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4 months ago
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Although Pokémon TCG had a busy year, it wasn’t one I enjoyed too much, in part because Paldea never really captured my heart. Despite this, there have been a few gorgeous cards released, and you should consider yourself lucky if you managed to score one.
For collectors and players, there were a few changes to get used to this year. Some were aesthetic; for example, the cards from the Crown Zenith set, which was released in January, are the last to feature yellow borders. Additionally, the name of each Energy card is now printed on the top of the card alongside a new subtype tag.
Of course, there are also price changes to get used to. The MSRP for booster packs went up from $3.99 to $4.49. To make up for this, each booster pack now has three guaranteed holofoil cards and an extra booster pack has been added to Elite Trainer Boxes.
When it comes to the quality of the artwork, it’s all subjective. Like I said, I’m not much of a fan of Paldea, but some beautiful artwork has nevertheless been released this year. We also got the 151 set which allowed us to experience Kanto’s stars again. The following Pokémon TCG cards of 2023 are some of the best released this year:
Image via TCGPlayer.Pikachu (Secret Rare) – Crown Zenith
Crown Zenith was one of the first sets released this year and arguably contained some of the best artwork of 2023. You don’t have to be a Pikachu fan to appreciate this full-art secret rare. Not only does it have the yellow rodent leaping into action, but you also get creatures like Krobat and Hisuian Zoroark in the background. It’s colorful, it’s action-packed, and it’s filled with fan favorites. What more could you ask for?
Screenshot by Destructoid.Oricorio (Galarian Gallery) – Crown Zenith
Another standout from Crown Zenith is the Oricorio card from the Galarian Gallery. I like the colorful, slightly psychedelic artwork that accentuates the bird’s beauty. There are plenty of great cards from the Galarian Gallery, so Oricorio was facing some tough competition.
Image via TCGPlayer.Miriam (Special Illustration) – Scarlet and Violet
It’s a trend within Pokémon TCG for Trainer cards to become the most popular and sit among the most valuable. Sometimes, it’s due to how much the character is loved by fans. Other times, the artwork is just that good. Miriam’s special illustration card from the Scarlet and Violet base set falls into the latter scenario, and presents her tripping and dropping her research. It’s a fairly valuable card on the market, as TCGPlayer reveals, but nowhere near the ridiculous price tags on other “waifu” cards.
Screenshot by Destructoid.Magikarp (Full Art) – Paldea Evolved
As one of the most innocuous Pokémon, it’s always nice when Magikarp gets good cards. The fish gets one in the Paldea Evolved set, and the art style is as distinctive as it is colorful. It’s an amazing addition to any collection, and also fairly valuable on the online marketplace.
Image via TCGPlayer.Charizard (Full Art) – Pokémon 151
The dragon-that’s-technically-not-a-dragon gets enough special treatment from the franchise, so for the sake of fairness, it’ll be getting one entry alone. Charizard’s full art card from the Pokémon 151 set is serene, yet showcases the monster’s majesty. The art style is minimalistic, and it’s beautifully implemented.
Image via TCGPlayer.Dragonair – Pokémon 151
Quite a few stunning cards came from the Pokémon 151 set, and it’s my second favorite after the Crown Zenith set. One of the Pokémon lucky enough to get a beautiful card is Dragonair. The Pokémon is depicted slithering in water – a tranquil scene that makes an amazing addition to any collection.
Image via TCGPlayer.Scream Tail (Full Art) – Scarlet and Violet
The Scarlet and Violet video games introduce the Paradox Pokémon that come from the past and future. They’re variations of the Pokémon we already know, but sometimes in a much more powerful form. Not many Paldea Pokémon impress me, but Scream Tail is one of the few exceptions, and it has a lovely full art card from the Scarlet and Violet set. It’s so colorful!
Next year, we’ll be getting plenty more sets, including the Paldean Fates set which has already been announced. Hopefully, there’ll be more beauties to be added to the collection.
Smangaliso Simelane
Staff Writer - Smangaliso Simelane is a writer with a passion for all things related to video games. He has been writing about video games since 2020.
