far better emotional return than pulling a non-holo Caterpie.

Best 151 Cards for Competitive TCG Decks

While the illustrated rares turn heads, the set also includes powerful cards for players looking to improve their competitive decks. Charizard ex (183/165) can cause a massive 160 damage with just one fire energy thanks to Brave Wing, just make sure it gets knocked around a bit first. It’s one of the few viable Charizards in standard play and it’s only about $39 as a single card.

Blastoise ex (184/165) also deserves a second mention, not just as a collector card but a solid battlefield tank. Its Solid Shell passive reduces incoming damage and Twin Cannons can hit for 140 per Water energy discarded, making it lethal in the late game. And if you don’t need the full-art version, the Alt Art ex is going for just $13.

Finally, Mew ex (193/165) offers unmatched versatility. Its Restart ability gives you a once-per-turn card draw boost and its Genome Hacking attack can copy an opponent’s attacks with ease. That makes it ideal for control decks and rogue strategies.

For under $27, it’s a tactical addition that gives you flexibility without wrecking your wallet. Mew ex – (205/165) has the same moveset but is only $13.49 at the time of writing, so you can slide double the Mews into your Psychic deck for the same price.

Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.