Mewtwo ex Illustration Rare Pokémon 151: price and analysis

The Mewtwo ex 151 price is a question that comes up often among collectors passionate about the Pokémon 151 set, and for good reason. Behind this set that pays tribute to the first 151 Pokémon lies an important subtlety: the Art Rare version of Mewtwo ex illustrated by Bun Toujo only exists in the Japanese SV2a edition, and not in the international French or English versions. In other words, if you're looking for this specific card, you're venturing into the Japanese market. Here's everything you need to know before diving in.

The Pokémon 151 set: context

Released in October 2023 in France (under the official name Scarlet & Violet, 151), the Pokémon 151 set is designed as a celebration of the first generation. It brings together the 151 original Pokémon in a carefully numbered set, accompanied by cards illustrated by artists recognized in the community.

The international version (referenced sv3pt5 in English) notably contains the Mew ex 205/165 Hyper Rare illustrated by CG Works, the main chase card of the set internationally. But it does not contain a Mewtwo ex in Illustration Rare, Special Illustration Rare or any other premium version.

This is where the Japanese SV2a set comes in, released before the international version, which offers slightly different numbering and includes exclusive cards absent from the booster packs sold in France or North America. The Mewtwo ex 183/165 AR is one of them. For European collectors, this means that this card is bought as a Japanese import, via specialized resellers or platforms like eBay and Mercari JP.

The card in detail

Card number: 183/165 (JP SV2a set only)

Artist: Bun Toujo

Rarity: AR, Art Rare, the Japanese equivalent of the Illustration Rare in international sets

Type: Pokémon ex Psychic

Bun Toujo's illustration places Mewtwo in a dynamic, clean composition, far from the sometimes overloaded hyperrealistic renderings. The graphic treatment plays on the contrasts between cool tones, deep blues, electric purples, and the recognizable white silhouette of the legendary Pokémon. The result exudes controlled, almost cinematic tension that contrasts with the classic depictions of Mewtwo in a static pose.

Bun Toujo is an artist regularly called upon by The Pokémon Company for Japanese sets. His edgy style and tight framing are appreciated by collectors who look for cards with strong visual impact without falling into decorative excess.

Market-value analysis and current prices

The pricing situation for this card requires a bit of rigor, because there is no official FR or EN version of this Mewtwo ex in AR. The prices observed relate exclusively to the Japanese raw (ungraded) version.

According to the available market data, the Mewtwo ex 183/165 AR SV2a trades around $20 to $25 USD in the Japanese raw version, or roughly €18 to €23 depending on the exchange rate and import fees. Graded PSA 10 cards in the Japanese version remain difficult to assess precisely in euros, as trading volumes are still limited on European platforms.

⚠️ A point of caution: some sellers list cards by simply describing them as "Mewtwo ex Pokémon 151" without specifying the version. Always check the number (183/165) and the Japanese origin (SV2a) before any purchase. The SVP052 Black Star promo (included in certain American UPC boxes) is an entirely different card, with a distinct illustration.

The valuation factors

The Pokémon's popularity. Mewtwo has remained one of the most iconic Pokémon since 1996. Its presence in the movies, games and pop culture ensures stable structural demand, independent of short-term collecting trends.

Japanese exclusivity. The fact that this card only exists in the JP version mechanically creates relative rarity for collectors outside Japan. The supply available in Europe depends on imports, which can cause prices to vary depending on the period.

AR rarity in the SV2a set. The Japanese SV2a set contains several highly coveted AR cards. Mewtwo ex enjoys favorable positioning in this list, but it isn't the only premium card in the set, internal competition for collectors' budgets is real.

Competitive. Mewtwo ex is a card playable in Standard format at the time of the set's release. This may have supported initial demand, but over time, the value of this card will be driven more by the collector than by the competitive player.

Generation 1 nostalgia. The 151 set explicitly leans on nostalgia. Mewtwo is one of the most emotionally charged Pokémon for the generation that grew up with Red and Blue. This emotional anchoring is a long-term value driver that shouldn't be underestimated.

Print status. The Japanese SV2a set is no longer in active printing. The supply of quality raw cards is therefore fixed, which is a positive signal for stabilization, or even a slight appreciation, of prices over the long term.

Should you buy this card?

Arguments for. The Mewtwo ex 183/165 AR combines several solid strengths: a top-tier legendary Pokémon, a quality illustration by Bun Toujo, Japanese exclusivity that limits supply, and a set with strong nostalgia appeal. At $20 - 25 USD raw, the entry ticket remains accessible compared to other AR or SAR cards from the same market.

Points to temper. Buying as a Japanese import involves additional fees (international shipping, possible customs) that can inflate the real cost. Furthermore, market data in euros remains sparse, which makes it difficult to precisely assess the price trajectory over 12 to 24 months. If you're aiming for a graded PSA 10 version, expect longer lead times and a significantly higher total investment.

Practical advice. Before buying, systematically check the card number (183/165) and the SV2a designation on the listing. Be wary of vague descriptions that mix up versions or confuse it with the SVP052 promo. For a long-term-oriented collection, a raw copy in good condition is a reasonable entry point. For a more serious investment, PSA grading remains the preferred route, but only if you have access to enough resale data to justify the fees.

Conclusion

The Mewtwo ex 183/165 AR from the Japanese SV2a set is a card that deserves the attention of serious collectors of the 151 generation. It combines a timeless Pokémon, a talented artist, and a geographic exclusivity that sets it apart from the international version of the set. The Mewtwo ex 151 price hovers around $20 - 25 USD in Japanese raw, a reasonable level for a card of this stature, provided you master the subtleties of importing.

To track its market value on a daily basis and not miss a good buying opportunity, find all your cards on PokéItem or download the app on your phone, the page automatically detects your device and redirects you to the App Store or Google Play as appropriate.