Pikachu Spotlight: Every Card, Set and Rarity Explained
Posted by Magic Madhouse on 10th Jul 2026
Collecting a master set of Pikachu cards is the ultimate challenge for any Pokemon fan. As the mascot of the highest grossing media franchise of all time, he has more TCG cards than any other Pokemon, and a lot of them don’t come cheap! But with an adorable design and some of the most unique card art in the TCG, it’s no wonder that so many collectors have set their sights on this cultural icon.
In short: Pikachu has more Pokémon TCG cards than any other Pokémon, with around 350 unique artworks and over 1,400 total printings across the game's history. His first English card was a Wizards of the Coast common in the 1999 Base Set, illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita. His first Japanese card was actually a CoroCoro Comic insert released five days before the Japanese Base Set. Today Pikachu is a Scarlet & Violet-era ex card and Ascended Heroes-era Special Illustration Rare.
The five rarest and most iconic Pikachu cards are:
- CoroCoro "Best Photo Contest" Pikachu (1999) — only 20 copies ever printed
- Gold Star Pikachu (EX Holon Phantoms, 2006)
- Mario Pikachu (2016)
- Red's Pikachu (2018)
- Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat / Van Gogh Pikachu (2023)
Pikachu ex (Surging Sparks 057/191) with the Resolute Heart ability is a viable option in the current TCG meta.
Collecting a master set of Pikachu cards is the ultimate challenge for any Pokemon fan. As the mascot of the highest grossing media franchise of all time, he has more TCG cards than any other Pokemon, and a lot of them don’t come cheap! But with an adorable design and some of the most unique card art in the TCG, it’s no wonder that so many collectors have set their sights on this cultural icon.
This Spotlight guide contains everything you need to know for your own Pikachu collecting. We’ll walk you through the history of Pikachu cards, the rarest Pikachu cards, and where you can buy Pikachu cards in the UK to start building your very own collection.
Who is Pikachu?
Everybody knows Pikachu. He’s instantly recognisable with his yellow body, red cheeks and pointed ears. First appearing in 1996 in Pocket Monsters Red and Green and released as one of the original 151 Kanto Pokemon, he beat Clefairy to become the franchise’s mascot and has been smiling from children’s lunchboxes and t-shirts ever since.
Pikachu (Pokedex number 025) can evolve into Raichu if you use a Thunder Stone, and evolves from baby Pokemon Pichu when the friendship level is high enough. Often described as an ‘electric mouse’ Pokemon, his iconic attacks are Thundershock, Thunderbolt and Thunder – often used in the Pokemon anime to send the villainous Team Rocket flying.
Beloved by boys and girls of all ages, Pikachu’s popularity stems from an excellent design by Atsuko Nishida, which blends both cuteness and coolness. Even slimming Pikachu down from his original ‘Chunkychu’ design hasn’t decreased his fanbase.
The History of Pikachu in the Pokemon TCG
What Was the First Pikachu Card?
Many people believe Pikachu’s first ever Pokemon TCG card was released in 1996 as part of the Japanese Base Set. However, the true first Pikachu card was released 5 days before Base Set, as an insert in a Japanese children’s manga magazine called CoroCoro Comic. This original card listed the incorrect illustrator, Ken Sugimori, but was later re-released in limited quantities with the correct illustrator, Keiji Kinebuchi.
The first English Pikachu TCG card was released in 1999 as part of Base Set, produced by Wizards of the Coast (WoTC). Illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita, the card was common within the set, though had rare variations depending on the print run: first edition, shadowless, red cheeks.
Pikachu Cards During the Vintage Era
Pikachu continued to be a common card throughout all of WoTC’s sets, appearing in Jungle, Gym Heroes, Gym Challenge, Neo Genesis, Expedition and Skyridge. WoTC also released a variety of promos featuring Pikachu, including the iconic Flying Pikachu, Surfing Pikachu and Birthday Pikachu. 2003’s Skyridge contained the last Pikachu card WoTC would produce, featuring a clay model by fan-favourite Yuka Morii.
The EX era finally saw Pikachu featured as rare cards in sets. In 2006, EX Legend Maker contained a holo Pikachu Delta Species card as the set’s secret rare, which made Pikachu a steel type instead of electric. Later that same year, EX Holon Phantoms gave us the stunning Pikachu gold star, which would be the only card to feature a shiny Pikachu until 2017.
During the Diamond and Pearl era, the 2009 set Platinum: Rising Rivals paid homage to some of the older, iconic WoTC Pikachu cards. It contained holo versions of Flying Pikachu and Surfing Pikachu as secret rares, along with a card re-imagining the Base Set Pikachu in a different art style with the slimmer design that was becoming more commonly used.
Pikachu’s Mid-Era Outfits
In 2013, when the XY era rolled in, and Mega Evolution was introduced as a new mechanic in the video games, Pikachu began a trend in his Japanese promos that continues to this day: dressing up. Sometimes in regional Japanese outfits and football kits, sometimes as a Cosplay Pikachu, Super Mario characters, or ponchos designed to look like Mega Evolutions and other Pokemon.
Unfortunately, Pikachu stayed a little more modest in his English promos, sticking to Ash’s regional hats and Detective Pikachu during the Sun and Moon era. However, come 2023, English Pokemon TCG collectors would be treated to the exclusive Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat promo – a card released to mark the 50th anniversary of the Van Gogh Museum.
Pikachu’s Modern Mechanics and Masterpieces
When collectors and players think about the best aspects of the Sun and Moon era, they think of the Tag Team cards. Multiple Pokemon teamed up on the same card to give us stunning artwork and devastatingly powerful GX attacks that could only be used once per game. Pikachu was one of the lucky Pokemon who received Tag Team cards, teaming up in 2019 with the legendary Zekrom.
When the new Sword and Shield era arrived in 2020, the Tag Team mechanic ended and was replaced with V and VMAX Pokemon – tying into the Dynamax mechanic from the videogames. Pikachu’s VMAX cards saw him returning to his original ‘Chunkychu’ design, which added new life to the Surfing Pikachu and Flying Pikachu designs – released as VMAX variations as part of the 25th anniversary Celebrations set in 2021. Pikachu received various VMAX cards, including a stunning Trainer Gallery art card in the Lost Origin set, where he appeared alongside original videogame protagonist, Red.
2023 brought in the Scarlet and Violet era and the new videogame tie-in mechanic of Tera Pokemon, plus the return of EXs. Once again, Pikachu’s mascot status ensured he received plenty of cards showing off his new Tera crown, including the chase card of the Surging Sparks set in 2024.
But Pikachu has shown time and time again that he doesn’t need TCG mechanics to be popular, proven by his most recent SIR card, released in the Ascended Heroes set in 2026. The card is stunning – a simple Pikachu standing alone in a forest, calling to mind where he could first be encountered in those original videogames.
Pikachu can be featured as a prize card for TCG tournaments. He can be a simple line drawing by Yu Nagaba. He can feature alongside other Pokemon in rare Chinese-exclusive cards. Or, he can go back to being just a common bulk card in future sets. Whatever awaits him next in the TCG, you can be sure that he will continue to excite collectors.
All Pikachu Cards by Set
Pikachu has over 350 cards with unique art, but if you’re looking to collect every variant of every card, you could easily be looking at over 1,400 of them!
Below is a list of all the different Pikachu cards that have been released as of May 2026.
Pikachu Cards from Vintage to Mid-Era Sets
| Card Name | Set | Year | Rarity |
| Pikachu (58/102) | Base Set | 1999 | Common |
| Pikachu (60/64) | Jungle | 1999 | Common |
| Pikachu (87/130) | Base Set 2 | 2000 | Common |
| Lt. Surge’s Pikachu (81/132) | Gym Heroes | 2000 | Common |
| Lt. Surge’s Pikachu (84/132) | Gym Challenge | 2000 | Common |
| Pikachu (70/111) | Neo Genesis | 2000 | Common |
| Pikachu (86/110) | Legendary Collection | 2002 | Common |
| Pikachu (124/165) | Expedition | 2002 | Common |
| Pikachu (010/018) | McDonald’s Set (Japanese) | 2002 | None |
| Pikachu (84/144) | Skyridge | 2003 | Common |
| Pikachu (72/100) | EX Sandstorm | 2003 | Common |
| Pikachu (43/95) | EX Team Magma VS Team Aqua | 2004 | Common |
| Pikachu (6/10) | EX Trainer Kit Latios | 2004 | None |
| Pikachu (74/112) | EX FireRed and Leaf Green | 2004 | Common |
| Pikachu (60/106) | EX Emerald | 2005 | Common |
| Pikachu (16/17) | POP Series 2 | 2005 | Common |
| PokePark’s Pikachu (004/009) | PokePark Forest (Japanese) | 2005 | None |
| Pikachu δ (93/92) | EX Legend Maker | 2006 | Secret Rare |
| Pikachu (78/110) | EX Holon Phantoms | 2006 | Common |
| Pikachu δ (79/110) | EX Holon Phantoms | 2006 | Common |
| Pikachu Gold Star (104/110) | EX Holon Phantoms | 2006 | Ultra Rare |
| Pikachu (13/17) | POP Series 4 | 2006 | Common |
| Pikachu (57/108) | EX Power Keepers | 2007 | Common |
| Pikachu (12/17) | POP Series 5 | 2007 | Common |
| Pikachu (13/17) | POP Series 5 | 2007 | Common |
| Pikachu (94/123) | Mysterious Treasures | 2007 | Common |
| Pikachu (9/17) | POP Series 6 | 2007 | Uncommon |
| Pikachu (70/100) | Majestic Dawn | 2008 | Common |
| Pikachu (70/100) | Stormfront | 2008 | Common |
| Pikachu Lv.10 (003/009) | 11th Movie Commemoration Set (Japanese) | 2008 | None |
| Pikachu LV.18 (15/17) | POP Series 9 | 2009 | Common |
| Pikachu (112/111) | Rising Rivals | 2009 | Secret Rare |
| Flying Pikachu (113/111) | Rising Rivals | 2009 | Secret Rare |
| Surfing Pikachu (114/111) | Rising Rivals | 2009 | Secret Rare |
| Pikachu (120/147) | Supreme Victors | 2009 | Common |
| Pikachu (71/99) | Arceus | 2009 | Common |
| Pikachu M Lv.45 (012/022) | 2009 Movie Premiere Pack | 2009 | None |
| Pikachu (7/16) | Pokemon Rumble | 2009 | None |
| Pikachu (78/123) | HeartGold SoulSilver | 2010 | Common |
| Pikachu (61/90) | Undaunted | 2010 | Common |
| Pikachu (115/114) | Black & White | 2011 | Secret Rare |
| Pikachu (39/99) | Next Destinies | 2012 | Common |
| Pikachu (50/149) | Boundaries Crossed | 2012 | Common |
| Pikachu (16/47) | Everyone’s Exciting Battle (Japanese) | 2012 | None |
| Pikachu (RC7/RC25) | Legendary Treasures | 2013 | Common |
| Pikachu (42/146) | XY | 2014 | Common |
| Pikachu (27/111) | Furious Fists | 2014 | Common |
| Pikachu (20/108) | Roaring Skies | 2015 | Common |
| Pikachu (48/162) | BREAKThrough | 2015 | Common |
| Pikachu (26/83) | Generations | 2016 | Common |
| Pikachu (RC29/RC32) | Generations | 2016 | Rare |
| Pikachu (35/108) | Evolutions | 2016 | Common |
| Flying Pikachu (110/108) | Evolutions | 2016 | Secret Rare |
| Surfing Pikachu (111/108) | Evolutions | 2016 | Secret Rare |
| Pikachu Libre (30/30) | XY Trainer Kit: Pikachu Libre & Suicune | 2016 | None |
| Pikachu (40/147) | Burning Shadows | 2017 | Common |
| Ash’s Pikachu GX (5/26) | Ash VS Team Rocket (Japanese) | 2017 | None |
| Pikachu (28/73) | Shining Legends | 2017 | Common |
| Pikachu (30/111) | Crimson Invasion | 2017 | Common |
| Pikachu & Zekrom GX (33/181) | Team Up | 2019 | Rare |
| Pikachu & Zekrom GX (162/181) | Team Up | 2019 | Ultra Rare |
| Pikachu & Zekrom GX (184/181) | Team Up | 2019 | Secret Rare |
| Detective Pikachu (10/18) | Pokemon Detective Pikachu | 2019 | Rare |
| Pikachu (54/214) | Unbroken Bonds | 2019 | Common |
| Pikachu (55/236) | Unified Minds | 2019 | Common |
| Pikachu (56/236) | Unified Minds | 2019 | Common |
| Pikachu (19/68) | Hidden Fates | 2019 | Common |
| Pikachu (66/236) | Cosmic Eclipse | 2019 | Common |
| Pikachu (241/236) | Cosmic Eclipse | 2019 | Character Rare |
Pikachu Cards from Modern Sets
| Name | Set | Year | Rarity |
| Pikachu (65/202) | Sword & Shield | 2020 | Common |
| Pikachu V (43/180) | Vivid Voltage | 2020 | Rare |
| Pikachu VMAX (44/180) | Vivid Voltage | 2020 | Rare |
| Pikachu V (170/180) | Vivid Voltage | 2020 | Ultra Rare |
| Pikachu VMAX (188/180) | Vivid Voltage | 2020 | Secret Rare |
| Pikachu on the Ball (001/005) | Pokemon Futsal | 2020 | None |
| Pikachu (49/225) | Evolving Skies | 2021 | Common |
| Pikachu (5/25) | Celebrations | 2021 | Rare |
| Flying Pikachu V (6/25) | Celebrations | 2021 | Rare |
| Flying Pikachu VMAX (7/25) | Celebrations | 2021 | Rare |
| Surfing Pikachu V (8/25) | Celebrations | 2021 | Rare |
| Surfing Pikachu VMAX (9/25) | Celebrations | 2021 | Rare |
| _____’s Pikachu (24) | Celebrations | 2021 | None |
| Pikachu (25/25) | McDonald’s 25th Anniversary Set | 2021 | None |
| Pikachu V (86/264) | Fusion Strike | 2021 | Rare |
| Pikachu V (157/172) | Brilliant Stars | 2022 | Ultra Rare |
| Pikachu (27/78) | Pokemon Go | 2022 | Common |
| Pikachu (28/78) | Pokemon Go | 2022 | Common |
| Pikachu (52/196) | Lost Origin | 2022 | Common |
| Pikachu (TG5/TG30) | Lost Origin | 2022 | Character Rare |
| Pikachu V (TG16/TG30) | Lost Origin | 2022 | Character Rare |
| Pikachu VMAX (TG17/TG30) | Lost Origin | 2022 | Character Rare |
| Pikachu VMAX (TG29/TG30) | Lost Origin | 2022 | Secret Rare |
| Pikachu (49/195) | Silver Tempest | 2022 | Common |
| Pikachu (160/159) | Crown Zenith | 2023 | Secret Rare |
| Pikachu (GG30/GG70) | Crown Zenith | 2023 | Character Rare |
| Pikachu (62/198) | Paldea Evolved | 2023 | Common |
| Pikachu ex (63/198) | Paldea Evolved | 2023 | Double Rare |
| Pikachu (25/165) | 151 | 2023 | Common |
| Pikachu (173/165) | 151 | 2023 | Illustration Rare |
| Pikachu ex (1/30) | Pokemon World Championships 2023 Yokohama Deck Pikachu (Japanese) | 2023 | None |
| Pikachu (18/91) | Paldean Fates | 2024 | Common |
| Pikachu (131/91) | Paldean Fates | 2024 | Secret Rare |
| Pikachu (51/162) | Temporal Forces | 2024 | Common |
| Pikachu ex (57/191) | Surging Sparks | 2024 | Double Rare |
| Pikachu ex (219/191) | Surging Sparks | 2024 | Ultra Rare |
| Pikachu ex (238/191) | Surging Sparks | 2024 | Special Illustration Rare |
| Pikachu ex (247/191) | Surging Sparks | 2024 | Secret Rare |
| Pikachu ex (28/131) | Prismatic Evolutions | 2025 | Double Rare |
| Pikachu ex (179/131) | Prismatic Evolutions | 2025 | Secret Rare |
| Pikachu (170/151) | Collect 151 (Chinese) | 2025 | Art Rare |
| Pikachu (171/151) | Collect 151 (Chinese) | 2025 | Art Rare |
| Pikachu (172/151) | Collect 151 (Chinese) | 2025 | Art Rare |
| Pikachu (173/151) | Collect 151 (Chinese) | 2025 | Art Rare |
| Captain Pikachu (01/09) | Gem Vol. 1 (Chinese) | 2025 | Common |
| Captain Pikachu (0709/09) | Gem Vol. 1 (Chinese) | 2025 | Art Rare |
| Pikachu (55/217) | Ascended Heroes | 2026 | Common |
| Pikachu ex (57/217) | Ascended Heroes | 2026 | Double Rare |
| Pikachu ex (276/217) | Ascended Heroes | 2026 | Special Illustration Rare |
| Pikachu ex (277/217) | Ascended Heroes | 2026 | Special Illustration Rare |
Pikachu Promo Cards
| Name | Info | Year |
| Pikachu (1) | Wizards of the Coast | 1999 |
| Pikachu (4) | Wizards of the Coast | 1999 |
| ______’s Pikachu (24) | Wizards of the Coast | 2000 |
| Pikachu (27) | Wizards of the Coast | 2000 |
| Flying Pikachu (25) | Wizards of the Coast | 2001 |
| Pikachu (26) | Wizards of the Coast | 2001 |
| Surfing Pikachu (28) | Wizards of the Coast | 2001 |
| Pikachu (012) | EX Series Collector’s Tin | 2003 |
| Pikachu δ (035) | EX Dragon Frontiers Value Pack | 2006 |
| Pikachu Lv.15 (DP16) | Secret Wonders Deck Pack | 2007 |
| Pikachu (HGSS03) | HeartGold & SoulSilver Three Pack Blister | 2010 |
| Pikachu (BW54) | Boundaries Crossed Stage 1 Blister Pack | 2012 |
| Pikachu EX (XY84) | Pikachu-EX Legendary Collection | 2015 |
| Pikachu (XY89) | BREAKthrough Collector Chest | 2015 |
| Pikachu | Pokemon Art Academy (Xime) | 2015 |
| Pikachu | Pokemon Art Academy (Ashley) | 2015 |
| Pikachu | Pokemon Art Academy (Mel) | 2015 |
| Pikachu (Spanish) | Pokemon Art Academy (Lily-Chan) | 2015 |
| Pikachu | Pokemon Art Academy (Rhivern) | 2015 |
| Pikachu | Pokemon Art Academy (Meli) | 2015 |
| Pikachu (XY95) | BREAKpoint Three Pack Blister | 2016 |
| Pikachu EX (XY124) | Pikachu EX Red & Blue Collection | 2016 |
| Pikachu EX (XY174) | Pikachu EX Challenge Box | 2016 |
| Pikachu (XY202) | Pokemon League Evolutions Season 1 | 2016 |
| Pikachu (SM04) | Sun and Moon Launch | 2016 |
| Pikachu (SM76) | Shining Legends Pin Collection | 2017 |
| Pikachu (SM81) | Shining Legends Super-Premium Collection | 2017 |
| Pikachu (SM86) | Shining Legends Collector Chest | 2017 |
| Pikachu (SM98) | Pikachu Sidekick Collection | 2017 |
| Ash’s Pikachu (SM108) | Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You! Showings | 2017 |
| Ash’s Pikachu (SM109) | Promo Packs | 2017 |
| Ash’s Pikachu (SM110) | Promo Packs | 2017 |
| Ash’s Pikachu (SM111) | Promo Packs | 2017 |
| Ash’s Pikachu (SM112) | Promo Packs | 2017 |
| Ash’s Pikachu (SM113) | Promo Packs | 2017 |
| Ash’s Pikachu (SM114) | Promo Packs | 2017 |
| Pikachu (SM157) | Pikachu & Eevee Poke Ball Collection | 2018 |
| Pikachu (SM162) | Team Up Single Blister Pack | 2019 |
| Pikachu & Zekrom GX (SM168) | Tag Team GX Tin | 2019 |
| Detective Pikachu (SM170) | Detective Pikachu Cafe Figure Collection | 2019 |
| Pikachu (SM183) | Unbroken Bonds Single Blister Pack | 2019 |
| Detective Pikachu (SM190) | Detective Pikachu Film | 2019 |
| Detective Pikachu (SM194) | Detective Pikachu Charizard GX Case File | 2019 |
| Pikachu (SM206) | Lycanroc & Alolan Raichu Trainer Kit | 2019 |
| Pikachu (SM227) | Collector Chest | 2019 |
| Pikachu GX (SM232) | 2019 | |
| Pikachu (SM234) | 2019 | |
| Pikachu (SWSH020) | Sword & Shield Figure Collection | 2020 |
| Pikachu (SWSH039) | Darkness Ablaze Single Pack Blister | 2020 |
| Pikachu V (SWSH063) | V Power Tins | 2020 |
| Special Delivery Pikachu (SWSH074) | Pokemon Center Online | 2020 |
| Pikachu & Zekrom GX (SM248) | Tag Team Generations Premium Collection | 2021 |
| Pikachu V (SWSH061) | Shining Fates Pikachu V Box | 2021 |
| Pikachu VMAX (SWSH062) | Celebration Premium Figure Collection Box | 2021 |
| Pikachu V-Union (SWSH139) | Celebrations Special Collection - Pikachu V-Union | 2021 |
| Pikachu V-Union (SWSH140) | Celebrations Special Collection - Pikachu V-Union | 2021 |
| Pikachu V-Union (SWSH141) | Celebrations Special Collection - Pikachu V-Union | 2021 |
| Pikachu V-Union (SWSH142) | Celebrations Special Collection - Pikachu V-Union | 2021 |
| Pikachu V (SWSH143) | Celebration Premium Figure Collection Box | 2021 |
| Pikachu V (SWSH145) | Celebrations Ultra-Premium Collection | 2021 |
| Pikachu (SWSH153) | Pokemon TCG: Holiday Calendar | 2021 |
| Pikachu V (SWSH198) | Pikachu V Box | 2022 |
| Pikachu (SWSH234) | Pokemon GO Tins | 2022 |
| Pikachu V (SWSH285) | Crown Zenith Special Collection & Premium | 2023 |
| Pikachu VMAX (SWSH286) | Crown Zenith Special Collection & Premium Collection | 2023 |
| Pikachu (027) | Paldea Evolved Elite Trainer Box | 2023 |
| Taipei Pikachu (057/SV-P) | Pokemon Center Taipei | 2023 |
| Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat (085) | Van Gogh Museum Collaboration | 2023 |
| Pikachu (101) | Play! Pokemon | 2023 |
| Pikachu (088) | Paldea Adventure Chest | 2024 |
| Pikachu ex (106) | Battle Academy 2024 Deck Kit | 2024 |
| Pikachu (190) | 2024 World Championships | 2024 |
| Pikachu (214) | Illustration Contest 2024 | 2025 |
| Pikachu (225) | 2025 World Championships | 2025 |
Japan Exclusive Pikachu Promo Cards
| Name | Info | Year |
| Pikachu (004/P) | Nippon Airways | 2001 |
| Pikachu (021/P) | McDonald’s | 2002 |
| Pikachu (038/P) | Battle Festa | 2002 |
| Pikachu (044/P) | Happy Adventure Rally | 2002 |
| PokePark’s Pikachu (043/PCG-P) | PokePark | 2005 |
| Pikachu Lv.14 (098/DP-P) | Pokemon Center (Tokyo) | 2008 |
| Pikachu Lv.14 (099/DP-P) | Pokemon Center (Yokohama) | 2008 |
| Pikachu Lv.14 (100/DP-P) | Pokemon Center (Osaka) | 2008 |
| Pikachu Lv.14 (101/DP-P) | Pokemon Center (Nagoya) | 2008 |
| Pikachu Lv.14 (102/DP-P) | Pokemon Center (Fukuoka) | 2008 |
| Pikachu M Lv.X (043/DPt-P) | Black Star Promo | 2009 |
| Shopping Pikachu (079/L-P) | Pokemon Center | 2010 |
| Pikachu (English) | Pikachu World Collection | 2010 |
| Pikachu (Italian) | Pikachu World Collection | 2010 |
| Pikachu (Korean) | Pikachu World Collection | 2010 |
| Pikachu (Spanish) | Pikachu World Collection | 2010 |
| Pikachu (Japanese) | Pikachu World Collection | 2010 |
| Pikachu (German) | Pikachu World Collection | 2010 |
| Pikachu (French) | Pikachu World Collection | 2010 |
| Pikachu (Polish) | Pikachu World Collection | 2010 |
| Pikachu (Portuguese) | Pikachu World Collection | 2010 |
| Pikachu (120/BW-P) | Pokemon Center (Tōhoku) | 2011 |
| Pikachu (151/BW-P) | Game Classroom | 2012 |
| Pikachu (229/BW-P) | Pokemon Center 15th Anniversary Premium Set | 2013 |
| Team Japan’s Pikachu (050/XY-P) | Pokemon New Mon! Summer 2014 Book | 2014 |
| PokeTele’s AD Pikachu (056/Y-P) | Pokemon Summer’s Thanksgiving 2014 | 2014 |
| Pikachu (068/XY-P) | Pikachu Outbreak! at Yokohama Minatomirai | 2014 |
| Pikachu (069/XY-P) | Pikachu Outbreak! at Yokohama Minatomirai | 2014 |
| Pikachu (070/XY-P) | Pikachu Outbreak! at Yokohama Minatomirai | 2014 |
| Pikachu (090/XY-P) | Battle Festa 2014 | 2014 |
| Warm Pikachu (094/XY-P) | Uniqlo Kids XY Campaign | 2014 |
| Warm Pikachu (095/XY-P) | Uniqlo Kids XY Campaign | 2014 |
| Warm Pikachu (096/XY-P) | Uniqlo Kids XY Campaign | 2014 |
| Warm Pikachu (097/XY-P) | Uniqlo Kids XY Campaign | 2014 |
| Mega Tokyo Pikachu (098/XY-P) | Pokemon Center (Tokyo) | 2014 |
| Cosplay Pikachu (099/XY-P) | Illust Collection | 2014 |
| Pitch’s Pikachu (XY-P) | J-League Soccer Session | 2014 |
| Pitch’s Pikachu (XY-P) | J-League Soccer Session | 2014 |
| Pikachu (XY-P) | POKEMON with YOU Wagon Program in Tohoku | 2014 |
| Pretend Magikarp Pikachu (150/XY-P) | Pretend Magikarp & Pretend Gyarados Pikachu Special Box | 2015 |
| Pretend Gyarados Pikachu (151/XY-P) | Pretend Magikarp & Pretend Gyarados Pikachu Special Box | 2015 |
| Pikachu (XY-P) | Pokemon Art Academy (ginga) | 2015 |
| Pikachu (XY-P) | Pokemon Art Academy (gogotake) | 2015 |
| Pikachu (XY-P) | Pokemon Art Academy (pikamania) | 2015 |
| Pikachu (XY-P) | Pokemon Art Academy (Mame Akimaru) | 2015 |
| Pikachu (XY-P) | Pokemon Art Academy (Y. Fujishima) | 2015 |
| Pikachu (XY-P) | Pokemon Art Academy (Sayaka Maruyama) | 2015 |
| Pikachu (175/XY-P) | Battle Festa 2015 | 2015 |
| Poncho Wearing Pikachu (203/XY-P) | Pokemon Center | 2015 |
| Mega Tokyo Pikachu (204/XY-P) | Pokemon Center Mega Battle + Creatures Challenge | 2016 |
| Poncho Wearing Pikachu (207/XY-P) | Mega Charizard X Poncho-wearing Pikachu Special Box | 2016 |
| Poncho Wearing Pikachu (208/XY-P) | Mega Charizard Y Poncho-wearing Pikachu Special Box | 2016 |
| Okuge-Sama & Maiko-han Pikachu (221/XY-P) | Pokemon Center (Kyoto) | 2016 |
| Poncho Wearing Pikachu (230/XY-P) | Rayquaza Poncho-wearing Pikachu Special Box | 2016 |
| Poncho Wearing Pikachu (231/XY-P) | Rayquaza Poncho-wearing Pikachu Special Box | 2016 |
| Poncho Wearing Pikachu (274/XY-P) | Pokemon Center Mega Battle | 2016 |
| Poncho Wearing Pikachu (275/XY-P) | Pokemon Center Mega Battle | 2016 |
| Pikachu (279/XY-P) | 20th Anniversary Festa | 2016 |
| Mario Pikachu (293/XY-P) | Mario Pikachu Special Box | 2016 |
| Mario Pikachu (294/XY-P) | Mario Pikachu Special Box | 2016 |
| Luigi Pikachu (295/XY-P) | Luigi Pikachu Special Box | 2016 |
| Luigi Pikachu (296/XY-P) | Luigi Pikachu Special Box | 2016 |
| Pikachu (XY-P) | Collabo Mignon with Nicole Fujita | 2016 |
| Pikachu (XY-P) | 20th Anniversary Festa 2016 | 2016 |
| Pikachu (003/SM-P) | Pikachu Special Set | 2016 |
| Sapporo’s Pikachu (005/SM-P) | Pokemon Center (Sapporo) | 2016 |
| Pikachu (008/SM-P) | GX Starter Set at Toys “R” Us | 2016 |
| Pretend Team Skull Pikachu (013/SM-P) | Sun & Moon Special Box Pretend Grunt Pikachu | 2016 |
| Pretend Team Member Pikachu (014/SM-P) | Sun & Moon Special Box Pretend Grunt Pikachu | 2016 |
| Poncho Wearing Pikachu (037/SM-P) | Sun & Moon Alolan Vulpix & Vulpix Poncho-wearing Pikachu Special Box | 2017 |
| Poncho Wearing Pikachu (038/SM-P) | Sun & Moon Alolan Vulpix & Vulpix Poncho-wearing Pikachu Special Box | 2017 |
| Easter’s Pikachu (055/SM-P) | Sparkling Spring Festival Campaign | 2017 |
| Pikachu (061/SM-P) | Battle Festa 2017 | 2017 |
| Tohoku Pikachu (088/SM-P) | Pokemon Center (Tohoku) | 2017 |
| Pretend Boss Pikachu Team Rocket (191/SM-P) | Pokemon Center | 2018 |
| Pretend Boss Pikachu Team Magma (192/SM-P) | Pokemon Center | 2018 |
| Pretend Boss Pikachu Team Aqua (193/SM-P) | Pokemon Center | 2018 |
| Pretend Boss Pikachu Team Galactic (194/SM-P) | Pokemon Center | 2018 |
| Pretend Boss Pikachu Team Plasma (195/SM-P) | Pokemon Center | 2018 |
| Pretend Boss Pikachu Team Flare (196/SM-P) | Pokemon Center | 2018 |
| Pretend Boss Pikachu Team Skull (197/SM-P) | Pokemon Center | 2018 |
| Pikachu (200/SM-P) | Pokemon Card Friendly Shop Campaign | 2018 |
| Hakama Pikachu (208/SM-P) | Pokemon Center Tokyo DX Special Box | 2018 |
| Firefighter Pikachu (209/SM-P) | Pokemon Center Tokyo DX Special Box | 2018 |
| Gentleman Style Pikachu (210/SM-P) | Pokemon Center (Tokyo DX) | 2018 |
| Cherry Blossom Afro Pikachu (211/SM-P) | Pokemon Center (Tokyo DX) | 2018 |
| Pikachu (224/SM-P) | Pokemon Center 20th Anniversary Campaign | 2018 |
| Red’s Pikachu (270/SM-P) | Pokemon Center 20th Anniversary Campaign | 2018 |
| Yokohama’s Pikachu (280/SM-P) | Pokemon Center Yokohama Special Box | 2018 |
| Yokohama’s Pikachu (281/SM-P) | Pokemon Center Yokohama Special Box | 2018 |
| Yokohama’s Pikachu (282/SM-P) | Pokemon Center (Yokohama) | 2018 |
| Yokohama’s Pikachu (283/SM-P) | Pokemon Center (Yokohama) | 2018 |
| Pikachu (288/SM-P) | Munch: A Retrospective Collaboration | 2018 |
| Pretend Tea Party Pikachu (325/SM-P) | Pokemon Center (Kyoto) | 2019 |
| Pikachu (369/SM-P) | Together With the Wind Deluxe Edition | 2019 |
| Playing in the Sea Pikachu (392/SM-P) | Pokemon Center | 2019 |
| Pikachu (400/SM-P) | Limited Collection Master Battle Set | 2019 |
| Pretend Comedian Pikachu (407/SM-P) | Pokemon Center (Osaka) | 2019 |
| Shibuya’s Pikachu (002/S-P) | Pokemon Center (Shibuya) | 2019 |
| Detective Pikachu (099/S-P) | Pokemon Center | 2019 |
| Swallowed Pikachu (105/S-P) | Forest of Okoya 7-Eleven Set | 2020 |
| Kanazawa’s Pikachu (144/S-P) | Pokemon Center (Kanazawa) | 2020 |
| Kanazawa’s Pikachu (147/S-P) | Pokemon Center Kanazawa Open Commemoration Special Box | 2020 |
| Pikachu (208/S-P) | Yu Nagaba Campaign | 2021 |
| Pikachu (227/S-P) | Pokemon Stamp Box Set | 2021 |
| Detective Pikachu (098/SV-P) | Detective Pikachu Returns | 2023 |
| Pikachu (120/SV-P) | Pokemon Card Gym | 2023 |
| Tohoku’s Pikachu (260/SV-P) | Pokemon Center Tohoku Special Box | 2025 |
| Hiroshima’s Pikachu (261/SV-P) | Pokemon Center Hiroshima Special Box | 2025 |
| Fukuoka’s Pikachu (289/SV-P) | Pokemon Center Fukuoka Special Box | 2025 |
| Pikachu (020/M-P) | McDonald’s Happy Meal | 2025 |
Top 5 Rarest and Most Iconic Pikachu Cards
1. CoroCoro ‘Best Photo Contest’ Pikachu
The rarest Pikachu card is the CoroCoro Best Photo Contest Pikachu. In 1999, CoroCoro Comics held a ‘Best Photo Contest’ in Japan for Pokemon Snap – a game where you photograph Pokemon in the wild. Participants were encouraged to submit photos they had taken of Pokemon in-game, and the winners would be turned into Pokemon cards. Among the winning entries, Mina Akuhara’s photo of Pikachu was selected, and 20 copies of the card were sent to them as a prize.
20 copies. That’s it. That’s all that exists of the CoroCoro Best Photo Pikachu card, and they were all given to one person. Perhaps Mina sold a few over the years? Perhaps she lost some? Either way, whenever this Pikachu card comes up for sale, it’s sure to fetch a hefty price.
2. Gold Star Pikachu
Released in the EX Holon Phantoms expansion in 2006, the Gold Star Pikachu depicts a shiny Pikachu in an epic pose. This card would have been difficult to pull from a pack of cards, plus the demand for Pokemon had lulled in 2006. There weren’t as many collectors, and they had no idea the value their cards would hold come 2026. Many copies of Gold Star Pikachu would have been lost, or destroyed, or kept in not ideal conditions. But for any who did pull this card and keep it pristine, it’s likely to be one of the highlights of their collection.
3. Mario Pikachu
This list could very easily have been all Poncho Pikachu cards. Released between 2015-2017, the Japanese exclusive cards are popular and rare, but even they can’t compete with a similar card that represents the collaboration of two powerhouse Nintendo brands.
The Mario Pikachu depicts Pikachu wearing the red and blue outfit of video game legend Super Mario – complete with his very own moustache. You can’t get more iconic than that!
4. Red’s Pikachu
This stunning card, featuring the protagonist of the original Pokemon games, Red, was given out in Japan in 2018 as part of the 20th Anniversary celebration for the Pokemon Centers. Illustrated by Ken Sugimori, and sparkling with a fantastic holo pattern, this card is a must have for OG Pokemon fans and collectors.
5. Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat
The most recently released card to make this last, and perhaps the most notorious for all the trouble it caused during its initial release. Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat (also known as the Van Gogh Pikachu) is illustrated in the style of the famous Dutch painter’s self-portrait, and was given out in 2023 at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. What was meant to be a promo to celebrate a fun exhibition turned into a nightmare as fans and resellers swarmed the museum in the hopes of getting this card. Fortunately, it was later given away as a gift with TCG purchase on the Pokemon Center online in select regions, making it more widely available, but that still hasn’t stopped the high demand for this card from collectors.
Is Pikachu Good in the Current TCG Meta?
Pikachu ex (057/191) can be effectively used in the current TCG meta. His ability ‘Resolute Heart’ prevents him from being knocked out in one attack if his HP is full. Combined with his attack that hits for 300 damage, and trainer cards that allow you to return him to your hand, like Penny and Scoop Up Cyclone, you can keep bringing him out to deal devastating damage while preventing Pikachu ex from being knocked out.
However, this strategy can be thwarted by Pokemon that allow your opponent to place damage counters on your benched Pokemon, and his attack requires 3 different energies, which get discarded when you use it. So while the strategy is definitely there for Pikachu, it may not see as much use as other Meta decks which have simpler win conditions.
Where to Buy Pikachu Cards in the UK
Fortunately, most Pikachu cards don’t command the high prices of the Japanese exclusive promos. If you love the idea of pulling cards yourself, then outside of a few rare cards (like the Surging Sparks and Ascended Heroes SIRs), you’re likely to be able to find the newest Pikachu cards from the sealed products you open.
If you’re after sealed Pokemon TCG products, or would rather just buy the Pikachu singles you need, Magic Madhouse is an excellent place to buy them from. Not only do they have a wide range of ever-changing singles in stock, but they also distribute the sales of sealed products fairly and smoothly via random allocation. To be included, make sure you’re signed up to their newsletter.
Recap of Frequently Asked Questions about Pikachu Cards
How many Pikachu cards are there in total?
Around 350 if you’re only counting unique artwork, over 1,400 if not!
What was the first Pikachu card ever released?
In Japan, it was a promo card released by CoroCoro Comics. In the UK, it was the common Pikachu in Base Set.
What is the rarest Pikachu card?
The CoroCoro ‘Best Photo Contest’ Pikachu, with only 20 copies ever being printed!
How can I tell if my Pikachu card is real?
Check the card’s texture, colour and font. If it’s an SIR, it should have texture lines shaped to the artwork. Make sure the back border is the right shade of dark blue. Examine the font for irregularities and spelling errors. And most of all, think about the price you paid for the card and who you bought it from. If the price seemed too good to be true, it probably was! Try to buy expensive cards from reputable sellers with good reputations online and within the Pokemon community, like Magic Madhouse.
Are there any Pikachu promo cards?
Yes, a great many, with more being produced every year! Take a look at the table above for a list of Pikachu promo cards.
What’s the difference between Pikachu EX, V and VMAX cards?
These variations usually reflect the mechanic introduced in the most recent videogames, which are then incorporated into the TCG. V and VMAX were the TCG’s version of Dynamaxing from Sword and Shield, with Pikachu V taking on a new, gigantic VMAX form. EX is not linked directly to a mechanic, but usually indicates that a card is rarer and more powerful within the TCG.
Now that you know how many Pikachu cards are out there, and which ones are the rarest, you’re ready to start collecting! Will you go after every Pikachu card ever, or just the ones that are part of sets, or maybe you’ve marked a couple of those Japanese exclusive promos as your dream cards to one day own? Whatever your goals, this guide, and Magic Madhouse, are here to support you in achieving them!
Take a look at our other Pokemon Spotlight guides for more information about other Pokemon cards, such as Charizard and Eevee.