This week’s biggest Pokémon card busters and climbers
Blog Andrew Joseph 10 Oct , 2025 0

Mega evolution It's already starting to make a splash thanks to the recent release of its base kit in the US, and its single-card market is doing some weird things right now. To be sure, most of the top chase cards in the set are getting cheaper. It seems like day one stocks have turned around across the board, with The Pokémon Company seemingly printing new sets and forgetting about them. The long-term effects remain to be seen, but more cards printed means less damage to your pocket.
TL: Doc; this week’s Mega Evolution buster and climber
The Gold Hyper Rare card is the highest value card in the set, with the Mega Gardevoir ex (187/132) priced at twice the market value and the Mega Lucario ex (188/132) priced high, currently holding steady at an insane $650. There are some surprising illustrations of rare price increases Mega evolution Likewise, Helioptile (143/132) recently gained 33.6% due to its beautiful artwork.
In Mega Evolution, one thing is clear: Pokémon trainers and collectors won't succumb to FOMO. Being able to wait for sealed products and chase cards may burn money compared to buying them outright at launch, and it looks like that sentiment is finally taking hold in Pokémania 2025. Let’s get started:
Pokémon Card Destroyer
Super Lucario Front – 188/132 The current near-new price is $650, which is nearly $70 less than the current market value of $719.37. While it's only down 9.7%, it's still a big savings for now, and suggests that gold ultra-rare cards will likely hold steady at $600 or less during the Mega Evolution era of Pokémon TCG.
Mega Brave is a heavy hitter that does 270 damage, but can't be used again next turn, so use it when you're in trouble or need another takedown. I'd rather use Mega Lucario ex for energy recovery and build the rest of my bench while dealing a solid 130 damage.
Giant Gardevoir Ex – 178/132 The current highest value Secret Art Rare is priced at approximately $313, which is lower than the current market value of $317.08. This may not sound like a big deal, but these small dips can lead to larger drops and could signal a price correction in the coming weeks.
Overflowing Wishes is great for giving your bench Pokémon quick psychic energy, and its artwork is gorgeous. This is 100% a Pokémon card that looks amazing on a tablet or in a Chase Card Binder.
Super Latias EX – 181/132 The current valuation is $168.05, about $11 below the current market value. Also, in this day and age, fans seem to value gold ultra-rare cards more than SIRs, but to me, the artwork on this card trumps the ultra-rare cards floating around in this set. Super Latias' speed and strength are perfectly represented in this piece.
Its strafing move goes a step further, dealing 40 damage and switching with a substitute Pokémon, perfect for weakening your opponent's Pokémon early in the game, especially those with low health. If you follow the switch strategy, Phantom Pulse will discard all energy from Super Latias and deal 300 damage while active. Cool or what?
My boy Super Bulbasaur Hanamae (177/132) A drop of about 6.2% to $217.97 was a huge release, but it's still a respectable value for SIR. However, Mega Venusair is a very playable card, and its Solar Transfer allows the trainer to move around grass energy during the turn, which is a great ability and works well with Meganium in the same set.
Jungle Dump is both a hilarious move name and a cracking move that deals 240 damage and heals 30 damage to Mega Venusaur ex. That's what I love about Venus, it's definitely a troll and always has a long term game strategy.
Super Kangaroo Ex (182/132) Mr. It has also started performing well, with a current market value of $94.20 and a price of $91.48. The thing is, Kangaskhan doesn't have a massive following, so naturally its pricing will reflect that. It's also not very playable since the trainer relies on a coin toss as its main offensive move, however, legwork allows the trainer to draw two cards per turn, which is a bonus.
Pokémon card climber
Mega Gardevoir Ex – 187/132 Mega Gold Rare Its market cap has now doubled to $600, which, frankly, is insane. However, it would match other ultra-rare golds in the collection, which currently sell for $650, which makes more sense. All things considered, this is an extremely rare card, so the level of pricing a few weeks after release is no surprise. While its Overflowing Wishes and Super Symphony moves are cool, its value is purely based on the regal appearance and rarity of this ultra-rare gold.
Parasol – 143/132 Rare illustrations are being promoted at a strong pace. Its gorgeous artwork is the main attraction here, which apparently guaranteed it a 50.6% rise to $8.90. It's a good idea to snap up this work before the price goes up, it's still a great price for a popular rare illustration. It doesn't get the best movesets for a base Pokémon, so this price increase is all about looks.
Super Lucario Predecessor (179/132) SIR is my favorite chase card in Mega Evolution because it includes Mega Lucario and Mega Venusaur, two of my favorite Pokémon, in the battle. Its price has risen to $330, a 14% increase from the current market cap of $289.45. Something tells me I'm not the only one in my collection craving this Chase card. While I can't see anyone using this particular card in their decks, even though Super Lucario's Super Brave and Aura Jab moveset is a corker. Again, it's all about the looks, and the artwork here is spot on.
Bulbasaur(113/132) With stunning illustrations rare format and Mega Evolution Promotional Stamp Alternative. This stamped card can be found as a reward in upgraded booster boxes and is currently priced around $5, just a few bucks above its market value. It's still early days for both of these cards, but considering Bulbasaur's popularity and the stunning floral and psychedelic artwork featured here, this is 100% a card worth keeping an eye on and buying immediately.
Christian Wait is a freelance writer for IGN covering all things collectibles and trade. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the gaming and technology industries and has bylines in Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also creates hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of the Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.