The most recent poll held to determine the popularity of all 1,025 Pokémon among the Pokémon fandom was held in December 2023 and hosted on Japanese video game website GameWith.

In this article, we will list the standout card of each of the Pokémon which ranked within the top 10. We’ll talk about why the fandom loves them as well as why the card in question makes for an impressive pickup.

However, before we proceed to the top 10, let’s first list a few notable Pokémon which many of you will be surprised to find out polled much lower than you might have expected.

Mewtwo (Not in top 100)
Rayquaza (T-98th)
Mew (96th)
Vaporeon (77th)
Snorlax (71st)
Pikachu (38th)
Eevee (31st)
Greninja (29th)
Charizard (23rd)
Umbreon (12th)

“WHAT?!” some of you might be thinking upon seeing this list. “How is that even possible?” Well, let us explain.

The main reason why many stereotypical TCG favorites didn’t rank as highly as many Pokémon TCG enthusiasts might expect was because this poll was for fans across the entire spectrum of the Pokémon fandom—not just those who are mainly into the TCG, but also the video games, manga, and anime.

The reality of the TCG segment of the Pokémon fandom is that compared to the video game, manga, or anime segments, the Pokémon TCG fanbase is generally far less diverse—it’s dominated by straight Millennial men to a degree that none of the others are.

As such, the Pokémon that end up regarded as the most popular to the fanbase often wildly differ from those which the Pokémon TCG community in particular love the most; notably, “Genwunners”—people who love Gen 1 far more than any other and often even look down on later generations—are much more common among TCG fans than in other realms of the Pokémon fandom.

With that out of the way, let’s look at the Pokémon which the fandom as a whole picked as well as their respective standout cards.

10) Gardevoir (Dark Rush [BW4] 074/069) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$898)

Gardevoir UR :1ED [BW4 074/069](Expansion Pack “Dark Rush”)

Check Price / Add to Favorites

This Psychic/Fairy-type is a highly popular and controversial Pokémon—and it’s indeed the controversy which has partially fueled its popularity. We’re not going into too much detail on this matter—you’ve probably already figured out why it’s so popular. We’ll leave it at that.

Of all the Gardevoir cards released to date, the pick of the bunch is the Ultra Rare (UR) card from Gen 5 set Dark Rush. This card depicts Gardevoir’s Shiny form in front of an aurora-like background; the holofoil that covers the card gives it a mystical, cosmic vibe that befits Gardevoir.

The illustration itself almost makes it seem as though Gardevoir is levitating via its psychic powers (even though canonically it can’t actually do so). Finally, the lower half of the card has the Psychic Energy symbol on it; no other Gardevoir card has this.

9) Gengar (Mysterious Mountains 044/088) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$2,454)

Gengar :1ED [e5 044/088](Expansion Pack Vol.5 “Mysterious Mountains”)

Check Price / Add to Favorites

From Day 1, Gengar has been among the most popular Pokémon of them all. This Ghost/Poison-type Pokémon known for its mischievous nature has been featured not only on some of the most coveted Pokémon TCG cards ever—but has also made major appearances in the Pokémon anime, on Pokémon merchandise, and even in the iconic opening trailer of the original Pokémon Red and Blue video games.

The standout Gengar card is the one from Mysterious Mountains. Part of its appeal lies in the fact that it’s from this set as it was a set which was never reprinted after its original print run, making the task of obtaining even one copy of this card much more difficult than it would be for just about any other card.

This card’s holofoil adds visual spectacle to the dark background of the illustration, making it seem as though Gengar is standing in front of a night sky filled with stars. The card also contains map data for the Construction: Action app on the now-defunct e-Reader; as such, those who owned an e-Reader now had an additional reason to seek this card. It also adds appeal to collectors today as it thus provides a glimpse into a bygone era.

8) Paldean Clodsire ex (Shiny Treasure ex [SV4a] 334/190) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$25)

Paldea Clodsire ex SSR [SV4a 332/190](High Class Pack “Shiny Treasure ex”)

Check Price / Add to Favorites

First off, for those who are wondering “why is it called ‘Paldean’ Clodsire when Clodsire doesn’t have any regional variants?” there’s a simple answer: because it evolves from Paldean Wooper. Naming it “Paldean” Clodsire avoids ambiguity even though no one really refers to it as such.

It’s easy to understand why the fandom so readily took to Clodsire—more than almost any other Pokémon, it epitomizes “if not friend, why friend-shaped?” The most impressive of this Pokémon’s cards came in Gen 9 set Shiny Treasure ex [SV4a], featuring a Shiny Clodsire in front of a background designed to resemble the visual effect which appears in the video games.

Clodsire’s trademark blank expression can clearly be seen in this card’s illustration—part of what has endeared it to so many Pokémon fans. The fact that the card depicts the Spiny Fish Pokémon’s Shiny form further jacks up its value because of the prestige and rarity associated with Shiny Pokémon within the Pokémon canon.

7) Mimikyu (SM-P Promotional Cards 289/SM-P) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$5,876)

Mimikyu Munch Exhibition: PROMO[SM-P 289](SM-P Promotional cards)

Check Price / Add to Favorites

Mimikyu was created as an in-universe nod to the status of Pikachu as the face of the Pokémon franchise; the idea was that there was a Pokémon which desired so badly to be as popular as Pikachu so much so that it disguised itself so as to resemble one. As things turned out, this story actually endeared it to real-life fans; in every poll since its introduction in Gen 7, Mimikyu has consistently ranked well ahead of Pikachu.

One of five cards from the Munch Collection, this Mimikyu card was only available as part of the Pikachu/Eevee Scream Mini Card File which could be purchased either from the Munch: A Retrospective exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum or from the exhibition and the Pokémon Center Online between 27 October 2018 and 20 January 2019.

All five cards from the Munch Collection, including this Mimikyu card, have linked illustrations. For example, on this Mimikyu card, the silhouette of the Pikachu from the corresponding card in the collection can be seen in the background. The limited-time nature and unique art style of this card as well as the general status of the Munch Collection have made this card one of its era’s greatest chase cards.

6) Lucario (Melee! Pokémon Scramble 012/016) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$702)

Lucario

Browse the SNKRDUNK App

Lucario is best-known among the Pokémon fandom for its major role in Pokémon anime movie Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, in which it was the first-ever Gen 4 Pokémon introduced in the anime. Due to its role in the movie, many fans mistakenly believed it to be a Legendary Pokémon at first.

The Melee! Pokémon Scramble cards were released in 2009 in conjunction with the launch of WiiWare video game Pokémon Rumble. As such, all illustrations were taken directly from the video game—and this has given this Lucario card as well as all the other Melee! Pokémon Scramble cards a special charm.

In addition to the card’s illustration, another factor linking this card to Pokémon Rumble is the presence of the video game’s logo on the card’s right side. Although for many, Gen 4 represented something of a low point of the Pokémon TCG, this quirky Lucario card—just like its Pokémon Rumble peers—was proof that the era wasn’t completely bereft of great pulls.

5) Tinkaton ex (Clay Burst [SV2D] 093/071) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$55)

Tinkaton ex SAR[SV2D 093/071](Expansion Pack “Clay burst”)

Check Price / Add to Favorites

There are several reasons as to why Fairy/Steel-type Tinkaton is as popular as it is—from its utility in the video games to the lore behind it to its concept and design; however, above all there’s one word that sums it up: “BONK”.

This Special Art Rare (SAR) card from Clay Burst [SV2D] depicts Tinkaton ex raising its hammer, ready to deal a massive blow with either its Big Hammer or Pulverizing Press attack. The card’s holofoil adds to the visual impact by making it seem as though light is streaming down through the trees of the forest and reflecting off the crystals on the forest floor where Tinkaton ex is standing.

The almost unhinged look on Tinkaton ex’s face encapsulates why so many fans have taken to the Pokémon: a tiny sprite wielding an enormous hammer, excited to unleash massive destruction with every hit. This card is also the conclusion of a narrative which started in the illustrations of the Full Art versions of its pre-evolutions Tinkatink and Tinkatuff.

4) Sylveon ex (Terastal Festival ex [SV8a] 212/187) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$167)

Sylveon ex SAR [SV8a 212/187](High Class Pack “Terastal Festival ex”)

Check Price / Add to Favorites

While Umbreon might be far and away the most popular Eeveelution among the TCG community, the Pokémon fandom as a whole prefers Sylveon. For one thing, it’s a Fairy-type—one of the most popular types; it’s also the only one introduced without a counterpart Eeveelution. Sylveon has also become something of an “emblem” for LGBTQ+ Pokémon fans, especially transgender fans, due to its color scheme which resembles the trans flag.

Terastal Festival ex [SV8a] is one of the most popular Pokémon TCG sets of all time, and its Sylveon ex card in its SAR form is truly an epic addition to any collection. The Full Art illustration depicts the Intertwining Pokémon after it has Terastallized into the Stellar type with the card’s background taking on a crystalline aesthetic to match it.

As one of the chase cards of arguably the most-hyped set in Pokémon TCG history, this card was always set to be a truly epic pickup. The Eeveelutions and the concept behind them resonate with just about every Pokémon fan—so when the most popular one of them all appears on a card like this and is one of the standouts of a set like Terastal Festival ex [SV8a], it’s certain to spark an incredible amount of fan demand.

3) Chandelure (Hail Blizzard [BW3] 057/052) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$498)

Chandelure UR :1ED [BW3 057/052](Expansion Pack “Hail Blizzard”)

Check Price / Add to Favorites

“Chandelure? But… how?!” some of you might be thinking. In actuality, Chandelure has always been a “cult favorite” ever since it debuted back in Gen 5; it’s long been one of the biggest “under-the-radar fan favorites”, especially in Japan where it ranks as the most popular Gen 5 ‘mon by a wide margin. However, this popularity is primarily concentrated among the video game crowd as it tends to have more Gen Z fans who would’ve grown up with the fourth through sixth generations than the TCG crowd does.

The standout among all Chandelure cards is the UR card from Gen 5 set Hail Blizzard [BW3] which features the Ghost/Fire-type Pokémon in its Shiny form. Chandelure’s Shiny form is one of the fandom’s most beloved as the Luring Pokémon’s flames and eyes turn a sinister red while its body turns black and white.

In addition to the card’s rarity and its depiction of a Shiny Chandelure, the card’s appeal also has to do with its illustration. Chandelure is shown in an abandoned building, its eerie flames illuminating the surrounding area in a way that conveys a sense of foreboding befitting of the in-universe lore behind Chandelure.

2) Fuecoco (Gem Pack Vol. 1 [CBB1C] 0309/09) (PSA 10 Price: ~US$127)

Fuecoco AR [CBB1C 03 09/09] [CN] (Pokemon Card Gem Pack Flash Card)

Check Price / Add to Favorites

Fuecoco is by far the most popular of all three Gen 9 starters. The Fire-type Pokémon can be summed up as quite simply “no thoughts, head empty”—and this has endeared it to many fans. In addition, Fuecoco plays a major role in the Pokémon Horizons anime series where it’s Roy’s starter Pokémon. As an added bonus, it fulfilled the wish of many fans by not evolving into a bipedal Pokémon.

The Fuecoco card from the Simplified Chinese-exclusive Gem Pack Vol. 1 is the top pick among all Fuecoco cards. It depicts a scene from Pokémon Horizons, showing Roy on the Brave Olivine with his Fuecoco on his lap and his Tera Orb on his left index finger. It’s a card which will appeal mainly to fans of Pokémon Horizons—but also to many collectors.

The card’s holofoil adds visual realism by making it appear as those sunlight is streaming down onto the deck of the Brave Olivine. As a final touch, the Pokémon Horizons logo is in the bottom-right corner of the card to highlight its status as a card derived from the anime.

1) Meowscarada ex (Triplet Beat [SV1a] 101/073)

Meowscarada ex SAR[SV1a 096/073](Scarlet & Violet Enhanced Expansion Pack “Triplet Beat”)

Check Price / Add to Favorites

Topping the chart and securing the honor of “the most popular Pokémon among the fandom” is Meowscarada. Once again, much of its appeal has to do with Pokémon Horizons as it’s the final form of Sprigatitio, Liko’s starter Pokémon. There was also controversy associated with Meowscarada as when it was first revealed, many fans decried the fact that it was bipedal while others liked that fact—and this controversy led to increased interest in the Pokémon.

The biggest get among all Meowscarada cards is the SAR Meowscarada ex card from Triplet Beat [SV1a]. The card’s Full Art illustration depicts the Grass/Dark-type Pokémon standing on a tree branch, its leaf cape blowing in the breeze. For further visual effect, the card’s holofoil makes it appear as though sunlight is streaming through the treetops.

As already mentioned, part of this card’s appeal has to do with the fact that Meowscarada is one of the most featured Pokémon in Pokémon Horizons—especially after Liko’s Floragato evolved into Meowscarada in episode 88. Since the buzz over the “will it/won’t it” nature of Meowscarada being bipedal prior to its reveal also added to the Pokémon’s profile, the first Full Art card depicting Meowscarada standing upright was always likely to draw much attention as well.

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Twitter

More SNKRDUNK Features:
The Top 10 Team Rocket Pokémon Cards Before The Glory of Team Rocket [SV10] (Destined Rivals [DRI])
Get Hyped for Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Return to Lumiose City With These Cards
The Story of the Triplet Beat [SV1a] Magikarp Card: The Ultimate Sleeper Hit
Largest Pokémon TCG Sets by Generation and Their Standout Cards
Unova Revisited: Gen 5 Introductions That Inspired Black Bolt [SV11B / BLK] and White Flare [SV11W / WHT]