The Strongest Pokémon Cards to Power Up Your Portfolio

In October 1996, the first Pokémon cards were issued in Japan. Two years later, the U.S. got in on the hype after the Pokemon company released a demo pack. It wasn't until January 1999 that the first official packs became available.

Pokémon Trading Cards come in numerous varieties, but only a select few are considered the strongest, with the power to change the game entirely and make other cards obsolete. Some of these cards are so powerful that they got banned from official Pokemon battles due to their abilities.

Over time, new and enhanced versions of powerful characters have been introduced by releasing various card types like EX, GX, and Mega cards.

Ready to conquer your Pokémon battles with a hearty mix of expert moves and mind-blowing stats? Fasten your seatbelts, because we've handpicked some of the mightiest Pokémon cards to give you the edge, whether battling friends or taking on the big leagues.

Without further ado, let's reveal some of the top dynamic Pokémon cards that'll have your opponents shaking in their boots. We’ve sleuthed out these powerful Pokémon powerhouses, so you can spend more time impressing your pals and racking up those precious wins.

With over 43 billion Pokémon cards in circulation, collecting them is practically an investment. Their value has risen steadily, thanks to high-publicity sales, celebrity involvement, and steep auction prices. These cards have been a favorite among collectors and gamers alike since the mid-1990s.

But what makes a Pokémon card so valuable? Is it the artwork, the rarity, or the card's power level?

The answer is all of the above. A powerful Pokémon card can be a game-changer in a battle, making it a must-have for serious players. A card's explosive fire attack, hit points, weaknesses, special effects, and cost all contribute to its strength.

However, it's not just about raw power. A card's overall utility and versatility are also important factors to consider. The rarity of a card can also significantly increase its value. Rare and limited edition cards, such as the Mega Charizard card from the base set, are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.

But it's also not just about the gameplay or collectability—the artwork on Pokémon cards is also a major draw for many fans. From the iconic Pikachu to the fierce Dragonite, the artwork on Pokémon cards can be both beautiful and awe-inspiring.

Furthermore, the surge in demand that began in mid-2020 surprised even the makers of Pokémon cards. During the pandemic, collecting Pokémon cards became not only a fun and addictive hobby but also a potential alternative investment option. We've also seen celebrities and influencers join in on the craze, for instance:

• In early October 2020, Logan Paul live-streamed an event where he opened a rare box of Pokémon cards worth $200,000 in front of his 22 million subscribers. 
• Other influencers like Pokimane also jumped on the Pokémon card unboxing trend. 
• On October 13, 2020, rapper Logic set a new record when he purchased a first edition holographic Charizard for $220,000.

In 2022, a Pikachu Illustrator sold for over $5.3 million, making it the world’s first seven-figure Pokémon card deal. The resurging popularity of Pokémon cards plus their growth potential make them a hot commodity among collectors and investors.

Overall, the combination of gameplay mechanics, rarity, and artwork make Pokémon cards valuable to collectors and gamers alike. Whether you're battling it out in a game or adding to your collection, a powerful Pokémon card is a must-have for any fan.

Despite the risks, Pokémon cards can be a desirable alternative asset. Rare Pokémon trading cards have shown consistent appreciation over time and have proven to be solid investments.

Familiarizing yourself with Pokémon characters and understanding the investment timeframe can help you identify cards to consider as investments. While there are numerous ways to measure the strength of Pokémon cards, including their abilities and attacks, we narrowed down the top eight strongest cards based on these factors.

Want to know the top picks? Keep reading as we dive into the most powerful Pokémon cards ever.

1. Zoroark GX Shining Legends (SHL)

• Price Range: $2 to $27
• HP:  210
• Card Number: 53/73
• Card Type: Darkness

With a current price range of $2 to $27 and an HP of 210, Zoroark GX's ability allows players to discard a card and draw two more, making it useful for removing unwanted cards from their hands and finding important Trainer cards. Its Riotous Beating attack can deal massive damage, with 20 damage dealt for each Pokémon, the player has in play.

Recently, there have been a few notable sales of the Zoroark GX Pokémon card from the Sun & Moon Shining Legends set. In February 2023, a PSA 9 Zoroark GX card sold for $27 while a gem-mint Zoroark GX got auctioned in the same month for a final price of $17.50.

2. Claydol Deoxys (DX)

• Price Range: $3 to $70
• HP:  80
• Card Number: 005/107
• Card Type: Fighting

The Claydol card is a highly sought-after card with a price range of $3 to $70 and an HP of 80. Claydol first appeared in Pokémon’s 2008 Great Encounters expansion and is known for its ability to carry a deck almost single-handedly.

Its Cosmic Power ability allowed players to discard two cards to the bottom of their deck and refill their hand up to six cards, making it an excellent draw engine. On April 2, 2023, a PSA 10 Claydol EX Deoxys Reverse Holo Rare in gem mint condition sold for $70 while a PSA 9 card went for $35 two weeks later.

3. Shaymin EX XY Roaring Skies (ROS)

• Price Range: $6 to $300
• HP:  110
• Card Number: 77/108
• Card Type: Colorless

Shaymin EX is a popular card from the Pokémon Trading Card Game's Roaring Skies expansion and has become a staple in Pokebattles worldwide. Another well-known Pokémon similar to Uxie, Shaymin EX's Set Up ability allows players to draw up to six cards when placed on the bench. This powerful ability enables players to quickly sift through their deck, gain an advantage, and overwhelm their opponents.

With an HP of 110, the Shaymin EX XY Roaring Skies (ROS) card sold for as high as $325 in January 2023. The card's speed is its greatest asset, and players must use it effectively before their opponent can recover.

Shaymin EX has become highly coveted by both professional and casual players, but was banned from official Pokémon TCG Expanded format tournaments in 2020 because its Sky Return ability allowed players to return a Pokémon card to their hand.

4. Mewtwo and Mew GX Tag Team Unified Minds (SM11)

• Price Range: $4 to $235
• HP:  270
• Card Number: 71/236
• Card Type: Psychic

The Sun & Moon Team Up expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game brought forth a new type of card: Tag Team cards, featuring two iconic Pokémon as a formidable duo. While many Tag Team cards have proven to be strong, none have matched the raw power of Mewtwo and Mew GX.

This Mew tag team GX was widely sought-after when first released and remains prized among competitive players. The card's value ranges from $4 to $235, but recent sales in April 2023 show that a gem-mint card sold for $80 while a PSA 9 sold for $90.

One reason for its popularity is the card's versatility. Its Perfection Ability allows players to use the attacks of any Pokémon GX or Pokémon EX on their bench or discard pile, providing a vast array of attack options. Discarding powerful Pokémon early in the game can give players a constant stream of formidable attacks.

Mewtwo EX was one of the most powerful cards when it was released. Use its powerful X Ball attack to do an additional 20 damage for every Energy card attached to Mewtwo and the defending Pokémon.

5.  Cleffa Neo Genesis (N1)

• Price Range: $5 to 30
• HP:  30
• Card Number: 020/111
• Card Type: Colorless

The humble Cleffa card is a popular choice among seasoned players. Despite its cute, pink, and baby-like appearance, Cleffa is a formidable opponent that can pull off a few tricks in battles. It can easily stall opponents thanks to its passive ability, which allows players to flip a coin whenever their opponent attacks. The attack gets canceled if the coin lands tails and the opponent's turn ends.

With no weaknesses and no retreat cost, it's easy to see why Cleffa was an unparalleled card in the early days of the Pokémon TCG and remains a formidable option even today. With the normal-type Pokemon’s 30 HP, the card's value ranges from $5 to $30.

Cleffa's basic attack "Eeeeeeek" offers a significant advantage to players by enabling them to shuffle their hand into their deck and draw seven new cards. This allows them to cycle through their deck for the best possible hand while preventing the opponent from landing a hit.

6. Lysandre's Trump Card (118 Full Art) XY Phantom Forces (PHF)

• Price Range: $3 to $40
• Card Number: 118/119
• Card Type: Supporter

Lysandre's Trump Card is infamous in the Pokémon TCG community. This support card was quickly deemed too powerful due to its ability to force each player to shuffle their entire discard piles back into their decks.

This eliminated the possibility of a player running out of cards, which would otherwise result in their opponent's victory. As a result, matches devolved into players discarding frivolously and racing through their decks, knowing that everything would eventually be reset.

The card was banned from competitive play in 2015 due to its unbalanced effects. The 118 Full Art Lysandre's Trump Card is priced between $3 and $40.

7. M Gengar EX XY Phantom Forces (PHF)

• Price Range: $10 to $300
• HP: 220
• Card Number: 35/119
• Card Type: Psychic

Mega Gengar EX has a Phantom Gate ability that allows the player to select an attack from their opponent's Pokémon and use it with Mega Gengar, which can be a powerful tactic against strong opponents. The card also has a reasonable retreat cost and HP, making it a reliable choice for battles.

While not currently banned in any formats, the M Gengar EX card can be quite expensive, with prices reaching $300 in a recent online auction.

8. Arceus VSTAR (SWSH09)

• Price Range: $5 to $200
• HP: 280
• Card Number: 123/172
• Card Type: Colorless

In 2022, Pokémon Sword and Shield released a new expansion called Brilliant Stars, which includes the Arceus VSTAR. This card is valued between $5 to $200. Arceus VSTAR offers a unique ability that allows players to search their deck for any two cards and add them to their hand.

While VStar cards may seem like weaker versions of VMAX cards, they still provide powerful abilities. However, players must choose their moment wisely as they can only use a single VStar Power per game. This card is part of a new set, so its value and usefulness may evolve as new sets are released.

Pokémon cards such as Mega Mewtwo EX, Mega Venusaur, Shadow Lugia, and others have caught people's eyes for their investment potential, particularly post-pandemic. As rare cards sell for staggering prices at auctions, it begs the question: Are powerful Pokémon cards a wise investment?

While the value of Pokémon cards may have surged recently, the market is volatile and strongly influenced by hype and nostalgia. Rarity is a key driving factor for card values, and collectors often focus on vintage, first edition, holographic, or error cards featuring popular characters. However, it’s worth noting that most cards—particularly those from newer sets—may not retain significant value in the long term.

To invest in Pokémon cards, you need to know the hobby well and do thorough research. Spotting genuinely rare cards that could grow in value, as opposed to those that won't, is crucial. A long-term hold strategy often works better. Remember, investing in Pokémon cards comes with risks and is not a surefire way to make money.

In summary, Pokémon cards can be a good investment for those who are knowledgeable and passionate about the franchise. However, it’s essential to approach it with caution and due diligence because the market is unpredictable and can be influenced by unforeseen factors like the release of new sets, events in video games or T.V. series, and even trends in the collector community.