Zapdos ex

Market outlook

Stable Outlook 7/10

Prices for popular modern chase cards often normalize after the initial hype cycle, then move with broader Pokémon TCG demand, grading populations, and sealed product availability. Zapdos ex benefits from strong nostalgia and set completion demand, but it also competes with several other highly collectible cards in the same expansion.

Next months. Likely to trade sideways to slightly firm, with the best-condition copies holding the strongest premiums.

Long term. Likely gradual appreciation if original-151 nostalgia remains strong and graded 10 supply does not expand sharply, with the main gains concentrated in high-grade copies.

History

Zapdos is one of the original Legendary Bird Pokémon from the Kanto region, first introduced in the Generation I games and later appearing across the Pokémon anime, TCG, and other media as the Electric-type counterpart to Articuno and Moltres. In the TCG, Zapdos has been a recurring fan-favorite subject because it combines strong nostalgia for the original 151 Pokémon with visually striking lightning-themed artwork and consistent collectible appeal. The specific card in this query, Zapdos ex from Scarlet & Violet—151, is a Special Illustration Rare version that uses modern full-art storytelling artwork rather than a classic framed layout, which increases collector interest.[1][16]

This specific Zapdos ex card first appeared in English in the Scarlet & Violet—151 expansion, which was released on September 22, 2023; the Zapdos ex Collection product that includes the promo version released on October 6, 2023.[3][11][16]

• The queried card is the Special Illustration Rare version numbered 202/165 in Scarlet & Violet—151, while the set also contains a different Zapdos ex Ultra Rare and a separate Japanese Zapdos ex printing.[4][6][7]
• Scarlet & Violet—151 is out of print, which generally tightens supply over time and supports collector demand for chase cards like this one.[3]
• The Zapdos ex Collection product explicitly includes a different promo Zapdos ex card and an oversize version, so the SIR 202/165 should not be confused with the boxed promo card.[1][16]

Rarity and print run

Tier

Secret Rare

Print run

High

First printed in

Scarlet & Violet—151

Demand

High

Supply

Medium

• Special Illustration Rare slot within a popular special set
• High demand from original-151 collectors
• Set is out of print, so raw supply is no longer being replenished from new packs
• Gem Mint copies are limited by foil-surface and centering sensitivity

Collector notes

Condition. Check for whitening on corners and edges, surface scratches in the full-art foil, print lines, centering issues, and any pressure dents or scuffs that are easier to see on dark or reflective areas. Because this is a modern textured/foil chase card, small surface flaws and edge wear can have an outsized impact on grade.

Storage. Store in a penny sleeve and rigid top loader or semi-rigid holder, keep it away from heat, moisture, and UV light, and avoid repeated handling without clean hands or gloves. For high-value copies, consider immediate grading or archival storage with desiccant in a stable environment.

Authenticity. Verify correct card number, set symbol, and texture/foil behavior against known authentic examples, since modern counterfeits often get the surface gloss, texture depth, or text weight wrong. Inspect the back for color balance and rosette pattern under magnification, and prefer professional grading for expensive copies because the SIR version is the most targeted by counterfeiters relative to lower-value prints.