The Pokemon Trading Card Game has consistently delivered exceptional products that celebrate the franchise’s rich history, and the Pokemon 151 Blooming Waters Premium Collection stands as a testament to this tradition. Released as part of the Scarlet & Violet series, this premium collection has generated significant buzz among collectors, competitive players, and Pokemon enthusiasts worldwide. This comprehensive guide addresses all the questions and concerns that have emerged across social media platforms, YouTube reviews, and Google searches.

What is the Pokemon 151 Blooming Waters Premium Collection?

The Blooming Waters Premium Collection features Venusaur ex and Blastoise ex as foil cards with strong Abilities and attacks, plus foil cards of Bulbasaur and Squirtle, and an oversize card of Blastoise ex for display. This carefully curated collection represents one of the most sought-after Pokemon TCG products in recent memory, combining nostalgic appeal with modern competitive viability.

The collection derives its name from the “blooming” nature of grass-type Pokemon (represented by Venusaur and Bulbasaur) and the aquatic “waters” theme embodied by Blastoise and Squirtle. This thematic approach creates a cohesive narrative that celebrates two of the three original Kanto starter Pokemon lines, making it particularly appealing to fans who grew up with the original games and anime series.

The Pokemon 151 Connection

The broader Pokemon 151 expansion, officially known as Pokemon Scarlet & Violet—151, serves as the foundation for this premium collection. This special set celebrates all 151 original Pokemon from the Kanto region, marking a significant nostalgic milestone for the franchise. The expansion has been praised for its high-quality artwork, competitive card designs, and the long-awaited return of certain Pokemon that hadn’t appeared in the TCG for years.

Release Date and Availability Details

The Pokemon Scarlet & Violet 151 Blooming Waters Premium Collection Box was released on February 7, 2025, for a retail price of $60. This release date positioned the product perfectly for Valentine’s Day purchases and early spring collecting seasons, contributing to its immediate popularity upon launch.

The strategic timing of the release has played a crucial role in its market reception. February releases typically face less competition from holiday-focused products, allowing the Blooming Waters collection to capture the attention of collectors looking for new acquisitions after the holiday season. Additionally, the timing coincides with the competitive Pokemon TCG season, when players are actively seeking powerful cards for tournament play.

Global Distribution Strategy

The collection launched simultaneously across multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and select Asian markets. This coordinated release strategy helped prevent the regional pricing disparities that sometimes affect premium Pokemon products. However, demand has consistently outpaced supply in most markets, leading to rapid sellouts at major retailers.

Complete Contents Breakdown

Premium Foil Cards Analysis: The heart of the Blooming Waters collection lies in its four premium foil cards, each representing a significant investment in both nostalgia and competitive potential:

Venusaur ex Premium Foil: The Venusaur ex card showcases exceptional artwork that captures the Pokemon’s majestic presence as the final evolution of the Bulbasaur line. The foil treatment enhances the natural colors associated with this grass-type Pokemon, creating a shimmering effect that brings the artwork to life. Competitively, this card offers substantial HP and powerful grass-type attacks that make it viable in tournament play. Its ability complements grass-type strategies while providing the raw power expected from a Pokemon ex card.

Blastoise ex Premium Foil: Blastoise ex is priced at around two dollars on TCGPlayer, indicating its current market value and competitive relevance. The card features stunning water-type themed artwork with foil treatments that simulate flowing water effects. The card’s design pays homage to Blastoise’s iconic status while providing modern gameplay mechanics. Its attacks reflect the Pokemon’s signature water cannon abilities, and its HP pool makes it a formidable presence on the battlefield.

Bulbasaur Premium Foil: The Bulbasaur card represents the beginning of one of Pokemon’s most beloved evolutionary lines. The foil treatment emphasizes the Pokemon’s plant-like characteristics, with special attention paid to the bulb on its back. While not as competitively focused as the Pokemon ex cards, this Bulbasaur serves as both a nostalgic piece and a functional card for casual play.

Squirtle Premium Foil: Squirtle’s premium foil card captures the charm and appeal that made this Pokemon a fan favorite. The foil effects highlight the Pokemon’s shell and water-type characteristics, creating a visually appealing card that resonates with collectors of all ages. Like Bulbasaur, this card serves multiple purposes within the collection’s overall theme.

The Frenzy of Release and the Challenge of Availability

The release of the Blooming Waters Premium Collection was anything but ordinary. Instead of a standard, coordinated global launch, the product appeared in stores at different times in different regions, leading to a frenzy among fans. In the US, the collection appeared in some locations a month earlier than its official release, causing “people to go absolutely crazy fighting over these”. The product was available at major retailers like Target, GameStop, and Costco.

However, getting your hands on one has been a significant challenge. The high demand has meant that the collection sells out almost instantly whenever it becomes available. This scarcity has been a hot topic on social media platforms like Reddit, where users share tips on where to find the product. Many stores implemented a limit of one or two boxes per person to manage the intense demand.

The situation has been particularly challenging online, where bots often buy up stock before human customers have a chance . This has led to widespread frustration among fans. In response to this issue, some retailers like Costco have implemented new queue systems for their websites to give genuine customers a better chance of purchasing high-demand items like the Blooming Waters collection. These measures, along with planned restocks, have offered a glimmer of hope to those still hunting for the elusive box .

The Price of Nostalgia: MSRP vs. Market Value

The question of price and value is central to the discussion surrounding the Blooming Waters collection. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the collection was $59.99 in the US and £57.99 in the UK [fetch_url_response_1]. Target sold the collection online for $69.99 [fetch_url_response_0]. However, due to the extreme demand and limited supply, the market price on resale sites like eBay has been much higher. In early 2025, the box was selling for around $119.50, and some YouTubers noted prices as high as $136.

This price discrepancy has led many to question whether the box is “worth it.” From a purely content-based perspective, the value is there. Some have estimated the value of the 12 booster packs alone to be around $120, given that individual 151 packs were selling for over $10 each. This doesn’t even account for the value of the four exclusive promo cards. This high potential value is a major draw for both collectors and those looking to make a profit, as reflected in the titles of many YouTube unboxing videos, such as “Profit or Loss? Pokemon 151 Blooming Waters Collection Box”.

The “Final” Major 151 Product

Adding to the hype is the fact that the Blooming Waters Premium Collection has been described as the final major product for the Pokémon 151 set. Since the 151 set was first released in 2023, the print run is expected to be nearing its end . This has positioned the Blooming Waters collection as a “grand finale” for the beloved set, a last chance for fans to get their hands on a large number of 151 packs in one go.

This “final product” status significantly increases its desirability for sealed collectors and investors. Products that mark the end of a popular set often appreciate in value over time. The perception that this could be the last chance to buy a premium 151 product at or near retail price has undoubtedly fueled the frantic buying behavior seen since its release.

The Darker Side of the Hype

The immense popularity of the Blooming Waters collection has also brought some negative aspects to the forefront. The high demand has created a lucrative market for scalpers, who use bots to buy large quantities of the product online and then resell them at inflated prices . This practice has been a major source of frustration for the Pokémon community, with many genuine fans unable to purchase the product at its retail price.

Another issue that has been widely reported is the poor condition in which many of the boxes have arrived when ordered online. Customer reviews on Target’s website are filled with complaints about damaged packaging, with some even reporting that their boxes arrived opened or with items missing . For a collector’s item where the condition of the box is important, this has been a significant problem and has led to disappointment for many buyers. Some have even reported receiving resealed products that emitted a chemical smell.

The Community’s Reaction: A Social Media Phenomenon

The journey of the Pokémon 151 Blooming Waters Premium Collection has been extensively documented and fueled by the online Pokémon community. YouTube has been a major hub of activity, with countless creators posting unboxing videos, reviews, and discussions about the product. These videos not only showcase the contents of the box and the excitement of opening the packs but also provide valuable insights into the product’s value and the chase for rare cards.

Platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have also been instrumental in disseminating information about restocks, store locations, and pricing. This online buzz has created a shared experience for fans, whether they are celebrating a successful purchase or commiserating over the difficulty of finding the box. The community’s engagement has been a key factor in the product’s phenomenal success and its status as a major event in the Pokémon TCG world.

FAQs

When was it released and how much does it cost?

Release timing varied by market (announced around early 2025), and MSRP at major retailers has hovered in the usual premium-collection band (~$60–$80 USD at retail launch), but secondary market prices have been higher. Always check the retailer for your region. 

Where can I buy Blooming Waters?

It has been sold at major retailers (Target, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, Amazon) and hobby shops; when in stock it also appears on hobby marketplaces and secondary markets (eBay, specialty card shops). Expect quick sell-outs at big-box releases.

What are the “big hits” to chase in Blooming Waters?

Collectors look for rare Rares and the nostalgic 151-related chase cards (especially any Charizard variants, secret rares, special art versions within the 151 booster line). The boxed promo cards (ex cards, oversized foil) are also prizes for collectors and players. YouTube openings and community posts showcase common hits and rare pulls.

What are typical pull rates / is it worth buying to “make money”?

Pull rates for ultra-rare cards vary and are not guaranteed. Many YouTube openers and Reddit threads report mixed luck; some boxes yield high-value pulls, many do not. If you’re buying to play and collect, the product can be worth it; if buying purely to flip for profit, it’s risky and depends on timing and market conditions.

In Summary

The Pokémon TCG 151 Blooming Waters Premium Collection has quickly become one of the most talked-about products in the Scarlet & Violet era. With exclusive promo cards featuring Venusaur ex, Blastoise ex, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle, plus a hefty stack of 12 booster packs, it offers both nostalgic appeal and solid value for collectors and players alike.

That said, demand has been very high, making retail restocks scarce and secondary market prices unpredictable. If you’re looking to enjoy the product, the best approach is to buy from trusted retailers at MSRP whenever possible, and treat the chase cards as a fun bonus rather than a guaranteed return on investment.

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