Pokémon’s Phantasmal Flames set is still a month away, but over in Japan its rough equivalent Inferno X has been out for several weeks already.
We’re keen to know what the biggest rare Pokémon cards will be in Phantasmal Flames. And luckily, because most of them are already out in Japan, we can get a good idea of what the most desirable cards will be.
So if you want to know about the most highly sought after cards in this upcoming Pokémon set, check out the prices for the biggest Japanese equivalents below.
First, though, a quick word of warning, as this list should be treated with a decent degree of skepticism. For starters, Japan’s Inferno X is not a complete 1:1 match for Phantasmal Flames, with some of the cards in this Pokémon release originating from boxed Japanese products like the Gengar and Diancie starter decks.
Prices also tend to differ between regions, with the English-language cards often ending up more expensive. And while a list of the most popular cards tends to look roughly similar, there are exceptions. A prime example is the Seismitoad SIR from Black Bolt. The Japanese version started out at $15, while English copies were immediately going for about $200.
1. Mega Charizard X ex MUR – $715
Mega Evolution’s mega hyper rare cards dropped in price shortly after release, but soared again once TCGPlayer published its data on their pull rates.
As a result the mega ultra rare of Mega Charizard X is by far the best Japanese chase card in the set, and that doesn’t seem likely to change in the US, now matter how tacky I, personally, think they look.
2. Mega Charizard X ex SAR – $600
Probably the best SAR card in the Mega Evolution era so far, this version of Charizard is, frankly, stunning. The blue and orange fire contrasts beautifully (it’s giving ATLA finale) all three of the Mega’s preevolved forms are crammed up in the corner. I love how they’re all looking up at the big black-and-blue dragon, a nice bit of visual storytelling that.
3. Oricorio ex SAR – $115
Unbelievably, little Oricorio gives Charizard a run for its money, in bombastic, fiery artwork if not in price tag. As you might’ve already guessed, this card is illustrated by Shinji Kanda, probably the most famous Pokémon artist right now, and known for elevating whatever he lends his pen too.
People have caught on to the Kanda effect now – there’s no more underestimating a card by him.
4. Dawn SAR – $105
Full art trainer cards are often near the top of these lists, especially when they showcase a famous character like Dawn. Both playable character and NPC in the games as well as Ash Ketchum companion in the anime, this card will be a great pull for anyone nostalgic for Diamond and Pearl.
5. Mega Charizard X ex SR – $70
A third and final version of Mega Charizard X, the SR version (or Ultra Rare in the English version) is about what we’d expect to see at this rarity – the Pokémon striking a cool pose with thick outlining.
Like the other Mega SR cards, it features the unevolved form of the Pokémon in the background. This card also continues the green and pink coloring from the packaging.
6. Dawn – $31
Surprisingly the SR version of Dawn is doing better than many of the set’s SAR cards. For whatever reason (and I have my suspicions) full art trainer cards sell for much more in Japan than they do worldwide.
However, this is one card that I expect to fare much worse on the wider stage. It’s probably comparable to the SR for Lillie’s Determination from the last set. This was the sixth biggest Mega Brave/Mega Symphonia chase card in Japan, but 16th in the US.
7. Mega Lopunny ex SAR – $30
Probably the coolest Mega Lopunny has ever looked, this normal type Mega ex card is an explosion of light and color.
8. Mega Sharpedo ex SAR – $26
Probably the most fearsome looking card in this entire set, I’ll be quite surprised if English copies of this Mega ex card don’t sell for significantly more than $26. I mean, how many Pokémon cards look like an incoming missile?!
For more recent Pokémon news, check out our guide to the newest Pokémon set. And feel free to come join the Wargamer Discord, and let us know if you’re excited for Phantasmal Flames!
Source: Wargamer
