Pokémon 151 Card List: Charizard ex and the Best Kanto Chase Cards
The original 151 Kanto Pokémon with modern art. Here's the 151 card list, the chase cards and whether it's still worth collecting.
4 min read
Pokémon guide
If one modern set has won over almost every collector, it’s 151. It brought the original Kanto Pokémon back with modern artwork, and years later people still ask us for a proper Pokémon 151 card list guide. Fair enough. It’s a special set.
Here’s what’s in it, the cards worth chasing, which products make sense now and a few honest thoughts on collecting it today.
The 151 Elite Trainer Box, one of the most collected ETBs ever.
In this guide
Pokémon 151 at a glance
Scarlet & Violet, 151 released in English on 22 September 2023. As the name suggests, it’s built around the original 151 Pokémon from Kanto, from Bulbasaur all the way to Mew. It’s the English version of the Japanese set Pokémon Card 151.
Set size: 207 cards, with 165 in the main set and 42 secret rares.
Theme: the original 151 Kanto Pokémon.
Japanese equivalent: Pokémon Card 151.
Elite Trainer Box promo: Snorlax.
The Pokémon 151 card list is special because it works as a Pokédex. Fill the main set and you’ve effectively got the whole original Pokédex in one binder, which is a lovely thing to own.
The chase cards on the Pokémon 151 card list
These are the cards collectors want most. We don’t quote prices because they change constantly, but the order reflects demand.
Charizard ex (199/165)
The Special Illustration Rare of Charizard ex is the big one. It’s Charizard, it’s Kanto and it’s beautifully drawn. Enough said.
Blastoise ex and Venusaur ex (200/165 and 198/165)
The other two Kanto starters get Special Illustration Rares too. Put all three side by side and you’ve got one of the most satisfying pages in modern Pokémon.
Squirtle, Charmander and Pikachu
The Illustration Rares of Squirtle (170/165), Charmander (168/165) and Pikachu (173/165) are hugely popular. They’re more affordable than the big ex cards and have bags of charm.
Zapdos ex (202/165)
The legendary bird gets a striking Special Illustration Rare that’s become a firm favourite.
How to collect the Pokémon 151 card list
This is one of the best sets to collect as a Pokédex, and here’s how we’d go about it.
Build the Pokédex first. Aim for one card of every Pokémon from Bulbasaur to Mew. It’s a goal that feels meaningful.
Use a 9-pocket binder. The Pokémon 151 card list lines up neatly by Pokédex number, so pages fill in a satisfying order.
Tick off as you open. Keep a checklist handy so you don’t buy singles you already have.
Buy the starters as singles. Chasing the Charizard ex in packs can get expensive fast.
We’ve seen plenty of parents and kids collect this set together, one page at a time. It’s a lovely way to share the hobby, and the original Pokémon mean something to both generations.
Which 151 product should you buy?
151 is a special set, so there’s no standard English booster box. You’ll find it in Elite Trainer Boxes, bundles, tins and collections.
Booster bundle
Mini tin
Zapdos ex collection
Elite Trainer Box
The Elite Trainer Box with its Snorlax promo is the classic pick, and one of the most collected ETBs ever made.
Yes, and we don’t say that about every older set. The nostalgia factor is huge, the artwork is excellent and the Pokédex idea gives you a clear goal. It’s also a set that people of all ages recognise, which makes it easy to share.
The honest caveat: sealed 151 products have become collectibles in their own right, so prices are higher than they were at release. If you want to open packs on a budget, newer sets like Delta Reign are cheaper per pack. If you want 151 specifically, nothing else quite scratches that itch.
Who it suits
Anyone who grew up with Red and Blue, families collecting together and binder collectors who love a set with a clear structure. It’s also a fantastic first set for someone new, because they’ll know most of the Pokémon already.
Looking for something similar?
If you love Kanto, the Pokémon 30th anniversary set includes a Classic Collection of reprints from the early days, including a Base Set Charizard reprint. It’s a great companion to a 151 binder.
Japanese 151 vs English 151
The Japanese Pokémon Card 151 set came out first, in June 2023, and many collectors own both. The Japanese cards have a slightly different print finish and smaller packs, and the artwork is the same. If you love the Pokémon 151 card list, a Japanese binder alongside your English one makes a brilliant pair, and comparing the two is half the fun.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards are on the Pokémon 151 card list?
There are 207 cards: 165 in the main set and 42 secret rares.
When did Pokémon 151 come out?
It released in English on 22 September 2023.
Is there a Pokémon 151 booster box?
Not in English. As a special set, it comes in Elite Trainer Boxes, bundles, tins and collections instead.
What’s the best card in 151?
The Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare (199/165) is the most wanted card on the Pokémon 151 card list.
