What is Triplet Beat [SV1a]?

Triplet Beat [SV1a], an Enhanced Expansion Pack that’s carved out a name for itself in a very short span of time, and it’s not just riding on hype. This set has already become a key talking point among collectors and competitive players alike, and for good reason.

“Hold on,” you might be thinking, “Triplet Beat? Isn’t that one of those early Scarlet & Violet sets? What’s so special about it?” While it might not have generated the same immediate fanfare as some flashier expansions, Triplet Beat [SV1a] has proven over time that it’s far from ordinary. From the moment it dropped in March 2023, this Enhanced Expansion Pack showed it had more going on beneath the surface than many initially realized.

Still skeptical about what makes this set stand out? Let’s break it down: Triplet Beat marked the TCG debut of the three Paldean starter evolutions—Meowscarada, Skeledirge, and Quaquaval—as Pokémon ex, a format that brought a fresh layer of strategy and collectibility. Combine that with a lineup of stunning Illustration Rares, especially the ones featuring these starters in dynamic, story-driven poses, and you start to see why this set has become a sleeper hit.

So if you haven’t taken a closer look at Triplet Beat [SV1a], now might be the time. Because this isn’t just another expansion—it’s a cornerstone of the Scarlet & Violet era and is quickly becoming a must-have for serious collectors and competitive players.

The three first partner Pokémon final evolutions

One of the standout features of Generation IX is how distinct and full of personality its final starter evolutions are—Meowscarada, Skeledirge, and Quaquaval. More than just strong battlers, each one embodies a unique aesthetic and storytelling flair that sets them apart from previous starter trios. Their designs reflect modern influences from fashion, music, and animation, making them feel like fully realized characters rather than just functional game pieces.

For many players, especially those new to the franchise or returning after a break, this trio represents a fresh emotional connection, much like what Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur were for fans of Gen 1. As icons of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Meowscarada, Skeledirge, and Quaquaval have become the faces of a new era in Pokémon, defined by style, individuality, and a stronger sense of character-driven storytelling.

That being said, they nevertheless ended up being overshadowed by…

The Triplet Beat [SV1a] Magikarp Card

​Illustrated by Shinji Kanda, the card features a dynamic scene of Magikarp leaping amidst a turbulent waterfall, with a subtle Gyarados head in the background. This depiction resonates with fans, symbolizing perseverance and transformation. Initially, it was not expected to be the chase card of the set as it was classified as an Art Rare (AR) rather than a more coveted Special Art Rare (SAR); however, it soon became obvious that this was the card everyone had their eyes on.

At the 2025 Pokémon Europe International Championships (EUIC) in London, fans were treated to a special behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the iconic Art Rare (AR) Magikarp card from Triplet Beat [SV1a], as Shinji Kanda’s original concept sketch was publicly revealed for the first time.

Interestingly, Kanda’s initial design lacked the now-famous Gyarados head in the top-right corner, a striking feature that would only be added later in development. This detail confirms that the Gyarados was a late-stage addition, one that dramatically enhanced the card’s visual impact and narrative depth.

The reveal quickly ignited conversation within the Pokémon TCG community, especially surrounding the symbolic nature of the Gyarados head. Some fans speculated that it might not even represent a real Gyarados, but rather a metaphorical vision, perhaps illustrating evolution as the ultimate reward for Magikarp’s struggle up the waterfall.

Resale / Investment Value of the Triplet Beat [SV1a] Magikarp

Ever since its release, the AR Magikarp card from Triplet Beat [SV1a] subset has become one of the most surprising success stories of the early Generation 9 Pokémon TCG era. Despite a slow start, its value continued to climb steadily over time, defying early expectations.​

The card initially debuted with an average price of around US$15, but as collectors and players began to recognize and admire its artwork, its value steadily increased. Today, an ungraded raw copy of the Magikarp card typically sells for about US$80, marking a significant price surge—more than five times higher than that of its release in March 2023.

Other Cards Illustrated by Illustrator Shinji Kanda

Several of Shinji Kanda’s works have also seen a gradual rise in value over time. One standout is the Giratina V from the Japanese set Lost Abyss [S11], a card many collectors fully expected to appreciate, given its striking design and popularity. Other AR cards, like the Magneton from Super Electric Breaker [SV8], have also experienced a notable increase in value.

Is this an indicator that cards illustrated by Shinji Kanda will go up as time passes? Some players and collectors are coming out with this theory, but no one knows for sure whether any will really be the next sleeper card just like Magikarp. We’ll let you be the judge here!

Conclusion

To end on a more sentimental note, the Magikarp Art Rare from Triplet Beat [SV1a] has quietly become a point of connection across generations of Pokémon fans. For longtime players who grew up watching the humble Magikarp splash its way through countless games and anime episodes, this card represents more than just a collectible—it’s a visual metaphor for growth, struggle, and transformation. Now, as many of those fans have become parents themselves, the card offers a touching opportunity to share that narrative with their children.

Younger Pokémon fans might not yet fully grasp the emotional weight behind Magikarp’s story—of being underestimated, laughed at, and then evolving into something powerful and majestic. But through this beautifully illustrated card, parents are able to pass along not just a piece of the game, but a life lesson wrapped in nostalgia and storytelling. It’s these quiet but meaningful exchanges that make cards like this resonate so deeply, even beyond their in-game or monetary value.

In many ways, this Magikarp AR card has become one of the most emotionally significant cards of Gen 9. Its unexpected rise in popularity, its symbolic power, and its ability to spark intergenerational connection make it stand out in the increasingly crowded world of Pokémon TCG. And while it may not have been designed to carry such emotional weight, it’s clear that Shinji Kanda’s work has struck a chord.

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Twitter

More SNKRDUNK Features:
Power and Profit: Highly Valuable and Meta-Relevant Pokémon Cards for Collectors and Meta Players
What Are Alt Art Pokémon TCG Cards and Why Are They Valuable?
The Rarest Pokémon Cards in History and Their Prices
Using Pokémon TCG Databases for Card and Box Purchases
The Glory of Team Rocket [SV10] Card List: Revealed Cards and Expected Secret Rares