FindingPokemon TCGproducts on store shelves is already hard enough, but certain cards are even more elusive, as they only appear in Pokemon Center-exclusive products. Some ofthe most expensive Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs)hail from the Pokemon Center, with one of their main draws being the stamped exclusive promo card.
While some cards are visually identical to those you might find in a regular Pokemon set, other Pokemon Center-exclusive promo cards feature unique artwork, like Shibuya’s Pikachu, which you could only get at that specific location. Whether Japanese or English, you’ll want to collect these expensive Pokemon Center-exclusive promo cards.
Cards are ordered according to theirTCGplayermarket prices, which are subject to change over time. Only cards with a current market price are included.
8Koraidon: Scarlet & Violet Promo Cards (Promo) – $63.81
Dawn Of A New Age
While Koraidon hasrisen out of the budget card tierand into the big leagues, this Pokemon still feels like it’s in a different class than the rest. However, time may be on Koraidon’s side – if it’s already commanding decently high prices like these so soon after its debut, it might just rise in the ranks as this card becomes harder to find.
Pokemon Center-exclusive versions of this card can only be found in Pokemon Center ETBs featuring Koraidon. These ETBs belong to the Scarlet & Violet Base Set.
Koraidon is just chilling for now, and you should too if you’re waiting for this card’s value to rise; its future is bright.
7Shibuya’s Pikachu: Miscellaneous Cards & Products (Promo) – $69.20
A Location Exclusive
Shibuya’s Pikachu is a rare, location-exclusive promo card distributed to celebrate the grand opening of the Shibuya Pokemon Center location, making it one of the hardest to find promos on this list.
Other Pokemon Center locations, such as Osaka, also boasted their own exclusive Pikachu designs to celebrate their openings.
Since this card was so limited in its release, you likely won’t find one at your local card show, and should expect prices to rise over time as more of these disappear into private collections.
6Pikachu: Scarlet & Violet Promo Cards (Promo) – $71.74
Paldean Pals Join In
This Scarlet & Violet promo might not be anywhere close to one ofPikachu’s most valuable cards,but it’s still a great celebration of the Scarlet & Violet generation, as some of Paldea’s cutest Pokemon appear alongside Pikachu. This card will be a great example ofthe best that Paldea has to offerand should hold a strong value over time.
Make sure you check for the Pokemon Center-exclusive stamp in the bottom right corner, and enjoy this card for as long as you’d like; you won’t need to worry about it losing value.
5Pretend Comedian Pikachu: SM Promos (Promo) – $80.80
No Joke
Pikachu manages to find a way onto so many cards, it’s hard to keep track of all the different names associated with unique variants like this Pretend Comedian Pikachu.
If you saw this card and excitedly exclaimed without knowing what to call it, we forgive you.
With this card’s strong price, it’s clear that any card featuring Pikachu is in demand, but rare exclusives like this card might be more valuable than you’d think. In a few years, these prices might seem modest as all of Pikachu’s best cards continue to rise over time.
4Charmander: Scarlet & Violet Promo Cards – $93.50
A Waiting Game
This Charmander card kicked off the Scarlet & Violet era’s obsession with rare, Pokemon Center-exclusive stamps, as Charmander angrily looks out at this beautiful front garden, wishing it could go outside.
Maybe it’s the relatable feeling of being stuck inside when you’d rather be enjoying a beautiful summer’s day, or maybe it’s the humorous aspect of Charmander pouting while it smashes its face against a glass window, but this card continues to command attention. Its price dropped a bit off the peak, but expect this card to rebound at some point.
3Snorlax: Scarlet & Violet Promo Cards (Promo) – $132.26
An Iconic Moment Captured
While we’re on the topic ofScarlet & Violet’s most valuable promo cards,you might not be surprised to know that Snorlax is right up there with Charmander as two of the most popular Kantonian Pokemon. This Snorlax card comes from one of Scarlet & Violet’s most popular sets: 151, ushering nostalgia into the new age.
While 151 has experienced plenty of ups and downs as the product has been reprinted and sold out multiple times, this card will likely continue to be a favorite. Expect the price to rise, but there’s no telling what the future has in store for this card.
2Squirtle 007/165: Miscellaneous Cards & Products (Promo) – $155.27
A Rare Bonus
Squirtle is arguably the biggest surprise of the Scarlet & Violet era, as this rare Pokemon Center-exclusive promo card was distributed as a free inclusion. It might sound absurd that a free card now costs over $150, but it was limited in quantity and hard to get in good condition.
This card was included as a bonus for all orders that met the price threshold to qualify.
However, removing all the context from this card and its original cost, one look at this Squirtle will spark joy in even the coldest heart.
1Rayquaza 232: XY Promos (JP PCE) – $226.25
An Ever-Rising Dragon
Rayquaza flies into the top spot as the most expensive Pokemon Center-exclusive promo card of all time, and it boasts an unusual backstory. This card was distributed starting in 2016 to customers who purchased five packs or more of XY products at any participating Pokemon Center within Japan.
Given the extremely specific parameters for this distribution, this Rayquaza stands out as one of the rarest and most obscure cards on the list. Luckily for Rayquaza, rarity is arguably the top factor in determining what makes a Pokemon Center promo card valuable.
