Market outlook
Rising Outlook 8/10
The card is relatively new (released Jan 2026) and prices have shown an 118.8% increase over the last year. Mascot demand and low supply of SIR copies drive sustained appreciation.
Next months. Continued steady growth over the next 3-6 months as the set stabilizes and more graded copies enter the market, potentially pushing raw prices toward $1,500.
Long term. Strong 1-3 year outlook with potential to reach $2,000-$2,500 for raw copies and $4,000+ for graded 10s, driven by the card's status as a modern mascot secret rare.
History
Pikachu is the iconic mascot of the Pokémon franchise, originally introduced as a Pokémon species in the 1996 Game Boy games Pokémon Red and Green in Japan. It is a Electric-type Pokémon from the Kanto region, known for its friendship with protagonist Ash Ketchum in the anime, making it the most recognizable and beloved character in the franchise.
This specific Pikachu ex card was first released on January 30, 2026, in the English 'Ascended Heroes' set (ME: Ascended Heroes) as a Special Illustration Rare (SIR) secret rare card.
- The card is numbered 276/217 (or 277/217 per some databases), indicating it is a Secret Rare beyond the main set list.
- It is illustrated by artist booota and features 200 HP with a Lightning type and Fighting weakness ×2.
- As a Secret Rare Special Illustration Rare, it is significantly rarer than standard EX cards, which pull at roughly 1 in 5 packs.
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Secret Rare
- Print run
- Low
- First printed in
- Ascended Heroes
- Demand
- Very High
- Supply
- Scarce
- Numbered beyond the main set (276/217), indicating Secret Rare status.
- Special Illustration Rare (SIR) variant with unique, full-art illustration.
- Lower pull rate compared to standard EX cards (standard EX is ~20%, SIR is significantly lower).
Collector notes
Condition. Key flaws include centered alignment issues common in SIR cards, edge wear on the thick holofoil border, and surface scratches on the glossy art. Check for 'whitening' along the edges and any creasing, as the card stock in Secret Rares can be slightly more prone to edge damage.
Storage. Store in a rigid top-loader immediately after purchasing. Use a coin sleeve or semi-rigid sleeve inside the top-loader for extra protection. Keep in a climate-controlled environment with low humidity and avoid direct sunlight to prevent holofoil fading or yellowing.
Authenticity. Fakes often have a uniformly smooth surface whereas the real card should have a distinct, gritty texture on the Stellar Crown element compared to the smooth yellow fur of Pikachu. Verify the card number matches 276/217, check the font quality on the HP and type icons, and ensure the holographic pattern is intricate and not a flat printed foil.
Sources: chasedex.com, cardrake.com, chasesociety.com, hobbyscan.com, sportscardinvestor.com
