Many players were either panicking or didn’t care about what would happen with the Pokemon Presents of February 2024. Frankly, we don’t blame them. The recent years for the franchise have been underwhelming, at least for the mainline entries. But it seems that the landscape shines as bright as Kanto being graced by Ho-Oh. With new additions to live service games, a brand-new TCG mobile game, and the biggest reveal ever for sixth-generation fans, this showcase was short but brimming with quality content.

Every Major Reveal During the Pokemon Presents of February 2024

While it lasted less than 20 minutes, the Pokemon Presents of February 2024 had many interesting things to show. Whether you missed it or want a summary of what to expect in this year and beyond, we got it right here.

• Mighty Tera Raids for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
  • Mighty Venusaur Raid: February 28 to March 5
  • Mighty Blastoise Raid: March 6 to March 12
  • Mighty Charizard Raid: March 13 to March 17
• Pokemon Go x Pokemon Horizons Event
  • Pikachu wearing a Cap’s Hat will appear.
  • Liko and Roy will appear when taking pictures.
  • Charcadet, Ceruledge, and Armarouge will debut in the game.
• Pokemon Sleep
  • Raikou arrives in March 2024.
  • Entei and Suicone will arrive later.
• Pokemon Masters EX
  • Geeta and Glimmora will appear on February 28.
  • Silver and Tyranitar arrive on March 1.
  • Photo Creator mode is coming.
• Pokemon Café ReMix
  • New outfits for Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.
  • Koraidon and Miraidon can join your staff.
• Pokemon Unite
  • Miraidon arrives on February 27.
  • Falinks arrives in April.
  • Ceruledge will join the game later.
• Pokemon TCG Pocket
  • New mobile game inspired by the online TCG.
  • Players can collect and trade cards with others.
  • Quick battle functionality.
  • Release date set for 2024.
• Pokemon Legends Z-A
  • New Pokemon game set in the Legends franchise.
  • It’ll focus on the Kalos region, more specifically, Lumiose City.
  • Release date set for 2025.

While every announcement of the Pokemon Presents of February 2024 is great, we can’t deny that Pokemon Legends Z-A stole the show. The Legends series was well-received, with its biggest issue being its performance on the Nintendo Switch. Hopefully, the studio will optimize this game before it launches in 2025. And if you’re not a fan of that series, there are many things for all trainers worldwide. So take your pick and grab your trainer’s kit before heading out for a Poke-adventure.

The post Everything Announced During the Pokemon Presents of February 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Stash.

Legendary Pokemon are a big deal in the mainstream games, and in Pokemon Go, but what about Pokemon Sleep? Until now, the official Pokemon sleep-tracking app hasn’t added any legendaries to its roster, which makes sense when you consider that most people won’t be engaging in anything like high-octane Pokemon battles in their sleep. However, the app’s upcoming Raikou Research event is going to change all of that, and Suicune and Entei reportedly aren’t too far behind. This trio of legendaries mark the first legendary Pokemon to be added to Pokemon Sleep‘s roster since it first launched in July of last year.

Raikou, Suicune, and Entei Come to Pokemon Sleep

Available on most app stores, Pokemon Sleep is one of the Pokemon Company’s newest ventures. The app works by measuring your sleeping habits either through your phone or a Pokemon Go+ device, and then assigning you a score based on your sleeping habits, sleep length, and your sleeping style. The Pokemon in Pokemon Sleep have their own sleep styles, and Pokemon will be attracted to come visit your research site based on your sleep score and how your sleep style and theirs match up. Snorlax features pretty heavily in the app, for obvious reasons, but new Pokemon and Pokemon lines are usually added once a month or so.

Raikou will be making its grand entrance into Pokemon Sleep with the Raikou Research Event, starting at the end of March. During the event, players will be able to gather scraps of Raikou mane to exchange to Raiko Incense, which you can then use to attract Raikou to your research site. The power of Electric-type helper Pokemon like Pikachu, Raichu, Jolteon, Pichu, Mareep, Flaaffy, and Ampharos will be boosted during the event. Pokemon Sleep has also teased some upcoming rewards to let players get a peek at Raikou’s sleep style, and more information about the event will be made available closer to the start of the Raikou Research event.

If Raikou isn’t your speed, the recent Pokemon Presents has also promised that Suicune and Entei, two more legendaries, will be making their Pokemon Sleep debuts sometime soon, likely with their own events.

Pokemon Sleep is currently available for Android and iOS.

The post Pokemon Sleep Lets You Catch Some Z’s With Legendary Pokemon appeared first on The Nerd Stash.

The sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus is finally on the way and fans are excited to see where this new series goes with its second entry. There’s no shortage of requests from players wanting to see certain changes, additions, and improvements in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, but some things should certainly be prioritized over others. Legends: Arceus was far from a perfect game, after all, and fixing some of its most notable problems while adding in some other features that have been staples of the main series for years now could lead to Pokemon Legends: Z-A being an instant classic.

5. Multiplayer

Aside from trading and those bags of items left behind by fainted players, there unfortunately, wasn’t any multiplayer experience packaged in with Pokemon Legends: Arceus. While focusing on making the singleplayer experience as clean as possible is fine, there is a dream for Pokemon Legends: Z-A that involves multiple players being able to explore the world together, catching new Pokemon as they’re found, and taking down big bosses together. Barring that, even just the ability to conduct battles, especially with the return of Mega Evolutions, would be much appreciated.

4. Regional Variants

Kalos came one generation too early to get any of the regional variants that became a franchise staple starting with Pokemon Sun and Moon. One of the best things about Legends: Arceus is the various Hisuian variants and there are a number of Pokemon in need of the undoubtedly colorful regional variants that should come along with a game set in an older Kalos. Not to mention the new Pokemon and evolutions that will hopefully also come packaged in the experience similar to Kleavor, Overqwil, and Enamorus.

3. Less Frame Rate Troubles

Despite feeling a lot more polished and thought out than the other Switch Pokemon games, Legends: Arceus still unfortunately struggles with similar graphical and performance issues. They’re certainly nowhere near as egregious as the lingering problems of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, but it would be nice to see more of an upgrade with Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The game is set to launch in 2025, which means it could be one of the earlier titles, if not a launch title, for the Switch successor console, and that could bode extremely well for the performance and looks of this new game.

2. Skippable Dialogue

Even the staunchest of Pokemon defenders will typically admit this is not a franchise people play for the stories, and more neutral fans would likely say the vast majority of Pokemon game stories are, at best, boring. Pokemon Legends: Arceus doesn’t really break that mold and that wouldn’t be such a big deal if it wasn’t for the fact that the player is forced to click through every last dialogue box the game throws out there. Most other JRPGs have been giving players a fast-forward or outright skip button for years now, and this franchise is long overdue for the same feature. Just let the players get to the part where they can run around and harass unsuspecting Fletchlings!

1. Double Battles

Pokemon Legends: Arceus has 1v2, 1v3, and even 1v4 battles, but never a straight-up classic 2v2. Double battles have long been tragically shunned by Game Freak outside of the occasional gym leader, rogue trainer, and the godsend duology that is Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness. This isn’t to say that Pokemon Legends: Z-A needs double battles as the standard throughout the game, although that would be amazing, but throwing the occasional double battle in there does help keep things fresh, and would be necessary if the game adds PvP battles.

The post Pokemon Legends Z-A: 5 Things We Want To See appeared first on The Nerd Stash.

The recent reveal of Pokemon Legends: Z-A didn’t give away too much information about the upcoming sequel, but it did tease the return of one of the most fan-lauded features in the history of the franchise. Mega Evolutions will be making a return in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and while it will be great to see old Mega forms renewed for the new era like Mega Garchomp and Mega Gyarados, the real hype lies in which new Mega forms will be coming in this game. Here are some of the Pokemon who most need a Mega Evolution in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

10. Serperior

As of right now, the only starter Pokemon with Mega Evolutions are the original trio from Gen 1 and the Gen 3 trio. Pokemon Legends: Arceus utilized starter Pokemon from three different regions: Rowlett, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott, and gave them new Hisuian forms. Pokemon Legends: Z-A could do something similar but give Mega Evolutions instead. If that’s the case, Snivy and its final evolution Serperior should be first in line for the Grass-type starters. Serperior is, unfortunately, one of the least loved Grass starters due to having some fairly weak stats aside from its Speed. A Mega Evolution could turn this vine snake into a more fearsome opponent.

9. Quaquaval

While on the subject of starters who could use Mega Evolutions, Quaquaval could be the representative of its generation and the first Pokemon from the Paldea region to receive this feature. Quaquaval goes first in line primarily because its final evolution was the most poorly received of all the Scarlet and Violet starters. It just doesn’t really feel like the proper finish to Quaxly’s fan-favorite design. A Mega Quaquaval could give Quaxly the final form it deserves.

8. Pyroar

Despite being introduced in Gen 6, Mega Evolutions for Kalos Pokemon are actually surprisingly scarce. The only one that actually exists as of writing this is Mega Diancie, so a game returning to the region and bringing Mega Evolutions back should definitely throw some toward the Pokemon that have now become veterans in the series. Pyroar is a standout for already having an interesting design while not being something that gets much competitive attention.

7. Scream Tail

Paradox Pokemon are the standout addition to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and something we hopefully get to see more of in the future (Maybe even some new Paradox Pokemon in Legends: Z-A?). As of writing, obviously, no Paradox Pokemon has ever received a Mega Evolution, and the two fan-loved ideas coming together combine to make something even better than the sum of its parts. Scream Tail is the listed recommendation for a Paradox Mega because it tends to be one of the more ignored Paradox Pokemon, making it a strong candidate for a good Mega Evolution that makes it more desired.

6. Falinks

Continuing down the path of Pokemon groups that haven’t had the chance to receive Mega Evolutions, Galar Pokemon also have none as of right now. There are a number of Pokemon without evolutions at all from this generation, so getting one of them, particularly one that needs a meta buff, a Mega Evolution would be a great addition. Falinks unique design opens up a lot of possibilities for where a Mega Evolution could go. Maybe they all form together into some kind of “Megazord-like” creature?

5. Musharna

Despite being around to potentially receive Mega Evolutions back in the day, Gen 5 really didn’t get any love outside of Mega Audino. Considering Unova fans are already reeling over the lack of Pokemon Black and White remake reveals, they should at least get the secondary prize of seeing some of the best Unova Pokemon get a Mega Evolution or two. Musharna is the one on this list because of its impressive design and need for a meta buff. It’s also wild this Pokemon doesn’t have a Fairy dual typing, so its Mega Evolution should definitely have one. While they’re not on this list, Mega Reuniclus and Mega Chandelure are strong Unova honorable mentions.

4. Tropius

Most of this list covers regions or Pokemon types that don’t have many Mega Evolutions right now, which certainly isn’t the case with Hoenn. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire came about at just the right time to get just about all the Mega Evolutions directed toward Gen 3 Pokemon, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still a few who could use some new forms. Tropius is a standout for being a great design that has unfortunately mostly been ignored throughout the years since it’s a pure Grass type with surprisingly unimpressive stats. Mega Tropius might be able to change things, though.

3. Shuckle

This may be confusing to some, but many Pokemon fans have been asking for a Mega Shuckle for as long as Mega Evolutions have been around. It’s mostly just an extension of the Shuckle fans who want to see the cute turtle-bug-thing get any kind of evolution at all, but that wouldn’t make the positive reception to a Mega Shuckle any smaller. Just don’t do us dirty, Game Freak, nobody wants another Dudunsparce situation.

2. Flygon

It’s number two on the list but it might be number one if Mega Evolution requests were taken to a fan poll. Players have been begging for a Mega Flygon for years, and the reveal that they’re coming back in Pokemon Legends: Z-A already has some chomping at the bit thinking this might finally be the time for the Ground-Dragon with wings. Out of all the Pokemon on this list, it seems like a given that a Mega Flygon would easily become the biggest competitive threat.

1. Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja

With Mega Evolutions being back, it seems like the most natural conclusion is that the three starters from the original Kalos games, Pokemon X & Y, will be getting their own megas. That isn’t necessarily a given. Pokemon Legends: Arceus used three starters from various regions and gave their final forms special regional variants: Dartrix, Typhlosion, and Samurott. That could be what fans see getting Mega Evolutions rather than the three original Kalos starters. Considering those starters have been largely forgotten in recent gens, though, they certainly seem due for something new.

The post Pokemon Legends Z-A: 10 Pokemon Who Need Mega Evolutions appeared first on The Nerd Stash.

If you were eager for more after the Pokemon Present of February, HoYoverse is preparing something quite similar to everyone’s favorite creature-collector games. This turn-based installment already had its Aetherium Wars event in which players could catch monsters and make them battle. It even included a clear reference to the infamous Elite Four. And now, new leaks point to Honkai Star Rail 2.1 having an event that resembles the classic Pokemon games. So, if you can’t wait for a new Poke-adventure, Penacony’s got you covered.

Honkai Star Rail 2.1 Leaks Show a New Event Inspired by Pokemon Red/Blue

The leaked event is Tides of War. It features an easy-to-recognize art style and what might be a familiar-looking protagonist. Those with keen eyes might remember Red from the classic Pokemon games, and now, they’ll take the spotlight in Honkai Star Rail’s 2.1 event. Furthermore, the interface is similar to Game Freak’s first installments. However, this mini-game puts the character in a fighting game inside a Memory Bubble; there are no creatures to capture. Still, it seems you’ll be able to bring your team of husbandos and waifus, so it isn’t entirely unlike Pokemon.

The positive thing about this event is that each stage will have trial characters. Some of the new characters from Star Rail Version 2.1 will also be playable. Gallagher, Acheron, and Aventurine will be there, along with Black Swan and Kafka. We feel this will be a great deal for players who missed certain characters or are uncertain about pulling for them. But if trying new compositions isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry; you can get a lot of Stellar Jade by participating. If leaks turn out to be accurate, Tides of War could have six stages. Each will reward 80 Stellar Jades and some materials to raise the character level and light cones.

If the leaks are true, this might be one of the most rewarding events we’ve had in the game thus far. Lately, players have been enjoying the newly released characters and can’t wait to add more to their rosters. Hopefully, we’ll get enough currency to pull for them, but if not, get that credit card ready to satiate your gacha addiction.

The post Honkai Star Rail Meets Pokemon in Upcoming 2.1 Event appeared first on The Nerd Stash.

Tapu Koko has a unique niche within Pokemon Go on account of the Legendary’s Electric-Fairy type combination. Electric is always a promising type to have around since it only has one weakness in comparison to its various resistances, and pairing that with a typing with as much potential as Fairy means Tapu Koko can be a fierce fighter. Giving the Alolan island defender a solid moveset and understanding its counters is the best way to get the most out of Tapu Koko in Pokemon Go.

Pokemon Go: Tapu Koko Type and Moveset

Tapu Koko’s Electric-Fairy typing means it has a whopping six resistances. Those resistances are for Dragon, Dark, Electric, Bug, Flying, and Fighting. It trades that for two weaknesses: Ground and Poison. The best moves to take advantage of both of Tapu Koko’s types to the fullest extent would be Volt Switch for the fast attack and either Nature’s Madness or Dazzling Gleam for the charged attack.

Some of the most intimidating Pokemon Go competitors that would work well against include:

• Rayquaza
• Salamence
• Ho-Oh
• Togekiss
• Keldeo

Whereas Pokemon the player needs to watch out for when using Tapu Koko in a Pokemon Go battle include:

• Roserade
• Mamoswine
• Excadrill
• Nihilego
• Gengar

Overall, Tapu Koko has the potential to be a surprise offensive hitter on a Pokemon Go team. It’s not really considered a meta pick at the moment due to some of its stats not being as formidable as those at the top, but the unique typing and moveset this Legendary allows could send an unprepared opponent scrambling.

The post Pokemon Go: Tapu Koko Best Moveset and Counters appeared first on The Nerd Stash.

Bidoof is finally making its Build-A-Bear debut as the store announces the newest addition to its Pokemon collection. The lineup already includes fan-favorite Pokemon like Pikachu, Eevee and its evolutions, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and most recently, a giant Charizard. It might seem strange to consider this somewhat derpy-looking beaver Pokemon amidst the ranks of the greats, but Bidoof has risen in popularity among fans of the Pokemon games thanks to its general utility, cuteness, and extreme meme-ability. Given that Bidoof already looks like the perfect plushie in all of its iterations, we’re not surprised that Build-A-Bear is finally helping this Pokemon reach its cuddliest form.

Bidoof the Meme Pokemon Finally Joins the Build-A-Bear Lineup

Bidoof was first introduced in Pokemon Generation 4, and it didn’t exactly catch on with fans right away. As a rodent-esque Normal Pokemon, Bidoof was usually caught quickly, then discarded for more exciting Pokemon as the game progresses. Until that is, players discovered Bidoof’s versatility when it came to HMs.

Recently, Bidoof has started climbing the ladder of Pokemon popularity because it’s essentially a furry multi-tool shaped like a Pokemon. After Bidoof made its debut in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, fans discovered that Bidoof and its evolution, Bibarel, were uniquely suited for learning HMs, or Hidden Moves, which are often necessary for traversing the overworld in a Pokemon game. Bibarel could learn 7 of the 8 HMs included in Diamond and Pearl, which earned Bidoof a reputation as an “HM slave” or a Pokemon kept on a team as a “walking HM container.”

Now, it looks like Bidoof’s hard work with HMs has paid off, as it sits next to famous Build-A-Bear Pokemon plushes like the Gen 1 starters and the Eeveelutions. Bidoof is currently available through the Build-A-Bear online store for $63. The store’s online-only bundle includes a red plaid shirt, orange bandana, and a 5-in-1 sound pack to put inside the plush. If you’re interested in finally getting Bidoof in its true form as a plush, be sure to get yours today.

The post Pokemon’s Bidoof Has Finally Realized Its True Form as A Build-A-Bear Plush appeared first on The Nerd Stash.

My younger self never imagined how valuable all those colorful Pokemon cards were. I was only ever happy to get my favorite Charmander buddy. If I knew, more of them would have survived my childhood. It’s likely, however, that the most expensive Pokemon cards never graced my home. These rare gems are the cards you’ll brag about owning until the end of time. But if you’re anything like me, you’ll never see or touch them. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy them from a distance, right?

What is the Most Expensive Pokemon Card?

Pokemon trading cards always seem to stay in style. For over a decade, they’ve grown beyond their original gaming purpose. Many collect them for the sake of having them, for showing them off. The most expensive Pokemon cards are worthy of both. If you’re in the business of collecting, then prepare to shell out thousands. This isn’t a cheap hobby, after all. 

Below are 15 of the most valuable ones to date. Don’t let the price put you off, though. Always dream big, even for the unobtainable.

15. Umbreon Gold Star Holo 

• Release Date: 2005
• Grading: BGS 9.5
• Value at Auction: $70,000

Who doesn’t enjoy all of Eevee’s unique evolutions? A Pokemon trading card like this one is bound to become a hotly contested one to own. And Umbreon seems so dignified, prancing around. The pocket monster looks less like it’s attacking and more like it’s posing, and that couldn’t be more perfect. Back in the early 2000s, players had to work hard to earn this card. Now, you just need a few grand to become the proud owner. No big deal, right?

14. No. 1 Trainer Super Secret Battle

• Release Date: 1999
• Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
• Value at Auction: $90,000

It wasn’t dubbed the “Super Secret Battle” without reason. This expensive Pokemon card was only rewarded to those contestants who made it to the secretive competition in ’99. The air of mystery surrounding it already gives it a compelling story that anyone would want to talk about. But it also looks so cool in such a simple way. Talk about owning a work of art in card form.

13. Extra Battle Day Full Art Lillie

• Release Date: 2019
• Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
• Value at Auction: $108,000

It’s tough to get rarer than this Pokemon card. The only way you could get it was by earning a chance to draw it out of an exclusive booster pack. But that’s not what makes this one so special. What helped is the “Waifu card tax,” which sees collectors adding more value to anything with women on it. Regardless of that, Lillie’s looks are as sweet as her personality, and she makes a great addition to any collector’s books.

12. Pokemon World Championships Promo No. 2 Trainer

• Release Date: 2006
• Grading: PSA 9
• Value at Auction: $110,100

Nothing can quite give you the euphoria of victory than Pikachu holding a trophy. This Pokemon card is one you’ll want to show off in the books. You won’t see it up for auction often, though. This is because it’s the very definition of “rare.” It was only given to winners in the 2006 World Championship, which means only a handful exists. It’ll be a surprise to ever see one up for auction again.

11. Snap Magikarp

• Release Date: 1999
• Grading: PSA Authentic
• Value at Auction: $136,000

Although not the most expensive Pokemon cards, the rarity is almost unmatched. In just 2022, it resurfaced after many believed it was gone forever. It originally began as part of a promotion by CoroCoro Magazine. When it did sell at auction, it was most likely for the first time. Can you picture scoring a card that no one else purchased before since its ’99 release date? You couldn’t stop me from bragging about it.

10. Toshiyuki Yamaguchi No. 2 Trainer Card

• Release Date: 2000
• Grading: PSA 8
• Value at Auction: $137,500

Out of all the Pokemon cards you could collect, sometimes owning a one-of-a-kind is all you need. That’s precisely what this card is. It was created purely as a gift for the second-place winner of the 2000 Japanese World Summer Challenge. Despite the top three competitors earning exclusive cards, only this one landed a CGC grade. The image is charming and easily reflects your average Pokemon fan.

9. Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia

• Release Date: 2000
• Grading: BGS Pristine 10
• Value at Auction: $144,300

Lugia is popular in its own right, especially when the Legendary soared onto the scene in Pokemon Silver. Even today it’s still praised, so of course the Pokemon would be on one of the most expensive cards. A ridiculous notion about this one is that it features the Pristine grade, which is notoriously difficult to snag. That helped explode this card in popularity that doesn’t seem to be dimming anytime soon.

8. Kangaskhan Holo Family Event Trophy

• Release Date: 1998
• Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
• Value at Auction: $175,000

The background concerning this Pokemon card is simply sweet. It required a parent-child combo to participate in TCG battles. Fitting because the artwork of Kangaskhan features its baby in its pouch. It’s a loving example of how generational Pokemon is, and the fact that it auctions for such a steep price highlights how the family aspect won’t be dimming anytime soon.

7. Ishihara GX Promo Card – Autographed

• Release Date: 2017
• Grading: PSA 7 | Autographed 9
• Value at Auction: $247,230

This is not a Pokemon card many would go to at first glance, but the unique piece has held firm in the top 10 most expensive ones. Not only does it feature Pokemon Company President Tsunekazu Ishihara, but he signed this one. That instantly propelled its value among avid collectors, and they did not disappoint when it landed in the auction house in 2021. It’s yet another one-of-a-kind card any fan would love to have.

6. Bronze Pikachu No. 3 Trainer Trophy

• Release Date: 1997
• Grading: PSA 8
• Value at Auction: $300,000

What better way to commemorate the first TCG tournament in 1997 than with a Pikachu-themed card? Anyone could see why this is one of the more expensive Pokemon cards, thanks to the fact that out of the dozens made, PSA only graded four. Of course, that includes this one. You can have a piece of history in your hands if you ever manage to come up with an extraordinary amount of money if it hits auction again.

5. Blastoise Presentation Galaxy Star Holo

• Release Date: 1998
• Grading: CGC 8.5
• Value at Auction: $360,000

Despite its ‘98 release date, the public discovered this card just in 2021. Its full history is still a little blurry, but there’s no denying its value as one of the most expensive Pokemon cards. The piece is historic at this point. It’s even believed to be one of two ever created. Will you ever own one? The likelihood is slim. But this classic Pokemon is always nice to look at.

4. Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Charizard #4

• Release Date: 1999
• Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
• Value at Auction: $420,000

Charizard was always one of the top Pokemon back in the ‘90s. This glorious creature has been my favorite since I first laid eyes on the pocket monsters as a kid. Owning a 1st edition card would be a dream come true. Initially priced around $200,000 thanks to the rapper Logic, the value doubled by 2022 in a way not many expected. It still has a ways to go, but Charizard is sure to move up in price in the future.

3. Pikachu Silver Trophy

• Release Date: 1998
• Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
• Value at Auction: $444,000

Now, we’re getting into the rarest and costliest cards in existence. Pikachu proudly clutching a silver trophy is something you don’t think you need until you witness it. The popular and lovable pocket monster looks so gleeful on that podium, perhaps as much as the second-place winner the card was given to. Since only a few were made, and this is the only one with a Gem Mint grade, it’s highly pursued in the collector’s market.

2. Topsun Charizard Blue Back

• Release Date: 1995
• Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
• Value at Auction: $493,230

Widely believed to be part of the first card set ever released, Charizard continues to prove why it and its evolutionary line are my favorite monsters. It looks incredible in a simple yet fiery pose, instantly transporting you back to the ’90s, where it all began. What helps this stand out is the fact that it’s based on the anime version of it. Not many these days can claim well-preserved artwork from that time.

1. Pikachu Illustrator Card

• Release Date: 1998
• Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
• Value at Auction: $5.275 million

The most expensive Pokemon card known to date easily scales millions, and of course it features the most recognized pocket monster Pikachu. It steadily sold above $100,000 for years. However, it recently exploded in value, soaring beyond millions before any of us could even realize what was happening. Influencer Logan Paul boasts acquired it back in 2022, showing it off during WrestleMania. This card remains the rarest of them all, and with that price point, it won’t lose that title in the near future.

And those are the priciest Pokemon cards so far. As values change, things can always fluctuate. In the meantime, we can all sit back and admire the cards that we will probably never own. It’s always a pleasant dream, though.

The post 15 Most Expensive Pokemon Cards You’ll Only Own in Your Dreams appeared first on The Nerd Stash.

Pokemon has released three new Funko Pops, and fans of Greninja, Chimchar, and Snubbull can get adorable, collectible versions of their favorite pocket monsters starting today. Funko’s been hard at work expanding their Pokemon lineup lately, with other new releases, including Grookey, Luxray, Wooloo, and the Gen 1 Starters are a 3-piece set. If Pokemon isn’t your thing, there’s also new Inuyasha, Rebel Moon, 85th Anniversary Wizard of Oz, and Lilo & Stitch Funko Pops, available through Amazon, Entertainment Earth, Hot Topic, and other retailers.

Funko Pop Releases New Pokemon Figurines From Ye Olde Generations

Anyone familiar with older Pokemon games will surely be familiar with Greninja, Chimchar, and Snubbull. Greninja is the final evolution of Froakie, the water starter for Generation 6; Chimchar is the fire starter for Generation 4, and Snubbull has technically been around since Generation 2 but only got its Fairy typing in Generation 6. Snubbull, Chimchar, and Greninja’s Funko Pops are available through Amazon and Entertainment Earth, along with Funko Pops for Grookey, Wooloo, and Luxray, among others. If you want to go all the way back to Gen 1, you can also get a 3-piece set with Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle in Professor Oak’s lab.

Along with the new Pokemon figurines, Funko has also released new Funko Pops for Inuyasha, with new additions including Miroku, Koga, Inuyasha, Kogome, and more. Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon has Funko Pops for Gunnar, Milius, Tarak, and Kora, among others. The Wizard of Oz has released special sepia-toned Funko Pops of Dorothy and Toto for its 85th anniversary, and Disney’s Lilo & Stitch will be releasing new Pops of Lilo, Stitch, and Stitch in costume coming to a retailer near you. Other new Funko Pop releases include Harry Potter, Spider-Man 2, 65th Anniversary Sleeping Beauty, and 50th Anniversary Wolverine, including a figure with battle damage included.

Be sure to check out Amazon, Entertainment Earth, and Funko’s official website to get your favorite Funk Pop today.

The post You Can Get Greninja, Chimchar, and Snubbull as Funko Pops Now! appeared first on The Nerd Stash.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet players are certainly not strangers to the concept of a free giveaway. Even though the game’s been out for some time now, Pokemon still enjoys giving its fans a treat every now and then. Many of the game’s giveaways are small Mystery Gift items, like clothing, food, or accessories, but not the newest one: now, you can get a rare Paradox Pokemon completely free. For just this weekend, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet players will be able to claim a leveled-up Iron Hands straight from Marco Silva, the most recent Latin American Pokemon Champion.

Pokemon is Giving Away Marco Silva’s Iron Hands at Level 50

Usually, when the Pokemon Company decides to give away a Pokemon, it’s for a good reason, like celebrating an event or wanting to draw attention to a new game feature. This time, the giveaway is aimed at the competitive Pokemon scene as they give players a sample of the kind of Pokemon that belong on an international champion’s team. The Pokemon that’s being given away is a Level 50 Iron Hands owned by Marco Silva, who won the Master’s Division at this year’s Latin American International Championship (LAIC). Iron Hands was reportedly a “core member of [Silva’s] team,” so if you want a championship Pokemon, be sure to claim yours before the giveaway ends on April 8th.

To claim their free Pokemon, all Scarlet & Violet players will need to do is go to the game’s Mystery Gifts screen through the main menu. You can find a full guide on how to claim Mystery gifts here, but once you’re looking at the “Redeem Code” screen, enter the following code to claim an Iron Hands with the stats we’ve listed below.

• Giveaway Code: FAKE0UTEU1C
• Poke Ball: Cherish Ball
• Level: 50
• Tera Type: Water
• Original Trainer: Marco
• Nature: Adamant
• Ability: Quark Drive
• Held Item: Assault Vest (Increases the holder’s Special Defense by 50% but the holder can only use damaging attacks.)
• Moves List: Drain Punch, Volt Switch, Wild Charge, Fake Out

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet players will be able to claim their Iron Hands until 4:59pm (PDT) on April 8th, 2024. Once the giveaway is done, the opportunity will be gone, so if you’re interested, be sure to claim your International Champion of a Pokemon before they’re gone.

The post This Championship Paradox Pokemon is Free For Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Fans appeared first on The Nerd Stash.