Everything in Pokémon 151 – Pull Rates, Chase Cards & Value Outlook for Irish Collectors

Few modern sets have generated as much excitement in Ireland as Pokémon 151. Whether you’ve been collecting since the Base Set days or you’ve returned to the hobby recently, this set hits differently.

For many Irish collectors, Pokémon 151 isn’t just another release, it’s nostalgia packaged in a modern format. But the big question remains:

Is Pokémon 151 still worth buying in 2026?

Let’s break it down properly, from pull rates to chase cards, sealed value, and what it means for collectors here in Ireland.

What Makes Pokémon 151 Special?

Pokémon 151 focuses exclusively on the original Kanto Pokédex , the first 151 Pokémon. That means:

• Charizard
• Blastoise
• Venusaur
• Mew
• Gengar
• And every original favourite
  
  Unlike many modern sets packed with new mechanics and gimmicks, 151 leans heavily into nostalgia. For Irish collectors especially, that’s powerful, many grew up watching the original anime on RTÉ or collecting early Wizards of the Coast cards.
  It appeals to:
• Long-time collectors
• Parents introducing their kids to Pokémon
• Investors looking at nostalgic demand
• Sealed product holders
  
  Pull Rates – What to Expect
  Pokémon 151 is considered a “premium modern” set. Pull rates are generally:
  
• Standard holos: very common
• Ultra rares: moderately frequent
• Illustration rares: reasonable but not guaranteed
• Secret rares / special illustration rares: tougher
  
  Like most modern Pokémon sets, pull rates are better than older vintage releases, but not every box guarantees a top chase card.
  
  From what we’ve seen in the Irish market:
  
• Booster bundles and ETBs can be hit-or-miss
• Booster boxes offer better consistency
• Sealed cases reduce variance
  
  If you’re buying to open, expect fun, not guaranteed profit.
  
  Top Chase Cards in Pokémon 151
  The standout cards driving demand include:
  
• Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare
• Blastoise ex Special Illustration Rare
• Venusaur ex Special Illustration Rare
• Mew ex variants
• Erika’s Invitation
  
  Charizard, unsurprisingly, dominates the conversation.
  
  For Irish collectors submitting to PSA, PSA 10 copies of these cards continue to command strong premiums compared to raw copies.

• Is Sealed Pokémon 151 Still a Good Buy in Ireland?
  
  This is the key question.
  
  From a long-term perspective, sets with strong nostalgic appeal historically perform well. In Ireland especially, sealed supply tends to be more limited compared to the US.
  
  Factors supporting sealed value:
  
• Nostalgia-driven demand
• Strong Charizard presence
• Attractive illustration rares
• Broad age appeal
  
  Risks:
  
• Modern print volumes are much higher than vintage
• Speculation can create short-term spikes
  
  If you’re buying sealed:
  
• Buy at sensible market prices
• Avoid panic buying
• Consider holding long term
  
  
  What About Singles?
  
  If you’re a collector focused on specific cards rather than sealed investment:
  
• Illustration rares are visually stunning
• PSA 10 candidates should be carefully examined
• Condition matters more than ever
  
  For Irish collectors, grading costs and turnaround times must be factored in. It’s not always worth grading every card.

Long-Term Outlook

Pokémon 151 has three strong pillars:

• Nostalgia
• Recognisable Pokémon
• Strong artwork
  
  That combination tends to age well.
  
  It may not become Base Set 2.0, but it’s very likely to remain a desirable modern release.
  
  Should You Buy Pokémon 151 in 2026?
  
  Buy sealed if:
  
• You’re holding long term
• You find reasonable pricing
• You appreciate nostalgia-driven demand
  
  Buy singles if:
  
• You want specific artwork
• You’re grading selectively
• You prefer lower capital outlay

Looking to Buy or Sell?
We regularly stock sealed Pokémon 151 products and graded singles.
If you’re looking to sell sealed 151 or high-value singles in Ireland, you can request a quote via our Sell Your Cards page.