While the upcoming Pokémon 30th Celebration expansion has plenty of new cards to (hopefully) collect, there are also plenty of older Pokémon cards receiving makeovers and getting stamped with the big ol’ Pikachu head. From the classic Shadowless Charizard to Pikachu & Zekrom GX, it’s a stuffed set. Yet its new take on Paldea Evolved’s Magikarp may be the best of the bunch.
It’s just weeks away from Pokémon 30th Celebration pre-orders finally arrive at our homes, and like any Pokémon TCG expansion, getting your hands on packs might be difficult. From unique rarities to a whole bunch of distinct Pikachu cards to collect, it’s a Pokémon set full of bangers.
The Pokémon Company isn’t just focused on the new, of course; it’s also looking at what came before. Each pack gives you a chance to collect older cards, from the Base Set chases 30 years ago to more modern examples, and one card that’s receiving a new version is Magikarp #203, an Illustration Rare from Paldea Evolved.
Despite being an IR rather than the more elusive SIR, Magikarp has flopped its way to being the set’s most popular card, with copies worth around £280 / $400. It doesn’t feel random to see the Water-type added to the 30th Celebration Classic Collection. If anything, it’s a beloved card that deserves its spot.
As shared by PokéBeach, Magikarp #203 is getting a new treatment for the 30th Celebration. Gone is the plain old grey border that once framed the Illustration Rare, replaced by a sparkly gold border. And it’s not a loss - it fits perfectly, framing Shinji Kanda’s artwork in a more elegant style.
The yellow border accents Magikarp’s fin and the dreamlike illustrations of the nature surrounding the waterfall look even better because of it. Of course, I’ll need to see the reprint in person to know if it looks even more gorgeous, but digitally, it certainly wins in my eyes - and I’m not just saying that because I don’t have Paldea Evolved’s version.
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PokéBeach also revealed the reprint of Lugia #149 from Aquapolis, better known as Crystal Lugia. This is easily the set’s most expensive reprint based on the value of the original - PSA 10 versions of the Aquapolis card have sold for roughly £80,000. Now, you can own it for a fraction if you’re lucky enough to pull it. Well, a reprint of it.
I’ve got plenty of news to share as 30th Celebration hype continues, so make sure to join our newsletter above for the latest updates on the Pokémon TCG.
