The trailer for Extradimensional Crisis instantly transported me back to the vibrant Sun and Moon era, a time when the Pokémon TCG embraced bold creativity and wild designs.
The arrival of Ultra Beasts in Pocket, with their striking designs and chaotic energy, brought back memories of opening Crimson Invasion packs, marveling at creatures that seemed to hail from another dimension. It was vibrant, daring, and perfectly unpredictable. Let’s take a journey back to Alola and highlight my favorite cards from the Sun and Moon sets.
This new set weaves together elements from that era, with cards like Buzzwole, Nihilego, Type Null, and Lusamine’s unique energy effect evoking the thrilling unpredictability of Forbidden Light, the flair of Ultra Prism, and the dazzling shine of Hidden Fates.
Cosmic Eclipse wrapped up the Sun and Moon era with a flourish, introducing Character Rares. The Arceus, Dialga, and Palkia GX card was a showstopper at trade tables, radiating epic grandeur. Rosa’s Full Art card exuded a quiet strength, while the Pikachu Character Rare brought a warm, joyful charm unlike anything else.
Hidden Fates, released in August 2019, redefined excitement with its Shiny Vault. The Shiny Charizard GX was the ultimate prize, stopping tables in their tracks when pulled. I snagged a shiny Rowlet from a pack, realizing just how addictive this set could be. From shiny Umbreon GX to Mewtwo GX and the full-art bird trio, every pack held explosive potential.
Unified Minds kept the momentum alive with cards like Mewtwo and Mew GX, a crossover that felt straight out of a fan’s dream. Slowpoke and Psyduck GX was equal parts hilarious and formidable, while Cherish Ball became an understated essential, proving utility could outshine flash.
Unbroken Bonds doubled down on Tag Team cards. Reshiram and Charizard GX was a jaw-dropping pull, leaving my friend in disbelief when he snagged it. Gardevoir and Sylveon GX had a graceful synergy, while Dedenne GX became a deck-building staple, its utility undeniable after one trade.
Detective Pikachu, released in April 2019, rode the movie’s hype with CGI-inspired cards. From ultra-realistic Bulbasaurs to slightly eerie Charmanders, the set was a quirky standout. I only opened a few promo packs, but a friend’s Mewtwo GX pull sparked pure excitement at a card night.
Team Up revolutionized gameplay with Tag Team GX cards. Latias and Latios GX felt like a cinematic masterpiece, while Pikachu and Zekrom GX dominated competitive decks. Gengar and Mimikyu GX blended spooky charm with chaotic power, making it unforgettable.
Lost Thunder was massive, the largest Pokémon set at the time. Lugia GX’s majestic artwork remains a Sun and Moon highlight. Alolan Ninetales GX shone with beauty and utility, while Zeraora GX powered lightning decks with electrifying flair.
Dragon Majesty, released in September 2018, was a dragon lover’s dream. Available only in special products, opening its packs felt like a rare treat. A gold Ultra Necrozma GX pull caused a frenzy at a local event, while Dragonite GX and Reshiram GX delivered bold, dramatic artwork.
Celestial Storm blended nostalgia with innovation. Rayquaza GX was a commanding presence in matches, while Lisia’s Full Art card popped with collectible charm. Articuno GX’s icy elegance added a subtle yet powerful touch to the set.
Forbidden Light spotlighted Ultra Necrozma GX, a card that sparked excitement at league nights. Greninja GX stood out as a fan-favorite starter, and Diantha’s Full Art card added a touch of subtle elegance to the Trainer lineup.
Ultra Prism introduced Prism Star cards, injecting fresh excitement into pulls. Full Art Lillie and Cynthia cards were showstoppers, turning heads at tournaments. The gold Solgaleo GX and Lunala GX remain a coveted duo, dreamed of by collectors.
Crimson Invasion brought Ultra Beasts into the spotlight, their chaotic energy a bold fit. Gyarados GX embodied fierce power, while Full Art Lusamine and Olivia added flair to a set that, while quieter, still delivered memorable moments.
Shining Legends, released in October 2017, was a unique mini-set with mighty hits. Shining Mew’s glow was mesmerizing in person, while the Secret Rare Mewtwo GX in its test tube was a vendor table stunner. Shining Rayquaza and Arceus added lasting allure to this compact gem.
Burning Shadows, launched in August 2017, was dominated by the elusive Rainbow Rare Charizard GX. My Gardevoir GX and Secret Rare Fairy Energy pulls were thrilling, but that Charizard remains a collector’s taunt in someone else’s slab.
Guardians Rising followed the Sun and Moon base set, with Tapu Lele GX stealing the spotlight as a deck staple. Alolan Ninetales GX dazzled under card show lights, and Sylveon GX built its own loyal following. The Secret Rare Double Colorless Energy was a golden find.
The Sun and Moon Base Set, launched in early 2017, kicked off the era with vibrant Alolan forms and the new GX mechanic. Full Art Lillie stood out at my first local event, while a Secret Rare Ultra Ball was instantly cherished. My Lunala GX pull from a random pack felt like a triumphant start.
The Pokémon TCG market is shifting, with singles offering better value than overpriced booster bundles for collectors.
Some chase cards have recently dropped, making them more affordable than bloated sealed products.
Some prices seem wild, but many have dropped significantly from just weeks ago, while the latter five cards continue to climb.
For those eager to open booster packs, here’s how to do it smartly without draining your wallet.
For those seeking big-box retailer options, here’s a rundown. Always compare prices, as TCG Player often beats these deals in the current market.
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