As a Pokémon card collector who’s dabbled in investing over the years, I’ve seen plenty of sets come and go, but none have the timeless appeal and proven staying power of Scarlet & Violet – 151. Released on September 22, 2023, this mini-expansion celebrating the original 151 Kanto Pokémon has transformed from a nostalgic hit into a cornerstone of the Pokémon TCG market. In October 2025, with the hobby riding high on anniversary buzz and rotation rumors, 151 stands out as the best set to invest in right now. Sealed Booster Boxes have climbed from around $135 at launch to $200-250 today, while chase cards like Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare (SIR) have surged from under $200 to $288 in just months. Drawing from my own stack of ETBs and singles sourced from Card Chill, I’ll break down why 151 is a smart buy, highlight its top performers, and share strategies to maximize returns—all while keeping things straightforward for fellow investors.
The Nostalgic Powerhouse: Why 151 Dominates Investments
What sets 151 apart? It’s pure Kanto magic in a Scarlet & Violet wrapper. This 207-card set (165 main, 42 secret rares) features every original Pokémon in Pokédex order, from Bulbasaur to Mew, with stunning Illustration Rares (IRs), Special Illustration Rares (SIRs), and Hyper Rares that blend retro charm with modern flair. Unlike sprawling expansions like Surging Sparks, 151‘s focused theme taps into eternal nostalgia—think the return of Abra, Kadabra, and Alakazam together after 21 years due to a resolved legal saga. That story alone drives collector demand, making it a perennial favorite
Market trends back this up: In 2025, 151 has shown “incredible staying power,” with all top 15 cards rising in value across multiple months. Sealed products are exploding—Booster Bundles, once $27 retail, now hit $40-50, a 50% jump, while Japanese versions (compatible with English) go for $185 on Amazon, below TCGPlayer averages. Community buzz on Reddit’s r/PokeInvesting echoes this: Investors who grabbed boxes at $135 are sitting on 80-100% gains, with many predicting 50th-anniversary spikes in 2026. Compared to flash-in-the-pan sets, 151’s limited print run and broad appeal (collectors, players, and flippers alike) position it for 30-50% growth by year’s end, especially as Standard rotation looms.
For me, it’s the perfect balance: High liquidity (easy to sell on TCGPlayer or eBay) and emotional pull. I picked up an ETB from Card Chill’s Pokémon hub last year for $50; today, it’s worth $80-90 with the included Zapdos ex promo. If you’re eyeing investments under $200 entry, this is your set.
Top Chase Cards: Where the Real Money Is
151‘s value shines in its chase cards—SIRs and IRs of icons like the starters and Legendaries. Here’s a rundown of the heavy hitters, with 2025 trends showing steady climbs despite minor dips (e.g., a $12 drop in June that quickly rebounded). Prices are TCGPlayer averages as of October 2025; expect 10-20% monthly fluctuations.
- Charizard ex SIR (199/165): The undisputed king, illustrated by Miki Kudo. It exploded from $238 in January to $288 in February, dipped to $180 in June, then stabilized at $211 in August—now trending up toward $250+. Why invest? Nostalgia + meta viability in Fire decks. PSA 10s could hit $500 by 2026; I flipped a raw one for 40% profit earlier this year.
- Blastoise ex SIR (200/165): Steady climber at $69 in August, up from $63 in July. Its tanky Water-type design appeals to players; expect $100+ as supply tightens.
- Venusaur ex SIR (198/165): Close behind at $66 in August, with $9 gains in early 2025. Grass-type fans love it—great for budget decks and collections.
- Zapdos ex SIR (202/165): Electric powerhouse at $56, up $5 recently. Promo versions in boxes add extra value; it’s a meta staple pushing demand
- Alakazam ex (various arts): Mitsuhiro Arita’s full-art hit $50+, rebounding from launch dips thanks to the Kadabra saga hype. Sleeper hit for 20-30% growth
Other notables: Charmander IR ($20+ jump in February), Dragonair IR (from $15 to $30+), and Squirtle IR (up $10 in January). Master sets (all pack-pulled cards) now cost ~$900 without promos, up from $500 last year, while full grandmasters with exclusives hit $4,000. These trends scream “buy now”—pull rates favor SIRs (1:100 packs), but singles from Card Chill’s TCG Sets page let you target without gambling.
Investment Strategies: How to Profit from 151
Building on my experience, here’s how to turn 151 into gains:
- Sealed Focus (60% Allocation): Booster Boxes at $200-250 offer 50-100% ROI potential by 2026, per r/PokeInvesting vets. Grab Bundles ($40) or ETBs ($50-60) from Card Chill—they include promos like stamped starters for quick flips.
- Singles Hunting (40% Allocation): Target SIRs under $100 (e.g., Venusaur ex) for 20-40% short-term pops. Grade NM+ cards via PSA for 2-3x multipliers—my Charizard ex PSA 9 netted $400. Diversify and Hold: Mix starters (timeless) with Legendaries (meta-driven). Avoid overpaying; Japanese boxes at $185 are a steal for identical pulls. Track via TCGPlayer or PriceCharting; buy dips like May’s $26 Charizard drop.
- Risks and Timing: Minor volatility (e.g., $12 Charizard dip in June) is normal, but rotation in 2026 could spark a vintage boom like Evolving Skies. Enter now—supply is drying up, with Chinese reprints in 2025 adding global hype without flooding English markets
The Bottom Line: 151 is Your 2025 Power Play
In a market flooded with shiny Tera gimmicks, Scarlet & Violet – 151 cuts through with unbreakable Kanto roots and rock-solid trends—rising values across the board, from $288 Charizards to $30 Dragonairs. It’s not just an investment; it’s a piece of Pokémon history that’s appreciating faster than most modern sets. Whether stacking sealed from Card Chill or cherry-picking SIRs at Card Chill’s Pokémon hub, 151 offers low-risk entry and high-reward potential. As one r/PokeInvesting thread put it: “151 is going to be one of those sets we remember forever.” Dive in now—your binder (and wallet) will thank you.