Following the quick sell-out of Mega Evolutions products,there’s no denying that thePokemon TCGcommunity is incredibly hyped to celebrate the return of this beloved mechanic. However, you might have forgotten about a more specific form of Mega Evolution: Primal Reversion.
The Primal distinction is currently limited to Kyogre and Groudon, but each Pokemon boasts a handful of distinctly valuable Primal cards. If you’re a fan of alternate Pokemon forms, but are looking to enjoy something a little differentwhile the masses flock toward popular Mega Evolutions,then these valuable Primal Pokemon TCG cards are the best options on the market.
Cards are ordered according to theirTCGplayermarket price, which is subject to change.
8Primal Groudon EX 86/160: Jumbo Cards (Promo) – $21.01
Prepare For Deja Vu
If you’re not familiar withsome of the most valuable jumbo cards in the Pokemon TCG,then you might be surprised to see this Groudon making the cut as one of the most valuable promo cards.
Given the small roster of Primal options, Jumbo cards are included, though the artwork is identical to other, standard-sized cards.
Despite some clear art similarities and noticeable size differences of the best Primal cards, one thing remains constant across all versions: the iconic lettering plastered across each Pokemon, making each card appear as if it’s bursting through the frame with a modified 3D effect.
7Primal Groudon EX Omega: Primal Clash (Ultra Rare) – $34.12
Breaking The Mold
Switching from jumbo cards back to standard-sized, the Ultra Rare Primal Groudon EX jumps in price, cementing the convenience of this card as a prime factor in its pricing. In addition to a more economical use of space, this Groudon is a difficult card to find from Primal Clash, while the jumbo version was a guarantee.
This Groudon, like all Primal cards, features adistinctive visual style shared with several other Mega Evolutions,but the Pokemon’s transformation is far more jarring. Groudon’s glowing eyes and magma-fueled body illustrate a much more fundamental change than Mega Evolving.
6Primal Groudon EX 97/98: Jumbo Cards (Promo) – $39.67
Bigger Than You’d Expect
Another Primal Groudon card snatches the spotlight, this time with the return of another jumbo card that flirts with the $40 mark. Luckily, this version boasts a different pose to appreciate, as Groudon looks to the right, presumably toward a bright future, ditching the more straight-on pose, with a look to the left.
While it holds a lead over some of its peers, this card’s growth will be limited by its unruly size, as jumbo cards frequently struggle to rise in value, save for a select few vintage options that have become expensive due to their impressive rarity.
5Primal Kyogre EX (Alpha): Primal Clash (Ultra Rare) – $57.02
Making Waves
Finally, we switch gears from Groudon to Kyogre, the other Pokemon lucky enough to be blessed with a Primal form and associated cards.
The Primal form is separated from Mega Evolutions due to Kyogre and Groudon’s distinction as primordial beings who are linked to the origins of the earth and sea.
While Groudon and Kyogre both boast gaudy, detailed makeovers that give them an entirely new look, Kyogre’s color palette lends itself to more visually distinctive cards, as Groudon’s sea of red and darker hues tends to get lost in the sea of details and lettering plastered across the front.
4Primal Kyogre EX (Alpha): Primal Clash (Full Art) – $143.18
The Alpha Whale
Primal Kyogre makes a massive splash with this Full Art from Primal Clash, upping the standards to new heights, blowing the previous version out of the water to the tune of an almost $100 lead. While it wasn’t able to secure the triple-digit gap just yet, this Kyogre’s relatively clean design and bright colors make it pop.
Even with Kyogre facing away from us, it’s easy to appreciate the details along its back, especially the glowing Primal design that snakes around its entire body.
3Primal Groudon EX (Omega): Primal Clash (Full Art) – $160.28
Climbing The Charts
While this artwork arguably shows less of Groudon than we saw in the Ultra Rare, the details and coloring still give it a beautiful facade to enjoy. However, this card’s value catapulted into the $160+ range primarily thanks to its rarity as one of the best cards from Primal Clash.
While it leaps ahead of Kyogre by under $20, this Groudon EX is well over $100 more expensive than the jumbo Primal Groudon EX 97/98, illustrating the massive price difference that comes with rarer cards like this one.
2Primal Kyogre EX: Ancient Origins (Shiny Full Art) – $190.52
A Living Legend
Speaking of rare cards, Kyogre adds arguably the most visually appealing Primal Pokemon card toits list of valuable cards, with a beautiful blue and black color palette accentuated by the shining gold borders and accents present along its body.
One look at this card will explain the sky-high price tag, as its rarity is only exceeded by its impressively bright artwork. While popularity, condition, and many other factors are at work when determining a card’s price tag, sometimes nailing the color choice and pose makes the biggest difference.
1Primal Groudon EX: Ancient Origins (Shiny Full Art) – $219.69
The Gold Standard
The Primal Groudon EX Shiny Full Art claims the throne ahead of Kyogre, even though this Pokemon often loses out in battle to its rival, thanks to a massive type disadvantage. Groudon’s triumphant pose is perfect for this card, as it stands as the only Primal card to break the $200 plateau thus far.
While these cards a certain to continue rising in value, being the first card to break through such a massive barrier gives it a huge advantage, though Kyogre remains in touching distance, leaving the door open to a possible switch in placements down the line.
