Holo or Reverse Holo? Entering the Shiny World of Holographic Pokémon Cards

25th April 2025 EDT FEATURES

Holo or Reverse Holo? Entering the Shiny World of Holographic Pokémon Cards

Understanding the basics about the different types of holofoil (holographic foil) Pokémon cards.

Holo or Reverse Holo? Entering the Shiny World of Holographic Pokémon Cards

There are numerous reasons to love the world of Pokémon, including its rich history, nostalgic childhood affinity, and engaging gameplay. Even for those unfamiliar with the legacy IP, the artwork on Pokémon cards is universally appreciated; however, some cards inherently shine above the others: holographic Pokémon cards, also known as holofoil/holo cards.

Some are more detailed, atmospheric, or unique, but before we can start to appreciate them, you might ask…

Holo or Reverse Holo? Entering the Shiny World of Pokémon Cards

Umbreon ex SAR [SV8a 217/187] and Pikachu ex SAR [SV8 132/106]:
Two of our SNKRDUNK Card of the Year 2024 Nominees

What Are Holographic Pokémon Cards?

Holographic Pokémon cards, also known as holofoil, holo, foil, or reverse holo cards, are special variants distinguished by a shiny, reflective foil treatment. This can be employed either on the card’s artwork (holo) or background (reverse holo), making them more compelling and typically rarer than their non-holographic counterparts.

Main Types of Holo Pokémon Cards

1. Regular Holographic Cards

Regular holographic Pokémon cards have a holographic foil effect only on the Pokémon’s image area. The rest of the card, including the background and text, remains non-foil. Regular holofoil cards are usually rare pulls from booster packs and are highly sought after by collectors. They have a black star (★) rarity symbol and are generally more valuable than regular rare cards.

2. Reverse Holographic Cards

Reverse Holographic Pokémon cards feature the foil effect on the entire card except for the artwork, which remains non-foil. This means the card’s background, text, and borders are shiny. Reverse holos exist not only for rare cards but also for common and uncommon cards, making them more available than regular holofoil rares—but collectible nonetheless.

3. Special Holographic Patterns

Over the years, Pokémon TCG has introduced various holofoil patterns that differ in design and texture. Some examples of notable patterns include:

Tinsel Holofoil: Used from the Black & White to Legendary Treasures sets, featuring horizontal stripes across the image and, in Japanese cards, a tinsel effect on the border.

Sheen Holofoil: Introduced in the XY era, with diagonal light refracting patterns that vary by language edition (Japanese, Korean, International).

Crosshatch Holofoil: Typically awarded at Play! Pokémon events feature a crosshatch pattern often applied to the card background.

Cracked Ice Holofoil: Also called Broken Glass or Shards, first seen in Platinum Series Theme Decks and continuing into Sword & Shield, characterized by a cracked ice-like pattern over the card, except sometimes the Pokémon image.

Water Web Holofoil: The usual holofoil pattern from Sun & Moon to Cosmic Eclipse, meant to resemble flowing water waves.

Other unique patterns: Including energy symbol patterns, Poké Ball motifs, and tile designs introduced in various expansions such as EX series, Diamond & Pearl, Sun & Moon, Sword & Shield, and Scarlet & Violet sets.

Holographic Pokémon Cards; EX Emerald Reverse Holofoil

Holographic Pokémon Cards; EX Team Rocket Returns Reverse Holofoil

4. Specialty Holographic Cards and Variants

There are also unique holofoil card types introduced with special mechanics or aesthetics.

Pokémon-GX, Pokémon LEGEND, Pokémon LV.X, Pokémon Prime, and Pokémon Star: These cards often feature special holofoil treatments, combined with unique gameplay features and symbols, making them distinctive within the holographic category.

Alternate Arts and Full Art Foils: Modern sets include alternate art cards with holofoil effects that cover more of the card, sometimes excluding the border, adding to the visual diversity.

Shiny Vault and Secret Rares: These feature shiny Pokémon with gold sparkles and textured starbursts, often with full-art holofoil treatments, making them highly prized.

Summary Table of Key Holographic Types

Type	Foil Location	Description	Era/Example Sets
Regular Holofoil	Pokémon artwork only	Classic holo effect on the Pokémon image	Most sets, including Base, XY, etc.
Reverse Holofoil	Card background and text	Foil effect on everything except artwork	Legendary Collection onwards
Tinsel Holofoil	The pattern varies by language	Striped holo effect, border in Japanese cards	Black & White to Legendary Treasures
Sheen Holofoil	Diagonal light refraction	The pattern varies by language	XY era
Cracked Ice Holofoil	Cracked ice pattern	The pattern varies by language.	Platinum onwards
Crosshatch Holofoil	Background	Includes GX, LEGEND, Prime, and Star cards	Play! Pokémon events
Water Web Holofoil	Wavy water pattern	Flowing water-like pattern	Sun & Moon to Cosmic Eclipse
Specialty Holofoil	Various	Includes GX, LEGEND, Prime, Star cards	Various sets

Conclusion

Holofoil or holographic Pokémon cards come in many forms, from the standard, shiny Pokémon artwork to intricate patterns covering the card background or its entirety. These variations not only enhance the visual appeal but also affect their rarity and collectibility. Recognizing the distinctions between regular holofoils, reverse holofoils, and the various special patterns allows collectors and players to appreciate the diversity and history of their design.

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