4 min read


If you collect Pokémon cards, the Sun & Moon series is a name you cannot ignore. This series did not just bring new cards, it opened a completely new era within the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Think exotic Alola forms, stunning GX cards and legendary Tag Teams. In this blog we take you to the tropical world of Sun & Moon – a series full of innovation, collecting fun and cards that are already iconic.


What is the Sun & Moon series?

The Sun & Moon series started in February 2017 and ran until the end of 2019. After the successful XY generation the successors had to deliver something special, and they did. The very first GX cards were introduced, and the classic Pokémon got an Alola makeover with completely new types.

A set list with stories

1. Sun & Moon Base Set (February 2017)
The first step into Alola. With the introduction of GX cards and a fresh layout, this set set the tone. Many collectors remember the hunt for Full Art Lillie – a card that is now worth hundreds of euros.


2. Guardians Rising (May 2017)
This set brought Tapu Lele GX – a card that turned the competitive scene completely upside down. Everybody wanted it. The rainbow colours of the Guardians gave the TCG a unique flair.


3. Burning Shadows (August 2017)
Known for one thing: Rainbow Rare Charizard GX. So sought after that it is now one of the most expensive modern cards. The set brought fiery tension and legendary status.


4. Crimson Invasion (November 2017)
Although this set was less popular at first, it gets more appreciation now. The Ultra Beasts appeared for the first time – strange, strong and intriguing.


5. Ultra Prism (February 2018)
A set many collectors hold dear. Prism Star cards, full art trainers such as Cynthia and the return of Sinnoh Pokémon made this a well-loved release.


6. Forbidden Light (May 2018)
Light versus dark, with cards such as Ultra Necrozma GX. The atmosphere of this set was intense and brought together themes of mystery and power.


7. Celestial Storm (August 2018)
A set full of nostalgia: reprints of old favourites combined with new power. Rayquaza GX made its comeback, and how!


8. Dragon Majesty (September 2018)
A special mini set full of dragons – what more could you want? Charizard, Dragonite, Salamence… all in stunning holofoils.


9. Lost Thunder (November 2018)
The biggest set up to that point. Zeraora GX stole the show, but Suicune and Lugia got beautiful cards too. The energy of Johto was all over it.


10. Team Up (February 2019)
The introduction of Tag Team GX cards. Pikachu & Zekrom, Eevee & Snorlax – this was the set that made duo cards popular. A game changer.


11. Unbroken Bonds (May 2019)
Reshiram & Charizard GX dominated this release. Every booster felt like a shot at fireworks – literally and figuratively.


12. Unified Minds (August 2019)
The Tag Team trend continued, with Mewtwo & Mew GX among others. Powerful combinations and futuristic artwork gave this set something special.

 


13. Hidden Fates (August 2019)
Not officially numbered within Sun & Moon, but a mega release all the same. Shiny Vault. Shiny Charizard. Shiny Eeveelutions. Everybody was after this set. And many still are.


14. Cosmic Eclipse (November 2019)
The grand finale of the series. Pokémon and trainers on one card, like Red & Pikachu. It was an emotional tribute to the TCG.

Why is this series so important?

As you know, Sun & Moon marked a transition in how the TCG looked and played. GX cards brought powerful effects, but when they were knocked out your opponent took two Prize Cards – which made for risky strategies. The arrival of Tag Team GX brought even more spectacle: two Pokémon on one card with brutal attacks and impressive art.

For collectors this was a high point too:

  • Artwork became livelier and bolder
  • Trainers got their moment in the spotlight (think of Lillie, Cynthia, Rosa)
  • Every set had at least one strong chase card

On top of that, this series had a strong link to the Alola region from the games, which added extra recognition and thematic depth.

The most popular and most expensive cards

Within Sun & Moon there are cards that are already true classics:

Lillie (Full Art, Sun & Moon Base) – €200 – €335 (PSA 10)
Charizard GX (Rainbow Rare, Burning Shadows) – €2,899 – €3,025 (PSA 10)
Cynthia (Full Art, Ultra Prism) – €700 – €800 (PSA 10)
Pikachu & Zekrom GX (Alternate Art, Team Up) – €200 – €250 (PSA 10)
Arceus & Dialga & Palkia GX (Alternate Art, Cosmic Eclipse) – €950 – €1,066

These cards are loved not only for their power, but also for their rarity, their artwork and their emotional value for fans of the series.


Is Sun & Moon a good investment?

Definitely. The series is fully closed by now, which means sealed products (such as booster packs, booster boxes, tins and ETBs) are no longer produced. That pushes prices up – certainly for sets like Burning Shadows, Team Up and Cosmic Eclipse.

What we personally like about Sun & Moon is that it bridges old collecting tradition and the modern TCG explosion. The sets are varied, playful and full of visual impact.

So whether you look back with nostalgia or are only just starting to collect: the Sun & Moon series is a sparkling choice. GX, Tag Team, Alola – it all comes together here in a series that changed the Pokémon TCG for good.