Although Pokémon TCG had a busy year, it wasn’t one I enjoyed too much, in part because Paldea never really captured my heart. Despite this, there have been a few gorgeous cards released, and you should consider yourself lucky if you managed to score one.
For collectors and players, there were a few changes to get used to this year. Some were aesthetic; for example, the cards from theCrown Zenithset, which was released in January, are the last to feature yellow borders. Additionally, the name of each Energy card is now printed on the top of the card alongside a new subtype tag.
Of course, there are also price changes to get used to. The MSRP for booster packs went up from $3.99 to $4.49. To make up for this, each booster pack now has three guaranteed holofoil cards and an extra booster pack has been added to Elite Trainer Boxes.
When it comes to the quality of the artwork, it’s all subjective. Like I said, I’m not much of a fan of Paldea, but some beautiful artwork has nevertheless been released this year. We also got the151set which allowed us to experience Kanto’s stars again. The followingPokémon TCG cards of 2023are some of the best released this year:
Pikachu (Secret Rare) – Crown Zenith
Crown Zenithwas one of the first sets released this year and arguably contained some of the best artwork of 2023. You don’t have to be a Pikachu fan to appreciate this full-art secret rare. Not only does it have the yellow rodent leaping into action, but you also get creatures like Krobat and Hisuian Zoroark in the background. It’s colorful, it’s action-packed, and it’s filled with fan favorites. What more could you ask for?
Oricorio (Galarian Gallery) – Crown Zenith
Another standout fromCrown Zenithis the Oricorio card from the Galarian Gallery. I like the colorful, slightly psychedelic artwork that accentuates the bird’s beauty. There are plenty of great cards from the Galarian Gallery, so Oricorio was facing some tough competition.
Miriam (Special Illustration) – Scarlet and Violet
It’s a trend within Pokémon TCG for Trainer cards to become the most popular and sit among the most valuable. Sometimes, it’s due to how much the character is loved by fans. Other times, the artwork is just that good. Miriam’s special illustration card from theScarlet and Violetbase set falls into the latter scenario, and presents her tripping and dropping her research. It’s a fairly valuable card on the market, asTCGPlayer reveals, but nowhere near the ridiculous price tags on other “waifu” cards.
Magikarp (Full Art) – Paldea Evolved
As one of the most innocuous Pokémon, it’s always nice when Magikarp gets good cards. The fish gets one in thePaldea Evolvedset, and the art style is as distinctive as it is colorful. It’s an amazing addition to any collection, and also fairly valuable on the online marketplace.
Charizard (Full Art) – Pokémon 151
The dragon-that’s-technically-not-a-dragon gets enough special treatment from the franchise, so for the sake of fairness, it’ll be getting one entry alone. Charizard’s full art card from thePokémon 151set is serene, yet showcases the monster’s majesty. The art style is minimalistic, and it’s beautifully implemented.
Dragonair – Pokémon 151
Quite a few stunning cards came from thePokémon 151set, and it’s my second favorite after theCrown Zenithset. One of the Pokémon lucky enough to get a beautiful card is Dragonair. The Pokémon is depicted slithering in water – a tranquil scene that makes an amazing addition to any collection.
Scream Tail (Full Art) – Scarlet and Violet
TheScarlet and Violetvideo games introduce theParadox Pokémonthat come from the past and future. They’re variations of the Pokémon we already know, but sometimes in a much more powerful form. Not many Paldea Pokémon impress me, but Scream Tail is one of the few exceptions, and it has a lovely full art card from theScarlet and Violetset. It’s so colorful!
Next year, we’ll be getting plenty more sets, including thePaldean Fatesset which has already been announced. Hopefully, there’ll be more beauties to be added to the collection.
