Finding your niche in thePokemon TCGcan be a challenge at first, but there are so many varieties of cards to collect that you’re bound to find something that interests you. Whether you’re one of those people who like to comment ‘first’ on everything, or you just like exclusive items, prerelease Pokemon TCG cards might offer some appeal to you.
Prerelease promo cards, as the name implies, are special edition cards that are distributed prior to the release of a new Pokemon TCG set to generate excitement. These valuable prerelease promos top the Pokemon TCG value charts as the most valuable.
There are two varieties of prerelease cards: regular prerelease cards and staff promos, the latter of which is only distributed to staff members working at designated events. All cards are ordered according to theirTCGplayermarket price, which is subject to change.
8Milotic 70/147: Nintendo Promos (Staff) – $190.00
Beauty Never Goes Out Of Style
Milotic makes a splash as one of the most valuable prerelease promos of all time, with a card that’s so beautiful, it even makes the list ofthe most expensive Nintendo Pokemon TCG promos.Whether you’re a fan of prerelease promos or only the staff version, this card will tickle your fancy.
Even though Milotic is far from the most valuable prerelease promo, it still commands a nearly $200 value, setting an incredibly high standard for what you can expect from the other cards to come. Even though Milotic’s roster of cards isn’t particularly big, this is a perfect depiction of its very best.
7Lugia SWSH069: Sword & Shield Promos (Staff) – $190.53
An Old Favorite Joins The Modern Era
Speaking of being the very best, Lugia’s prerelease staff promo card was released ahead of Vivid Voltage during the Sword and Shield era. While this product is far fromthe best set in the Sword and Shield era,its Lugia promo card still commands an exceptionally high price.
Lugia has been a mainstay in the Pokemon TCG since Neo Genesis, and with modern releases that include this card and the expensive Lugia V from Silver Tempest, this Pokemon won’t be going away anytime soon. Expect this card to appreciate very well as time goes on.
6Arcanine 12/99: Black & White Promos (Staff) – $193.50
Living Up To Its Legendary Status
While Arcanine can’t quite crack the top spots forthe most valuable Black & White promo cards,it still earns a respectable finish here as a standout staff promo. This card was used to promote Next Destinies, and while it’s not the best set from this era, this card is gorgeous.
Arcanine rarely gets many modern artworks, so this mid-vintage staff prerelease promo is likely to be one of its rarest appearances. While it’s a bit difficult to find, expect this to be a fine addition to your Arcanine collection for years to come.
5Snorlax 33/95: Nintendo Promos (Staff) – $276.32
The Dark Side
Snorlax raises its arms high in the air, but it’s to gather energy for a terrifying Shadow Ball rather than to celebrate its placement as one of the most expensive prerelease promos in the Pokemon TCG. This Call of Legends Staff Prerelease Snorlax offers an unusual depiction of this Pokemon that feels even darker than itsappearance in ex Team Rocket Returns.
Snorlax is usually depicted in carefree, lighthearted scenes, so this rare moment that subverts those expectations is a standout among its fellow prerelease promos. It’s unlikely we’ll ever get an interpretation of Snorlax like this one, so collect this card while you can.
4Mewtwo 51/108: XY Promos (Staff) – $325.00
A Living Legend
You might recognize the artwork for this desirable Mewtwo prerelease staff promo, as it was also used in the Base Set as the first ever depiction of Mewtwo in an English set. However, Mewtwo wasn’t satisfied with remaining in the past, asthis valuable XY promostands out thanks to its stamps and updated design.
Mewtwo will always be one of the most recognizable Pokemon in the history of the series, and its popularity is likely to remain as high as Charizard, and Pikachu, as some of the most iconic characters ever.
3Charizard: XY Promos (Promo) – $332.50
A Familiar Face
Much like Mewtwo, Charizard appreciates its past without being stuck in it, as this card is visually similar to its Base Set version, save for the XY Evolutions prerelease stamp that distinguishes this version as the promo card used to promote the set. Other than that stamp, this card shares the same visuals as the iconic original design.
It’s no surprise that the only prerelease card to appear that wasn’t also a staff promo belongs to Charizard, cementing the fact that most cards featuring this Pokemon are inherently more valuable due to the subject. While not every Charizard card is valuable, special versions like this promo always command high prices.
2Gyarados XY60: XY Promos (Staff) – $360.55
Up For A Ferocious Fight
Gyarados is right up there with Charizard as one of the most recognizable Pokemon from the original 151, but this card featuring the Kantonian classic is from the XY era. While it’s a long way from the vintage days, this Gyarados maintains the Pokemon’s iconic ferocity.
Gyarados is known as one of the most intimidating Pokemon ever, and this depiction helps to support that claim, as the shadows and sharp details accentuate this card’s cool factor. With Ancient Origins continuing to rise, expect this card to explode in value.
1Charizard SWSH066: Sword & Shield Promos (Staff) – $422.50
The OGs Reign Supreme
Charizard has a laundry list of valuable cards to fawn over,and this stunning Sword & Shield promo is just another one on the ever-growing list. The darker background provides the perfect canvas for Charizard, as this card’s design makes Charizard appear as if it’s popping out from the background.
Charizard bookends this list with yet another Vivid Voltage prerelease staff promo, as it takes the baton from Lugia as the most valuable. This expensive prerelease staff promo Charizard clears Gyarados by a significant margin, and should safely remain at the top for the foreseeable future.
