Best Pikachu Pokémon Cards

Yep, it’s that Pikachu card. We had to get it out of the way first.

The origins of the famous Pikachu Illustrator card trace back to its debut as a coveted prize during a series of contests hosted by the Japanese magazine CoroCoro Comic between 1997 and 1998. Only 39 lucky winners were bestowed with a copy.

Fast forward to 2020, when the discovery of two additional copies emerged from the private collection of Yuichi Konno, a prominent figure in the creation of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. As a result, the total known existence of this card amounts to a mere 41 copies, making it one of the rarest Pokémon cards ever.

Notably, the Pikachu Illustrator card was exclusively released in Japan, contributing to this status. YouTuber Logan Paul even purchased a PSA grade 10 copy for a staggering $5,300,000!

What sets this card apart is its unique artwork by Pikachu creator, Atsuko Nishida, which depicts Pikachu holding an oversized pen. Additionally, it features the designation “illustrator” rather than “trainer,” and has a pen icon at the bottom. This card is both adorable and legendary.

Featuring a chibi Pikachu riding a surfboard on a wave, this card offers a delightful scenario, making it a top choice for collectors who appreciate unique Pikachu depictions. Since its creation, Surfing Pikachu has been referenced in various Pokémon media over the years, including the game Pokémon Yellow.

The original Surfing Pikachu is an older card with a low HP of 50 and an attack called Surfing that deals 30 damage. Although not the best card stat-wise, this card is popular among collectors and those who wish to play with vintage decks. 

Initially, it was a promo card distributed in the Japanese CoroCoro magazine in 1997. Later, it was released in North America in 2001 and distributed through the Pokémon League. Some collectors prefer either the Japanese or North American versions due to slight variations in the artwork.

While this card is not as scarce as other promotional cards, due to various Japanese reprints through later promotional campaigns, the original 1997 and 2001 versions remain the most valuable, selling between $15 and $105 depending on condition.

This card was also re-released as part of the Celebrations collection in 2021, featuring 3D artwork, Pikachu receives a significant power boost with 200 HP, and its Surfing attack deals a whopping 150 damage making this version more deck-friendly for Expanded format.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, the Gold Pikachu card serves as a reprint of the beloved Base Set Pikachu. Gold Pikachu’s stats are 40 HP with their Gnaw attack giving 10 damage and Thunder Jolt 30 – for an older card, not the worst numbers.

Contrary to our guide on regular Pokémon card size and weight, this special edition rather breaks the mold, as it’s crafted from metal, rendering it undoubtedly more durable than cardstock, but incredibly heavy and singularly unsuitable for gameplay.

For those seeking to construct a deck featuring this card, you’ll have to purchase an original Base Set Pikachu – though collectors should be wary of using the much sought after Shadowless Pokémon card version of Base Set Pikachu, as this can command a high price.

Exclusive to the Celebrations Ultra Premium Collection, this card comes as part of a set that originally retailed for $120. Alongside the metal Pikachu, the collection boasts a metal Charizard and a special gold version of Pikachu V, among other treasures (‘zard fans should also check out our guide to the best Charizard Pokémon cards).

Since this card isn’t available in individual booster packs, the gold Pikachu card holds significant value, fetching anywhere from $35 to $950 depending on its condition.

Pikachu VMAX is a part of the Lost Origin Trainer Gallery from the Sword and Shield collection, and stands out as a holographic visual delight. This card showcases Gigantamax Pikachu alongside trainer Red, making for a rather captivating visual spectacle.

During the Sword and Shield era, the introduction of Gigantamax evolution brought forth larger-than-life versions of beloved Pokémon, each adorned with unique visual enhancements. Notably, Gigantamax Pikachu resembles its first-generation counterpart from the Base Set, evoking a sense of nostalgia among collectors.

Strategically, the Pikachu VMAX proves invaluable in any deck, provided you possess the Pikachu V for it to evolve from. Its signature move, G Max Volt Tackle, requires three electric energy cards and delivers a formidable 120+ damage to your opponent.

By discarding energy cards, you can unleash a potentially devastating critical hit, adding an extra 150 damage to the assault! Combine that offensive power with an impressive 310 HP, this card emerges as a formidable adversary on the battlefield.

This card is among a collection of “spoof” cards exclusively found in Japan. Released in 1998 as part of the Japanese Expansion Sheet 3 – also known as Vending Series 3 – these cards were distributed through vending machines.

Unlike most Pokémon cards, Ooyama’s Pikachu cannot be used in official gameplay, but it’s highly sought after by collectors. Due to its rarity, prices for this card range between $122 and $250 depending on its PSA grade.

The Ooyama Pikachu’s stand-out artwork makes it easily the most distinctive Pikachu Pokémon card we’ve seen in our travels. Depicted in a whimsical, childlike art style, every element of the card appears hand-drawn in wobbly lines – from the card art and Japanese text to the energy symbols.

This is just our opinion, but we think the happy little man in the bottom right corner – presumably representing the artist – faintly resembles Mr. Garrison from South Park. Do with that information what you will.

Either way, this Pikachu is like no other, and deserves a spot in every serious ‘chu lover’s collection.

It was a close run thing between Birthday Pikachu and Surfing Pikachu for the title of ‘happiest Pikachu card’ – but we settled for this one in the end; just look at those eyes and smile. Who wouldn’t be overjoyed at a delicious birthday cake and present – even if they are floating in deep space?

This card has an extensive history. Originally released in Japan in November 1998, Birthday Pikachu was released to celebrate the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s second anniversary. Subsequently, it was introduced in Australia in 2000, this time as a holographic version offered exclusively at an event.

In 2001, it made its way to North America through a contest, albeit in a non-holographic form. Fast forward to 2021, and Birthday Pikachu received a reprint in holographic, included as part of the 25th Anniversary Celebrations collection. The latest iteration of the card is naturally far more readily available, typically selling for around $7.00, while older versions go for significantly higher prices.

All versions of this card feature artwork by Kagemaru Himeno and include a space for the owner to personalise it with their name, claiming Pikachu as their own.

Its attack is great fun, stating: “If it’s not your birthday, this attack does 30 damage. If it is your birthday, flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 30 damage plus 50 more damage; if tails, this attack does 30 damage.”

The card was eventually banned in competitive play, due to its potential for misuse, with players falsely claiming it was their birthday to gain extra damage. Nonetheless, Birthday Pikachu remains a beloved and entertaining addition to any collection (and an excellent birthday gift).

V Union cards stand out due to their distinctive concept: four individual cards merge to create a unified Pokémon. When united, the card boasts enhanced stats and attacks. This feature adds an extra dose of spice to battles, prompting players to devise strategies for assembling and using their V Union cards efficiently.

Most excitingly for us electric mouse fans, Pikachu V Union offers a rare opportunity to construct genuinely versatile and formidable decks centred around Pikachu. This four-part card showcases 25 renditions of Pikachu, each skilfully drawn by a different artist (The Ooyama Pikachu particularly stands out).

You can get all four cards (and a promotional jumbo version) by picking up the Pokémon Celebrations Special Collections – Pikachu V Union pack, which originally retailed at $29.99. Sadly, the pack is no longer in production, so it’ll cost you a chunk more than that now.

Alternatively, this quad is available in the Japanese run of the Celebrations range.