Arceus, the Alpha Pokémon, is one of the franchise's most mythical creatures. In the TCG, Arceus VSTAR is a powerful card prized by players and collectors alike. Alongside it, the Pokémon 151 set — dedicated to Kanto's original 151 — ranks among nostalgic fans' favourite expansions. A complete guide to everything you need to know.
Arceus VSTAR: the most powerful card in its format
Arceus VSTAR (from Brilliant Stars, Japanese S9 / sv1) is a Colorless Pokémon VSTAR card. Its VSTAR Power « Trinity Nova » accelerates Energy onto every Pokémon you have in play. That incredible flexibility made it one of the most played cards in the Sword & Shield / Scarlet & Violet transition. It remains legal in Expanded.
Arceus VSTAR versions and their prices
- Arceus V (full-art Ultra Rare) — €5–15
- Arceus VSTAR (full-art Ultra Rare) — €8–20
- Arceus V Alt Art / Illustration Rare — €25–60
- Arceus VSTAR Alt Art / Illustration Rare — €30–80
- Arceus VSTAR Gold (Hyper Rare) — €25–55
- Arceus V Rainbow Rare — €20–40
Pokémon Legends: Arceus and its link to TCG cards
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022) on Nintendo Switch reignited interest in the mythical Pokémon. Set in the Hisui region (ancient Sinnoh), the game features Hisuian forms with their own TCG cards in Sword & Shield sets. Arceus-GX, Arceus V and Arceus VSTAR are the emblematic cards of that era.
The Pokémon 151 set (sv3.5): complete guide
Pokémon 151 is a Scarlet & Violet mini-set released in 2023, dedicated to Kanto's original 151 Pokémon. It contains exactly 165 cards: one card for each Pokémon from #001 Bulbasaur to #151 Mew, plus secret cards. Unlike most sets, it's a celebration collection rather than a competitive one.
The priciest cards in the Pokémon 151 set
- Charizard ex SIR (#006) — €60–150, the set's headline card
- Mew ex SIR (#151) — €40–100, the mystical end-of-Pokédex Pokémon
- Pikachu ex SIR (#025) — €30–70
- Mewtwo ex SIR (#150) — €35–80
- Blastoise ex SIR (#009) — €25–60
- Venusaur ex SIR (#003) — €20–50
How to get Pokémon 151 set cards
The Pokémon 151 set is available in boosters and dedicated boxes. ETBs and set boxes are often out of stock because demand has stayed strong since release. Amazon is one of the few places where sealed products can still be found at reasonable prices. Singles are available on Cardmarket.
Arceus VSTAR in competitive play: still worth buying?
Arceus VSTAR has not been legal in Scarlet & Violet Standard since 2024. In Expanded, it remains a cornerstone in Arceus VSTAR + Giratina VSTAR or Arceus VSTAR + Lugia VSTAR decks. For competitive Standard players in 2026, there's no need to buy it to play. For collecting, it's an iconic card with stable value.
Arceus VSTAR vs Pokémon 151 chase cards
Arceus VSTAR vs Pokémon 151 chase cards
| Criteria | Arceus VSTAR (Brilliant Stars) | Pokémon 151 set (sv3.5) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 format | Expanded only | Collection / display |
| Chase card | Alt Art €30–80 | Charizard ex SIR €60–150 |
| Sealed products | Discontinued, limited stock | Highly sought ETBs/boxes |
| Best buyer profile | Expanded player, Hisui fan | Gen I nostalgic collector |
Two complementary angles: historic Expanded card vs nostalgic Kanto mini-set.
FAQ
Is Arceus VSTAR still playable in Standard in 2026?
No: Arceus VSTAR (Brilliant Stars / sv1) has not been Standard legal since 2024. It remains relevant in Expanded, especially in Arceus VSTAR + Giratina VSTAR or + Lugia VSTAR builds.
Which chase cards should you target in Pokémon 151 (sv3.5)?
Kanto SIRs lead the market: Charizard ex (#006, €60–150), Mew ex (#151, €40–100), Pikachu ex (#025, €30–70) and Mewtwo ex (#150, €35–80). The 165-card set is collection-focused rather than competitive.
Should you buy Arceus VSTAR or Pokémon 151 cards?
For 2026 tournament play, neither is a Standard priority. For collecting, 151 delivers iconic Kanto art; Arceus VSTAR remains a historic Expanded staple (Alt Art €30–80, Gold €25–55).
Where can you still find sealed Pokémon 151 products?
151 ETBs and boxes are often out of stock in France. Amazon still lists sealed deals at reasonable prices; singles go through Cardmarket. rateTCG tracks cost per pack in real time.
Calculate your pull rates
Search any Pokémon card on rateTCG to estimate pull rates per product and compare Amazon prices.
