The Poncho-wearing Pikachu series of promotional Pokémon TCG cards from the sixth generation ended up being absolute megahits. One of two cards released as part of the Rayquaza Poncho-wearing Pikachu Special Box, the Poncho-wearing Pikachu card depicting Pikachu dressed as a Shiny Rayquaza is among the biggest gets of all Gen 6 cards.

About Poncho-wearing Pikachu (XY-P Promotional Cards 231/XY-P)

As is the case with the counterpart of this card showing Pikachu in an ordinary green Rayquaza poncho, this card has a Full Art illustration which draws attention to its holofoil finish via the sparkles across the background. There are also yellow circles adorning the card’s background; these yellow circles directly reference Rayquaza by resembling Rayquaza’s body markings. The card’s sky-blue background also references Rayquaza, the Dragon/Flying-type Legendary Pokémon that lives in the skies.

This card also alludes to Rayquaza by way of its “Outrage?” attack, highlighting the fact that it’s not the real Rayquaza. On top of that, this card shows Pikachu wearing a Shiny Rayquaza poncho. Many Pokémon fans prefer the general aesthetic of Shiny Rayquaza to its non-Shiny form, thus indirectly raising demand for this card.

When this card was first launched, the most recent Pokémon video games released were Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the sixth-generation remakes of Gen 3 games Ruby and Sapphire. The remakes include a unique post-game storyline featuring Rayquaza. As such, the timing of the card’s release contributed to its value.

Release Details

This card was only launched in Japanese.

A copy of a Poncho-wearing Pikachu (XY-P Promotional Cards 231/XY-P) card goes for serious money—it sells for 480,000 JPY (~US$3,295)!

In other TCG-related news, check out Surging Sparks. Alternatively, you can also head over to the SNKRDUNK App via the banner below and find the top trending and latest single cards and boxes.