Alakazam ex Illustration Rare Pokémon 151: price and market value

Understated next to the Charizard and Mewtwo that hog all the attention, the Alakazam ex 151 price is still a legitimate question for any serious collector. This card, numbered 201/165 in the Scarlet & Violet - 151 set, belongs to the set's highest rarity tier: the Special Illustration Rare. It doesn't make the front page of the forums every week, but it changes hands regularly at prices that deserve a closer look. Its artwork signed by Shinya Komatsu, its emotional tie to the first generation, and the density of the set make it a card in its own right within a quality collection. Here's everything you need to know before buying or selling one.

The Scarlet & Violet - 151 set: context

Released in October 2023 in France, and a few weeks earlier on the English-language market under the name Scarlet & Violet - 151, this set held a special place in the Pokémon TCG catalog right from launch. The concept is simple and effective: reproduce all 151 Pokémon of the first generation in a modern format, with ex mechanics and polished art direction.

The set has 165 numbered cards, plus secret cards numbered up to 207. Among these secret cards are the Special Illustration Rares, the pull with the lowest probability in the set. This positioning, a Gen 1 tribute, high print quality, a mainstream release window, immediately appealed to two types of buyers: nostalgic players now grown up, and active collectors hunting for cards with strong long-term potential.

Alongside the Venusaur ex SIR and the Mewtwo ex SIR already covered on PokéItem, Alakazam ex rounds out a coherent, complementary Gen 1 trio in a themed collection.

The card in detail

• Number: 201/165
• Rarity: Special Illustration Rare (SIR)
• Artist: Shinya Komatsu
• Set: Scarlet & Violet - 151

One important point to clarify: this card is often mislabeled "Illustration Rare" on resale platforms. It's actually a Special Illustration Rare, the tier above, a distinction that directly affects both value and pull probability.

Shinya Komatsu's artwork places Alakazam in a contemplative environment, far from the head-on action you'd expect from a Psychic Pokémon of this rank. The cool tones, the centered composition, and the almost meditative atmosphere remind us that this Pokémon is above all associated with intelligence and mental mastery rather than raw power. It's this visual contrast, a battle card dressed up like a minimalist work of art, that gives it its distinctive character.

Shinya Komatsu is a relatively recent artist in the Pokémon TCG: he made his debut with the Octillery Character Rare card in Sword & Shield - Astral Radiance, which makes Alakazam ex one of his most visible contributions to date.

Market value analysis and current prices

Prices observed on the main platforms give a consistent picture of the current market for this card in NM (Near Mint) condition:

The French and English prints share the same production process, which is why their market value is nearly identical, unlike some sets where the Japanese version stands as a separate reference.

The PSA 10 range between €150 and €220 represents a multiplier of 1.8x to 2.5x over raw, which is normal for an SIR from a popular but non-speculative set. This spread points to a stable market: graded sellers don't charge an excessive premium, and buyers pay for the grading service without overinvesting.

The value drivers

Gen 1 nostalgia is the main engine. Alakazam is one of the iconic early-days Pokémon, tied to strong memories among the 25-40 age group who today make up the core of the adult collector market.

Pull rarity also plays a structuring role. SIRs are the hardest cards to obtain from booster openings in this set. Demand regularly outstrips the supply available in NM on CardMarket, which supports prices even outside hype periods.

The competitive factor is secondary for this card: Alakazam ex isn't a pillar of the active metagame. Its value therefore rests essentially on the collectible side, which makes it less sensitive to format rotations, a reassuring point for a medium-term investment.

The artist remains little known to the general public for now, but his association with a card as visible as this one could gain value if his presence in the TCG grows over the next sets.

Should you buy this card?

Arguments for buying

• Accessible entry price for a Gen 1 SIR: between €65 and €95 raw, that's less than several other SIRs from the same set
• A physically beautiful card, visually distinctive in a themed collection
• Stable demand, without excessive volatility
• Interesting PSA 10 potential if you find a flawless NM copy

Points to keep in perspective

• It doesn't benefit from the aura of a Charizard or a Mewtwo: its value growth will be slower and less spectacular
• The 151 SIR market as a whole is starting to stabilize after the novelty phase, hopes of a quick rise should be tempered
• The card's condition is critical: an Alakazam ex SIR with scratches or worn edges is hard to resell above €50

Practical advice

If you're targeting raw, focus on strictly Near Mint copies bought directly from reliable sellers with detailed photos. If you're considering PSA grading, calculate the total cost (service + shipping) before committing: with grading fees around €25-40, the margin between your purchase price and the PSA 10 value must be wide enough for the operation to be worthwhile. At €70 raw + €35 in fees, a PSA 10 sold for €180 leaves a decent margin, but a PSA 9 sold for €90-100 wipes out much of the profit.

Conclusion

Alakazam ex SIR isn't the card that's going to explode overnight, but it's a solid piece, well illustrated, carried by lasting nostalgia and genuine rarity. In a themed Gen 1 or 151 collection, it clearly has its place. Outside that context, it remains a good buy for anyone who knows how to be patient.

To track how its market value evolves without getting lost, find it directly on PokéItem, accessible from your browser, or download the app on your phone to check prices in real time from iOS or Android, whether at a card show, a convention, or before a private sale.