Alternate Art Promo cards have become one of the most rewarding parts of collecting in the Pokémon TCG. These cards take familiar favorites and give them a new visual identity through exclusive artwork, premium finishes, and limited distribution. Many were only available in collection boxes or event products, which makes them difficult to find sealed today.
For collectors, these promos bridge the XY and Sun & Moon eras—two periods that saw a creative explosion in card design and presentation. Here are fifteen alternate art promos that every serious collector should keep an eye on.
15. M Camerupt EX – XY198a
Featured in the Camerupt-EX Box (2016), this alternate art card brings one of Hoenn’s most underrated Fire-types into the spotlight. The “a” code indicates it’s a special variant of the original promo, released late in the XY era. Its full-art holographic layout stands out compared to the standard EX print. Collectors value it for completing the rare XY Black Star Promo run.
14. Dedenne GX – 195a/214
Originally part of Unbroken Bonds, this alternate art Dedenne GX is a Sun & Moon promo reprint showcasing the Pokémon in an adorable, energetic pose. It became highly sought after because Dedenne GX was a major competitive staple during its time. The alternate artwork was included only in limited gift sets, adding scarcity to its charm.
13. Shauna – 111a/124
Shauna’s alternate art from Furious Fists represents the early experimentation with trainer card variants. This reprint offers a softer, more expressive art direction compared to the standard full art. It’s especially notable as one of the few alternate trainer cards from the XY set line, giving it unique collector appeal.
12. Delinquent – 98b/122 (Full Art)
Released as an alternate art from BREAKpoint, Delinquent became an instant fan favorite thanks to its mischievous aesthetic. The “b” variant adds a richer background color and improved foil layering, creating a more vivid presentation. This version was only available through special tournament or premium sets, making it one of the rarer XY-era trainer alternates.
11. Karen – XY177a
Karen’s alternate promo was introduced through the Premium Trainer’s XY Collection, one of the most coveted sealed boxes from the late XY period. Known for her role in the Johto Elite Four, this variant card features elegant full-art design work that appeals to nostalgic collectors. It’s a defining piece of the XY promo timeline.
10. M Sharpedo EX – XY200a
This alternate art version of Mega Sharpedo EX came in the Sharpedo-EX Premium Collection. The redesign emphasizes Sharpedo’s ferocity with sharper textures and a cleaner full-art layout. As one of the last EX promos before the GX era began, it captures the final stage of XY-era full art evolution.
9. Zygarde EX – 54a/124
Appearing in Fates Collide, Zygarde EX’s alternate artwork gives the Legendary Pokémon a bold, central presence surrounded by energy effects. The “a” print quickly became the version collectors preferred because it was harder to obtain. It’s a fitting piece for anyone completing a full Fates Collide variant binder.
8. M Lucario EX – 55a/111
Lucario remains a collector favorite, and this alternate art from Furious Fists proves why. The “a” edition elevates the Mega Evolution theme with a more striking color palette and cleaner detail. Available in a limited run, it stands as one of the more challenging Lucario cards to find in mint condition today.
7. Hex Maniac – 75a/98
This alternate art trainer from Ancient Origins became a cult favorite among collectors for its distinctive gothic look. The variant edition features deeper contrast and more intense foil highlights. Because it was only released through exclusive channels, it remains one of the most desirable trainer promos of the XY era.
6. Jirachi – XY67a
Released alongside Generations, Jirachi’s alternate art promo came in select Mythical Pokémon Collection boxes. The design captures Jirachi’s wishful theme beautifully, with soft lighting and a celestial background. As part of the Mythical collection run, sealed copies are becoming harder to find, especially in pristine condition.
5. Rayquaza GX – 177a/168
From Celestial Storm, this alternate art variant highlights the Legendary Pokémon soaring above clouds in vivid color. As one of the era’s most powerful GX cards, its alternate artwork gave collectors a premium option beyond the rainbow rare. It stands among the most striking Sun & Moon promos due to Rayquaza’s lasting popularity.
4. Yveltal EX – XY150a
Yveltal EX’s “a” print was included in the Yveltal-EX Collection during the transition between XY and Sun & Moon. The alternate design features a more dramatic pose emphasizing Yveltal’s destructive aura. It’s a centerpiece for fans of Legendary Pokémon from the Kalos region and one of the key EX variants to own.
3. N (Supporter) – 105a/124
The alternate art of N from Fates Collide is one of the most beloved trainer reprints in the XY series. This version’s enhanced foil finish and cleaner illustration made it a premium chase even before the era of Full Art Supporters took off. N’s popularity as a character continues to drive demand for this card.
2. Shaymin EX – 77a/108
This alternate art from Roaring Skies represents one of the most iconic cards from the entire XY era. Shaymin EX was a meta-defining card in competitive play, and the “a” variant from later collections became the ultimate collector’s version. Its rarity and historical impact make it a standout addition to any collection.
1. Togepi & Cleffa & Igglybuff GX – 143a/236
The top alternate art promo on this list comes from Cosmic Eclipse, marking the final major release of the Sun & Moon era. This Tag Team GX card captures the trio’s bond in a warm, storybook-style scene. Distributed through the Tag Team Premium Collection, it’s both adorable and highly collectible, symbolizing the creative peak of alternate art design before the Sword & Shield generation began.
Collectors continue to value these alternate art promos not only for their scarcity but also for the artistry that defines them. They serve as milestones of Pokémon’s evolving card design and a reminder that some of the most beautiful cards aren’t always found in booster packs.
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