Pokémon Sword & Shield Sets to Watch: Speculating on Incoming Value Increases
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has been a staple of the franchise for decades, captivating fans and collectors alike. The Pokémon Sword & Shield series, which debuted in 2019, brought an exciting new era to the card game, introducing fresh mechanics, new Pokémon, and highly coveted cards. As time goes on, the value of these sets has the potential to rise, making certain cards prime investments for collectors.
In this blog post, we’ll explore which Pokémon Sword & Shield sets are most likely to see their value increase over the coming years. Whether you're an experienced investor in TCG or a casual fan looking to grow your collection, understanding which sets are poised for value appreciation can help guide your strategy.
Sword & Shield Base Set: The Foundation of a New Era
The Sword & Shield Base Set marked the beginning of the Galar region’s journey in the Pokémon TCG. Released in February 2020, this set introduced fans to several new mechanics like the Pokémon V and VMAX cards, which would dominate the series for years to come. But as with any foundational set, the Sword & Shield Base Set is expected to grow in value over time for a few key reasons.
Why It Will Appreciate:
- First Set of a New Era: As the inaugural set in the Sword & Shield era, this set holds a special place in the history of the Pokémon TCG. Collectors often gravitate toward these sets because of their historical significance.
- Zacian V and Zamacenta V: The legendary duo of Zacian and Zamacenta are fan favorites, and their cards are powerful and widely sought after. As players and collectors continue to embrace these iconic Pokémon, demand for their cards is expected to remain high.
- The VMAX Transition: This was the first major set to introduce VMAX cards, which continue to be a cornerstone of the competitive scene. As more sets are released, the Base Set will increasingly be viewed as a collector's item due to its place in the evolution of the game.
As more time passes, expect the Sword & Shield Base Set to become a valuable piece of Pokémon history, especially in sealed box form and pristine-condition cards.
Darkness Ablaze: Charizard’s Everlasting Appeal
When Darkness Ablaze launched in August 2020, it brought one of the most sought-after cards in modern Pokémon TCG history: Charizard VMAX. This powerful and visually stunning card is a fan favorite, and its value has been soaring ever since its release.
Why It Will Appreciate:
- Charizard VMAX: Charizard is one of the most iconic and valuable Pokémon in the TCG world, and any card featuring the fiery dragon tends to appreciate in value. The Charizard VMAX, especially in its Rainbow Rare form, has already proven to be a top-tier card for collectors. Given Charizard’s evergreen popularity, it’s likely that the value of this card will continue to rise, particularly as fewer sealed boxes remain in circulation.
- Scarcity of High-Quality Cards: As with any popular set, the rarity of high-quality Charizard VMAX cards will make them more valuable over time. Fewer PSA 10 or graded cards mean that demand for well-preserved Charizard cards will outstrip supply, driving prices upward.
- Popular Pokémon: Beyond Charizard, Darkness Ablaze includes other fan-favorites like Eternatus VMAX and Salamence V, which will likely gain value as collectors seek to complete their sets.
Given Charizard's legendary status in the Pokémon world, the Darkness Ablaze set is positioned to continue appreciating in value, especially for those who can secure a copy of the Rainbow Rare Charizard VMAX or other rare cards.
Shining Fates: The Return of the Shiny Pokémon Craze
Released in February 2021, Shining Fates brought back one of the most popular features in Pokémon TCG: Shiny Pokémon. The set is packed with Shiny Vault cards, alternate-color versions of Pokémon, including a standout Shiny Charizard V. As with all things Shiny, demand has been high, and it's likely that this set will see long-term value increases, especially as supply decreases.
Why It Will Appreciate:
- Shiny Charizard V: The Shiny Charizard V is the crown jewel of Shining Fates. Like its predecessor, Charizard, this card is in high demand among both players and collectors. Its distinctive black coloring and the rarity of shiny Charizard cards make it an evergreen asset for investors.
- Shiny Vault Cards: Shiny Pokémon cards are highly coveted, and the Shiny Vault subset of Shining Fates provides a large number of rare pulls. As fewer sealed products are available and as the popularity of Shiny Pokémon remains constant, these cards will likely continue to rise in value.
- Limited Print Run: Many collectors feel that Shining Fates was printed in limited quantities, meaning that as the years go on and sealed boxes become rarer, the set will gain in value. The Shiny Vault cards, especially in mint condition, are expected to appreciate the most.
If you’re looking to secure a long-term investment, Shining Fates could be a great option due to the high demand for shiny cards and the iconic status of Charizard in the Pokémon universe.
Evolving Skies: A Set Dominated by Eeveelutions and Dragons
Released in August 2021, Evolving Skies is widely regarded as one of the most visually stunning sets of the Sword & Shield era. Featuring the beloved Eeveelutions and a strong focus on Dragon-type Pokémon, this set has quickly gained popularity among collectors. The cards in this set feature a mix of powerful V and VMAX cards, alternate art cards, and some of the most stunning full-art illustrations ever seen in Pokémon TCG.
Why It Will Appreciate:
- Eeveelutions: Cards featuring Umbreon VMAX and Sylveon VMAX are already popular and valuable, with their demand likely to increase as more players and collectors seek these fan-favorite Pokémon.
- Alternate Art Cards: Evolving Skies is packed with gorgeous alternate art cards, particularly the Rayquaza and Dragonite VMAX cards. These alternate arts, known for their intricate designs and rarity, are likely to increase in value as time passes.
- Dragon Types and Rare Cards: The inclusion of powerful Dragon-type Pokémon like Rayquaza and Dragonite ensures that the set remains attractive to collectors, and the scarcity of certain high-demand cards will only increase their value as the set ages.
As one of the most beloved sets of the Sword & Shield era, Evolving Skies is expected to experience significant value growth, particularly for high-quality, graded cards.
Vivid Voltage: The Set That Revolutionized Amazing Rares
Released in November 2020, Vivid Voltage introduced the 'Amazing Rare' cards, a new rarity that quickly became a fan favorite. Featuring beautiful, vivid artwork and showcasing legendary Pokémon like Raikou, Zekrom, and Jirachi, the Amazing Rare cards add a unique touch to any collection.
Why It Will Appreciate:
- Amazing Rares: These rare, holographic cards have captured the attention of collectors due to their intricate designs and rarity. As the concept of *Amazing Rares* is not continued in later sets, these cards are likely to appreciate in value over time, especially as sealed packs and boxes become scarcer.
- Pikachu VMAX: The Rainbow Rare Pikachu VMAX, which debuted in this set, is already a highly sought-after card. Pikachu’s legendary status ensures that this card will remain valuable as time goes on.
- Unique Card Features: The introduction of 'Amazing Rares' sets Vivid Voltage apart from other sets, making it more likely to become a sought-after collector’s item in the future.
With the unique Amazing Rare cards and the ever-popular Pikachu VMAX, Vivid Voltage is poised for significant value growth in the coming years.
Conclusion: The Future of Pokémon Sword & Shield Sets
The Pokémon Sword & Shield era of the TCG has already proven to be one of the most exciting and innovative in recent memory. With new mechanics, stunning artwork, and highly valuable cards like Charizard VMAX and the Eeveelutions, many of these sets are poised to increase in value over time. As production of older sets slows down and sealed products become rarer, the cards from this era will likely see a steady increase in value.
For collectors and investors, now may be the time to start focusing on these sets. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic appeal of Sword & Shield Base Set or the gorgeous artwork of Evolving Skies, the future looks bright for Pokémon Sword & Shield sets—and their value is bound to keep rising. Happy collecting!
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