Overview
Scarlet & Violet is the inaugural set of the Pokémon Trading Card Game's ninth generation, released on March 31, 2023. This historic set marks the beginning of the Paldea region era, introducing the revolutionary Terastal mechanic with Tera Pokémon ex and bringing back the beloved "ex" card type to replace the V/VMAX/VSTAR system. The set also introduced a major visual change: the switch from yellow borders to grey/silver borders for English cards.
🌟 First Gen 9 set • 10 Special Illustration Rares • Terastal mechanic debut • Return of ex cards • Grey border era begins • Box legendaries Koraidon & Miraidon
The set features iconic chase cards including Gardevoir ex SIR (#245), widely considered to have the best artwork in the set with its storytelling connection to Ralts and Kirlia Illustration Rares. Miriam SIR (#251) became the original "waifu" chase of the Scarlet & Violet era, while the box legendaries Koraidon ex and Miraidon ex deliver stunning alternate art that captures the ancient vs. future theme of Generation 9. As the foundation of a new era, Scarlet & Violet base set delivers both competitive staples and collectible masterpieces.
Set Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 31, 2023 |
| Total Cards | 258 cards (198 Main Set + 60 Secret Rares) |
| Set Type | Base Set • Scarlet & Violet Series Launch |
| Key Pokémon | Koraidon ex • Miraidon ex • Gardevoir ex • Great Tusk ex • Iron Treads ex • Spidops ex |
| Card Rarities | Pokémon ex • Ultra Rares • Illustration Rares • Special Illustration Rares • Hyper Rares (Gold) |
| Key Features | 10 Special Illustration Rares • 24 Illustration Rares • Terastal mechanic • Return of ex cards • Grey border debut |
| Theme | Launch of Generation 9 and the Paldea region, introducing Terastal phenomenon and the return of ex mechanics |
Rarity Distribution
Available Products
| Image | Product Name | Contents | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Booster Pack | 10 cards per pack • 1 guaranteed holo rare or higher | Mar 31, 2023 |
 |
Booster Box | 36 booster packs | Mar 31, 2023 |
 |
Build & Battle Box | 4 booster packs • 40-card deck • 1 of 4 promos (Quaquaval, Pawmot, Hawlucha, Revavroom) • Deck box | Mar 17, 2023 |
 |
Build & Battle Stadium | 2 Build & Battle Boxes • 3 extra packs (11 packs total) • Playmat • Tournament materials | Mar 31, 2023 |
 |
Elite Trainer Box | 9 booster packs • Koraidon or Miraidon promo • 65 card sleeves • Accessories | Mar 31, 2023 |
 |
Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box | 11 booster packs • 2 promos (1 stamped, 1 standard) • 65 card sleeves • Exclusive coin | Mar 31, 2023 |
 |
Booster Bundle | 6 booster packs | Mar 31, 2023 |
 |
Three-Pack Blister | 3 booster packs • Promo card (Arcanine or Dondozo) | Mar 31, 2023 |
 |
Checklane Blister | 1 booster pack • Coin • Promo card (Spidops or Espathra) | Mar 31, 2023 |
 |
Premium Checklane Blister | 1 booster pack • Coin • 3 promo cards (Machamp or Gengar evolution line) | Mar 31, 2023 |
Special Illustration Rares
Scarlet & Violet features 10 Special Illustration Rares showcasing the box legendaries, popular Paldean Pokémon, and key trainers from the new generation.
| Card Image | Card Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 |
Spidops ex 243/198 SIR | Bug-type Paldean Pokémon • Unique spider design with web-themed artwork |
 |
Miraidon ex 244/198 SIR | Future Paradox legendary • Box mascot • Sleek futuristic city background • Top chase card |
 |
Gardevoir ex 245/198 SIR | Best artwork in the set • Tells a story with Ralts/Kirlia IRs • Highly sought-after • Top chase card |
 |
Great Tusk ex 246/198 SIR | Ancient Paradox Pokémon • Ground/Fighting-type prehistoric mammoth |
 |
Koraidon ex 247/198 SIR | Ancient Paradox legendary • Box mascot • Wild jungle aesthetic • Top chase card |
 |
Iron Treads ex 248/198 SIR | Future Paradox Pokémon • Ground/Steel-type mechanical behemoth |
 |
Arven 249/198 SIR | Paldean student • Searching for Herba Mystica • Emotionally resonant character |
 |
Jacq 250/198 SIR | Biology teacher • Pokédex developer • Academy faculty member |
 |
Miriam 251/198 SIR | The original waifu chase • Academy nurse • Most expensive card at release • Top chase card |
 |
Penny 252/198 SIR | Team Star leader • Shy hacker with Eevee backpack • Fan-favorite character |
🌟 Scarlet & Violet's Special Illustration Rares are headlined by three major chase cards: Gardevoir ex (#245) with its stunning storytelling artwork, Miriam (#251) as the original SV era "waifu" card, and the box legendaries Koraidon ex and Miraidon ex capturing the ancient vs. future duality theme.
🌟 Scarlet & Violet's Special Illustration Rares are headlined by three major chase cards: Gardevoir ex (#245) with its stunning storytelling artwork, Miriam (#251) as the original SV era "waifu" card, and the box legendaries Koraidon ex and Miraidon ex capturing the ancient vs. future duality theme.
The Gardevoir Story: Artwork That Tells a Journey
Gardevoir ex #245 — Special Illustration Rare
Gardevoir ex SIR is widely considered the best artwork in Scarlet & Violet base set, not just for its technical execution, but for its emotional storytelling. This card doesn't exist in isolation—it's the culmination of a three-card narrative journey that begins with Ralts and Kirlia Illustration Rares in the same set.
The Three-Card Story
Ralts IR (#211) → Kirlia IR (#212) → Gardevoir ex SIR (#245)
Each card shows the Pokémon at a different life stage, with consistent artistic style and emotional progression.
Why Gardevoir ex Stands Out
1. Narrative Progression: The artwork tells the story of a Ralts growing up alongside its trainer, from a small, shy Pokémon to a powerful, protective Gardevoir. Collectors who own all three cards can display them together to show the complete journey.
2. Emotional Resonance: The Gardevoir ex artwork captures a moment of connection between trainer and Pokémon, with Gardevoir's protective, elegant pose radiating the loyalty and bond the species is known for in the games and anime.
3. Technical Excellence: The illustration features stunning detail work, dynamic composition, and a color palette that makes it stand out even among other SIRs. The textured foiling enhances the artwork rather than overwhelming it.
4. Collector Demand: As one of the most beloved Pokémon across all generations, Gardevoir has a dedicated fanbase. This SIR combines that nostalgia with genuinely exceptional art, making it one of the most sought-after cards in the base set.
💚 Collector Tip: For the ultimate display piece, collect all three cards: Ralts IR, Kirlia IR, and Gardevoir ex SIR. Together, they tell one of the most compelling visual stories in modern TCG history. The combined set has become a popular "master set within a set" goal for Scarlet & Violet collectors.
Collecting Strategy
Scarlet & Violet base set launched a new era for Pokémon TCG with the return of ex cards and the introduction of Terastal mechanics. As the first set of Generation 9, it carries historical significance while delivering some of the most beautiful artwork in modern TCG. Here's how to approach collecting this foundational set.
🎯 Know Your Pull Rates
Understanding Scarlet & Violet's pull structure:
- ✨ Illustration Rare: Approximately 1 in 15 packs
- 🌟 Any SIR: Roughly 1 in 50-60 packs
- 💚 Specific Gardevoir ex SIR: ~1 in 500-600 packs (10 SIRs total)
- 👩 Specific Miriam SIR: ~1 in 500-600 packs (10 SIRs total)
- 💎 Ultra Rare: About 1 in 10-12 packs
💚 The Top Chase Cards
Gardevoir ex SIR (#245): Widely considered the best artwork in the set, this card tells a story when collected alongside Ralts IR (#211) and Kirlia IR (#212). Currently valued at $50-80 depending on condition and market fluctuations.
Miriam SIR (#251): The original "waifu" chase of the Scarlet & Violet era. At launch, this was the most expensive card ($80+), but it has since settled to a more accessible $25-40, making it a great pickup for collectors who waited.
Koraidon ex & Miraidon ex SIRs: The box legendaries command $40-70 each, with Miraidon often slightly more valuable due to its sleek futuristic aesthetic and competitive viability.
💡 Pro Tip: The Gardevoir evolution line (Ralts IR + Kirlia IR + Gardevoir ex SIR) makes an exceptional display set. Collectors often specifically target all three cards together, which has helped maintain their value.
🎁 Booster Box Strategy
Best for: Collectors who want to experience Gen 9's launch set while building bulk
A booster box (36 packs) typically yields 2-3 Illustration Rares and might hit one SIR (not guaranteed). With only 10 SIRs in the set, your odds are better than sets with 15+ SIRs, but targeting a specific chase like Gardevoir or Miriam remains statistically unfavorable. This approach works best if you're building the complete set and treating SIRs as bonus hits rather than guaranteed pulls.
💰 Singles Strategy (Recommended for Chase Cards)
Best for: Collectors targeting specific high-value cards
For chase SIRs like Gardevoir ex ($50-80) and Miriam ($25-40), buying singles is more economical than opening sealed product. At approximately 1 in 500-600 packs per specific SIR, you'd need 14-17 booster boxes ($1,800-2,200) to statistically hit your target. The secondary market offers far better value.
🏆 Competitive Player's Path
Best for: Tournament players building decks
Miraidon ex and Koraidon ex saw significant competitive play at launch and remain viable in certain meta environments. Buy regular art versions ($5-10 each) for budget decks. Gardevoir ex also has competitive applications. Focus on playsets of the regular versions rather than chasing expensive alternate arts.
📈 Investment & Historical Significance
Best for: Long-term collectors and sealed product investors
As the first set of Generation 9 and the launch of the grey border era, Scarlet & Violet base set holds historical significance. Sealed booster boxes and Elite Trainer Boxes may appreciate over time, especially as the set goes out of print. The PC Elite Trainer Box variants with exclusive coins and stamped promos are particularly desirable for sealed collectors.
🎨 Hidden Gems in Illustration Rares
Don't overlook the IR lineup:
With 24 Illustration Rares in the set, there's exceptional artwork beyond the SIRs. Ralts (#211) and Kirlia (#212) are essential for Gardevoir collectors. Other standouts include Fidough, Armarouge, and Ceruledge, all featuring beautiful artwork at $5-15 price points—far more accessible than SIRs.
🌟 Bottom Line: Scarlet & Violet base set is the foundation of Gen 9, offering historical significance and stunning artwork. Top chases are Gardevoir ex SIR (best artwork + storytelling), Miriam SIR (original waifu), and the box legendaries. Pull rates favor singles buying for specific targets, but booster boxes remain enjoyable for set builders. As the first set of a new era, sealed product may appreciate significantly over time.
Where to Buy
🇺🇸 United States
Scarlet & Violet is available at major retailers and the Pokémon Center.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
UK collectors can find Scarlet & Violet at official retailers and major game stores.