The highly anticipated Mega Evolution era has finally arrived in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, following the Japanese releases of the Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia sets in August 2025. These cards, with their immense HP, stunning full-art designs, and the impactful 3-Prize rule when a Mega ex is knocked out, are already making waves in both the collector’s market and early competitive play in Japan. We fully expect this excitement to spread worldwide!
As with every major Pokémon TCG release, certain “chase cards” quickly rise to prominence. This can be due to their powerful playability, breathtaking artwork, or simply the enduring popularity of the Pokémon or Trainer featured. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the ten most expensive Mega Evolution cards on today’s market, based on a leading marketplace. We’ll count down from the least expensive to the absolute crown jewel!
The initial Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia expansions have already unveiled some of the year’s most eye-catching and valuable cards. Our curated list highlights the top 10 most valuable from the combined Mega Evolution set.
Keep in mind, as this set is freshly released, the market values for these cards are constantly fluctuating due to continuous changes in supply and demand. For the very latest prices, you’d typically check a live marketplace.
Still, our top 10 showcases incredible cards, from formidable powerhouses like Mega Venusaur ex and Mega Gardevoir ex, to nostalgic Special Art Rares featuring beloved trainers like Lillie. Collectors are eager to acquire these before their prices climb even higher. Here’s an exciting look at the ten priciest cards currently dominating the Mega Evolution market!
10. Mega Venusaur ex – 155/132 (Ultra Rare)
Mega Venusaur ex cards are known for their incredible endurance, and this Mega Evolution iteration is no exception. Its Solar Transfer ability allows you to strategically move Grass Energy, while Jungle Dump delivers a hefty 240 damage and heals 30 HP, making it incredibly resilient. The artwork by 5ban Graphics perfectly captures this bulk, with Mega Venusaur ex powerfully crouched amidst vibrant petals. It’s a robust option for Grass decks and a visually striking collectible, making it a highly sought-after Ultra Rare.
9. Mega Absol ex – 161/132 (Ultra Rare)
Absol has maintained a dedicated fanbase since its introduction in Gen III, and its new Mega form magnificently carries that menacing aura. The Ultra Rare Mega Absol Ex features an eye-catching, almost gothic illustration, evoking the feel of a noir film with its blend of black and yellow tones. From a competitive standpoint, its Terminal Period attack offers an intriguing win-condition, knocking out opponents who have accumulated specific damage counters, while Claw of Darkness provides raw power and disruption. While it might be a bit slow for the current lightning-fast meta, Absol’s undeniable fan appeal ensures this card retains significant value.
8. Vulpix – 138/132 (Illustration Rare)
From a gameplay perspective, Vulpix’s Stampede and Combustion attacks are functional but won’t revolutionize the meta. However, what truly elevates this card is its stunning Illustration Rare artwork by saino misaki. It depicts the beloved fox Pokémon peacefully curled up by a cozy fireplace in a warmly lit, rustic room. This charming, slice-of-life card is a prime target for collectors, demonstrating once again that a captivating atmosphere and a touch of nostalgia can propel even a less powerful card into a high-value collectible.
7. Marshadow – 146/132 (Illustration Rare)
Marshadow stands out as one of the more competitively promising Illustration Rares. Its Shadowy Side Kick attack deals respectable damage, and its unique effect—blanking incoming damage to Marshadow on the subsequent turn if it secures a KO—can effectively stall opponents. This card skillfully balances being a potent competitive tool with being a desirable collector’s item.
6. Bulbasaur – 133/132 (Illustration Rare)
Already a hot commodity among Pokémon TCG collectors, this Mega Evolution Bulbasaur features a deceptively powerful Bind Down attack, which can lock down your opponent’s Active Pokémon while you chip away at their resources. This strategic utility, combined with Bulbasaur’s iconic status as the original Grass starter, appeals to both competitive players and nostalgic fans. Artist mashu’s vibrant, swirling colors create a dreamlike portrayal of Bulbasaur, further boosting its appeal as a chase card. Beyond its playability, it’s undeniably one of the most visually stunning cards in the set.
5. Lillie’s Determination – 169/132 (Ultra Rare)
Though perhaps not as artistically flamboyant as its Special Illustration Rare counterpart, this Ultra Rare of Lillie’s Determination is already one of the most hotly pursued cards in the Pokémon TCG’s Mega Evolution set. Atsushi Furusawa’s exquisite full-art design captures Lillie with delicate, vibrant detail, and the card’s effect offers a versatile way to refresh your hand. While it might not dominate the competitive landscape, it’s destined to be a centerpiece in many binders and display cases. It’s easy to underestimate Lillie’s immense popularity, but her presence consistently places her cards among the most valuable in any set.
4. Ivysaur – 134/132 (Illustration Rare)
Ivysaur’s Razor Leaf attack provides a solid 60 damage for two Grass Energy, making it a valuable intermediary evolution on the path to Mega Venusaur in dedicated Grass decks. The artwork, also by mashu, depicts Ivysaur lunging forward with fierce resolve against a backdrop of luminous foliage and bright petals. As part of the beloved Kanto starter evolutionary line, collectors are eager to complete this iconic trio. Its blend of reliable gameplay and stunning visuals firmly establishes its rising market value.
3. Mega Venusaur ex – 177/132 (Special Illustration Rare)
Our third most valuable card in the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s new Mega Evolution set, this Special Illustration Rare Mega Venusaur ex is an absolute tank on the battlefield. Its Solar Transfer ability allows for seamless Energy management, and Jungle Dump delivers 240 damage while simultaneously healing itself. This makes it one of the most adaptable and resilient attackers in the entire set. The SAR artwork by mashu is truly extraordinary, showcasing a vibrant, almost wild jungle scene where Venusaur stands as a majestic, dominant force. This perfect combination of competitive strength and breathtaking art has propelled this card into the highest echelons of value.
2. Lillie’s Determination – 184/132 (Special Illustration Rare)
Few Trainers command as much attention in the secondary market as Lillie. The exquisite floral artwork of Lillie’s Determination by Atsushi Furusawa radiates warmth and nostalgia, but the card’s practical effect is equally powerful: allowing you to draw seven new cards, or even eight if you’re behind in the game, providing crucial utility for control and comeback strategies. Lillie’s immense popularity alone, however, seems to be a significant factor driving its price tag into the dazzling around-$200 stratosphere, echoing the incredible values seen with her earlier Sun & Moon prints.
1. Mega Gardevoir ex – 178/132 (Special Illustration Rare)
Commanding a price of over $500 at the time of writing, Mega Gardevoir ex reigns as the Pokémon TCG’s ultimate prize from the Mega Evolution set. Its Overflowing Wishes ability rapidly accelerates Psychic Energy onto your Bench, which Mega Symphonia then converts into devastating damage. Raita Kazama’s museum-quality artwork, with its soft pastel tones and elegant floral motifs, perfectly encapsulates the card’s inherent grace and power. This harmonious blend of competitive dominance and striking artistic beauty is what secures this magnificent piece of cardboard its place as the set’s most coveted treasure.
Note: Pricing and market trends for collectible cards can change rapidly. Always consult up-to-date marketplaces for current values.
Authored by a seasoned IGN freelance contributor with extensive experience in gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime.