Market outlook
Rising Outlook 8/10
56.5% 30-day increase driven by Pikachu completionist demand and trending status as top 8th/6th in Pokémon[1][5].
Next months. Continued rise next 3-6 months with set hype and stable high floor.
Long term. Strong 1-3 year appreciation as franchise mascot chase card with unique Stellar debut.
History
Pikachu is the iconic franchise mascot of the Pokémon series, first introduced in Generation 1 as Ash Ketchum's loyal Electric-type partner, symbolizing the essence of Pokémon training and battles worldwide[1][5].
First released in the 2026 Pokémon Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes set as a Special Illustration Rare, marking the debut of Pikachu ex with Stellar Tera Type mechanics bridging Terastal and new Ascended systems[1][5][6].
- First Pikachu ex featuring Stellar texture and crown with rainbow-foil treatment unique to SIR rarity[5].
- Artwork includes cameo appearances of Gen 1 starters in the background[5].
- Serves as a hard counter to the Mega meta in competitive play with 200 HP and Thunderbolt attack for 120 damage[4][5][6].
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Secret Rare
- Print run
- Medium
- First printed in
- Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes
- Demand
- Very High
- Supply
- Medium
- Pull rate approx 1 in 500 packs[5].
- Special Illustration Rare with unique Stellar Tera Type Pikachu ex design[5].
- First print with ME Holofoil and rainbow treatment[4][5].
Collector notes
Condition. Check for edge chipping, surface scratches on rainbow-foil, centering issues common in holofoil ME cards, and print lines on Stellar crown texture; lightly played copies often show play wear on borders[1][5].
Storage. Store in semi-rigid top-loaders with sleeves in a cool, dry environment away from sunlight to preserve foil vibrancy; avoid stacking with heavier cards to prevent pressure dents.
Authenticity. Verify official Pokémon holofoil pattern, exact numbering 276/217, artist booota signature, and UV-reactive Stellar elements; fakes often have dull foils or incorrect font spacing on 'ex' text[5].
Sources: sportscardinvestor.com, stockx.com, cardmarket.com, trollandtoad.com, cardrake.com