Trainer Gallery Pokémon cards have quickly become fan favorites thanks to their stunning full-card artwork and heartfelt depictions of iconic character-Pokémon duos. Introduced in sets like Brilliant Stars, Astral Radiance, and Lost Origin, the Trainer Gallery features 30 special cards per set that showcase alternate-art versions of popular Pokémon paired with their well-known Trainers.
Unlike standard cards that often show Pokémon battling or alone in the wild, these cards give a refreshing and personal glimpse into the bonds between Trainers and their Pokémon—capturing moments of teamwork, friendship, and daily life that fans rarely get to see.
Trainer Gallery Pull Rates at a Glance:
- Where They Appear:
Trainer Gallery cards replace the reverse-holo slot in booster packs. - Pull Rates by Set:
- Brilliant Stars: approximately 18% chance per booster pack
- Astral Radiance: approximately 12–13% chance per booster pack
- Lost Origin: approximately 12–13% chance per booster pack
Now that you know what makes them special, here are some of the best Trainer Gallery Pokémon cards that truly steal the spotlight.
10. Kingdra – SWSH10: Astral Radiance Trainer Gallery
This card, illustrated by Taira Akitsu, features Clair, the Dragon-type Gym Leader from Hoenn, riding her partner Pokémon, Kingdra, as they move across the water. In the scene, Kingdra powers upstream with impressive speed, churning the water as it ascends a waterfall. Kingdra appears especially majestic as it swims upward, framed by autumn-hued trees that emphasize the elevation. Riding a Kingdra is undeniably a stylish way to travel—but few could match the effortless grace Clair displays in this artwork.
9. Vaporeon – SWSH09: Brilliant Stars Trainer Gallery
Part of the Brilliant Stars Trainer Gallery set, this full art card features Vaporeon with Gary, the original rival from the Pokémon series. It’s a fan-favorite among collectors for its charming and nostalgic depiction of the two. The illustration emphasizes their close bond, presenting Vaporeon in a calm, loyal pose beside Gary. Although the card isn’t particularly dominant in competitive play, it does have situational value in decks that benefit from disrupting Fire-type abilities. Its true strength, however, lies in its collectibility. With its rarity and eye-catching design, this card has become a must-have for fans of both the characters and the artwork.
8. Zekrom – SWSH09: Brilliant Stars Trainer Gallery
Drawn by Akira Egawa, this card shows N, the enigmatic rival from Pokémon Black and White, soaring through the skies on the back of the legendary Pokémon Zekrom. It likely represents the final time you see N in Pokémon Black, riding off into the horizon. The expression on N’s face—smiling and carefree—symbolizes his freedom from the manipulation of his adoptive father, Ghetsis. Egawa’s artwork is strikingly detailed, from the soft glow of the sunrise to the dynamic motion lines that suggest Zekrom’s incredible speed. It’s a card that not only captures a pivotal character moment but also stands out for its cinematic quality.
7. Charizard – SWSH11: Lost Origin Trainer Gallery
Illustrated by Gidora, this card features the beloved Galar Champion, Leon, with his iconic partner, Charizard. The artwork captures a rare and heartwarming moment: Charizard leans into Leon as they share a laugh, revealing the strength of their bond outside the battlefield. Known for their fierce synergy in combat, this card offers a more intimate look at their friendship. Gidora does a beautiful job of capturing the joy and trust between the two, highlighting a lighter, more personal side of their relationship that fans rarely get to see.
6. Mimikyu VMAX – SWSH09: Brilliant Stars Trainer
Mimikyu is known for having one of the most tragic backstories in the Pokémon world, but this Trainer Gallery card offers a rare moment of comfort. Here, it’s seen beside Acerola, the Ghost Trial Captain, who shows warmth and acceptance toward the Disguise Pokémon. Since Mimikyu played a key role in her trial as a Totem Pokémon, it makes perfect sense for the two to share a bond. This card is especially endearing for fans who love seeing misunderstood Pokémon finally find a place to belong.
5. Sylveon VMAX – SWSH09: Brilliant Stars Trainer Gallery
The Sylveon V card offers a gentle, graceful scene with soft petals drifting around, but the VMAX version takes it up a notch—showcasing the dazzling grandeur of Fairy-type power with a flurry of petals swirling around Sylveon’s towering form. Freed from the black borders seen in the V version, Sylveon VMAX commands the entire frame in stunning shades of pink and blue. Both cards highlight Valerie’s distinct fashion and elegant presence, making her a standout companion to Sylveon. With such memorable artwork, these cards build anticipation for future appearances of Valerie on Supporter cards.
4. Pikachu VMAX – SWSH11: Lost Origin Trainer Gallery
Before the sleek, modern Pikachu we know today, there was the rounder, chubbier original—lovingly called “Chonkachu.” The Pikachu VMAX card revives this design through the Gigantamax form, bringing back that classic look with a modern twist. Paired with the legendary trainer Red, this card shows him standing confidently as Pikachu unleashes a storm of electricity. Souichirou Gunjima’s striking artwork makes this one of the most iconic and valuable Trainer Gallery cards ever printed.
3. Umbreon VMAX – SHWSH09: Brilliant Stars Trainer Gallery
The Trainer Gallery Umbreon VMAX showcases the sheer scale of VMAX Pokémon with a dramatic rooftop scene. Umbreon lounges calmly atop buildings while Karen sits beside it, exuding elegance and strength without needing to be loud. Unlike other Dark-types that flaunt their intimidation, this card presents quiet, resolute power in a way that perfectly reflects Karen’s battle style. It’s a beautiful portrayal of one of Johto’s most iconic and composed trainers.
2. Garchomp V – SWSH10: Astral Radiance Trainer Gallery
Dragon-types often symbolize dominance, and Garchomp is no exception—trading whimsical charm for ruthless power. This Trainer Gallery card pairs Garchomp with Cynthia, the Sinnoh Champion whose team is infamous for its difficulty. Battling her in Diamond and Pearl was a rite of passage, with Garchomp often being the most terrifying obstacle. The artwork brilliantly captures her commanding presence, honoring one of the most respected champions in the series.
1. Starmie V – SWSH10: Astral Radiance Trainer Gallery
Misty, the Cerulean Gym Leader, remains one of the most beloved characters in the Pokémon franchise. While her role in the games was brief, the anime gave her much more personality, cementing her as a key figure in Ash’s early journey. This Trainer Gallery card featuring Misty and Starmie is a nod to both her game origins and anime legacy. With dazzling artwork, it’s a nostalgic and stunning card for fans of any generation.
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