The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) set *Sword & Shield: Vivid Voltage*, released in November 2020, continues to be a powerhouse for collectors in late 2024, driven almost entirely by a handful of ultra-rare "chase cards" that command high prices and low pull rates. This expansion is legendary among collectors for introducing the fan-favorite "Chonkachu" card and the vibrant Amazing Rare subset, making it a set with enduring collector appeal and significant investment potential. The market for these cards remains robust, with prices for graded copies of the top chase card soaring well into the four figures. The core of the set's value resides in its Secret Rares, specifically the Rainbow Rares and Full Art Trainer cards. The excitement of cracking a pack of *Vivid Voltage* today is still centered on the possibility of pulling a card that is not only visually stunning but also one of the most recognizable and valuable cards of the entire Sword & Shield era. Current market data, as of December 2024, shows a clear hierarchy of value, with one card standing head and shoulders above the rest.
The Apex Chase: Pikachu VMAX Rainbow Rare (188/185)
The undisputed king of the *Vivid Voltage* set is the Pikachu VMAX Rainbow Rare (188/185), affectionately nicknamed "Chonkachu" by the community due to its comically large, Dynamax form. This card is the primary driver of the set's enduring collectibility and value. * Card Details: Pikachu VMAX (188/185) is a Secret Rare Rainbow VMAX card. It features the massive, round version of Pikachu in a full-art, textured rainbow foil finish. * Current Market Value (Raw): Prices for a raw, near-mint copy of the Rainbow Rare Pikachu VMAX currently hover in the range of $140 to $150. * Graded Value (PSA 10): The true investment value is seen in graded copies. A perfect PSA 10 copy can sell for significantly more, with some market data showing prices as high as $5,700 for high-end sales, though a more common average for a PSA 10 is in the mid-hundreds to low-thousands, reflecting its volatility and high demand. * Rarity/Pull Rate: The overall pull rate for any Rainbow Rare in *Vivid Voltage* is notoriously low, estimated at approximately 1.27%. Given that there are multiple Rainbow Rares in the set, the chance of pulling this specific Pikachu VMAX is exceptionally slim, reinforcing its status as the ultimate chase card.The Most Valuable Full Art Trainer Cards
Full Art Trainer cards from the Sword & Shield era consistently perform well in the secondary market, and *Vivid Voltage* is no exception. These cards are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the detailed artwork and the human element they bring to the TCG. The value of these cards is often directly tied to the popularity of the character they depict. Here are the most valuable Full Art Trainer cards from the set, serving as excellent secondary chase cards:- Nessa (Full Art 183/185): A fan-favorite Gym Leader from the Galar region, Nessa’s Full Art card is one of the most desirable trainer cards in the set. Current market price is around $8.85.
- Leon (Full Art 182/185): The reigning Champion of the Galar region, Leon’s Full Art card is a solid collectible, often selling for around $7.18.
- Bea (Full Art 180/185): Another popular Gym Leader, Bea’s Full Art card is a consistent performer, with prices hovering around $6.13.
- Allister (Full Art 179/185): The Ghost-type Gym Leader's Full Art card is also a key collectible, adding to the set's deep bench of valuable trainer entities.
- Pokémon Center Lady (Full Art 185/185): A classic character, her inclusion as a Full Art Secret Rare was a pleasant surprise for many collectors.
The Secret Rares and Amazing Rares: Hidden Gems and Investment Sleepers
Beyond the Rainbow Pikachu, *Vivid Voltage* is packed with other Secret Rares and a unique class of cards known as Amazing Rares. Collecting all of these entities is essential for achieving "master set" status and maximizing the topical authority of a collection.Golden and Secret Rare Pokémon
The set includes a small but highly coveted collection of Golden Secret Rare cards, which feature a unique gold foil border and texture. These are among the rarest pulls alongside the Rainbow Rares. * Galarian Obstagoon (Secret Rare 198/185): This is the most valuable of the Golden Secret Rares and is a major chase card for many collectors, often selling for a premium. * Oranguru (Secret Rare 199/185): The other Golden Secret Rare, this card is also highly sought after due to its unique aesthetic and extreme rarity. * Aegislash VMAX (Rainbow Rare 190/185): One of the other Rainbow VMAX cards, offering a great alternative chase to the Pikachu. * Galarian Darmanitan VMAX (Secret Rare 191/185): Another valuable Secret Rare VMAX that contributes to the set's overall high-end value. * Coalossal VMAX (Secret Rare 192/185): A strong collectible VMAX, often valued around $6.65.The Amazing Rare Subset
*Vivid Voltage* introduced the "Amazing Rare" rarity, characterized by a striking rainbow splash of color that extends beyond the card frame and a unique "Amazing" symbol. These cards are highly collectible, offering a more accessible chase than the Secret Rares. The full list of Amazing Rare cards in *Vivid Voltage* includes nine Pokémon, all of which are must-haves for any master set collector:- Amazing Rare Celebi (009/185): A fan-favorite Mythical Pokémon with beautiful art.
- Amazing Rare Jirachi (119/185): Another highly-desirable Mythical Pokémon.
- Amazing Rare Raikou (050/185): Part of the legendary beasts trio.
- Amazing Rare Zamazenta (102/185): One of the powerful Legendary Pokémon of the Galar region.
- Amazing Rare Rayquaza (138/185): An iconic Legendary Dragon, often a premium card in any set.
- Amazing Rare Zacian (082/185): The other Galar Legendary Pokémon.
- Amazing Rare Reshiram (020/185): The Legendary Fire/Dragon Pokémon.
- Amazing Rare Yveltal (120/185): The Dark/Flying Legendary Pokémon.
- Amazing Rare Kyogre (049/185): The Legendary Water-type Pokémon.
Why Vivid Voltage Remains a Top Set in 2024
Despite being released years ago, the *Vivid Voltage* set maintains a strong presence in the TCG market for several key reasons, contributing to the sustained value of its chase cards: * Pikachu Popularity: The sheer star power of the Pikachu VMAX Rainbow Rare cannot be overstated. As the franchise's mascot, any ultra-rare card featuring Pikachu is guaranteed to be a long-term collectible. * Unique Rarity: The introduction of the Amazing Rare subset gave the set a unique identity that collectors continue to appreciate. The distinct art style sets these cards apart from other Sword & Shield expansions. * Sealed Product Value: The high demand for the Rainbow Rare Pikachu VMAX has kept the price of sealed products, such as Booster Boxes and Elite Trainer Boxes, elevated. A *Vivid Voltage* Booster Box is often valued over $235, which drives up the perceived value of the cards inside and encourages continued chasing. * Aesthetic Appeal: From the vibrant colors of the Amazing Rares to the full-art designs of the popular Full Art Trainers, the set is considered one of the most visually appealing of its era, ensuring its enduring collector appeal. The market for *Vivid Voltage* chase cards in 2024 is stable and strong. While the peak hype of 2021 has passed, the set's key entities—especially the Rainbow Rare Pikachu VMAX—have cemented their place as essential, high-value collectibles in the modern Pokémon TCG landscape.
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