The moment I watched the trailer for *Extradimensional Crisis*, memories of the *Sun and Moon* era flooded back. It was during this time that I began to notice the Pokémon TCG's knack for pushing boundaries with its creativity. Seeing Ultra Beasts burst onto the scene with their bizarre designs and chaotic vibes reminded me of the thrill of tearing open *Crimson Invasion* packs and trying to figure out where half those creatures even came from. It was messy, bold—and (kind of) perfect. So, let’s journey back to *Alola* and revisit some of my favorite cards from the *Sun and Moon* expansions.
My Favorite Sun and Moon Pokémon Cards
Umbreon GX
Price: $58.99 at TCG Player
Espeon GX
Price: $36.69 at TCG Player
Sylveon GX
Price: $194.00 at TCG Player
Charizard GX
Price: $350.00 at TCG Player
Mewtwo GX
Price: $373.99 at TCG Player
Shining Mew
Price: $70.37 at TCG Player
Mewtwo GX
Price: $54.49 at TCG Player
Shining Rayquaza
Price: $54.94 at TCG Player
Raichu GX
Price: $42.00 at TCG Player
Lucario GX
Price: $98.02 at TCG Player
This latest set feels like it’s pulling threads straight from that era. Buzzwole, Nihilego, Type Null—even Lusamine with her oddly specific energy effect—all evoke that nostalgic familiarity. It’s like catching glimpses of Forbidden Light’s unpredictability, Ultra Prism’s flashiness, and the Hidden Fates shiny overload.
Cosmic Eclipse
Mega Lopunny & Jigglypuff GX
Price: $170.00 at TCG Player
Bulbasaur & Piplup GX
Price: $264.99 at TCG Player
Arceus & Dialga & Palkia GX
Price: $394.00 at TCG Player
Solgaleo & Lunala GX
Price: $330.00 at TCG Player
Reshiram & Zekrom GX
Price: $340.00 at TCG Player
Cosmic Eclipse wrapped up the Sun and Moon era with a bang, introducing Character Rares. I still remember the Arceus, Dialga, and Palkia GX card catching my eye at a trade table—it looked absolutely epic. Rosa’s Full Art card had a serene yet powerful vibe, while the Pikachu Character Rare gave me warm fuzzies the first time I saw it.
Hidden Fates: Shiny Vault
Mewtwo GX SV59/SV94
Price: $64.00 at TCG Player
Espeon GX SV60/SV94
Price: $100.00 at TCG Player
Sylveon GX SV76/SV94
Price: $124.00 at TCG Player
Umbreon GX SV69/SV94
Price: $223.00 at TCG Player
Charizard GX SV49/SV94
Price: $470.00 at TCG Player
Hidden Fates dropped in August 2019 and turned the hype dial all the way up. The Shiny Vault was stacked, but Shiny Charizard GX was the crown jewel. I never pulled one myself, but I saw someone do it at a local event and the entire table froze in awe. Even pulling a shiny Rowlet made me realize how deep the rabbit hole went.
Unified Minds
Raichu & Alolan Raichu GX
Price: $199.50 at TCG Player
Dragonite GX
Price: $151.29 at TCG Player
Mewtwo & Mew GX
Price: $199.11 at TCG Player
Slowpoke & Psyduck GX
Price: $284.96 at TCG Player
Unified Minds kept the momentum going strong. Mewtwo & Mew GX felt like fanfiction come to life. While I never owned one, I’ve played against it enough to know it was no joke. Slowpoke & Psyduck GX made me laugh initially, then nervous once I saw its potential. Cherish Ball also emerged from this set, becoming a must-have for its functionality.
Unbroken Bonds
Red's Challenge
Price: $107.38 at TCG Player
Marshadow & Machamp GX
Price: $169.99 at TCG Player
Reshiram & Charizard GX
Price: $204.99 at TCG Player
Greninja & Zoroark GX
Price: $219.98 at TCG Player
Gardevoir & Sylveon GX
Price: $526.12 at TCG Player
Unbroken Bonds doubled down on the tag team mechanic. Reshiram & Charizard GX was the big draw, and one of my friends pulled it—his
