The Era of Art: Why TAG TEAM Cards are Ruling the Secondary Market

In recent years, the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) has evolved far beyond a nostalgic hobby, transforming into a high-stakes world of fine art and serious collecting. While the 2021 boom was largely driven by the “Waifu” craze (high-end Trainer cards featuring female characters), the tide has shifted. Today’s market is all about visual storytelling, with Special Art (SA) and Special Art Rare (SAR) cards taking center stage.

Nowhere is this trend more evident than in the TAG TEAM era from the Sun & Moon series. These cards, featuring iconic Pokémon battling side-by-side or sharing intimate moments, offer a level of dynamic illustration that standard cards simply can’t match. Even lower-rarity “base” versions are seeing a massive surge in value—especially when they hit the magic PSA 10 grade.

We’ve analyzed the trading data from September 2025 through February 2026 to bring you the Top 10 TAG TEAM Cards currently moving the market. Here’s a deep dive into the Top 10 and why they belong in your binder.

👑 The Top 10 TAG TEAM Power Rankings

1. Gengar & Mimikyu GX RR [SM9 038/095]
　Set: Tag Bolt (Japanese Release)

Why it’s hot: Two of the most beloved Ghost-types in one frame. This card isn’t just a trophy; it remains a staple in the Expanded Format (the high-powered competitive scene). Even as a standard Double Rare (RR), the sheer personality in the artwork has caused its value to climb steadily among players and fans alike.

2. Solgaleo & Lunala GX SA [SM11b 063/049]
　Set: Dream League (Japanese Release)

Why it’s hot: This Special Art is pure nostalgia for anyone who played the Sun & Moon video games. It depicts a pivotal, emotional moment featuring Lillie with the legendary duo. Lillie remains one of the most collectible characters in the franchise. A PSA 10 copy is currently hovering around JPY 90,000, reflecting its status as a premier “Chase Card.”

3. Pikachu & Zekrom GX RR [SM12a 041/173]
　Set: Tag All Stars (Japanese Release)

Why it’s hot: Illustrated by the legendary Mitsuhiro Arita—the artist behind the original Base Set Charizard—this card is a masterclass in composition. Pikachu’s fierce determination contrasted with Zekrom’s massive scale creates an “electrifying” visual that rivals any Secret Rare.

4. Pikachu & Zekrom GX SA [SM9 101/095]
　Set: Tag Bolt (Japanese Release)

Why it’s hot: The Special Art version of the previous entry. Following the hype of the recently released Black Bolt and White Flare sets, anything featuring Zekrom has skyrocketed. This specific card, with Pikachu riding on Zekrom’s back through a lightning storm, is approaching a staggering JPY 500,000 for a PSA 10.

5. Umbreon & Darkrai GX SA [SM12a 182/173]
　Set: Tag All Stars (Japanese Release)

Why it’s hot: Umbreon is arguably the most popular Eeveelution, and Darkrai adds a “grim reaper” aesthetic that US collectors love. The art features them sprinting through a moonlit cityscape. With sealed boxes of Tag All Stars now exceeding JPY 100,000, the scarcity of this card keeps the price floor incredibly high.

6. Reshiram & Zekrom GX SA [SM11b 064/049]
　Set: Dream League (Japanese Release)

• Why it’s hot: Featuring the legendary duo from the Unova region alongside the fan-favorite character N. This card saw a massive price jump following the June 2025 release of the Unova-focused Japanese sets. It’s a perfect example of how new releases can reignite interest in older TAG TEAM gems.

7. Pikachu & Zekrom GX RR [SM9 031/095]
　Set: Tag Bolt (Japanese Release)

Why it’s hot: Same art as the #3 spot, but this is the original printing from the Tag Bolt expansion. The fact that two different prints of the same art are in the Top 10 proves just how much the market craves this specific duo.

8. Cynthia & Caitlin SR [SM12 106/095]
　Set: Alter Genesis (Japanese Release)

Why it’s hot: The only “Full Art Trainer” to break into the Top 10. This duo brings together the Sinnoh Champion (Cynthia) and a member of the Unova Elite Four (Caitlin). Their friendship is a deep-lore favorite, and the elegant art style makes this a “crowd-pleasing” must-have for character-focused collectors.

9. Mewtwo & Mew GX RR [SM12a 052/173]
　Set: Tag All Stars (Japanese Release)

Why it’s hot: Often called “MewMew GX,” this card represents the genetic bond between the two clones. While a “Raw” (un-graded) near-mint copy goes for around JPY 3,000, a PSA 10 can easily fetch over JPY 10,000. It’s the perfect entry point for new collectors focusing on illustration quality.

10. Umbreon & Darkrai GX [SMM 010/031]
　Set: TAG TEAM GX Starter Set (Japanese Release)

Why it’s hot: Don’t sleep on Starter Deck exclusives! Despite being a standard rarity, the art—showing the duo lurking in the shadows—is top-tier. A PSA 10 is currently valued at over JPY 20,000, making it a sleeper hit for Eeveelution fans.

Authenticity is Key: Collect with Confidence

In the world of high-value Pokémon cards, “proxies” (fakes) are a constant threat. For rare TAG TEAM Special Arts, a fake can cost you thousands. That’s why we recommend trading through platforms with a rigorous physical authentication process.

From examining the holographic pattern to the micro-printing and card stock texture, professional graders ensure you’re getting the real deal. Don’t let a “too good to be true” deal ruin your collection—stick to verified sources and enjoy the hunt!

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Twitter