9 Pokémon Chase Cards That Keep Rising in Value Despite Market Drops
While the broader market for modern Pokémon singles has seen a notable decline, a select group of high-demand Pokémon chase cards from past and recent sets continues to defy trends, steadily increasing in value. These standout cards, often featuring iconic Pokémon or rare artwork, serve as prized collectibles for investors and enthusiasts alike.
A Closer Look at Sun & Moon and Sword & Shield Era Chase Cards
Despite many cards depreciating in value, certain premium Pokémon chase cards from the Sun & Moon and Sword & Shield eras are seeing sustained — even rapid — appreciation.
9. Latias & Latios GX (Sun & Moon: Team Up)
One of the most iconic tag team cards, the Latias & Latios GX Alternate Art, continues to be a major grail for collectors. A PSA 10 copy of this card recently sold for $10,000, a sharp rise from its $8,000–$9,000 price range just seven months ago. This romantic, heart-shaped artwork resonates deeply with collectors and remains a centerpiece of the Sun & Moon collection.
8. Gengar & Mimikyu GX Tag Team
Another tag team fan-favorite, Gengar & Mimikyu GX, has seen dramatic gains. As one of the standout Pokémon chase cards, PSA 10 graded versions now command $4,000–$4,500, up from $2,200–$2,300 just two months prior. Gengar’s legacy as a top-tier ghost Pokémon and Mimikyu’s cult following contribute to this surge in demand.
7. Gengar VMAX Alternate Art (Sword & Shield: Fusion Strike)
From the Sword & Shield era, Gengar VMAX Alternate Art — featuring the ghost-type giant devouring everything in sight — is now trading for around $1,500 in top condition. This card was selling for roughly $400 less than a year ago, showcasing its rising popularity.
6. Giratina V Alternate Art (Lost Origin)
Another standout from Sword & Shield, the Giratina V Alt Art from Lost Origin recently fetched $1,700, up significantly from last year's average price of $400. As one of the more visually striking Pokémon chase cards, its intricate, chaotic design has earned it status as one of the most compelling cards of the modern era.
5. Full Art Pikachu (Celebrations)
One of the more surprising performers among Pokémon chase cards is the Full Art Pikachu from the Celebrations set. Although the card can be bought raw for as little as $3, a PSA 10 version now sells for around $800. With a gem rate of just 5% — only 450 PSA 10s out of over 80,000 graded — this disparity between raw and graded value reflects how hard it is to get a perfect copy.
4. Lugia V Alternate Art (Silver Tempest)
The Alternate Art Lugia V is another key performer, now commanding $900 for a PSA 10. Lugia remains one of the most iconic legendary Pokémon, and its soaring price reflects its cultural weight in the hobby.
Scarlet & Violet Chase Cards — Still Hot
Though much newer, the Scarlet & Violet era also boasts high-value cards despite larger print runs.
3. Van Gogh Pikachu Promo
The controversial Van Gogh Pikachu promo, released through a limited-time collaboration, is selling for $1,100–$1,200, despite having over 40,000 PSA 10s in circulation. Scarcity isn’t the driving force here — instead, brand crossover appeal and international demand are fueling high resale prices.
2. Magikarp (Illustration Rare)
The Magikarp Illustration Rare continues to impress, fetching around $2,000 for graded copies. Its stunning artwork and unique story as a glow-up Pokémon have made it a community favorite.
1. Bubble Mew (Illustration Rare)
Another rising star is the Bubble Mew, consistently selling in the $1,250–$1,275 range. Mew cards often hold emotional significance for fans and collectors, and this whimsical variant is no exception.
Why These Cards Defy Market Trends
The Pokémon TCG market has matured, with collectors valuing iconic artwork, rarity, nostalgia, and brand collaborations over simple card utility or meta relevance. Pokémon chase cards tied to beloved characters or artistically distinct presentations continue to thrive, particularly when available in pristine PSA 10 condition.
Despite general price corrections across the board, the cards listed above highlight a core truth in collecting: true demand and collector sentiment will always support certain high-end pieces.
References
- Beckett Media. (2024). Top 10 Most Valuable Pokémon Cards in the Modern Era. [online] Available at: https://www.beckett.com/news/modern-pokemon-card-values/
- PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator). (2025). Population Report and Market Trends. [online] Available at: https://www.psacard.com/pop/
- Smith, J. (2024). The Economics of Modern Collectibles. Journal of Trading Card Analysis, 18(2), pp.22–31.
- stantcg1. (2025). Pokémon Chase Card Price Trends. [video] TikTok. Available at: https://www.tiktok.com/@stantcg1/video/7531800333123603743?lang=en-GB
- TCGPlayer. (2025). Market Price Tracker for Pokémon Singles. [online] Available at: https://www.tcgplayer.com/
