With the upcoming release of Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution in September, following Japan’s Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia on August 1, the return of Mega Evolution is now in sight.
This new era not only closes the book on the Scarlet and Violet era, but also sets the stage for a full-blown revival of X-Y-era Mega cards, many of which are already seeing price surges.
With Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the horizon and new Mega cards like Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex already revealed, it’s clear the TCG is about to re-enter one of its most collectible formats ever.
Collectors who were around during the XY era already know the visual firepower and competitive edge Mega cards brought to the game. But for new players or investors entering the space, now is the time to act.
Pre-release allocations for the new sets are expected to be limited, premium boxes are already creating hype in Japan, and classic Mega cards from Flashfire, Ancient Origins, and Phantom Forces are being swept off the market. Here's the top 10 I have my eye on right now:
Part of the XY Black Star Promo series, this version has a bold, horizontal layout and is less frequently listed in near-mint condition. It’s currently priced at $129.35, often underlooked compared to its Phantom Forces siblings.
8. Primal Kyogre EX (Shiny Full Art) 96/98
The alternate Secret Rare Mega Charizard, featuring the Y form. It's less expensive than 108/106, now valued at $164.73, but has been climbing steadily over the past six months.
6. M Rayquaza EX (Full Art) 105/108
We're half way through the round up, so here's a few other picks are worth grabbing before they trend up. M Mewtwo EX (Full Art) 160/162 – BREAKthrough is another to watch at $61.70 for a full-art legendary Mega in a mainline expansion.
Primal Kyogre EX (Alpha Full Art) 149/160 – Primal Clash is a key visual pairing to the Groudon Omega from earlier and still holds around $120.12, which feels low considering its set position and full-art finish.
More affordable plays include M Gyarados EX (Full Art) 115/122 – BREAKpoint and M Tyranitar EX (Full Art) – Ancient Origins, both hovering below $90.
These have strong set representation and solid collector appeal. The same goes for M Rayquaza EX 61/108 – Roaring Skies at $72.85, which offers a great backup to its full-art counterpart at a lower entry cost.
Not a Secret Rare, but still iconic. This standard EX version shows Mega Charizard in attack stance. Its current value is $78.37, offering solid entry-level access to Flashfire's chase cards.
3. M Gengar EX (Secret Rare) 121/119
The highest-value Mega card on the market right now. A Secret Rare from Flashfire, this card features the X form of Mega Charizard in gold-bordered art. It’s currently priced at $493.69, making it an epic collector’s item and one of the most consistently appreciating Mega cards in the TCG.
Looking for more TCG discussion and market watch? Check out the full MTG release schedule for 2025, this week's MTG price movers and shakers, and the Pokemon side of things, Japan's most expensive Black Bolt and White Flare cards going right now, and the latest price rises and drops for the biggest cards right now.
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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