The most recent set within the controversy-embroiled Pokémon TCG, Phantasmal Flames, is now out. And, as is turning into conventional for a November launch, accommodates a model new Charizard card that’s going to drive much more folks (and scalpers) to the pastime. On this case, it’s the beloved Mega Charizard X, the big blue variant showing in each a surprising Particular Illustration Uncommon and in one of many new-fangled gold foils. And sure, each are already fetching ridiculous costs. However in a stark change, they’re the one two which might be.
I’m happy to report that after once more, for those who’re truly capable of finding any packs to purchase, Phantasmal Flames continues Mega Evolution’s new-found generosity on the subject of pull charges. Of the 55 packs we have been kindly despatched by The Pokémon Firm, I pulled a unprecedented 24 ex or higher playing cards, of which 13 have been full artwork or higher. In comparison with the three 12 months run of Scarlet & Violet units, it is a dramatic enchancment, with just about a 50:50 probability of not getting what’s derogatively often called a “dud pack.” (For these desirous to play the sport, there’s no such factor as a dud pack, and naturally it’s these people who find themselves most damage by the present year-long period of scarcity.)
Nonetheless, the price of this does very a lot seem like the pull charges on Particular Illustration Rares. As with Mega Evolution, Phantasmal Flames has made these most fascinating playing cards terribly unlikely to seem, with the new iteration of gold foils proving farcically rare. With Mega Evolutions, this drove costs to new, all-time highs, however within the first few days of Phantasmal Flames issues don’t seem like almost so uncontrolled. The Charizards are, in fact, outrageously priced at $600 and $800 every, however we then see a large drop for third place, with Daybreak’s SIR going for $60. That’s a very regular worth for an SIR, and in a reasonably small set with solely 5 of them to seek out, it means that individuals are merely ripping packs for the Zards and caring about little else.
That turns into much more stark once you discover that fourth place goes to Mega Charizard X ex once more, however this time in its way more widespread Extremely Uncommon type (I pulled considered one of these, because it occurs) at round $57, the opposite 4 SIRs following for as little as $30. (Sure, $30 for a bit of cardboard stays ridiculous, however then I simply spent method greater than that on the Crown Zenith Leafeon VSTAR, so who am I to speak?)
Is that this a superb signal that playing cards just like the Mega Sharpedo ex and Rotom ex SIRs aren’t going for megabucks? Or is it, and I do fear it’s this, that the SIRs in Phantasmal Flames simply aren’t that interesting? The artwork is great on each of these examples, however Sharpedo isn’t on the prime of anybody’s favourite Pokémon record, and there actually are plenty of fairly Rotom playing cards already. Then there’s the whole mess of the Mega Lopunny ex (see the cardboard within the gallery), and, nicely, that’s all of them. The extra widespread (and thus all the time cheaper) Illustration Rares are the place the really great artwork seems on this set, with a surprising Zacian, Piplup, Flygon, Wooper, Togedemaru, Ludicolo and Ambipom to seek out, most of them promoting throughout the peak worth of the opening week for below $10! Meowth is the one one of many IRs that’s caught on at round $30 (with Piplup managing a formidable $19).
Compare this with Mega Evolution, the place the tenth highest priced card was going for $50, and the SIRs fetching round $300 every, and it’s a placing shift. So, with all that mentioned, click on on for the playing cards you need to chase for those who’re in search of worth in Phantasmal Flames, however know that for those who’re after the playing cards to play in a deck, most could be picked up of their primary type for below a greenback. (Even Mega Charizard X ex’s common type “only” fetches about $5.) Once more, if you possibly can truly discover packs to open.
