The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is buzzing with excitement over the upcoming release of the Pokémon 151 Blooming Waters Premium Collection, seen as one of the last chances for collectors to grab coveted items from the highly sought after 151 set.
Despite being released in late 2023, the 151 expansion has become notoriously difficult to find at retail prices. Many collectors have been forced to turn to scalpers, often paying much higher prices for these cards. According to ComicBook.com, the release of the 151 Blooming Waters Premium Collection is expected to be one last opportunity for fans to get their hands on these packs at retail before they disappear from the shelves.
This special collection will feature twelve booster packs as well as five promo cards showcasing beloved Pokémon like Bulbasaur and Blastoise ex. The retail price is set at $69.99 / £79.99, and with some retailers like Costco already selling them, eager collectors are encouraged to act fast to secure pre-orders at other major retailers, including Best Buy and GameStop.
The exploration of the 151 set's value doesn't stop there. The set is beloved for its nostalgic offerings and includes some of the finest cards of the series, including major favorites like Charizard. Some noteworthy recent trends have emerged, including the sharp price increase for standout cards. The Charizard ex cards alone skyrocketed from $150 to over $200 during October 2024, with many other illustration rares also gaining value.
But perhaps one of the most innovative features of Pokémon TCG: Pocket is the Flair system, which allows players to add special effects to their cards. This brings additional vibrancy to battles, making each encounter feel more unique and personalized. While most Flair effects typically require both Shinedust—the game's currency—and extra copies of the cards, the rules change for some rarer cards.
For example, the coveted Moltres EX card recently awarded to Premium Pass subscribers can be enhanced with Flair without needing any extra copies. This clever design choice allows players to enjoy significant visual customization without the hassle of needing to find multiples of each card. Many collectible cards from this set allow players to attach Flair by merely spending enough Shinedust.
The Flair system is seen as another layer of engagement, allowing players to express their individual styles and strategies. Players hoping to check the requirements for their specific cards simply need to navigate to their card binder, where the option to "obtain Flair" provides all necessary details on special effects and their costs.
Given the current supply challenges, it’s clear the Blooming Waters Premium Collection is not just another release; it may well turn out to be one of the last chances to snag Pokémon 151 products at retail prices before the sets are fully sold out or priced beyond reach. With the Pokémon trading card community becoming more enthusiastic and competitive, collectors are encouraged to explore their options sooner rather than later.
Finding and securing rare cards can feel like hunting for treasures, and the nostalgia associated with Pokémon is stronger than ever. With new Pokémon sets always on the horizon, the Blooming Waters collection could serve as both a footstep forward for newer collectors and as the culmination of years of work for veteran players tracking down the finest and rarest cards available. Will you be one of the fortunate collectors to add these cards to your collection?