Paldea Evolved: Impact on Pokemon TCG meta and resale values

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: A competitor holds a deck containing a Quick Ball card while playing Pokemon cards during the 2022 Pokémon World Championships at ExCel on August 18, 2022 in London, England. For the first time in history, the championship event is being held outside of North America, London Excel will host the competition on August 18–21. Some of the best Pokémon players from around the will compete in Pokémon TCG, the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games, Pokémon GO, Pokémon UNITE, and Pokkén Tournament DX. Half a million dollars in prizes, the title of Pokémon World Champion, and return invitations for the following year's Worlds are up for grabs. (Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: A competitor holds a deck containing a Quick Ball card while playing Pokemon cards during the 2022 Pokémon World Championships at ExCel on August 18, 2022 in London, England. For the first time in history, the championship event is being held outside of North America, London Excel will host the competition on August 18–21. Some of the best Pokémon players from around the will compete in Pokémon TCG, the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games, Pokémon GO, Pokémon UNITE, and Pokkén Tournament DX. Half a million dollars in prizes, the title of Pokémon World Champion, and return invitations for the following year's Worlds are up for grabs. (Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images) /
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The Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) is heating up as the Scarlet & Violet era gains momentum. With Paldea Evolved being one month into its release, anticipation is building for upcoming sets like Obsidian Flames in August and Pokemon 151 in September. This is an opportune time to assess the performance of Paldea Evolved cards in the live game’s meta and their resale values.

Paldea Evolved made its international debut around a month ago, generating significant excitement around the Special Illustration Rare Iono card. The Japanese version of Iono reached staggering prices of $1,500 and continues to command high prices even in pristine condition. It was clear that this card would be the sought-after pull in the English-language release. However, the race for second place held its own surprises.

Despite its release, Paldea Evolved is struggling to make a significant impact in the live game’s meta. Decks featuring Lost Origin’s Lost Zone cards, such as Greninja/Comfey/Cromorant, continue to dominate, as do Silver Tempest’s Lugia decks, which remain highly popular. Nevertheless, there are decks featuring Gardevoir ex and Miraidon ex that have emerged as winners in tournaments. These decks primarily rely on yellow-bordered cards, while Paldea Evolved’s Chien-Pao ex pairs well with the ever-popular Palkia VSTAR.

It is worth mentioning the significance of Iono in the meta, as it replaces the recently rotated-out Marnie. Alongside Super Rod and Jet Energy, it appears that the new era is showcasing the power of trainer cards rather than the Pokemon themselves. The presence of powerful trainer cards like Iono reinforces the notion that strategic play and well-crafted decks can have a significant impact on the game.