Set Overview
EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua was the fourth EX Series set, released in March 2004. It built the set around the two rival villain teams from Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire — Team Magma and Team Aqua — with a large share of cards branded as one team’s Pokémon. Two secret rares, Absol and Jirachi, sit beyond the printed total.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 2004 (English) |
| Publisher | Nintendo / The Pokémon Company |
| Total Cards | 97 cards (95 numbered + 2 secret rares) |
| Pokémon-ex | 7 Pokémon-ex (cards 89–95) |
| Secret Rares | Absol & Jirachi (96–97) |
| Key Chase Card | Jirachi 97/95 (Secret Rare) |
About the Set
The set’s hook is its Team Magma / Team Aqua branding: many cards are labelled as a specific team’s Pokémon, echoing the rival factions of the Ruby & Sapphire games. Its seven Pokémon-ex are the Hoenn starters Blaziken, Sceptile and Swampert, the legendary beasts Entei, Raikou and Suicune, and Cradily. Beyond the printed total of 95 sit two secret rares, Absol and Jirachi.
How to identify it: cards read N/95. Team-branded cards carry the faction in their name (“Team Aqua’s …” or “Team Magma’s …”). The two secret rares are numbered 96/95 and 97/95, above the set total, and Pokémon-ex have the silver holo border.
Pokémon-ex & Secret Rares
EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua had a single Unlimited print run. The cards that matter to collectors are the seven Pokémon-ex and the two secret rares numbered past the total.
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Pokémon-ex (89–95) | The seven silver-bordered ex cards — the set’s ultra rares, worth two prizes when knocked out. |
| Secret rares (96–97) | Absol and Jirachi, numbered beyond 95 — the hidden chase cards of the set. |
| Reverse holo | Parallel foil versions of commons, uncommons and rares, with the shimmer across the whole card body. |
Note: the gallery below covers all 97 cards, including the two secret rares. A number above 95 — such as 97/95 — marks a secret rare.
Complete Card Gallery
All 97 cards from EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua, including the seven Pokémon-ex and the two secret rares. Click any card to view it full size — use the arrow keys (or swipe) to move through the set.
Key Cards
The two secret rares and the Pokémon-ex lead the set, with the secret-rare Jirachi a popular chase.
| Card | Name | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
 |
Jirachi 97/95 Secret Rare | The set’s headline secret rare, numbered beyond the total at 97/95, and a popular chase card. |
 |
Absol 96/95 Secret Rare | The second secret rare, numbered 96/95 above the set total. |
 |
Blaziken ex 89/95 Pokémon-ex | One of the three Hoenn starter ex, and the first Pokémon-ex by number in the set. |
 |
Swampert ex 95/95 Pokémon-ex | Closes the numbered set at 95/95 as the water-starter ex. |
Promo Cards
The Nintendo Black Star Promos from this era leaned on Hoenn Pokémon, including Kyogre and Groudon — the mascots of the two rival teams — and the wish Pokémon Jirachi.
Nintendo Black Star Promos use their own numbering (#1 onward) and carry a black star where a set symbol would be.
Collecting & Where to Buy
EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua is out of print and trades on the secondary market. Team-branded singles are inexpensive, while the seven Pokémon-ex and the two secret rares — Jirachi especially — carry the strongest premiums.
Collector tip: the secret rares (96/95 Absol, 97/95 Jirachi) and the Pokémon-ex are where the value sits — confirm the numbering and check the ex holo borders for wear.
Note: external links are provided for reference only. Always confirm a card's printing, condition and authenticity before purchasing.