Magikarp

Market outlook

Rising Outlook 8/10

Exponential graded 10 price increases, low pop reports, and viral collector hype around the artwork and Magikarp meme status.

Next months. Continued upward pressure with 10-20% gains in next 3-6 months due to recent sales momentum.

Long term. Strong 1-3 year hold potential as a modern iconic chase card, likely appreciating with set vintage status.

History

Magikarp is a iconic Water-type Pokémon from Generation 1, known as the weakest Pokémon with only Splash and later Struggle moves, but evolves into the powerful Gyarados at level 20, symbolizing hidden potential and meme status in Pokémon lore for its futility until evolution.

First released in the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Paldea Evolved set in 2023 by The Pokémon Company.

• Features stunning artwork by Shinji Kanda, capturing Magikarp in a dynamic, artistic pose.
• Pull rate of 1 in 480 packs specifically for this card, though Illustration Rares overall are 1 in 13 packs.
• Has achieved cult collector status due to low high-grade population reports and recent price surges.

Rarity and print run

Tier

Illustration Rare

Print run

Medium

First printed in

Scarlet & Violet: Paldea Evolved

Demand

High

Supply

Low

• Low specific pull rate (1/480 packs)
• Challenging to achieve high grades due to print quality
• Limited graded 10 population contributing to scarcity

Collector notes

Condition. Check for centering issues, surface scratches on the glossy illustration, edge whitening, and print lines common in Illustration Rares; NM copies often have minor corner dings or print defects.

Storage. Store in semi-rigid holders or top-loaders with sleeves in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to prevent fading; use graded or graded slabs for long-term graded preservation.

Authenticity. Verify holo pattern, card stock thickness, and artwork sharpness; fakes often have blurry edges or incorrect fonts—cross-check with official graded pop reports and compare to raw sales on reputable sites like TCGPlayer.