The latest batch of Pokémon TCG cards, Mega Evolution, has some of the trickiest cards to get in the game’s history. Our review of the post-Scarlet & Violet era praised the improved pull rates, with a higher chance of scoring a stunning full-art card. Little did we know back then just how rare it was to snag one of the two new gold cards in the set. Thanks to TCG Player, we now have the mind-blowing stats. My dataset was pretty small—only 50 packs from The Pokémon Company—but I did notice a higher chance of getting something special compared to previous years. Including the Mega Evolved ex cards, I was hitting about one-in-three for something beyond a holo, and around one-in-four for an Ultra Rare or better. Not too shabby, right?
TCG Player’s final numbers, based on opening a whopping 5,000 booster packs, revealed that the chances of getting an Ultra Rare or better were at 19 percent. This confirms that Mega Evolution is indeed a more generous set compared to recent releases. However, things take a wild turn when it comes to Mega Hyper Rare cards. These brand new gold cards only show up once in every 1,260 packs. That’s insane! You’d have to crack open around 35 booster boxes, costing a hefty $11,865, just to have a good shot at getting either the Mega Lucario or Mega Gardevoir gold cards. And if you’re aiming for a specific one, the odds skyrocket to one in 2,520 packs. That’s a whopping $23,730 worth of packs!
The demand for these two gold cards is already through the roof in the U.S., where Mega Evolution was released first. Mega Lucario is currently priced at a minimum of $561, while Mega Gardevoir is going for over $480, making them the most expensive cards in the set. Before the set hit shelves, many doubted that any card could surpass the Special Illustration Rare version of Mega Gardevoir ex. Gold cards were once highly sought after during the early Sword & Shield era of the PTCG, but interest waned as time went on. The lackluster design and difficulty in obtaining them led to a decline in prices and demand. TPCi eventually phased them out during the Scarlet & Violet era. An attempt to reintroduce them as green-and-gold cards failed to gain traction.
However, the gold cards in Mega Evolution mark a significant improvement in quality. Both cards feature intricate designs and enhanced foil effects, making them visually appealing. But it’s their extreme rarity that’s driving prices to astronomical levels. While it’s exciting for the lucky few who manage to pull these cards, it also creates issues within the TCG community. Scalpers capitalize on the high demand, reselling products at exorbitant prices. This scarcity has made it nearly impossible for fans, especially kids, to find new Pokémon cards in stores. The influx of adult investors further complicates the situation, turning a once fun hobby into a cutthroat market. It’s a disappointing trend for a game that’s meant to be enjoyed by all ages.
