The Biggest Pokémon Card Crashers and Climbers This Week

Three weeks ago on this day, I featured Mega Evolution in my weekly Crashers and Climbers article, which focused on the set doing the typical evening out after the drop of a new set. Some cards were going up, some were going down, business as usual. Damn sneaker heads!

Fast forward to today, after a seemingly massive print run, everything is crashing. Literally every card you can pick out of this set is seeing new lows. For me, this is a market correction after a year of inflated prices both on the sealed and single card markets for a variety of factors I’ve discussed before.

Mega Evolution: All Crashers And Zero Climbs

Whilst I don’t think we’re seeing the bubble burst on the market just yet, we’re seeing a massive market correction that could see a decline in scalped product and more availability across the board.

If you can’t tell by now, I won’t be including a “Climbers” section today, but I’ll be diving into just how much values have crashed in the last three weeks and bag my readers a few bargains in the process.

Here’s the top cards from Mega Evolution at a glance, and we’re seeing between 8% and 33% drops in just three weeks. Full disclosure, the “Original Prices” on these cards are what I recorded on 10th October, just so we’re on the same page.

Bulbasaur – 133/132

Like N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare in Journey Together, this Bulbasaur Illustration Rare has a Mega Evolution Stamped version that’s packed into every Enhanced Booster Box.

So it’s a bit of a tough one to say which one is rarer, although I’d put my Pokédollars on the stamped version getting rarer over time. Needless to say it’s a gorgeous card either way that’s dropped by 23% from October 10.

Bulbasaur – 133/132 (Mega Evolution Stamp)

It’s a similar scenario with the Mega Evolution Stamp variant of Bulby, but the floor on this card seems to be a little higher than the standard IR.

It still dropped by 23%, but we’re seein it retain a couple of dollars more in value. When you’re right, you’re right.

Mega Kangaskhan ex – 182/132

Mega Khankaskhan ex SIR has only had an 8% drop, but it’s a drop none-the-less. This card hardly broke expectations on the market, securing a low-end SIR level of value out the gate.

So whilst we’re not seeing dramatic crashes here, we’ve got a solid value on this card that should only rise over time.

Mega Absol ex – 180/132

Mega Absol ex SIR is an absolute banger, and in my opinion one of the best from this set.

For some reason this card didn’t go mad when Mega Evolution came out, but it’s still had a drop of 9% to a respectable $96.01 at the moment.

This is such an underated card, and I’d highly reccomend snapping it up whilst values are down.

Alakazam – 003 (Staff)

Staff cards are always ridiculous value-wise due to the small distribution base and not being available in booster packs. A handfull are given out at Pokémon TCG events such as tournaments, and this one has actually dropped by 16%.

Secondary market prices always go off what people are willing to pay, but it’s still a coin flip situation. If you collect staff cards, It might be worth picking up whilst it’s nearly $30 less than October 10.

Mega Latias ex – 181/132

At over $20 cheaper and a 13% price crash, I’d bit for Mega Latias ex SIR for under $150. It’s a gorgeous card and has ridiculously expresive artwork.

I can’t see this card loosing a lot more value, so i’d recommend picking this bad boy up before it shoots back up.

Mega Venusaur ex – 177/132

Venusaur is the best generation one starter and i’ll live on that hill, because I can’t die with Venusaur at my side. Correct opinions aside, this card is getting more and more affordable has time goes on, In just three weeks this card has dropped by over $30, or 20%, to $174.80.

Personally I think this card can settle to $150, but that’s just a gut feeling. Considering how playable it is with the help of Meganium, this feels like a good price.

Mega Gardevoir ex – 178/132

This is arguably the chase card of the set for those who don’t like Gold Hyper Rares, just look at it. Not only is Gardevoir a fan favorite (Let’s forget about that life-sized weeb plush), but its a work of art. This has crashed massively by over $80, to a much more respectable $234.99, and i’d put a solid bet on this card climbing right back up in no time.

Mega Lucario ex – 179/132

This is my favorite card of the set, featuring an expresive sky-high battle over Luminoise City between Mega Lucario and Mega Venusaur. For me it’s a continuation of the Charizard V Alt Art from the Sword and Shield era featuring Venusaur. Top tier artwork and two fan favorite Pokémon and it’s 20% down on Oct. 10, it’s a great time to buy this card.

Mega Gardevoir ex – 187/132

This gold rare has had one of the biggest drops i’ve seen for a while. This was going for $600 on Oct. 10, and it’s dropped by a massive 33% to $399, which I think is about the right value for it now. If history teaches us anything, Gold Rares go down not up. But the unique embossed patterns and rainbow holo effect Mega Evolution Gold Rares have seems to be turning more heads. Personally it’s not for me, but it’s a tied top chase card with Mega Lucario ex Gold Rare.

Mega Lucario ex – 188/132

If you think $530 is eye-watering, this card was a massive $630 three weeks ago, so it’s deffinately moving in the right direction. One thing i’ve noticed about Mega Evolution cards today, is that we’re at the point where the cards have hit a new flooor. This will bring more buyers in, create more demand and we’ll see a rise once again. So if you were after this card, now is likely the best time to get locked in.

Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.

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