6 Must-Know Secrets Of The Pokémon Scarlet & Violet 151 Booster Bundle Box: Is The Hype Still Worth It?
The Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—151 Booster Bundle, often nicknamed the S3.5 set by collectors, continues to be one of the most sought-after products on the market as of December 2025. This special expansion has captivated both veteran collectors and new fans by tapping into the deep nostalgia of the original 151 Kanto region Pokémon, while integrating them with the modern mechanics of the *Scarlet & Violet* era. The question remains: with the set's release over a year ago, is the hunt for the iconic chase cards still worth the investment?
This comprehensive guide dives into everything you need to know about the *151* Booster Bundle, from its exact contents and original retail price to the most valuable cards you could pull, ensuring you have the most current and accurate information for your next Pokémon TCG purchase.
1. The Core Contents: What Exactly is the S3.5 Booster Bundle?
The product officially known as the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—151 Booster Bundle is a compact, highly desirable package that offers a concentrated opening experience. It is designed to give collectors a simple, straightforward way to expand their set collection without committing to a full Booster Box or an Elite Trainer Box (ETB).
- Product Name: Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—151 Booster Bundle.
- S3.5 Designation: The "S3.5" is a community and Japanese set designation, with the English release being the *151* expansion.
- Contents: Each Booster Bundle contains exactly six booster packs from the *Scarlet & Violet—151* expansion.
- Per Pack: Each booster pack contains 10 cards plus 1 Basic Energy card.
- Total Cards: A single Booster Bundle yields a total of 60 cards, plus 6 Basic Energy cards.
- Original Release Date: The set was released on September 22, 2023.
This format makes the Booster Bundle an excellent entry point for new collectors or a perfect, quick fix for seasoned players looking for a few more chances at a high-value pull.
2. The Kanto Nostalgia Factor: Why the 151 Set is a Phenomenon
The *Scarlet & Violet—151* expansion is not just another set; it's a dedicated tribute to the origins of the Pokémon franchise. The set features all 151 Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region, starting with Bulbasaur and ending with Mew.
The Return of the Originals
Unlike standard expansions, every card in this set is a Kanto Pokémon, giving it an unparalleled level of nostalgia. This includes the iconic trio of First-partner Pokémon: Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise, all of whom feature prominently as powerful Pokémon ex cards.
The artwork is a major highlight, with many cards featuring beautiful, continuous art across the evolutionary lines. The entire set is refreshed with the modern gameplay mechanics of the *Scarlet & Violet* series, making the cards tournament-legal and highly collectible.
3. The Chase Cards: The Most Valuable Pulls You're Hunting For
The true excitement of opening a *151* Booster Bundle lies in the hunt for the incredibly valuable Secret Rare cards. The set is famous for its Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares, which are full-art cards with stunning, unique artwork that often tells a story.
Top 5 Most Valuable Cards from Scarlet & Violet—151 (Approximate Current Market Value)
While prices fluctuate, these are consistently the most valuable cards you can pull, making the Booster Bundle a high-risk, high-reward purchase.
- Charizard ex (Special Illustration Rare, #199/165): Consistently the top chase card, featuring a breathtaking full-art illustration. A PSA 10 gem-mint copy has commanded prices well into the hundreds of dollars.
- Blastoise ex (Special Illustration Rare, #200/165): The water-type starter's alternate art is a powerhouse in both play and value.
- Venusaur ex (Special Illustration Rare, #198/165): Completing the starter trio, this card is highly sought after for its detailed art.
- Mew ex (Special Illustration Rare, #205/165): The mythical Pokémon's special art is a collector favorite, often featuring a unique, playful design.
- Erika's Invitation (Special Illustration Rare, #203/165): A highly valued Trainer card that features the iconic Gym Leader Erika in a beautiful full-art style.
Other highly desirable Illustration Rare cards that add significant value to a pull include Dragonair #181, Omanyte #180, and Tangela #178, demonstrating that even non-Pokémon ex cards can be major hits.
4. Understanding the Rarity Tiers (Illustration Rare vs. Secret Rare)
To maximize your collecting knowledge, it's essential to understand the different rarity designations in the *151* set. The most exciting pulls are all considered Secret Rares, identified by a collector number that is higher than the official set total (e.g., Charizard ex #199/165).
- Illustration Rare (IR): These are full-art cards, typically featuring Stage 1 or Basic Pokémon, with a unique art style.
- Special Illustration Rare (SIR): The most valuable cards in the set. These are usually the Pokémon ex or Trainer cards (like Erika's Invitation) with unique, borderless artwork.
- Ultra Rare (UR): These include the standard Pokémon ex cards that are not SIRs.
- Reverse Holo: A common card with a holographic pattern on the card's main body, excluding the artwork box.
The chance of pulling a Special Illustration Rare from a single Booster Bundle is what drives the aftermarket price and excitement for this particular product.
5. Current Market Value and Availability in December 2025
Despite being released in late 2023, the *151* Booster Bundle remains a premium product. Its original retail price was around $26 USD, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to get six booster packs.
However, due to the immense popularity of the set, the secondary market price has significantly increased. As of late 2025, the market price for a sealed Booster Bundle typically ranges from $87 to over $94 USD, depending on the retailer and current demand.
The high aftermarket value is a clear indicator that the demand for the Kanto originals has not waned, and collectors are willing to pay a premium for the chance to pull a high-value Charizard ex or complete their master set.
6. The Pokémon TCG Live Connection (PTCGL)
For players who engage with the digital side of the hobby, every physical booster pack in the *151* Booster Bundle includes a code card for the Pokémon TCG Live (PTCGL) platform.
This allows collectors to redeem the digital equivalent of the booster pack, adding cards to their online collection for deck building and competitive play. This dual-purpose value—physical collecting and digital play—further enhances the overall appeal and utility of the Booster Bundle for the modern Pokémon enthusiast.
Detail Author:
- Name : Beatrice Kessler
- Username : lincoln.yost
- Email : bridie19@friesen.com
- Birthdate : 1981-05-19
- Address : 7902 Arthur Burg Apt. 036 McDermottberg, TX 21376-0819
- Phone : 937-941-7271
- Company : Casper-Cruickshank
- Job : Highway Maintenance Worker
- Bio : Nisi veniam sequi modi corrupti reiciendis. Et voluptatem earum saepe ut sed aut ea. Quibusdam non et et laudantium voluptatibus est est. In harum natus molestiae est sunt natus.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/wiegand2007
- username : wiegand2007
- bio : Et rem illum est expedita ea qui alias esse.
- followers : 6649
- following : 771
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@eastonwiegand
- username : eastonwiegand
- bio : Dolorem ipsam explicabo veritatis consequatur consequatur iusto.
- followers : 6433
- following : 1187
