The Pokémon Scarlet & Violet era, which began in March 2023, marked a bold new chapter with the ninth generation’s debut. Silver borders replaced the classic yellow frames, ex Pokémon made their return, and the design philosophy shifted toward premium collectibility. Competitive play evolved around these new ex mechanics and the introduction of Terastal effects, giving decks fresh layers of strategy.
Collectors were equally drawn in by full-art illustration rares and stunning alternate prints that rivaled some of Pokémon’s most celebrated artworks. Over its run, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet became one of the most dynamic and valuable modern eras, shaping both tournament play and the secondary market. Below are 50 cards that capture why this era continues to excite players, collectors, and investors around the world.
50. Iron Crown ex #206 – Temporal Forces
The artwork of Iron Crown ex depicts a metallic Pokémon standing proudly on a rocky ledge under a glowing yellow moon, surrounded by swirling pink and purple mist. It beautifully fuses the futuristic design of Iron Crown with the composition and color harmony reminiscent of traditional Japanese artwork, creating a scene that feels both modern and timeless.
49. Raichu #211/193 – Paldea Evolved
This illustration rare captures Raichu in a rare moment of calm, peacefully napping after play. Its cozy, domestic setting contrasts beautifully with the high-energy poses Raichu is known for. That quiet storytelling touch makes it one of Paldea Evolved’s most relatable and memorable rares.
48. Kyurem ex #165 – Black Bolt
Kyurem ex commands the scene with icy dominance, its energy bursting through the artwork. Black Bolt gave this Unova dragon a fresh, aggressive look, reinforcing its reputation as a powerhouse in both play and collection.
47. Bulbasaur #143/142 – Stellar Crown
Bulbasaur’s gentle expression and detailed background make it one of the most charming cards in Stellar Crown. It anchors the full evolution line with warmth and nostalgia, a quiet standout among the starter artworks.
46. Tyranitar #222/193 – Paldea Evolved
Tyranitar looming on a cragged mountain ridge at sunset, its silhouette partially lit by an orange-sky backdrop. It radiates raw power with debris flying around it, and its stance atop jagged rocks gives a sense of dominance. Paldea Evolved showcased its raw strength with dynamic lighting and texture, giving collectors a dramatic take on the fan-favorite beast.
45. Houndoom #066/064 – Shrouded Fable
Houndoom’s fiery silhouette and gothic backdrop give Shrouded Fable its edge. The dark tones and eerie glow elevate it beyond standard illustration, making it a collector gem for fans of darker Pokémon aesthetics.
44. Salamance ex #187/159 – Journey Together
Salamence ex bursts with motion, captured mid-flight against an open sky. Journey Together gave this Dragon-type a sense of freedom and scale that feels almost cinematic. A true visual highlight for any modern-era binder.
43. Eevee #188/167 – Twilight Masquerade
A fan-favorite Pokémon brought to life with true care, this illustration rare perfectly captures Eevee’s gentle personality. The warm, storybook-style artwork celebrates everything fans love about the evolution icon, making it one of Twilight Masquerade’s most cherished cards.
42. Terapagos ex #170 – Stellar Crown
Terapagos glows with celestial brilliance, its gem-like shell reflecting the new Stellar rarity to perfection. As the set’s signature Pokémon, it symbolizes discovery and wonder, making it one of the defining cards of Stellar Crown.
41. Garchomp ex #245/182 – Paradox Rift
Garchomp ex strikes with precision in a high-energy composition that defines Paradox Rift’s intensity. Its aggressive posture and clean detailing give it serious display appeal for both players and collectors.
40. Iono #269/193 – Paldea Evolved
Iono’s full art blends character and color like few trainer cards can. Her bright palette and animated personality made this one of the most sought-after pulls of Paldea Evolved. A modern classic in trainer card design.
39. Seismitoad #105/086 – Black Bolt
The artwork of Seismitoad from Black Bolt bursts with psychedelic energy. The vibrant, almost hypnotic background gives the scene a musical and celebratory feeling, as if the entire world is dancing to Seismitoad’s rhythm.
38. Gardevoir ex #245/198 – Scarlet & Violet Base Set
Gardevoir ex tells a touching story through its evolving art series, symbolizing the bond between trainer and Pokémon. The final stage in the Base Set trio captures warmth, memory, and growth — a modern masterpiece in narrative card design.
37. Milotic ex #237/191 – Surging Sparks
Milotic ex radiates elegance and tranquility. The lighting and ripple effect in Surging Sparks bring its aquatic beauty to life, making it a serene yet powerful addition to the Scarlet & Violet collection.
36. Ceruledge ex #147/131 – Prismatic Evolutions
Ceruledge ex stands out for its fierce posture and glowing blade aura. The Prismatic Evolutions finish enhances its polished armor and gives the entire composition a supernatural glow. A fan-favorite pull for collectors drawn to sharp, detailed artwork.
35. Roaring Moon ex #162/131 – Prismatic Evolutions
Roaring Moon ex channels primal intensity with an artwork that feels alive and feral. The Prismatic Evolutions treatment gave it a tough pull rate, adding real chase value to an already beloved Paradox Pokémon. Its swirling energy and dark elegance make it one of the most impressive ex designs to date.
34. Alakazam ex #201/165 – Scarlet & Violet 151
Alakazam ex from 151 honors the Psychic icon’s legacy with refined color and clever composition. Its floating spoons and focused expression mirror the telekinetic mastery that made Alakazam a Gen 1 favorite. A sharp, collectible modern take on a true classic.
33. Perrin #220 – Twilight Masquerade
Perrin’s full art captures her calm intensity as a dedicated photographer and traveler of Kitakami. The natural lighting and detailed background make it one of Twilight Masquerade’s most immersive trainer cards. It’s the kind of design that feels more like a painting than a pull.
32. Charizard ex #223/197 – Obsidian Flames
Charizard ex in Obsidian Flames made headlines as one of the first Tera Fire showcase cards, gleaming like molten stone. Its crystallized texture and glowing wings pushed the limits of the new rarity’s design. A historic and visually unforgettable entry for the Charizard line.
31. Gardevoir ex #233/091 – Paldean Fates
This Gardevoir ex stands out for its emotional depth. The artwork follows the evolving bond between trainer and Pokémon, closing a heartfelt three-card narrative arc. With soft lighting and graceful posture, it embodies warmth, devotion, and storytelling excellence.
30. Groudon #199/182 – Paradox Rift
Groudon’s Paradox Rift illustration feels monumental, echoing the raw might of the land titan. The environmental detailing around it captures the ground splitting beneath its power. It’s a reminder that even non-ex cards can command collector attention when executed with this level of artistry.
29. Victini #171/086 – Black Bolt
Victini’s fiery presence shines through its dynamic pose and glowing embers. As a Secret Illustration Rare, it combines joy and determination, traits that define this Unova favorite. Its charm and bold design make it one of the happiest highlights of Black Bolt.
28. Squirtle #148/142 – Stellar Crown
Squirtle’s Stellar Crown art feels straight out of a storybook. It captures the calm innocence that made this starter a timeless favorite, with reflections and soft hues enhancing its nostalgic pull. A charming companion to the set’s Venusaur and Bulbasaur cards.
27. Latios #203/191 – Surging Sparks
Latios glides across a radiant skyline in this Surging Sparks standout. The perspective and lighting create real movement, while the pairing with Latias #239/191 gives collectors a reason to chase both. It’s a perfectly balanced mix of power and grace.
26. Latias ex #239/191 – Surging Sparks
Latias soars in harmony with its twin, the companion piece to Latios in Surging Sparks. Its warm color palette and elegant composition create emotional contrast to Latios’s cool tones. Displayed together, they form one of the most beautiful dual artworks of the Scarlet & Violet era
25. Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex #230/182 – Destined Rivals
Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex revives Johto nostalgia with sweeping motion and golden radiance. The partnership with Ethan anchors it in Pokémon history, reflecting HeartGold’s enduring legacy. Its storytelling and light effects make it one of Destined Rivals’ defining pulls.
24. Dragapult ex #165/131 – Prismatic Evolutions
Dragapult ex brings speed to life, captured mid-attack in an explosion of light. The Prismatic Evolutions finish amplifies its kinetic design and gives collectors a vivid display piece. It’s a rare example of dynamic art meeting elegant composition.
23. Espeon ex #155/131 – Prismatic Evolutions
Espeon ex radiates psychic serenity, its soft pastel lighting evoking calm and poise. With Prismatic Evolutions’ tough pull rate and Eeveelution popularity, this card quickly became a prized collectible. It perfectly embodies elegance without sacrificing energy.
22. Leafeon ex #144/131 – Prismatic Evolutions
Leafeon ex celebrates nature through luminous greens and a serene woodland setting. The foil work highlights each leaf like sunlight through a canopy, reinforcing Prismatic Evolutions’ focus on detailed, painterly compositions. A peaceful yet vibrant piece in the Eeveelution collection.
21. Carmine #217/167 – Twilight Masquerade
Surrounded by the moody glow of Kitakami’s lanterns, Carmine’s card blends attitude with beauty, marking it as one of Twilight Masquerade’s standout trainer portraits. A must-have for fans of character-driven design.
20. Zapdos ex #202/165 – Scarlet & Violet 151
Zapdos ex delivers pure nostalgia for Kanto fans. Its dynamic artwork channels the speed and ferocity of the thunderbird mid-flight, echoing the energy of the original Fossil era. As part of the 151 revival, it stands as one of the most striking Legendary reimaginings in modern Pokémon design.
19. Charizard ex #234/091 – Paldean Fates
This alternate art Charizard ex presents a darker, more dramatic vision of the iconic Fire-type. The crimson glow against its shadowed form gives the card cinematic depth rarely seen in Charizard prints. With its refined palette and premium finish, it stands as one of the most visually powerful cards in the Scarlet & Violet era.
18. Team Rocket’s Moltres ex #229/182 – Destined Rivals
Team Rocket’s Moltres ex captures Giovanni’s ruthless ambition with fiery elegance. The card’s dark aesthetic flips the usual heroic imagery, turning Moltres into a symbol of control and rebellion. It completes the trio of Rocket’s Legends, making it an essential chase for long-time fans.
17. Blastoise ex #200/165 – Scarlet & Violet 151
Blastoise ex mirrors the artistry of the 151 line, bold, cinematic, and full of movement. The water effects and evolving story through its line highlight the craftsmanship that defined this set. For collectors, it’s the perfect balance of power and nostalgia.
16. Cynthia’s Garchomp ex #232/182 – Destined Rivals
Cynthia’s Garchomp ex radiates presence. Its artwork captures the champion’s bond with her ace Pokémon in stunning detail, merging Sinnoh pride with Scarlet & Violet’s storytelling flair. Collectors admire it as both a competitive icon and a centerpiece of modern full-art design.
15. Snorlax #51 – (Pokemon Center) Pokemon Promo
This exclusive Snorlax promo embodies comfort and charm. Distributed through Pokémon Center ETBs, it celebrates the franchise’s lighter side with endearing, relaxed artwork. Collectors prize it for its scarcity and its perfect blend of personality and nostalgia.
14. Lilie’s Clefairy ex #184/159 – Journey Together
Lillie’s Clefairy ex feels like a love letter to Alola-era fans. The pastel artwork and warm tone highlight their enduring friendship, a theme that resonates deeply with collectors. It’s one of the most emotionally rich cards of the entire Scarlet & Violet era.
13. Pikachu ex #238/191 – Surging Sparks
Pikachu ex bursts with color and energy, embodying the joy that defines the franchise. The card’s art direction feels celebratory, modern yet rooted in classic charm. Its inclusion as a major chase captures how Scarlet & Violet keeps Pikachu timeless.
12. Reshiram ex #173/086 – White Flare
Reshiram ex pays tribute to its Black & White origins while debuting in the new Stellar Tera rarity, giving its white flames a crystalline glow unseen in prior versions. The art reimagines Unova’s legendary dragon with cinematic warmth and refined composition. It’s a modern homage that transforms nostalgia into brilliance.
11. Zekrom ex #172/086 – Black Bolt
Zekrom ex mirrors its legendary counterpart in stunning fashion, now showcased through the same Stellar Tera treatment that electrifies its stormy aura. Earlier versions emphasized brute force, but this design leans into artistry, every detail pulsing with motion and light. Together with Reshiram, it completes a unified masterpiece for Unova collectors.
10. Sylveon ex #156/131 – Prismatic Evolutions
Sylveon ex charms collectors with intricate detail and a soft, dreamlike palette. The Prismatic Evolutions set elevated Eeveelutions with personality-driven artwork, and Sylveon’s card captures that theme perfectly. It’s elegant, collectible, and distinctly modern.
9. Magikarp #203/193 – Paldea Evolved
Inspired by the ancient Dragon Gate legend, this Magikarp artwork captures the moment before transformation. With Gyarados towering above, it’s a visual tale of determination and evolution. The card’s cultural depth and emotional storytelling made it an instant fan favorite across both players and collectors.
8. Mew ex #232/091 – Paldean Fates
Often called the “Bubble Mew,” this card’s playful underwater design instantly captured collectors’ hearts. The art shows Mew floating through shimmering bubbles, perfectly balancing innocence with mythical charm. Its gentle color work and peaceful tone make it one of Paldean Fates’ most beloved and memorable pulls.
7. Venusaur ex #198/165 – Scarlet & Violet 151
Venusaur ex completes the 151 evolution trilogy with lush, vibrant art that feels alive. It’s a celebration of nature and growth, tying beautifully into the set’s storytelling concept. For collectors, it’s the calm before Charizard’s storm.
6. Greninja ex #214/167 – Twilight Masquerade
Greninja ex shines with stealth and precision. The mask-inspired artwork and deep blue tones embody the mystique that made Greninja a fan favorite. It’s one of the most stylistically distinct cards in Scarlet & Violet, perfect for display collectors.
5. Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat #85 – Pokemon Promo
This crossover promo redefined modern Pokémon exclusives. Featuring Pikachu in Van Gogh’s grey felt hat, it merges art and fandom like no other card. Its limited release and cultural impact make it a centerpiece of 2020s Pokémon history.
4. Mew ex #53 – Pokemon Promo
Mew ex from the premium collection unites rarity and nostalgia. The pose and color balance reflect classic Mew aesthetics while giving it a modern polish. It’s one of the standout promo designs of the Scarlet & Violet era.
3. Umbreon ex #161/131 – Prismatic Evolutions
Umbreon ex captures the cool, nocturnal energy that defines this fan-favorite Eeveelution. The Prismatic Evolutions set gave it a cinematic treatment and one of the most notoriously difficult pull rates of the Scarlet & Violet era. That scarcity, paired with its great artwork, makes it the definitive modern Umbreon for serious collectors.
2. Charizard ex #199/165 – Scarlet & Violet 151
Charizard ex reigns as the fiery centerpiece of the 151 collection. The storytelling artwork chronicles its evolution with unmatched detail, embodying both nostalgia and rebirth. It’s the definitive Scarlet & Violet chase for collectors worldwide.
1. Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex #231/182 – Destined Rivals
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex brings back one of the most iconic rivalries in Pokémon history. After more than two decades, Giovanni’s shadowy creation returns in Destined Rivals, fusing classic Team Rocket nostalgia with the refined artistry of the Scarlet & Violet era.
The Scarlet & Violet era delivered a rare balance of artistic depth, competitive innovation, and long-term collectibility. From high-impact tournament staples to showcase-worthy illustration rares, it set a new modern benchmark for the Pokémon TCG.
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