Words by Nashiya

Pikachu isn’t just Pokémon’s mascot—it’s one of the most collectible characters in the TCG world. But beyond their cuteness, certain rare Pikachu Pokémon cards possess the potential to significantly increase in value over time.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, keeping an eye on these Pikachu cards can be a smart move—especially as market trends hint at potential value spikes in the coming months. From limited Mario collabs to iconic costume variants, these electrifying cards are quietly gaining value.

In this article, we’ll spotlight some of the top Pikachu Pokémon cards that are not just visually stunning, but also poised for possible price growth. If you’re looking to add a Pikachu card or two to your collection, these are the ones to watch.

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Why Pikachu Cards Are a Collector’s Dream

Pikachu’s universal appeal, combined with unique promotional releases and limited print runs and their popularity within the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) community, has made certain Pikachu cards especially desirable. Rare Pikachu cards, particularly those tied to special events or collaborations, often see steady appreciation in value. With the Pokémon TCG continuing to surge in popularity, Pikachu cards remain at the forefront of investment-worthy collectibles.

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Top Pikachu Cards to Watch in 2025

Here are the best Pikachu cards that could deliver shocking returns in the coming months—and where to buy them before prices surge.

1. Mario Pikachu (XY-P Promotional Cards #294/XY-P)

The Mario Pikachu card is a standout crossover between two of Nintendo’s biggest franchises. Released as a Japanese promo in 2016, this card features Pikachu dressed as Mario, making it a must-have for both Pokémon and Mario fans. Its rarity and unique artwork have driven prices sky-high, with PSA 10 graded copies recently fetching US$12,000+ and even higher for pristine grades 1. With only a handful of sales each year and increasing demand, this Pikachu Pokémon card is likely to keep climbing in value.

2. Luigi Pikachu (XY-P Promotional Cards #295/XY-P)

Not to be outdone, Luigi Pikachu offers similar appeal, featuring Pikachu in Luigi cosplay. Like its Mario counterpart, this rare Pikachu card was released as part of a special collaboration and has seen strong price growth. Collectors value the pair, and as Mario Pikachu prices rise, Luigi Pikachu often follows suit.

3. Pretend Gyarados Pikachu (XY-P Promotional Cards #151/XY-P)

This whimsical card showcases Pikachu in a Gyarados poncho, blending cuteness with collectibility. With ungraded copies selling for over US$4,000 and PSA 10 examples reaching US$5000, Pretend Gyarados Pikachu is among the most valuable Pikachu cards on the market. Its limited release and continued collector interest suggest further appreciation is possible.

4. Pretend Magikarp Pikachu (XY-P Promotional Cards #150/XY-P)

Another hit from the poncho Pikachu series, Pretend Magikarp Pikachu is just as rare and desirable. Recent sales show ungraded cards at around US$4,000, with PSA 10s commanding over US$5000. With only a handful of sales per year, this Pikachu Pokémon card is a strong candidate for future value growth.

5. Pikachu Munch Exhibition: PROMO[SM-P 288](SM-P Promotional cards)

Inspired by Edvard Munch’s iconic painting “The Scream,” this Pikachu card was distributed through special museum events and Pokémon Centers in Japan. Its limited availability and artistic significance have made it one of the most sought-after Pikachu cards. Raw copies have sold for over $1,300, with PSA 10s fetching up to six times more. As awareness and demand grow, this card’s value trajectory looks promising.

6. Yokohama’s Pikachu (SM-P Promotional Cards #282/SM-P)

Released as a Japanese promo, Yokohama’s Pikachu celebrates the Pokémon Center in Yokohama. While not as pricey as some others on this list, its value has been trending upward, with PSA 10s reaching nearly US$500 and BGS 10 Black Label copies breaking the US$1,000 mark. Its regional exclusivity and growing collector interest make it a Pikachu card to watch.

7. _’s Pikachu (Birthday Pikachu, Unnumbered Promotional Cards)

Known as “Birthday Pikachu,” this card is a nostalgic favorite and a staple of rare Pikachu card collections. While not as limited as some promos, high-grade copies, especially those from early print runs, continue to see strong demand and price appreciation.

8. Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat: PROMO [SVP EN 085]

This striking Pikachu card was released as part of the “Pokémon x Van Gogh” collaboration to celebrate the Van Gogh Museum’s 50th anniversary. Originally available only to visitors who completed a special activity at the museum in Amsterdam, and later as a bonus with select Pokémon Center merchandise, this promo features Pikachu wearing Van Gogh’s iconic grey felt hat. Its unique art history connection and limited distribution have made it a standout Pikachu Pokémon card that’s quickly gaining attention—and value—among collectors.

9. Team Skull Pikachu: PROMO [SM-P 013] (Special BOX “Member Pretend Pikachu”)

Released exclusively in Japan in 2016, the Team Skull Pikachu promo is part of the popular Pretend Pikachu series, featuring Pikachu dressed as various Pokémon villain team members. This card was distributed through special events and the limited-edition Pretend Grunt Pikachu Special Box, which included exclusive promos, card sleeves, and booster packs. The creative design and scarcity have made this promo highly sought-after, with mint-condition PSA 10 copies commanding premium prices, often more than double the raw card’s value. Notably, there is no English version of this card, adding to its exclusivity and appeal among collectors. Current market prices hover around ~US$4,800.

10. Pikachu P: PROMO [BW-P 229/BW-P] (Pokémon Center 15th Anniversary Card Premium Set)

Released to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Pokémon Center, Pikachu P is a charming Basic Lightning-type Pokémon card featuring two attacks: Energize, which lets you attach a Lightning Energy card from your discard pile to Pikachu P, and Thunderbolt, dealing 80 damage at the cost of discarding all attached Energy. This promo card’s unique anniversary artwork and nostalgic flavor text—highlighting Pikachu’s ability to recharge a fellow Pikachu with an electric shock—make it a beloved collectible. Its limited release and sentimental value contribute to steady demand, making it a worthwhile addition for collectors focused on Pikachu cards or milestone promotional sets.

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Pikachu Card Predictions

• Biggest Growth Potential: Mario Pikachu (Nintendo collabs always spike)
• Sleeper Hit: Yokohama Pikachu (event-exclusive cards gain over time)
• Best Budget Pick: 25th Anniversary Pikachu (lower entry point, strong upside)

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Where to Buy Pikachu Pokemon Card Before Prices Jump

Most of these cards are already climbing – but SNKRDUNK notifies you on major price drops once you add them to favorites. Go browse your favorite Pikachu Pokemon card and favorite them on the app now.
🛒 Check All Pikachu Cards

Pro Tip: Graded copies (PSA 10) of these cards multiply in value fastest.

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Final Thoughts: Pikachu Cards as Smart Investments

The Pikachu Pokémon card market is dynamic, with rare Pikachu cards often leading the charge in value appreciation. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your Pokémon TCG journey, keeping an eye on these top pikachu cards could prove to be a worthwhile investment. Their unique charm, combined with their rarity and the enduring popularity of Pikachu, makes them strong candidates for potential value increases in the months to come. So, power up your collection and keep those Pikachu cards safe – you might be holding onto a future treasure!

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