While Lugia often takes the spotlight as Gen 2’s TCG darling, its counterpart Ho-Oh has flown under the radar for years. Despite being the very first Legendary seen in the anime and a symbol of rebirth and mystery, Ho-Oh’s cards rarely command the same hype or prices as other legendary Pokémon—even when the artwork or design rivals the best in the hobby.
Whether it’s due to a lack of competitive playability or simply being overshadowed by flashier mascots, Ho-Oh has become one of the most underrated Legendary Pokémon in the TCG—especially when it comes to collecting.
If you’re a Gen 2 enthusiast or looking for standout cards that haven’t yet exploded in value, here are five Ho-Oh cards—from both vintage and modern eras—that deserve a second look:
5. Ho-Oh – Celebrations (CLB)
Release Year: 2021
Part of the 25th Anniversary Celebrations set, this card features clean, vibrant artwork that nods to Ho-Oh’s legendary status. Despite being one of the few Gen 2 reps in the set, it’s often overshadowed by the big three Kanto starters and their reprints.
Graded Note: Raw copies are plentiful, but PSA 10s make a nice, low-risk pickup for collectors of modern milestone sets.
4. Shining Ho-Oh (SM70) – SM Promos (SMP)
Release Year: 2017
A striking promo that channels Ho-Oh’s mythical status with a golden body and textured foil, this card revived the Shining mechanic from the Neo era. Released alongside Shining Legends, it captures a blend of nostalgia and modern TCG design.
Graded Note: Grading clean promos can be tricky due to factory packaging damage, so PSA 10s are a better long-term hold than raw copies.
3. Ho-Oh ex (119 Full Art) – Dragons Exalted (DRX)
Release Year: 2012
This full art Ho-Oh EX from the Black & White era is rich in texture and color, featuring a dynamic pose and glowing energy. It’s an often-overlooked gem in a set that’s starting to get more attention from full art and Gen 5 collectors.
Graded Note: Older full arts are prone to edge wear and whitening, making high-grade copies harder to come by.
2. Ho-Oh ex (088) – Rage of the Broken Heavens (XY9)
Set: Rage of the Broken Heavens (Japanese)
Release Year: 2016
This Secret Rare full art Ho-Oh EX is easily one of the most overlooked high-end cards in the Japanese XY era. With rainbow gradients and elegant detailing, it blends premium design with strong thematic ties to Ho-Oh’s mythos.
Graded Note: Japanese print quality is top-tier, so PSA 10s are common—but demand is still low compared to its visual quality and rarity.
1. Ho-oh – Skyridge (SK)
Release Year: 2003
The crown jewel of underrated Ho-Oh cards. This Crystal-type Secret Rare from Skyridge closes out the WotC era with some of the most unique card mechanics and artwork the TCG has ever seen. With a bold crystal body, surreal background, and legendary status, it’s easily the most collectible Ho-Oh card—but still underappreciated relative to other vintage Grails.
Graded Note: PSA 10s are extremely low-pop and command a premium, but even PSA 7–9 range cards are worth considering for long-term value.
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