Even if you’re brand new to thePokemon TCG,you’re probably familiar with now-iconic nostalgic cards,like the First Edition Charizard from the Base Setor theDragonite from Fossil.Cards like these started the wave of Pokemon hype in 1999 and 2000 in the West, which set the stage for the massive brand Pokemon is today.
A new wave of Pokemon hype came via the introduction of Generation Nine with the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet games (set in the Paldea region), which brought us adorable new Pokemon and trainers. When the dust settles, these are the cards from Paldea everyone will want in ten years.
Cards are ordered according to theirTCGplayermarket price, which is subject to change over time. Any cards without a market price are not included.
8Quaquaval ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $9.64
Don’t Count Out The Dancing Duck
Quaquaval got a lot of flak due to its nonstop shuffle-step dance moves while it’s waiting for you to select a move in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. This criticism sent Quaquaval down the pecking order among the trio of starter options, but this Pokemon’s price is noticeably lower than its fellow starters.
At roughly half the price of the Meowscarada and Skeledirge equivalents of this card, Quaquaval is easily the most underpriced option of the three. The bright artwork on this card is further reason to believe that its price will shoot up in the future once the market begins to appreciate this card.
7Skeledirge ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $20.04
A Day In The Life
At roughly $20, Skeledirge’s lead over Quaquaval, the Water-type starter is equally impressive as it is unlikely to remain consistent forever. However, right now, Skeledirge deserves its flowers as one of the coolest starter designs, as it joins Feraligatr among the shortlist of alligator and crocodile-themed starters.
The depiction of Skeledirge enjoying a calm day outside performing some chores with its trainer is a simple but beautiful slice-of-life scene. As nostalgia for this generation increases over time, this card will likely stand out as one of the most likely to rise to the top.
6Meowscarada ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $20.41
An Epic Debut
Meowscarada stands alongside Skeledirge and claims a hotly contested spot as the most valuable final evolution starter from this generation. This Meowscarada ex isone of the most valuable cards in Paldea Evolvedand won’t be giving up that distinction anytime soon, thanks to its ever-increasing popularity.
Even though it’s not cheap per se, this card’s value is extremely tame for now, but as the most beloved starter, Meowscarada’s price might jump in the short term as well, as it looks to establish a gap between it and Skeledirge.
5Fuecoco (Illustration Rare) – $20.75
Fire Croc Loves To Shop
While the final forms of the starters offer beautiful Special Illustration Rares with detailed scenes featuring other Pokemon and trainers, the Illustration Rare versions have a cute factor that few cards can compete with. Based on the price alone, you might be shocked to see the demand for this card, but one look at the colorful background explains everything.
Cards like this Fuecoco feature so many little details to sift through that make them easy to appreciate the longer you look. Sometimes, being a stronger Pokemon doesn’t guarantee it will have a more valuable Pokemon TCG card, as Fuecoco eclipses Skeledirge.
4Sprigatito (Illustration Rare) – $21.52
The Cat’s Meow
Despite Fuecoco’s impressive showing, it loses out to Sprigatito, Meowscarada’s pre-evolved form, keeping in line with the hierarchy of the starters that we’ve already established. While the style is different from Fuecoco, this card is equally bright, with beautiful shades of red and green to go along with the natural lighting.
Sprigatito seems to be enjoying a nap in the sun, and while many people are sleeping on this card, expect it to challenge for the top spots among the best Paldean cards ever.
3Chi-Yu ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $25.21
Cornering The Legendary Market
Chi-Yu is another example of abrightly colored Special Illustration Rarethat makes incredible use of lighting, thanks to the bright sunlight billowing from the top of the card. This card has had a very busy career so far, as it began its career under $15, being largely disregarded before making a run for the $40 plateau.
While Chi-Yu’s eventual price tag is uncertain, this Pokemon stands out as the sole legendary Pokemon to capture such a high value thus far, though time may be kinder to its kin.
2Tinkaton ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $28.95
What Do You Tink?
Tinkaton is a very divisive Pokemon due to its bright pink and magenta coloring and style, which feel somehow unusual for a Pokemon, but would work in some other game series. Regardless of which side of the fence you’re on, this Pokemon has made a big impression and sells for a shockingly high price.
Pokemon popularity is one factor, but this card’s aesthetic value also plays a huge role in determining how much this card is worth. Judging by the vibrant pink contrasting with the blue and green background, this card’s obvious eye appeal should carry it into a bright future.
1Iono (Special Illustration Rare) – $56.87
Putting It All Together
Iono has already made a home amongthe most valuable full-art trainer cards,marking her intent to remain one of the most popular characters from the Paldea region. As the most valuable Paldean card in the Pokemon TCG, Iono claims a massive lead over its Paldean peers.
With her iconic style and unique, youthful attitude, Iono’s appeal to young Pokemon collectors is obvious and is likely to continue growing as she becomes more widely known. Expect Iono to be one of the top representatives from Paldea for years to come.
