Home > News > Top Pokémon TCG Pocket Cards from Sun and Moon Sets Highlighted in Extradimensional Crisis
The Extradimensional Crisis trailer instantly transported me back to the vibrant Sun and Moon era, where the Pokémon TCG embraced bold creativity and unexpected twists.
The arrival of Ultra Beasts in Pocket, with their striking designs and chaotic flair, brought back memories of tearing into Crimson Invasion packs, marveling at creatures that seemed to hail from another dimension. It was wild, daring, and utterly captivating. Let’s take a journey back to Alola and explore my favorite cards from the Sun and Moon expansions.










This latest set feels like a nostalgic nod to that era, weaving in elements like Buzzwole, Nihilego, Type Null, and Lusamine’s unique energy effect. It echoes the unpredictability of Forbidden Light, the flair of Ultra Prism, and the dazzling shine of Hidden Fates.





Cosmic Eclipse marked the grand finale of the Sun and Moon era, introducing stunning Character Rares. The Arceus, Dialga, and Palkia GX card was a showstopper at trade tables, exuding epic grandeur.
Rosa’s Full Art card radiated a quiet strength, while the Pikachu Character Rare brought a warm, joyful vibe that stood out from the rest.





Hidden Fates, released in August 2019, set a new standard for excitement. The Shiny Vault was a treasure trove, with Shiny Charizard GX as its shining star.
Watching someone pull it at a local event was electrifying—the table went silent. I managed to snag a shiny Rowlet, which opened my eyes to the set’s incredible depth.
From shiny Umbreon GX to Mewtwo GX and the full-art bird trio, every pack felt like a potential jackpot.





Unified Minds kept the momentum alive. Mewtwo and Mew GX felt like a dream crossover brought to life, blending nostalgia with power.
Slowpoke and Psyduck GX was a quirky surprise that turned heads with its unexpected strength. Cherish Ball, a subtle but essential card, became a staple for its reliability.





Unbroken Bonds doubled down on Tag Team cards. Reshiram and Charizard GX was a crowd-pleaser, leaving my friend speechless when he pulled it.
Gardevoir and Sylveon GX had a graceful synergy that felt like a courteous knockout. Dedenne GX became a deck essential, and after trading for one, I quickly saw why it was a game-changer.





Detective Pikachu, launched in April 2019, rode the movie’s wave with its CGI-inspired cards. The lifelike Bulbasaurs and slightly eerie Charmanders felt otherworldly.
I only opened a few promo packs, but watching someone pull a menacing Mewtwo GX at a card night was unforgettable.





Team Up introduced Tag Team GX cards, shaking up the meta. Latias and Latios GX looked like it belonged on an anime poster, with stunning synergy.
Pikachu and Zekrom GX dominated competitive play, while Gengar and Mimikyu GX blended spooky charm with chaotic energy, making it a fan favorite.





Lost Thunder was massive, the largest Pokémon set at the time. Lugia GX’s artwork remains a standout, radiating majestic power.
Alolan Ninetales GX returned with stunning beauty and utility, while Zeraora GX inspired lightning-fast decks that were as fun as they were fierce.





Dragon Majesty, released in September 2018, was a dragon lover’s dream. Available only in special products, opening its packs felt like a rare treat.
Dragonite GX’s bold artwork was a highlight, while Reshiram GX and Salamence GX delivered dramatic flair. The gold Ultra Necrozma GX sparked chaos at a local event.





Celestial Storm blended nostalgia with innovation. Rayquaza GX was a commanding presence, while Lisia’s Full Art card popped with collectible charm. Articuno GX’s icy elegance added a subtle, powerful touch.





Forbidden Light spotlighted Ultra Necrozma GX, a card that left a kid at league night too excited to sleeve it. Greninja GX stood out as a top-tier starter, and Diantha’s Full Art card added a touch of understated elegance.





Ultra Prism introduced Prism Star cards, adding thrill to every pack. The Full Art Lillie was a breathtaking sight at a trade session, while Cynthia’s Full Art turned heads at tournaments. The gold Solgaleo GX and Lunala GX remain elusive gems I hope to find.





Crimson Invasion had a quieter buzz but delivered with Ultra Beasts’ chaotic debut. Gyarados GX captured the fierce essence of the Pokémon, while Full Art Lusamine and Olivia cards added vibrant flair to the set.





Shining Legends, launched in October 2017, was a unique mini-set with a special vibe. Seeing a Shining Mew pulled at a card night was magical—its glow was unreal. The Secret Rare Mewtwo GX in its test tube was a rare sight, and Shining Rayquaza and Arceus added lasting allure.





Burning Shadows, released in August 2017, was defined by the elusive Rainbow Rare Charizard GX. Pulling a Gardevoir GX and Secret Rare Fairy Energy was thrilling, but that Charizard remains a collector’s dream.





Guardians Rising, following the Sun and Moon base, brought Tapu Lele GX into the spotlight as a deck staple. Alolan Ninetales GX’s holo shimmered under card show lights, and Sylveon GX earned a loyal following.





The Sun and Moon Base Set, launched in early 2017, kicked off the era with vibrant Alolan forms and the new GX mechanic. Full Art Lillie evoked nostalgia, while a Secret Rare Ultra Ball was treated like a treasure at a local event.
The Pokémon TCG collector market is leaning heavily toward singles over booster bundles right now.
Some chase cards have recently dropped, making them more affordable than overpriced sealed products.










Some of these prices seem wild, but many were nearly double just weeks ago, with the last five cards steadily climbing.
If you’re set on opening booster packs, here’s how to do it smartly without breaking the bank.















For those eyeing big-box retailer products, here’s a rundown.
Shop smart—TCG Player often beats retail prices in today’s market.