The history of the Pokémon Trading Card Game spans many eras, with new mechanics, iconic characters, and gorgeous artwork arriving each cycle. The XY era in particular, spanning 2014 to 2017, introduced Mega Evolutions, memorable Kalos figures, and some stunning full-art designs that went underappreciated.
With the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z‑A shining a spotlight back on Kalos and the Mega Evolutions, ahead of its launch on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, many cards from this era are still surprisingly affordable.
Before demand starts going up again, here are ten great cards you can find on TCGplayer right under or around $100, in no particular order.
TL;DR – 10 Valuable Pokémon TCG Cards From The XY Era
The Pokémon TCG XY era is packed with underrated gems that remain surprisingly affordable. With Legends: Z‑A reviving Kalos hype, cards like Professor Sycamore, Mega Blastoise EX, and Gyarados EX. If you’re keen to fill out your collection with some of these nostalgic beauties, grab some while there’s still stock.
Dragonite ex – Evolutions (Ultra Rare, 106/108)
Dragonite EX (Full Art) – XY – 106/108 – Evolutions (EVO)
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This majestic full-art Dragonite ex from the 20th-anniversary set is often overshadowed by other popular Pocket Monsters native to the Kanto region, leaving its price surprisingly low. However, with the newly revealed Mega Dragonite bringing new focus to the original Dragon Pokémon, we expect collectors to eye up this awesome card with its surprisingly intimidating artwork, too.
Mega Blastoise ex – Evolutions (Ultra Rare, 22/108)
M Blastoise EX – XY – Evolutions (EVO)
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A fan-favourite Mega Evolution from a beloved nostalgia-driven set, this Ultra Rare Mega Blastoise ex remains well below $30 in market price, being an absolute eye-catcher with the way its cannons and katakana writing popping right out of the frame. With Charizard prices already inflated, Mega Blastoise is an underappreciated alternative that blends playability, nostalgia, and collector appeal.
Professor Sycamore – Steam Siege (Ultra Rare, 114/114)
Professor Sycamore – XY – Steam Siege (STS)
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One of the earliest full-art prints of what later became Professor’s Research, this card holds strong historical and collector value at a low price of under $9. As an iconic Kalos professor tied closely to Mega Evolution lore, Professor Sycamore is cheap now but could see renewed interest as Legends: Z‑A potentially shines light on the Pokémon X and Y era once again.
Skarmory ex – XY Base Set (Ultra Rare, 145/146)
Skarmory EX (145 Full Art) – XY Base Set (XY)
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A sleek full-art design that highlights one of Johto’s toughest birds, this card is criminally undervalued. Skarmory ex is one of the earliest full-art ex prints in the XY era, and with a low market value of under $11, its rarity could make it a sleeper gem for collectors.
AZ – Phantom Forces (Ultra Rare, 117/119)
AZ (117 Full Art) – XY – Phantom Forces (PHF)
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AZ’s first card release immortalises a mysterious and beloved Kalos figure. With Legends: Z‑A teasing his return, collectors are already speculating on his lore-heavy connections, making this full art AZ – Phantom Forces card a prime candidate for future demand.
Gardevoir ex – Steam Siege (Secret Rare, 116/114)
Gardevoir EX (Secret) – XY – Steam Siege (STS)
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With striking lineless art and a Yveltal cameo, this Gardevoir ex card stands out as one of the most beautiful from the XY era. Despite Steam Siege’s reputation as a weak set, this secret rare has strong fan demand and remains under $85, making it one of the era’s best buys.
Xerneas ex – XY Base Set (Full Art, 146/146)
Xerneas EX (146 Full Art) – XY Base Set (XY)
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Representing one of Kalos’s legendary mascots, this card remains surprisingly cheap, considering its playability and stunning rainbow-backed illustration. Its vibrant full-art design has long-term collector appeal, and Xerneas ex could gain new relevance as Kalos-themed sets resurface in the modern TCG era.
Gyarados ex – BREAKpoint (Secret Rare, 123/122)
Gyarados EX (Secret) – XY – BREAKpoint (BKP)
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Granted, this particular Pokémon card from the XY era is fairly expensive in the grand scheme of things, but it’s an epic favourite that’s about to get even more costly as time goes forward. Featuring Shiny Gyarados, Greninja, and Manaphy in an epic scene, this early alternate-art Gyarados ex is a collector’s dream. Its scarcity and iconic subject matter give it high long-term potential, and raw copies are still hovering just over $130.
Although, if you can’t quite afford this version, the fearsome-looking Ultra Rare Gyarados ex is a pretty good alternative — currently priced at around $54 in market value.
Volcanion ex – Steam Siege (Secret Rare, 115/114)
Volcanion EX (Secret) – XY – Steam Siege (STS)
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Illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita, this secret rare highlights one of the more mysterious Mythical Pokémon. If Legends: Z‑A revisits Volcanion or other untapped lore, this early rare Volcanion ex printing could finally get the recognition it deserves.
Lysandre – Flashfire (Ultra Rare, 104/106)
Lysandre (104 Full Art) – XY – Flashfire (FLF)
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Before Boss’s Orders became a staple, this card set the precedent for gusting effects. Lysandre’s bold full-art supporter card has narrative appeal and competitive history, making it a smart buy for $25 at TCGplayer before more collectors seek out early Trainer chase cards.
Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen.
