Scarlet & Violet 151 UPC Review 2025: Contents, Promo Cards & Value Analysis

Every few years, The Pokémon Company releases a product that perfectly captures the hearts of collectors. In the modern era, few have done so as effectively as the Scarlet & Violet 151 Ultra Premium Collection (UPC). Centered entirely on the original 151 Pokémon that started it all, this special set was a masterclass in nostalgia.

As a "special set," 151 was not released with traditional booster boxes. This immediately positioned the UPC as the set's premier, high-end product. But its journey from release to its current status as a high-demand collectible is a fascinating story of market dynamics, collector sentiment, and the power of FOMO.

What's Inside the Pokemon Ultra Premium Collection Box

The 151 UPC is a treasure trove for collectors, packed with both exclusive items and a generous number of booster packs. Here’s a look at the contents:

• 16 Booster Packs from the Scarlet & Violet—151 expansion.

• Three Exclusive Promo Cards featuring Mew and Mewtwo.

• A High-Quality Playmat featuring Mew.

• A Deck Box, Metallic Coin, and other gameplay accessories.

While the accessories are a nice touch, the real value for collectors is found in the promo cards and the packs themselves.

The Main Attraction: The Three Exclusive Mew Promo Cards

For most collectors, the entire value proposition of the UPC is built around its three stunning, exclusive promo cards. These cards cannot be found in any other product, making them the primary driver of the box's desirability.

1. The Metal Mew ex Card: Following the success of the metal Charizard from the Celebrations UPC, this box includes a beautiful, gold-colored metal card featuring the hyper rare Mew ex. It's a heavy, high-quality collectible that feels more like a trophy than a trading card. For display purposes, it's an incredible centerpiece.

2. The Mew ex (Special Illustration Rare): This is arguably the most beautiful card in the entire collection. It's a full-art promo card featuring a breathtaking illustration of Mew soaring over a city at night. The art style is unique and has made this card a must-have for modern art chasers.

3. The Mewtwo (Illustration Rare): Not to be outdone, the legendary Mewtwo also gets an exclusive promo card. This illustration rare features a powerful-looking Mewtwo in a lab, surrounded by bubbling test tubes. It's a fantastic piece of storytelling that adds another layer of exclusive value to the box.

From Bargain to Grail: The 151 UPC's Market Journey

The story of the 151 UPC is a perfect lesson in how collector sentiment can evolve. Upon its release in October 2023, the initial demand was surprisingly mixed. While the set itself was popular, the UPC did not instantly sell out everywhere. In fact, for months following its release, it was readily available from online retailers and local card shops for well below its $120 MSRP, with some collectors finding it for as low as $80-90.

Part of this lukewarm reception came from veteran collectors. Some felt the modern art style on the classic Pokémon didn't quite capture the pure nostalgia they were hoping for. Others, remembering how the preceding Charizard UPC was printed in massive quantities and eventually sold at deep discounts, were content to wait for a similar price drop.

But then, the market shifted. As 2024 progressed, the initial print runs began to dry up. The below-MSRP deals vanished. Suddenly, collectors who had been waiting on the sidelines realized that a major reprint might not be coming. This sparked a classic case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), and a "run" on the remaining products began. What was once a shelf-sitter became a scarce and highly sought-after item, with secondary market prices quickly climbing far above the original retail price.

The 151 UPC Market Journey: Price Timeline Table

To illustrate sealed value dynamics, here's a snapshot of the 151 UPC's price evolution (data from TCGPlayer/eBay averages):

This table highlights how sentiment shifts drive value—reprints could stabilize, but scarcity favors holders.

FAQ: Common Questions on Pokémon TCG Sealed Products & 151 UPC Value

Is the Scarlet & Violet 151 UPC Worth Buying in 2025?

It depends. Yes—for nostalgia lovers with deep pockets, its exclusive Mew/Mewtwo promos and 16 packs of 151 make it a great pickup. However, for investors, at $550 less than two years after release, it's harder to recommend given the rapid appreciation.

What's the Most Valuable Card in Scarlet & Violet 151 UPC?

The Mew ex Secret Illustration Rare (SIR) leads the way at $65, followed by the Mewtwo Illustration Rare (IR) at $35, and finally the metal Mew ex promo leads at $10. Packs add significant chase potential like the Charizard ex SIR, currently valued currently at over $200 ungraded, and over $1,000 for a PSA 10. 

How Does 151 UPC Compare to Other Modern Sealed Products?

While collectors from the Wizards of the Coast (WoTC) era may have a hard time turning down a chance to buy a 151 UPC, others may find themselves gravitating towards sets with Pokemon from the era they grew up with. Overall, the 151 UPC is a strong pickup for most collectors, though for investor-centric buyers, price appreciation is expected to be more modest moving forward. 

Should I Open or Hold the 151 UPC?

The objective truth is that at over $550 a box, this item is best left sealed. If you are in love with the promos, you can acquire them all for around $120 shipped, which is an absolute bargin. For pack value, there are better pack to value ratio items, such as booster bundles that you can buy and crack open.

Where to Buy Scarlet & Violet 151 UPC in 2025?

Check TCGPlayer/eBay for sealed (buy from trusted sellers to reduce the chance of fake, or tampered with, boxes). Some local shops may still carry them at market prices, but at this point your best bet is ordering them online. 

So, is the Scarlet & Violet—151 Ultra-Premium Collection worth it?

For dedicated collectors, the answer is yes.

The product itself is a fantastic collector's item, anchored by three beautiful and exclusive promo cards. Its story adds another layer of appeal. It serves as a powerful reminder that in the world of collecting, market sentiment can turn on a dime. The period where this box was an overlooked bargain is long gone, and it has now cemented its place as a modern classic. We actually ranked it as one of our top 5 pick ups for collectors of 2025, though we placed it in the last spot due to the massive price appreciation during Q3 2025, making it unaffordable for many collectors. 

If your main goal is simply to open as many 151 packs as possible, buying booster bundles might be a more cost-effective route. However, you would be missing out on a special and enduring, albeit pricey, collectible.