The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) market in 2025 is thriving, with the special Scarlet & Violet – 151 set proving to be a nostalgic powerhouse for investors and collectors. Released on September 22, 2023, this 165-card expansion celebrates the original Kanto Pokémon, featuring all 151 from the first generation in Pokédex order, plus secret rares. Once valued modestly due to heavy printing, 151 has seen significant price growth, with sealed products like Booster Boxes rising from $120 in early 2024 to $160 by September 2025—a 33% increase. Chase cards have climbed 15-30%, driven by scarcity, collector demand, and ties to Kanto nostalgia. This article analyzes 151’s recent price surge and its investment appeal.
Sealed Products: Booster Boxes and ETBs on the Rise
Sealed 151 products are gaining traction as supply tightens two years post-release. Booster Boxes, containing 36 packs (360 cards total), started at $100-120 but hit $160 in July 2025, up 25% year-to-date, fueled by holiday demand and limited reprints. Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs), retailing at $50, now average $60-70, a 20-40% jump, thanks to their nine packs, exclusive Mew ex promo, and Kanto-themed sleeves. Booster Bundles have increased from $25 to $35-40, while Ultra Premium Collections (UPCs) with stamped promos like Charizard ex fetch $80-100, up 25%. The 2025 market reflects a 27% overall sealed product uptick, with 151 benefiting from its special set status and no mainline dilution.
Single Cards: Chase Cards Fueling Nostalgia
151’s chase cards, emphasizing Kanto icons, are the surge’s stars, with top singles appreciating steadily. Charizard ex (199/165, Special Illustration Rare) leads at $254 raw (up from $200 in 2024, a 27% rise), praised for its fiery artwork and PSA 10 grades hitting $1,186. Blastoise ex (200/165) climbed to $79 raw, a 20% increase, while Venusaur ex (198/165) reached $150+, up 25%. Mew ex (151/165) has spiked 30% to $100-120, driven by its elusive design and meta relevance. Mid-tier Illustration Rares like Erika (203/165) rose 15% to $50, but the top five chases—Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, Mew, and Zapdos ex—account for 75% of the set’s value growth. Pull rates (1:500 for top SIRs) enhance rarity, with raw cards grading well for 2x returns.
What’s Driving the Price Rise?
151’s 2025 resurgence stems from multiple factors. Scarcity plays a big role: As a special set, its print run is finite, leading to shortages amid Kanto hype from games like Legends: Z-A. Nostalgia for Gen 1 Pokémon has amplified demand, with collectors chasing complete sets. The broader Pokémon cards market is buoyant, with a 42% individual card rise and influencers spotlighting 151 as a “must-own” for its Pokédex completeness. Recent trends show a 15-30% chase card uptick since January, with sets like Prismatic Evolutions boosting overall interest in vintage-themed expansions. Holiday buying and community events have pushed prices higher, with predictions of $200 Booster Boxes by year-end.
Investment Outlook and Tips
151 sealed products promise solid ROI: A $160 Booster Box could reach $200 by end-2025, while graded Charizard ex PSA 10s exceed $1,000. Focus on ETBs for their promos and quick flips, securing at retail to dodge scalpers. Risks include minor dips from reprints (like the 2025 ETB refresh) or market corrections, but long-term holds (2–5 years) are ideal, with pristine storage key. 151’s total market value per box nearing $200 positions it as a low-risk gem in the 2025 Pokémon cards market.
In summary, 151’s 20-40% sealed surge and 15-30% chase card increases underscore its enduring appeal. Whether collecting Kanto classics or investing, this set is a cornerstone for Pokémon cards fans.