The Scarlet and Violet Era — Why It Matters for Collectors
When the Scarlet and Violet era launched in 2023, it brought a complete visual redesign of Pokemon cards. The SV era introduced higher rarity tiers — Special Illustration Rares (SIR) and Hyper Rares — with full-art illustrated cards that look more like paintings than traditional card art. This aesthetic upgrade has driven collector demand to new highs, with some modern SV cards competing in value with mid-tier vintage pieces.
By 2026, the SV era has produced multiple waves of sets, and certain cards from early sets have appreciated significantly as print windows closed and collector demand grew. Here's what to target.
The SIR Format — Special Illustration Rares
Special Illustration Rares are the premier collectibles of the Scarlet and Violet era. Distinguished by their borderless, illustration-first art style that wraps around the entire card, SIRs command pull rates of roughly 1 in 40–80 packs depending on the set. In PSA 10, the most sought-after SIR cards trade for $200–$600, with the Charizard ex SIR from Obsidian Flames being the defining card of the era.
Top SV Cards to Collect in 2026
- Charizard ex SIR (Obsidian Flames) — The anchor card of the Scarlet and Violet era. Any serious SV collection starts here. PSA 10 values have held in the $300–$500 range and show no sign of declining.
- Gardevoir ex SIR (Scarlet and Violet base) — Stunning art and a fan-favorite Pokemon make this a top tier collectible. Strong demand from both competitive players and collectors keeps prices elevated.
- Miriam SIR (Scarlet and Violet base) — Trainer cards with full-art illustrations are among the most collected pieces in the hobby. The Miriam SIR features one of the most beautiful art compositions in recent card history.
- Walking Wake ex SIR (Temporal Forces) — Paradox Pokemon have become extremely popular among collectors. Walking Wake's SIR is the defining chase card of the Temporal Forces set.
- Pikachu ex SIR (any set) — Pikachu cards in SIR format always command premium prices due to the mascot effect. Any Pikachu SIR from the SV era is worth tracking.
Which Sets Are Worth Opening in 2026?
For sealed product collectors and pack rippers, not all SV sets are created equal. The sets with the strongest collector value ratios in 2026:
- Prismatic Evolutions — The Eeveelution set has proven to be the most popular SV release to date. Sealed ETBs from this set have appreciated significantly post-release.
- Obsidian Flames — Home of the Charizard ex SIR. Sealed booster boxes hold their value well as an artifact of the era's defining card.
- 151 (Scarlet & Violet) — The original 151 Pokemon set catering to Gen 1 nostalgia has performed exceptionally, combining vintage appeal with modern SIR quality. The Mew ex SIR and full-art trainer cards are top targets.
Hyper Rares — The Gold Cards
Hyper Rares (designated by gold card borders) are the highest rarity in the SV era, featuring gold holofoil treatment on full-art illustrations. Pull rates are extremely low — roughly 1 in 100 packs or rarer. In PSA 10, the top Hyper Rares from major sets trade for $150–$400.
The SV Competitive Meta Cards Worth Collecting
Pokemon that are dominant in the competitive Standard format command additional demand beyond collector interest. In 2026, the competitive meta drives extra demand for Gardevoir ex, Charizard ex (multiple builds), and Dragapult ex. Cards with both competitive relevance AND beautiful SIR art represent the strongest collecting investments.
Finding SV Cards at GTA Card Shows
Northside TCG shows in Mississauga and across the GTA are excellent venues for finding SV singles at competitive prices. Multiple vendors carrying the same popular sets means price competition benefits buyers, and you can physically inspect cards before purchasing.
Check the upcoming Northside TCG show schedule and enter our live giveaway for a chance to win Scarlet and Violet packs and cards at our next event.