Pokémon Mega Evolution may not get its worldwide release for a month more, but the cards are already out in Japan, in the paired sets Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia, which released on August 1.
We’re itching to know which will be the big hitters from the newest Pokémon set, and to help us work it out, have compiled this list of the most expensive Pokémon cards in Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia right now.
Now of course, you should view this article with a healthy dose of skepticism. The Japanese prices don’t tend to match the English versions 1:1. For one thing, the top English cards tend to be a fair bit more expensive than their Japanese counterparts, but there are also often discernible differences between which cards blow up in each region.
For instance, the Seismitoad Illustrated Rare which became one of the biggest Black/White cards despite its lower Pokémon card rarity, didn’t take off in Japan until the English cards came out.
That said, the Symphonia and Brave prices do give us an insight into which cards are likely to be popular, so let’s take a look at what’s hot right now.
1. Mega Gardevoir ex MUR – $428.89
As you’d expect, the new Mega Ultra Rare cards are the most valuable offerings in Mega Brave and Syphonia, and there’s no reason to think that won’t be the case in the English set as well. It’s not clear exactly how scarce these golden cards are, but some early online estimates suggest they could be found as seldom as 1 in every 50 boxes.
Even the scalpers who line their rooms with Pokémon products would struggle to find one at those odds!
2. Mega Lucario ex MUR – $428.64
Currently Mega Lucario ex’s blingy card is a touch cheaper than Gardevoir’s, but there is not much in it. Personally, while I wouldn’t turn my nose up at a card worth close to $500, I personally find these new treatments a little gauche. (Yes, I’m going to deal with the likelihood I’ll never so much as see one of these cards, let alone open one, by being a snob).
That said, is it just me, or is there something of Ancient Mew about them?
3. Lillie’s Determination SAR – $357.50
As one of the most popular characters in the entirety of Pokémon, it’s no surprise that a full art Lillie is one of the most valuable inclusions in this set, blowing everything except the MUR cards out of the water.
With her iconic design (even when she’s not dressed as a Nihilego) tragic backstory, and significant character growth in the games and the anime, it’s not hard to see why the fans love Lillie, or why her supporter card is so costly.
4. Mega Gardevoir ex SAR – $166.43
Probably my own personal favorite of the cards on this list, the SAR for Mega Gardevoir ex is a great design, as ornate as you’d expect. I also like the way it incorporates Ralts and Kirlia!
5. Acerola’s Mischief SAR – $140.07
Another very popular character that’s gotten a lot of full art appearances of late, Acerola’s an Elite Four member and ghost-type trainer fulfilling the well-liked archetype of spooky/adorable child. Here she’s seen preparing a Halloween costume – which makes sense for a card coming out in September.
6. Lillie’s Determination SR – $108.40
This SR (Illustration Rare in English) is so sought-after that it costs more than most of the set’s SARs. Such is the draw of Lillie, that both her cards are more valuable than most of the top Pokémon. Interestingly, in the previous Pokémon set, none of the trainer cards could make that boast.
7. Mega Lucario ex SAR – $83.88
Another face of the set, Mega Lucario ex has to make do with seventh place. This card is full of energy, a dramatic action-packed battle scene between the fighting-type and Mega Venusaur. Speaking of…
8. Mega Venusaur ex SAR – $67.76
Mega Venusaur ex’s Secret Art Rare rounds out our list. As the best Kanto starter, this grass-type has plenty of fans. Collectors are going to want to display this card alongside the Illustration Rares for Ivysaur and Bulbasuar, which together form a neat triptych.
As I’ve been careful to stress, these prices are not set in stone, and the Japanese prices aren’t going to be a perfect reflection of the English ones. However, right now it seems clear that – unlike with Black Bolt and White Flare – it’s the cute cards that are winning out here over the badass ones.
Come join the conversation over in the Wargamer Discord! And for more great reads check out our list of the best Pokémon cards ever.
Source: Wargamer
