My favourite Scarlet & Violet Pokémon card somehow hasn’t joined the price boom
With the Mega Evolutions era in full swing, I’m shocked that my favourite Pokémon card of S&V remains so affordable.
Most chase Pokémon cards have drifted well beyond my budget. The likes of Moonbreon and Bubble Mew are out of reach, and even newer cards like Mega Greninja from Chaos Rising cost more than I’m willing to spend. Yet one of the best Special Illustration Rares from the Scarlet & Violet era has somehow escaped the current price surge.
With new Pokémon sets arriving every couple of months, I haven’t been able to buy packs right now - both budget restraints and stock issues play parts here. Instead, I’ve found myself looking back through my collection, and one card always stands out: Gardevoir ex #245.
This Special Illustration Rare from the Base Set of the S&V era is absolutely stunning, showing Gardevoir helping an old couple in their home. It’s the final chapter in a three-card story, following the matching Ralts and Kirlia Illustration Rares as the family grows older together. It’s heartwarming, and it’s even more gorgeous in real life.
It was the first card that made me look into Pokémon grading services. I wanted to preserve it as safely as I could, so I could display it today and hopefully pass it on to my kids one day - much like the elderly couple at the end of the artwork.
Despite being one of Pokémon’s most beautiful and ‘cosy vibes” cards, Gardevoir ex #245 remains shockingly affordable. According to Collectr, it’s around $71. In the last 12 months, it’s only gone up around $30, and while most chases spike in value, Gardevoir is sitting comfortably.
Scarlet & Violet Base Set launched before Pokémon’s current collecting boom reached its peak. Products were widely available for months, far more packs were opened, and many copies of Gardevoir ex entered circulation. Unlike today’s limited releases, there was never a prolonged shortage of supply, helping to keep prices relatively grounded despite the card’s popularity.
As excitement builds towards Pokémon 30th Celebration, I’m just happy this card has avoided the price spiral affecting so many modern chase cards. Hopefully it stays that way, because more collectors deserve the chance to own one of the most beautiful illustrations Pokémon has ever printed.
