Posted in: Card Games, Games, Pokémon TCG, Tabletop | Tagged: Charizard, Obsidian Flames, pokemon, pokemon cards

Cards Of Pokémon TCG: Obsidian Flames Part 42: Charizard Hyper Rare

The Scarlet & Violet era shows a major change in the habits of Pokémon TCG collectors, with Hyper Rare Charizards going for low prices.

With Sword & Shield officially concluded, the Scarlet & Violet era of the Pokémon TCG kicked off in March 2023 with a focus on the ninth generation of Pokémon games and the new region: Paldea. It all began with the Scarlet & Violet base set, which introduced major, lasting changes to the hobby. Now, the borders of the cards have become silver, matching the Japanese releases. Another major change is that now, each pack culminates in at least a holo-rare and two reverse holos. The major mechanic of this era is the lowercase ex, which features a double holographic pattern of a horizontal shine and a starry sparkle. Full Art exs now use a green, foil outline around the Pokémon. The Secret Rare section of expansions going forward features Full Arts, Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rare exs, Full Art Trainers, Special Illustration Rare Trainers, and Gold Hyper Rares. On August 11, 2023, the Pokémon TCG released the third set of this era, Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames, which introduced Tera Pokémon with a Tera type differing from their base type. The chase card is a Dark-type Tera Charizard ex. In today's installment of this Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames art spotlight, we continue with the Secret Rares.

Before the Scarlet & Violet era, it was Rainbow Rares that were classified as Hyper Rares. Now, it is Gold Cards. These Hyper Rare Gold Cards use the same linework as the Full Art ex, the same way that Rainbow Rare GX used the same linework as the Full Arts and the same way that Rainbow Rare VMAX and VSTAR used the same linework as the standard VMAX or VSTAR. We haven't seen immense popularity for this card type. In the past, a Hyper Rare Charizard would surely be the chase card of whatever set in which it appeared. Now, in Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames, this card is currently worth under $25 just a few months after its release. This is a major change in collectors' habits.

Stay tuned for the journey through this special set as we continue to spotlight the cards and artwork of Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames. Next time, the spotlight continues with the Secret Rare section of the set. You can read more about this iconic trading card game right here at Bleeding Cool.

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