Modern Pokémon cards that are currently rising in value in 2025 include several key cards from recent expansions, especially those featuring popular Pokémon like Charizard, as well as sought-after Trainer cards and special illustrations. The most notable rising cards come from sets such as Inferno X, Twilight Masquerade, and the Mega Evolution expansion, among others.
The **Mega Charizard X Ex cards from the Inferno X set** are dominating the market, with the #116 Mega Charizard X Ex fetching nearly £800 ungraded and the #110 version pushing past £500. These cards are highly prized due to their stunning artwork, nostalgic appeal, and the iconic status of Charizard itself, which consistently drives demand and price increases. Charizard remains the undisputed king of modern Pokémon card value growth in 2025[1].
Other cards from Inferno X also show strong upward trends. For example, the **Oricorio Ex #111** has gained unexpected popularity due to its bright, colorful artwork and rarity, trading around £82.05. The **Dawn #115 Trainer card** is another standout, with its full-art design and large fanbase pushing prices above £115. Trainer cards like Dawn often gain value because they are both collectible and useful in gameplay, which sustains demand[1].
From the Twilight Masquerade set, the **Greninja ex Special Illustration Rare** card has become a valuable pull, appreciated both by collectors and players. This set, while not as nostalgic as older ones, offers strong gameplay cards and attractive alternate artwork, which helps maintain and grow card values. The Illustration Rare Eevee card from the same set also holds value well, appealing to fans of the Pokémon[2].
In the Mega Evolution expansion, **Mega Gardevoir ex** is a card to watch. It has strong synergy with Psychic-type decks and offers powerful gameplay potential, which can drive demand among competitive players. Its Mega Symphonia attack and compatibility with other Psychic cards make it a strategic choice, increasing its desirability and price over time[5].
Beyond individual cards, market trends show that **high-grade vintage cards and Japanese exclusives** continue to be strong investments. Cards graded PSA 10, especially first edition Base Set holographics and rare promos, command premium prices. Japanese World Championship promos and alternate-art cards are also increasingly sought after due to their limited availability and superior print quality[6].
It is important to note that some cards that were once highly valuable have seen price declines. For example, the **Pikachu EX (Special Illustration Rare, 238)** from the Surging Sparks set was once a hot chase card but has dropped below $20 in price due to newer releases and changing meta relevance. This illustrates that not all modern cards maintain their value, and market dynamics can shift based on competitive play and collector interest[4].
In summary, the modern Pokémon cards rising in value in 2025 are largely those that combine rarity, iconic Pokémon, strong artwork, and competitive playability. Charizard variants, especially Mega Charizard X Ex cards from Inferno X, lead the pack, followed by popular Trainer cards like Dawn and fan-favorites like Oricorio Ex. Sets like Twilight Masquerade and Mega Evolution also contribute valuable cards, particularly those with special illustrations or strong gameplay synergy. Collectors and investors are advised to focus on high-grade cards, Japanese exclusives, and cards with both nostalgic and competitive appeal to capitalize on current market trends[1][2][5][6].
