Welcome to Rare Candy’s Collector’s Guide series, where we spotlight the cards shaping today’s Pokémon TCG market.
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Series: Mega Evolution Inferno X Release Date: September 26, 2025
Pokemon's Inferno X is the third Japanese expansion in the new Mega Evolution TCG block. It's making waves among collectors with its lineup of incredible chase cards. From roaring Mega Charizard X variants to beloved characters like Dawn, this Japanese set brings the heat ahead of its English debut. The majority of these cards are expected to appear in November’s English Phantasmal Flames set and the hype is already building. Charizard headlines the set (continuing a long tradition of Charizard-centric releases like 2023’s Obsidian Flames and Pokemon 151, so fans anticipate a frenzy comparable to recent hit sets.
10. Grimsley’s One Move (Secret Rare) – $9.61
Rarity: Secret Rare (SR) Card Number: #105/080
Grimsley makes a surprise appearance in Inferno X with Grimsley’s One Move, a full art supporter card. While not as pricey as other cards on this list, it’s a fun chase for fans of this Elite Four villain. The card’s artwork features Grimsley in his element – cool, collected, and plotting his “one move” – giving it a sleek visual appeal for trainer card collectors. Still, for completionists and those who love Unova-era characters, Grimsley’s card is a neat piece to round out an Inferno X collection. And who knows – its deck utility for Darkness-type Pokémon could always spark a bump in demand among players if it finds a use in competitive play!
9. Mega Sharpedo ex (Secret Art Rare) – $21.97
Rarity: Special Art Rare (SAR) Card Number: #113/080
Mega Sharpedo ex charges in with one of the most striking arts among the non-Charizard cards of Inferno X. The Secret Art Rare portrays Sharpedo in a dynamic, ferocious scene – likely tearing through the water with jaws at full throttle; truly doing justice to this Mega Evolution’s fearsome reputation. Despite the jaw-dropping artwork, Sharpedo isn’t a huge fan-favorite Pokémon, which keeps its price on the lower end of the top 10, making it an affordable chase. For collectors, the appeal here is the art: bold colors and intense action that pops in any binder page. If you love seeing lesser-loved Pokémon get amazing card treatments, this Sharpedo ex SAR is a gem. Don’t be surprised if its value creeps up over time purely due to that eye-catching artwork and relatively low pull rate.
8. Mega Lopunny ex (Special Art Rare) – $24.71
Rarity: Special Art Rare (SAR) Card Number: #114/080
Mega Lopunny ex hops into the spotlight with a Special Illustration Rare that’s equal parts adorable and fierce. Lopunny has a dedicated fanbase, and seeing its Mega Evolution get a premium art treatment is a treat. The card’s illustration likely showcases Mega Lopunny’s agility and charm – perhaps mid-jump or delivering a powerful kick – all rendered in a beautiful full-art scene. Its value is buoyed by collector demand (Lopunny is a popular Pokémon, after all) and the relative rarity of SAR pulls. In Phantasmal Flames, this card is expected to be another big chase alongside the likes of Sharpedo and Rotom. Between its pastel color palette and the dynamic pose, Mega Lopunny ex has major display appeal. Don’t underestimate this card – it’s a perfect storm of a cute yet competitive Pokémon getting a top-notch artwork, making it a solid mid-tier chase for both Japanese and English releases.
7. Rotom ex (Special Art Rare) – $24.71
Rarity: Special Art Rare (SAR) Card Number: #112/080
Quirky Pokémon like Rotom rarely top chase card lists, but give Rotom a stunning SAR and collectors will take notice. The Rotom ex SAR in Inferno X is a delightful surprise, showing the electric poltergeist in a playful, detailed scene (perhaps zapping between appliances or causing mischief in a workshop). It’s a card that combines visual appeal (for art lovers) with a bit of nostalgia for players who remember Rotom’s antics. If you’re looking for a fun chase card that won’t break the bank, Rotom ex fits the bill perfectly.
6. Dawn (Secret Rare) – $36.38
Rarity: Secret Rare (SR) Card Number: #106/080
Beloved Sinnoh-region heroine Dawn makes an appearance in Inferno X with a Full Art Trainer card that has fans swooning. As a Full Art (textured) supporter card, this version of Dawn depicts her in a classic pose – likely showcasing her cheerful personality and iconic outfit. It’s technically the more common version of her two cards (the other being a special illustration), but it’s still a secret rare pull in Japanese packs. Dawn’s popularity in the Pokémon anime translates to strong collector demand. The appeal here is both nostalgic and aesthetic: the card captures a character many grew up with, and the artwork is bright and colorful, making it a highlight in any trainer card collection. If you’re chasing waifu cards or just love the character, Dawn’s full art is a must-have. Plus, it’s a great preview of what English collectors can look forward to pulling in Phantasmal Flames (where Dawn will undoubtedly be a chase Supporter as well).
5. Mega Charizard X ex – $65.21
Rarity: Secret Rare (SR) Card Number: #094/080
You can’t have a top 10 list without Charizard – and Inferno X obliges with multiple Charizard cards. This entry is for the Mega Charizard X ex Full Art card (often called an Ultra Rare in English). Visually, this card is stunning: it features Charizard X in a full-art layout with a vibrant colored background, showcasing the dragon in all its glory. While it’s not as scarce as Charizard’s other versions, it’s still a secret rare pull in Japananese, and Charizard’s image alone guarantees demand. The appeal is obvious: Charizard X with artwork that likely emphasizes its black-and-blue flames or a dynamic battle stance. It’s also a key piece for anyone not able to splurge on the higher-end Charizards. In Phantasmal Flames, this card will be an Ultra Rare Charizard ex – expect it to be one of the more sought-after full arts of the English set, just as it is in Japan.
4. Dawn (Special Art Rare) – $109.83
Rarity: Special Art Rare (SAR) Card Number: #115/080
If Dawn’s full art is great, her Special Art Rare is next-level. This card, which many call “Dawn (Biking)” depicts Dawn in a playful scene riding a bicycle, and it’s easily one of the most charming trainer cards in the set. The artwork tells a story, capturing Dawn’s adventurous spirit (longtime fans might even recall Ash electrocuting Dawn’s bike in the anime!). As an SAR, it’s much harder to pull than the regular full art, and the market reflects that. In fact, it outranked several Pokémon SARs in value due to Dawn’s popularity among collectors. When Phantasmal Flames arrives, expect Dawn’s SIR to be one of the big chase cards for English collectors too (supporter SIRs tend to be extremely coveted, especially of popular characters). This card perfectly combines collector demand and visual appeal, making it a highlight of Inferno X.
3. Oricorio ex (Special Art Rare) – $130.43
Rarity: Special Art Rare (SAR) Card Number: #111/080
Surprise! Oricorio ex snagged one of the top spots. Despite Oricorio not being a mainstream powerhouse, its Special Illustration Rare card in Inferno X is highly valued and sought after. Why? The artwork. This card was illustrated by fan-favorite artist Shinji Kanda, known for his striking, otherworldly art. You may recognize the style from the Magikarp from Paldea Evolved. The Oricorio ex SAR features the dancing bird Pokémon in a mesmerizing scene (likely with vivid colors and dynamic composition) that made collectors instantly fall in love with it. In fact, this card is so special that English collectors won’t even pull it from packs – it’s slated to be a promo in the English Ultra-Premium Collection. That means in Phantasmal Flames, Oricorio’s SAR won’t be part of the standard set (making the Japanese version even more unique for pack-pull purists). For collectors, this card has it all: gorgeous art, a renowned illustrator, and relative scarcity. It’s proof that you don’t have to be a Charizard or Pikachu to be a chase card – sometimes a stunning piece of art featuring a lesser-known Pokémon can steal the show (and our hearts).
2. Mega Charizard X ex (Special Art Rare) – $583.49
Rarity: Special Art Rare (SAR) Card Number: #110/80
Who's surprised a Charizard is near the top? The Mega Charizard X ex SAR is the showcase card of Inferno X (apart from the new rarity gold version). This card delivers everything a Charizard fan could hope for: an epic illustration (imagine Charizard X in a dramatic pose, perhaps silhouetted against flames or darkness), textured foil, and sheer rarity. It was easily the most valuable SAR upon release. Pull rates for a card like this are extremely low, and demand is through the roof because, well, it’s Charizard.
1. Mega Charizard X ex (Mega Ultra Rare) - $686.45
Rarity: Master Ultra Rare (MUR) Card Number: #116/080
Behold the king of Inferno X – the Mega Charizard X ex (Gold) card. This is the one that had collectors in a frenzy from day one. In Japanese sets, a gold-on-black card like this Charizard is classified as a Mega Ultra Rare, essentially the highest rarity of the set. It’s exceedingly hard to pull (typically only one per case or so, making it incredibly scarce). It’s the kind of card you’d center a collection around. Beyond looks, the collector demand is sky-high simply because it’s Charizard at his rarest. Every Charizard-focused set has that one card that becomes almost mythical (think Base Set 1st Ed Charizard, Shining Charizard, etc.), and for Inferno X/Phantasmal Flames, this gold Mega Charizard X ex is that card. It exemplifies the chase in “chase card.” Even seasoned collectors on forums weren’t surprised to see Charizard take the top spot.
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Why These Cards Define Mega Evolution’s Return
Character-Driven SARs – From Acerola to Lillie, the return of beloved Trainers in SAR format continues to elevate values and emotional attachment.
Visual Dynamism – Whether it’s Lucario’s energy or Gardevoir’s grace, each card uses foil and motion to bring Mega Evolution to life in new ways.
MUR Prestige – The introduction of Mega Ultra Rares has added a new premium tier, one that instantly propels cards to grail status.
Kanto Power Nostalgia – Venusaur and Kangaskhan bridge generational fandoms, reinforcing the evergreen value of early-gen favorites.
Final Thoughts
Mega Evolution has officially established its place in the Pokémon TCG spotlight despite just releasing. With stunning SIRs and the debut of jaw-dropping MURs, Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia set the tone for what collectors can expect from the next era of Pokémon. Whether you’re chasing high-tier cards like Gardevoir MUR or grabbing emotional pieces like Lillie’s SIR, Mega Evolution is shaping up to be legacy-defining.
Looking to pick up some Mega Evolution of your own? Search Rare Candy's listings to see cards for sale and keep an eye on our auctions where new exciting cards are made available every week!
Download the Rare Candy App to scan, track, and share your Pokémon cards!
