10 Most Underrated Pokémon TCG Cards of 2026, So Far

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The Pokémon Trading Card Game has a huge variety of cards – including standard Pokémon and Trainer cards, as well as rarer types like Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares. Because so many new cards are released all the time, some amazing cards often get ignored in favor of the most sought-after ones. This happens with every new set, and it can leave collectors puzzled when a card they think is special isn’t worth as much as they expect.

Several Pokémon cards released in the first half of 2026 are currently undervalued. These include three expansions from the Mega Evolution Base Set – Ascended Heroes (released in January), Perfect Order (March), and Chaos Rising (May). While each card currently sells for under $100, their impressive artwork suggests they have the potential to increase in value.

Aurorus (092/088) is a Criminally Underrated Card with Beautiful Artwork

The Aurorus card (numbered 092/088) is a stunning Illustration Rare from the Perfect Order set, and it highlights how easily beautiful cards can be underestimated. While Illustration Rares generally aren’t as valuable as Special Illustration Rares, they still feature some of the most impressive artwork in recent Pokémon card sets—and in some cases, are even more visually appealing.

The artist HACCAN created the Aurorus Pokémon card using stunning pastel colors, capturing its large and impressive form. The card depicts Aurorus moving across a frozen landscape as the sun rises. Despite its beauty, it’s surprisingly affordable, currently valued at just over $4.

Espurr (095/088) is an Adorable & Affordable Card

The Espurr Pokémon card (number 095/088) shows the Psychic-type Pokémon peacefully sleeping beside a desk covered in books and school supplies. It’s considered one of the cutest cards released in 2026 and would be a welcome addition to any collection. Surprisingly, despite its appeal, the card is currently valued at around $7.

This charming illustration of Espurr was created by artist MINAMINAMI Take. It’s part of a popular series of Pokémon cards that show them in everyday situations – sleeping, tidying up, or simply enjoying life. While Espurr isn’t being very productive with its nap, it’s still undeniably adorable!

Cynthia’s Spiritomb (244/217) is an Incredible Depiction of a Trainer With Her Pokémon

Cynthia is a hugely popular and recognizable Pokémon Trainer. While many of her cards have become valuable, like Cynthia’s Garchomp ex from the Destined Rivals set, one card has surprisingly remained less noticed: Cynthia’s Spiritomb (244/217) from Ascended Heroes, which features stunning and unique artwork.

The artist hncl created a design of Cynthia with Spiritomb that highlights the contrast between Cynthia’s elegance and Spiritomb’s eerie, wild nature. Seeing Spiritomb lurking behind her creates a sense of unease, but also showcases Cynthia’s skill in handling such a strong Pokémon. Given how popular Cynthia is, it’s surprising this Pokémon card only costs around $15.

Froakie (088/086) Depicts a Popular Starter Pokémon

Certain Pokémon cards are incredibly valuable, and the very first starter Pokémon from the original generation are usually the most popular. However, starters from later generations can also become collector favorites. Froakie is a good example – its final evolved form, Greninja, is a strong and popular Water-type Pokémon from the sixth generation.

The Froakie card (numbered 088/086) is a special Illustration Rare from the new Mega Evolution expansion, Chaos Rising. It shows Froakie swimming underwater, looking a little hesitant as it glances towards the surface. Artist Susumu Maeya really captured the Pokémon’s natural environment. While the most valuable cards in Chaos Rising feature Greninja, this Froakie Illustration Rare is currently worth around $23.

Clefairy (094/088) is Another Adorable Card for the Pokébank

The Clefairy card (numbered 094/088) is a special illustration from the Perfect Order set. It shows the adorable pink Pokémon under a starry sky. Artist Cona Nitanda used soft, pastel colors to create fluffy clouds that make it almost seem like daytime. Clefairy looks incredibly happy, and the card is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Mega Clefable ex is a highly desirable card from the Perfect Order set, as it’s the evolved form of the popular Clefairy. Even though Clefairy’s artwork is amazing and it’s in demand, it currently sells for around $32. Overall, Perfect Order hasn’t produced many valuable cards; only two cards from the entire set are worth over $100.

Mega Dragonite ex (271/217) Features Bold & Bright Artwork

The Mega Dragonite ex card (numbered 271/217) from the Ascended Heroes set is a special ‘Mega Attack Rare’ – the first non-Illustration Rare card on this list. The artwork was created by aky CG Works, a studio known for its work on many rare and special Pokémon cards. What makes this card unique is its dynamic design, resembling a scene from a comic book or manga – a fun departure from many cards released during the Mega Evolution period.

This card typically sells for about $61, which isn’t super expensive compared to most modern Pokémon cards – some can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. While it’s not as valuable as cards selling for over $800, it’s still a fantastic addition to any collection.

Fezandipiti ex (288/217) is a Beautiful Card for an Underrated Pokémon

Okay, so Fezandipiti is this Poison/Fairy bird Pokémon, and honestly, it doesn’t get the love it deserves. There are so many Pokémon now, over a thousand across ten generations, that it’s tough for any new one to really make a splash, especially when older fans already have their favorites. But I have to say, when they gave it a Special Illustration Rare card in the Ascended Heroes set? Wow. It’s seriously gorgeous.

Artist Sie Nanahara created this card with a lovely design of pink flowers swirling around Fezandipiti, highlighting the bird as it stretches its wings in the sunlight. It’s currently selling for about $72, which is a bit pricey for a card, but a fair price for a card of this rarity (SIR).

Mega Clefable ex (119/088) Outshines Clefairy, But Not By Much

We previously discussed the Clefairy Illustration Rare from the Perfect Order set. This card goes well with Mega Clefable ex (119/088), which is a highly sought-after card from that set. However, despite being a key card, the Clefairy Illustration Rare hasn’t increased much in price. It’s currently selling for around $76, which seems surprisingly low for a main chase card from an entire Pokémon set.

Cona Nitanda, the artist behind the beautiful Clefairy Illustration Rare card, also created the artwork for Mega Clefable ex, and the two designs were clearly intended to go together. This charming card depicts Mega Clefable playfully leaping across a soft, pastel-colored sky, perfectly highlighting its new Mega Evolution.

Mega Zygarde ex (120/088) is a Colorful Explosion

Okay, so I’ve been keeping an eye on the Pokémon card market, and Mega Zygarde ex (120/088) is one of the big pulls from the Perfect Order set, right up there with Mega Clefable ex. But honestly, it’s a little disappointing – it hasn’t broken the $100 barrier yet. It’s actually selling for around $82 right now, which is only slightly more than Mega Clefable ex. I was hoping for a bit more value, but that’s how the market goes!

This card showcases bright and colorful artwork by kantaro, giving it a really unique feel. Compared to many other cards from Perfect Order, this one has a bolder, more intense style, which makes it a great match with Mega Clefable. Just like Mega Clefable ex, the fact that this card – a key piece from the set – costs under $100 is a fantastic value.

Cinccino ex (119/086) is Another Affordable SIR

The Cinccino ex card (numbered 119/086) is a recent addition to the Pokémon Trading Card Game, originating from the Chaos Rising set. Similar to the Espurr Illustration Rare, it’s incredibly cute! Artist Keisin created a heartwarming image of Cinccino happily relaxing in a cozy blanket fort surrounded by pillows and tasty treats. It’s a cheerful card that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

Okay, so I’ve been keeping an eye on the price of the Cinccino ex card, and right now it’s around $87. But honestly, that price is kinda all over the place! The more people open packs and find these special ‘SIR’ versions of Cinccino ex, the price could really jump – or even drop. So, if you’re thinking of getting one, I’d say now’s a good time before it gets super expensive!

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2026-05-29 18:11