The main points
Scarlet & Violet 151 is a set that focuses on nostalgia, highlighting the original 151 Pokemon in cute and cuddly illustrations.
The set offers new vintage cards and full art cards, making it more geared toward collectors than competitive play.
The cards featured in the set, such as Kadabra, Alakazam ex, and Erika’s Invitation, have unique abilities and stunning artwork that make them highly desirable.
The Pokemon TCG always delivers beautiful quality cards; Scarlet & Violet 151 continues this tradition. For the first time since Pokemon XY Evolutions, the set is sending waves of nostalgia, highlighting the original 151 Pokemon in all their cuteness and appeal.
Since the set is meant to take you on a nostalgic trip to Kant, where the journey began, there aren’t many cards that affect competitive play. Instead, the set features new vintage cards and full art cards that are more aimed at collectors, so grab your piggy bank because ‘Catching Em All’ can be expensive when it comes to the best cards.
10 Caterpie (rare illustrations)
Caterpie has always been a nostalgic Pokemon for many fans of the franchise. Ash’s journey to becoming Butterfree in the anime is one of the most touching and endearing stories told in the show’s first season.
The rare illustrated card captures the innocence and curiosity of Caterpie’s personality, making it a must-have for any collector. Compared to other grass types, Caterpie also shows its ferocity as it can deal 40 damage to opponents, making it a pretty useful basic Pokemon.
9 Kadabra (unusual)
It’s hard to believe that Kadabra cards are incredibly rare, and given how long the original 151 Pokemon have been around, one could be forgiven for expecting that there are more than eight different printed Kadabra cards. If you’re a Kadabra fan or collector, it’s always nice to see this famous Pokemon finally get a new card.
Unfortunately, Kadabra didn’t get any special or alternate art prints in this set, but she does boast a pretty interesting attack. You can deal damage to your opponent as well as replace them with something potentially better.
8 Jynx ex (Ultra Rare)
Jynx can not only deal 120 damage to your opponent’s monsters, but also put them to sleep. While they’re asleep, his Heart-Stopping Kiss attack will incapacitate them instantly, which takes a lot of energy, but makes Jynx a powerful card.
If you’re a Jynx fan, you’re in luck as there are two different variations of this card. The Double Rare version, which is the standard look for the former cards, as well as the full art Ultra Rare card. Both of these cards are stunning, very similar to Pokemon, Jynx, and perfect for any collection.
7 Kangaskhan Ex (Ultra Rare)
Not only can this Kangaskhan card give you the ability to draw three cards, but its attack is extremely strong. While you will need luck on your side, the chance to deal 400 damage in one go will easily knock out any card.
What’s so great about the Kangaskhan ex in this set is that it comes with two different card designs. One is the standard Double Rare, followed by a Full Art version that takes up the entire map in this Ultra Rare variant.
6 Alakazam ex (special illustration, rare)
Damaging your opponent’s benched monsters will force them to rethink their strategy. Alakazam ex allows you to do just that, and the more pokemon your opponent has on the bench, the better, as his attack will deal 30 more damage to each of them.
His secondary attack is just as powerful, with the ability to attack even while on the bench providing protection while dealing significant damage to your opponent. However, the Special Illustration Rare goes above and beyond, giving you a sense of the Pokemon’s determination and mental abilities, painting a picture of how it perfects telekinesis.
5 Erica’s Invitation (Rare Special Illustrations)
None of the trainer cards in this set are game-changers, but Erica’s rare special illustration card stands out because you can look at your opponent’s hand to determine their strategy. With this knowledge you will be able to set up and play the perfect game if you have the right cards and skills to do so.
Erica’s invitation artwork highlights her love of botany, and it’s hard not to notice the Studio Ghibli art style inspiration in this card, making it instantly desirable. The pops of color, combined with how iconic a character and gym leader Erica is, make this a very sought-after card in the set.
4 Blastoise ex (special illustration, rare)
Blastoise’s Special Illustration rare version unfortunately doesn’t have the same visual appeal as its Venusaur and Charizard counterparts. While collectors may be a little disappointed with this design choice, Blastoise remains a real force when it comes to competitive play.
Boasting an ability that allows him to hit more and an attack that can deal between 140 and 280 damage makes him a valuable addition to any Water deck. This durability and offensive ability ensure that he can hold his own against opponents.
3 Venusaur ex (rare special artwork)
If you’re a Venusaur fan, the Scarlet and Violet 151 set offers you three different Venusaur ex cards to add to your collection: the standard Double Rare ex, the Full Art Ultra Rare, and the incredible Special Illustration Rare. While the art is pure beauty, the usability of the map isn’t too bad either.
With the ability to heal damage from one of your Pokemon while also dealing 150 damage to your opponent while confusing and poisoning them, Venusaur ex is definitely a card you’d be afraid to face. The stunning art on display, the nostalgia of being one of the last three starter Pokemon in the evolution, and its usefulness in battle all make this card highly desirable.
2 Charizard Former (Rare Special Illustrations)
Charizard is well loved. He’s received several different rare special artworks in Obsidian Flames, and now he’s back with three new former Charizard cards for you to fall in love with. The special rare illustration, however, clearly takes home the winner’s medal, because who wouldn’t want an image of Charizard flying over a volcano with a full moon in the background?
With high HP and powerful attacks like Brave Wing and Explosive Vortex, Charizard is a force to be reckoned with as always. With a picture as stunning as this card and an incredible attack in battle, it’s no wonder that this card is one of the most valuable in the set.
1 Mew ex (hyper rare)
Hyper Rare Mew ex is by far the most gorgeous card in the entire set, and showcasing Mew in full on a gold halofill really accentuates the Pokemon’s appeal. You can also get the Hyper Rare engraved metal version in the Ultra Premium Collection.
The playability of this card isn’t particularly exciting, but it does allow you to draw up to three cards if you find yourself out of hand. It also allows you to use your opponents moves against them, so overall the whole set is something special and will look great as a master set in your binder.
