The Scarlet & Violet 151 (MEW) expansion is one of the most iconic releases in modern Pokémon TCG history. By focusing exclusively on the original 151 Kanto Pokémon, The Pokémon Company created a perfect bridge between nostalgic collectors and modern TCG players.
Whether you are looking to complete a Master Set or invest in top-tier Illustration Rares, this review and complete checklist breaks down everything you need to know.
Set Overview & Highlights
- Set Name: Scarlet & Violet—151 (MEW)
- Total Cards: 207 (165 main set + 42 Secret Rare cards)
- Release Date: September 22, 2023
- Top Chase Cards: Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare (#199), Blastoise ex SIR (#200), Venusaur ex SIR (#198), and Alakazam ex SIR (#201).
Is Scarlet & Violet 151 Worth Collecting?
The Good:
- Unmatched Nostalgia: Features every single Gen 1 Pokémon from Bulbasaur (#001) to Mew (#151) in exact National Pokédex order.
- Stunning Artworks: The Special Illustration Rares (SIR) offer some of the finest card artwork in the entire Scarlet & Violet era.
- Strong Market Value: Booster Bundles and Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) have held strong secondary market values due to high print demand and collector popularity.
The Challenges:
- Pull Rates: Special Illustration Rares (SIR) and Hyper Rare (Gold) cards have lower pull rates, making a self-pulled Master Set expensive to complete without buying singles.
- No Individual Booster Boxes: 151 is a special “holiday/subset,” meaning booster packs are only available inside ETBs, Booster Bundles, Poster Collections, and Tins.
Scarlet & Violet 151 Complete Set Checklist
| Card # | Card Name | Rarity Tier |
| 001/165 | Bulbasaur | Double Rare / Grass |
| 002/165 | Ivysaur | Uncommon / Grass |
| 003/165 | Venusaur ex | Double Rare / Grass |
| 004/165 | Charmander | Common / Fire |
| 005/165 | Charmeleon | Uncommon / Fire |
| 006/165 | Charizard ex | Double Rare / Fire |
| 007/165 | Squirtle | Common / Water |
| 008/165 | Wartortle | Uncommon / Water |
| 009/165 | Blastoise ex | Double Rare / Water |
| 025/165 | Pikachu | Common / Lightning |
| 065/165 | Alakazam ex | Double Rare / Psychic |
| 094/165 | Gengar | Rare / Psychic |
| 0130/165 | Gyarados | Rare / Water |
| 0143/165 | Snorlax | Rare / Colorless |
| 150/165 | Mewtwo | Rare / Psychic |
| 151/165 | Mew ex | Double Rare / Psychic |
Secret Illustration Rares & Ultra Rares (Secret Subset)
| Card # | Card Name | Rarity Tier |
| 166/165 | Bulbasaur | Illustration Rare (IR) |
| 167/165 | Ivysaur | Illustration Rare (IR) |
| 168/165 | Charmander | Illustration Rare (IR) |
| 169/165 | Charmeleon | Illustration Rare (IR) |
| 170/165 | Squirtle | Illustration Rare (IR) |
| 171/165 | Wartortle | Illustration Rare (IR) |
| 173/165 | Pikachu | Illustration Rare (IR) |
| 183/165 | Charizard ex | Ultra Rare (Full Art) |
| 198/165 | Venusaur ex | Special Illustration Rare (SIR) |
| 199/165 | Charizard ex | Special Illustration Rare (SIR) |
| 200/165 | Blastoise ex | Special Illustration Rare (SIR) |
| 201/165 | Alakazam ex | Special Illustration Rare (SIR) |
| 205/165 | Mew ex | Hyper Rare (Gold) |
| 207/165 | Basic Switch | Hyper Rare (Gold) |
Final Verdict for Collectors
Scarlet & Violet 151 is a must-have set for both vintage enthusiasts and modern collectors.
If your budget is limited, focus on acquiring the “Big Three” Special Illustration Rares (Charizard #199, Blastoise #200, and Venusaur #198) as singles, or keep sealed Booster Bundles for long-term hold.
