Mega Evolution: Top 10 Best Cards Based on Japanese Prices

The Mega Evolution era has officially begun — at least in Japan. As of August 1st, the twin Japanese sets Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia have launched, giving collectors and competitive players their first look at the cards likely to make up the upcoming English set, Mega Evolution. While we don’t yet have confirmed English card prices, we’ve analyzed early Japanese market data to spotlight the most valuable and sought-after cards so far. Whether you’re scouting for future grails or planning your pulls, here are the top cards to watch from Mega Evolution based on launch-day prices from Japan.

#10. Mega Kangaskhan ex SAR Special Art Rare #089

SAR Special Art Rare

#10. Mega Kangaskhan ex SAR Special Art Rare #089

SAR Special Art Rare

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Mega Kangaskhan ex SAR Special Art Rare #089 is currently valued around $30 at the time of writing.

Coming in as the 10th most expensive card across Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia is Kangaskhan ex (Special Art Rare #089). If this ranking is any indication, Mega Evolution is shaping up to be a powerhouse of a set—especially with a Special Art Rare (or SIR, in English terms) kicking off the list. This striking illustration comes from GOTO minori, a relatively new addition to the Pokémon TCG artist roster who debuted around the Temporal Forces era. Notably, the artwork features the baby Kangaskhan outside of its mother’s pouch—an exceptionally rare pose that breaks from the species’ usual depiction and adds a playful twist to this already standout card.

#9. Mega Venusaur ex SAR Special Art Rare #087

SAR Special Art Rare

#9. Mega Venusaur ex SAR Special Art Rare #087

SAR Special Art Rare

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Mega Venusaur ex SAR Special Art Rare #087 is currently valued around $58 at the time of writing.

We are officially protesting! How has Mega Venusaur ex (SAR #087) landed in just the 9th spot among the most expensive cards from Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia? Two key factors explain the upset: first, Mega Evolution introduces a brand-new card rarity that’s soaking up some of the spotlight; and second, a few of the top-ranking cards tend to perform better in the Japanese market than they do in English. Because of this, we fully expect Venusaur’s value and rank to climb once Mega Evolution hits the international stage.

#8. Mega Latias ex SAR Special Art Rare #088

SAR Special Art Rare

#8. Mega Latias ex SAR Special Art Rare #088

SAR Special Art Rare

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Mega Latias ex SAR Special Art Rare #088 is currently valued around $60 at the time of writing.

Flying into the #8 spot is Mega Latias ex (Special Art Rare #088), a strong contender to be one of the breakout stars of Mega Evolution in English. The artwork is brought to life by Akira Egawa, a fan-favorite illustrator known for iconic pieces like the four gold cards in Crown Zenith and the menacing Team Rocket’s Moltres ex from Destined Rivals. As a fresh face in the Pokémon TCG, Mega Latias brings novelty to the table, which could boost collector interest and make this card a sought-after gem in the months ahead.

#7. Mega Lucario ex SAR Special Art Rare #088

SAR Special Art Rare

#7. Mega Lucario ex SAR Special Art Rare #088

SAR Special Art Rare

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Mega Lucario ex SAR Special Art Rare #088 is currently valued around $90 at the time of writing.

Mega Lucario ex (Special Art Rare) lands at #7 on the list of most expensive cards across Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia. Much like the Venusaur SAR, we expect this card to be ranked higher on the English side in Mega Evolution. Lucario is consistently one of the most beloved Pokemon in the franchise, and this dynamic battle scene with Venusaur cements the card as both a visual standout and a likely fan favorite.

#6. Lillie's Determination Secret Rare #086

Secret Rare

#6. Lillie's Determination Secret Rare #086

Secret Rare

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Lillie's Determination Secret Rare #086 is currently valued around $100 at the time of writing.

Here’s where the gap between the Japanese and English markets really starts to show. Lillie is undeniably a fan-favorite trainer on both sides, but English collectors just don’t place the same premium on Full Art trainers the way Japan does. This Secret Rare version of Lillie (which will show up as a Full Art in English) ranks #6 in Japan, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t even crack the top 10 once Mega Evolution lands stateside. English buyers are far more likely to chase the Bulbasaur line over trainer cards—unless we’re talking SIRs.

#5. Mega Gardevoir ex SAR Special Art Rare #087

SAR Special Art Rare

#5. Mega Gardevoir ex SAR Special Art Rare #087

SAR Special Art Rare

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Mega Gardevoir ex SAR Special Art Rare #087 is currently valued around $175 at the time of writing.

The 5th most expensive card in the Japanese counterparts to Mega Evolution is the Mega Gardevoir ex SAR #087. While some cards may be less certain to make the cut, this one is practically a guarantee. Gardevoir cards have historically done quite well in the sets they have been featured in, and this stunning artwork by Raita Kazama is already getting a lot of praise. Ready for a surprise? This is the first card ever illustrated by this newcomer. What an entrance!

#4. Acerola's Prank SAR Special Art Rare #090

SAR Special Art Rare

#4. Acerola's Prank SAR Special Art Rare #090

SAR Special Art Rare

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Acerola's Prank SAR Special Art Rare #090 is currently valued around $188 at the time of writing.

Acerola is another fan-favorite Trainer, first introduced in Generation 7 as a Ghost-type specialist and member of the Elite Four. This card in particular is a visual standout, with moody, atmospheric artwork that leans into her eerie charm. That said, don’t expect it to command the same premium in English. While Japanese collectors tend to show strong demand for Full Art trainers like this, the English market leans more toward big-name Pokémon. Still, the ghostly vibe and rich color palette give this card a distinct identity that sets it apart from the usual Trainer fare.

#3. Mega Gardevoir ex MUR Mega Ultra Rare #092

MUR Mega Ultra Rare

#3. Mega Gardevoir ex MUR Mega Ultra Rare #092

MUR Mega Ultra Rare

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Mega Gardevoir ex MUR Mega Ultra Rare #092 is currently valued around $450 at the time of writing.

Well, this caught us off guard. After seeing the BWR rarity in Black Bolt & White Flare, we were bracing for more monochrome-style artwork—but instead, the Pokémon TCG went full gold. Like, unapologetically, blindingly gold. These look like someone melted down a Burger King promo card and sculpted it into a glammed-up fan-art version of a fan-favorite Pokémon. Okay, maybe that’s a little harsh—but there's no denying these cards are built to turn heads and spark gasps the moment they pull from the pack. And honestly? That might be the entire point.

#2. Lillie's Determination SAR Special Art Rare #091

SAR Special Art Rare

#2. Lillie's Determination SAR Special Art Rare #091

SAR Special Art Rare

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Lillie's Determination SAR Special Art Rare #091 is currently valued around $470 at the time of writing.

Wait—the MUR cards aren’t the top two in the set? Oh, right... female Trainer card + Japan usually means sky-high value. Just like the Lillie at #6, this one blows past every other card of the same rarity. That said, credit where it’s due—Satoma absolutely crushed this artwork. It’s stunning. With Lillie’s long-standing status as one of the most coveted Trainer cards in Japan, this one was always going to rank high. But among the MURs? Don’t expect the same story when Mega Evolution lands in English.

#1. Mega Lucario ex MUR Mega Ultra Rare #092

MUR Mega Ultra Rare

#1. Mega Lucario ex MUR Mega Ultra Rare #092

MUR Mega Ultra Rare

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Mega Lucario ex MUR Mega Ultra Rare #092 is currently valued around $480 at the time of writing.

At this point, it’s hardly a surprise—but the most expensive card across Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia, and the clear frontrunner for the top spot in Mega Evolution, is Mega Lucario ex MUR (Mega Ultra Rare) #092. This follows the same pattern we saw with the BWR cards in Black Bolt & White Flare, where the ultra-limited rarity ended up outpricing even the SIRs. The brutal pull rate will only crank up the hype—and the value. If you’re lucky enough to rip one from a pack, prepare for a truly blinding surprise.

Try your luck at pulling these cards from Mega Evolution:

Mega Evolution Enhanced Booster Box

Includes: 36 booster packs, one stamped Bulbasaur promo box topper.

Mega Evolution Enhanced Booster Box

Includes: 36 booster packs, one stamped Bulbasaur promo box topper.

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The Mega Evolution Enhanced Booster Box is currently valued around $80 at the time of writing.

Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box

Includes: 9 booster packs, one promo (Riolu or Alakazam), TCG accessories.

Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box

Includes: 9 booster packs, one promo (Riolu or Alakazam), TCG accessories.

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The Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box is currently valued around $50 at the time of writing.

Mega Evolution 3-Pack Blister

Includes: 3 booster packs, 1 promo card (Psyduck or Golduck).

Mega Evolution 3-Pack Blister

Includes: 3 booster packs, 1 promo card (Psyduck or Golduck).

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The Mega Evolution 3-Pack Blister is currently valued around $32 at the time of writing.

Mega Evolution Booster Bundle

Includes: 6 booster packs.

Mega Evolution Booster Bundle

Includes: 6 booster packs.

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The Mega Evolution Booster Bundle is currently valued around $50 at the time of writing.

Or, check out the Japanese counterparts to Mega Evolution:

Mega Brave Booster Box

Includes: 30 booster packs.

Mega Brave Booster Box

Includes: 30 booster packs.

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The Mega Brave Booster Box is currently valued around $85 at the time of writing.

Mega Symphonia Booster Box

Includes: 30 booster packs.

Mega Symphonia Booster Box

Includes: 30 booster packs.

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The Mega Symphonia Booster Box is currently valued around $85 at the time of writing.

That’s it for the current top 10 most expensive cards from Mega Evolution. If you enjoy this content, then be sure to join our Discord community to connect with other people in the hobby and get notified about restocks of your favorite sets!

Want to see more cards from the set? Check out these runner-ups, or check out our Visual Set List for Mega Evolution.

#11. Mega Absol ex SAR Special Art Rare #089

SAR Special Art Rare

#11. Mega Absol ex SAR Special Art Rare #089

SAR Special Art Rare

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Mega Absol ex SAR Special Art Rare #089 is currently valued around $30 at the time of writing.

#12. Wally's Compassion SAR Special Art Rare #091

SAR Special Art Rare

#12. Wally's Compassion SAR Special Art Rare #091

SAR Special Art Rare

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Wally's Compassion SAR Special Art Rare #091 is currently valued around $17 at the time of writing.

#13. Mega Lucario ex Secret Rare #078

Secret Rare

#13. Mega Lucario ex Secret Rare #078

Secret Rare

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Mega Lucario ex Secret Rare #078 is currently valued around $15 at the time of writing.

#14. Mega Gardevoir ex Secret Rare #078

Secret Rare

#14. Mega Gardevoir ex Secret Rare #078

Secret Rare

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Mega Gardevoir ex Secret Rare #078 is currently valued around $15 at the time of writing.

#15. Mega Venusaur ex Secret Rare #076

Secret Rare

#15. Mega Venusaur ex Secret Rare #076

Secret Rare

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Mega Venusaur ex Secret Rare #076 is currently valued around $12 at the time of writing.

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