Pokémon 151: Complete Guide to the Scarlet and Violet Set

Why Pokémon 151 Is a Set Like No Other

Released on September 22, 2023 under the official name Scarlet and Violet - 151, this set immediately triggered a wave of nostalgia among collectors. The concept is as simple as it is powerful: bring together exactly the 151 Pokémon from the first generation, from Bulbasaur to Mewtwo, in a set built for fans who were there from the very beginning.

With 207 cards in total (165 cards in the main set and 42 secret rares), the set delivers a remarkable density of rare and illustrated cards. For a Scarlet and Violet series release, that is a particularly generous ratio, which goes a long way toward explaining the lasting excitement around its booster packs.

This guide covers the most sought-after cards, the must-have sealed products, and the key things to know before investing or completing your collection.

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The Chase Cards of Pokémon 151

Special Illustration Rares (SIR): The Top of the Pack

SIRs (Special Illustration Rares) are the most spectacular cards in the set. Numbered beyond the 165 cards of the main set, they feature full-page illustrations that bleed across the entire card frame.

• Charizard ex SIR #199/165 - The most coveted card in the set, no surprise there. In NM ungraded condition, recent sales on eBay and PriceCharting (August-September 2026) range between $240 and $390 USD. In PSA 9, the range climbs to $350-$430 USD, and a PSA 10 copy can reach $1,425 to $1,800 USD. These figures show just how much grading matters on this card.
• Mew ex SIR #193/165 - The second most popular card in the set, with a memorable pastel illustration. It remains highly sought after by both players and collectors.
• Blastoise ex SIR and Venusaur ex SIR - The other two Kanto starters naturally complete the trio. Less expensive than Charizard, they are still centerpiece cards for any collector aiming for the full set.

Exclusive Promos: Rarity Through Product

Some Pokémon 151 cards can only be obtained by purchasing specific products, which creates a particularly effective form of artificial scarcity:

• Mew ex Hyper Rare (metal) - Included exclusively in the Ultra-Premium Collection, this metal card is now a collectible piece in its own right. (See our dedicated breakdown in the article on the Mew ex Hyper Rare.)
• Mewtwo IR (UPC promo) - An Illustration Rare in promo form, also reserved for the UPC. Its limited availability makes it a difficult card to find separately on the secondary market.
• Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle IR (Poster Collection) - These three illustrated promos present the starters through a softer, more retro artistic lens. They appeal just as much to nostalgic fans as to art lovers.

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Sealed Products: Which One Should You Choose?

Pokémon 151 launched with a particularly broad product lineup. Here is a full overview:

Products Available from September 22, 2023

Products from the October 6, 2023 Wave

A second wave of products arrived two weeks after the initial launch:

• Ultra-Premium Collection (UPC) - The flagship product of the set. With 16 boosters, a Mew ex metal card, the Mew ex SIR and Mewtwo IR promos, and a playmat, the UPC is the ultimate collector set. It is also one of the most discussed sealed products on the secondary market since its release.
• Alakazam ex Box - 4 boosters alongside Alakazam, Kadabra, and Abra promos. A themed box that will delight fans of this evolutionary trio.
• Zapdos ex Box - Same format, with Zapdos in the spotlight.
• Mini Tin - Entry-level format, ideal for younger collectors or smaller budgets.

The State of the Sealed Market in 2025-2026

According to observations from next-stage.fr (May 2025), the sealed product market for Pokémon 151 has seen a slight cooldown since its 2024-2025 peak. This does not mean the set is losing its appeal, but rather that speculative demand has normalized after the initial frenzy. For a collector looking to pick up a sealed ETB or UPC, this could be a better time to enter the market than at the height of the hype.

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Understanding the 207-Card Set Structure

For collectors aiming for the complete set, it helps to clearly distinguish the different card categories:

• Cards 1/165 to 165/165 - The main set, featuring the 151 base Pokémon along with their ex versions, Illustration Rares, and other variants.
• Secret Rares (166/165 to 207/165) - The 42 cards beyond the standard numbering, including SIRs, Full Arts, and Hyper Rares. This is where the most valuable cards live.

This two-block structure lets you set progressive collection goals: complete the main set first, then tackle the secret rares according to your budget.

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Tips for Collecting Pokémon 151

Prioritize Singles for Rare Cards

Opening boosters and hoping to pull a Charizard ex SIR is a risky and expensive strategy. The odds of pulling the rarest card in the set in a single opening are extremely low. For high-value cards, buying directly on the secondary market (eBay, Cardmarket, specialist retailers) is generally more economical and more predictable.

Pay Close Attention to Card Condition

The value difference between a Charizard ex SIR in NM ungraded condition ($240-$390 USD) and a PSA 10 copy ($1,425-$1,800 USD) is substantial. If you are considering getting your cards graded, focus on copies that are perfectly centered, free of visible scratches, and have clean corners. Print quality in the 151 set is generally good, but variations do exist.

Track Prices in Real Time

Pokémon card prices shift regularly based on market trends, new set releases, and competitive news. To keep an eye on the value of your Pokémon 151 collection, the PokéItem app lets you track singles prices and organize your collection card by card. A particularly useful tool if you are managing multiple watch lists at the same time.

Sealed Products: Hold or Open?

A sealed UPC holds value over the long term as long as it stays in perfect condition. Opening it, on the other hand, delivers an exceptional unboxing experience and the chance to pull cards you can then resell or keep. It all comes down to your relationship with the hobby: are you primarily a collector or an investor?

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Pokémon 151 in TCG History

The Scarlet and Violet - 151 set holds a special place in the recent history of the Pokémon TCG. By returning to the roots of the franchise, The Pokémon Company pulled off a remarkable marketing feat: winning over nostalgic collectors from the 90s and 2000s, competitive players (Mew ex had a notable tournament presence), and newcomers drawn in by the iconic Pokémon of the first generation, all at the same time.

Production was relatively limited compared to some previous sets, which helped maintain supply pressure, particularly for the UPC and the Pokémon Center ETB at launch. Today, the set remains one of the most beloved of the Scarlet and Violet era, and the rarest cards such as the Charizard ex SIR and the Mew ex Hyper Rare continue to attract sustained demand on the international secondary market.

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Key Takeaways

Pokémon 151 is a set built for collectors: polished illustrations, a tribute to the first generation, a wide range of sealed products, and chase cards with serious value potential. Whether you want to complete the main set, hunt down SIRs, or simply relive the magic of Kanto, this set has something for every type of collector.

Before any purchase, whether a graded single or a sealed product, take the time to compare prices across multiple platforms and keep an eye on how the market is moving. Tools like PokéItem can help you maintain a clear picture of your cards' value and make more informed buying or selling decisions.

Happy hunting!