The Japanese Pokémon TCG scene is heating up this winter with the release of the “Start Deck 100 Battle Collection.” While the set is packed with nostalgic Mega Evolutions, one card has soared to the top of everyone’s “chase list”: the Pikachu ex SAR (Special Illustration Rare).

This isn’t just another Pikachu card—it’s a certified grail for modern collectors. Here’s the breakdown of its current market performance and why it’s seeing such massive demand.

Note:The provided text is a disclaimer in Japanese. Here is the English translation.
Note:All dates and times mentioned are in Japan Standard Time (JST).

Pikachu ex (SAR): Buyback Price and Market Information

Current Market Value (As of Dec 26, 2025)

Condition	Average Market Price	Buy-Back Price (Cash)
Near Mint (NM)	50,000 JPY (~$340 USD)	45,000 JPY (~$300 USD)
PSA 10 (Gem Mint)	N/A (Pop 0 – Emerging)	N/A

Prices are based on recent sales at major Japanese retailers like SNKRDUNK Akihabara.

Price Performance Tracker

The Pikachu ex SAR saw a classic “hype spike” upon release, followed by a slight correction as supply hit the market. However, the floor remains remarkably high compared to previous Start Deck releases.

Buy-Back Price History (Near Mint)

• Dec 26: 45,000 JPY
• Dec 25: 40,000 JPY (Local Dip)
• Dec 22: 45,000 JPY
• Dec 20: 60,000 JPY
• Dec 19: 70,000 JPY (Release Day Peak)

Actual Transaction Prices (eBay/Marketplace)

• Dec 26: 55,543 JPY
• Dec 23: 41,000 JPY
• Dec 19: 65,800 JPY

Why Is This Card Exploding? The Collector’s Perspective

1. The “Whimsical Forest” Aesthetic

Revealed during the Pokémon Champions League 2026 Aichi livestream, this card features artwork by booota, a renowned Japanese light novel illustrator. The illustration captures Pikachu in a candid, almost startled moment in a lush forest. It perfectly hits that “effortless vibe” that modern SAR collectors crave—moving away from battle poses and toward storytelling art.

2. The “Gacha” Struggle is Real

The Start Deck 100 Battle Collection is a blind-box product. There are 100 different pre-constructed decks, and you don’t know which one you’re getting until you crack the seal. Pikachu ex SAR is exclusive to Deck No. 025. Mathematically, your odds are slim, making the “sealed lottery” aspect a major driver for the high secondary market prices.

3. Pikachu: The Ultimate Blue-Chip Pokémon

In the world of Pokémon investing, Pikachu is the safest bet. With this being a high-rarity ex card in a unique “Battle Collection” format, it’s already being treated as a long-term hold by many in the community.

Card Profile

• Rarity: SAR (Special Illustration Rare)
• Set: Start Deck 100 Battle Collection
• Release Date: Dec 19, 2025
• Illustrator: booota
• Card ID: 764/742

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Twitter