Flying Pikachu VMAX

Market outlook

Rising Outlook 4/10

Recent 25% price increase in raw NM copies driven by anniversary nostalgia

Next months. Stable to slight rise next 3-6 months with steady collector interest

Long term. Stable value retention as affordable modern set staple, unlikely major gains due to supply

History

Pikachu is the iconic mascot of the Pokémon franchise, first introduced in Pokémon Red and Green in 1996. Flying Pikachu VMAX is a special full-art variant from the Celebrations set, depicting Pikachu with wings in a celebratory 25th anniversary design, inspired by the Flying Pikachu promo from the 1998 Japanese Neo Genesis set.

October 2021 in the Pokémon Celebrations set worldwide

• Part of Pokémon's 25th Anniversary Celebrations set
• Ultra Rare full-art holo with 25th Anniversary logo stamp
• References the rare Flying Pikachu promo from 1998

Rarity and print run

Tier

Ultra Rare

Print run

High

First printed in

Celebrations

Demand

Medium

Supply

High

• Limited to Celebrations print run
• Popular Pikachu variant with anniversary appeal
• High pull rates in booster packs relative to secret rares

Collector notes

Condition. Check for centering issues on full-art holo, edge whitening, surface scratches on Pikachu's wings and background, print lines common in Celebrations set

Storage. Use semi-rigid top-loaders with sleeves, store in cool dry place away from sunlight to prevent holo fading

Authenticity. Verify 25th Anniversary stamp alignment and font, check holo pattern consistency, use graded/graded populator for graded verification, fakes often have blurry artwork or incorrect card stock thickness