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If you have ever wanted to see a Pokémon talk, Detective Pikachu was your dream coming true. This iconic Pokémon not only appeared on the big screen, it also got its own card set and its own merchandise. In this blog we dive into the mystery of Detective Pikachu: the film, the TCG set, the rarest cards and a few fun facts.


Detective Pikachu: the film

In 2019 the live-action film Pokémon: Detective Pikachu was released, with Ryan Reynolds as the voice of Pikachu. As you know, this was the first time Pokémon were brought to life in such a realistic way. The film tells the story of Tim Goodman, who is looking for his missing father and gets help from... a talking Pikachu with a coffee addiction and a detective hat.

The film was surprisingly successful. Not only because of the nostalgia, but also because of the unique concept. It brought together fans of all ages and created renewed interest in the franchise.


The Detective Pikachu TCG set

Alongside the film, Pokémon released a special card set: Detective Pikachu. This set appeared in 2019 and contained 27 cards, all based on characters and scenes from the film. What makes it unique? Every card is holofoil and has a cinematic style.

A few well-known cards from the set. Have a look at the most popular Pikachu Pokemon cards here too:

  • Detective Pikachu – the mascot of the set, of course.
  • Charizard – a tough card based on the fight in the arena.
  • Greninja – known from the scene in the lab.
  • Mewtwo – a key figure in the film and a strong card in the set.

The rarest and most expensive cards

Although it is a small set, some of the cards have become quite valuable by now:



Charizard (Detective Pikachu 5/18)

  • Value PSA 10: €69 – €89

Mewtwo (Detective Pikachu 12/18)

  • Value PSA 10: €40 – €60

Detective Pikachu Promo (SM194)

  • A promo card that came with film products. PSA 10: €60 – €90

Which Detective Pikachu items are there?

Besides the card set, Pokémon released all sorts of items:

  • Detective Pikachu Tins
  • Special Cases with boosters and promos
  • Detective Pikachu plush toys
  • Figures and keyrings
  • Clothing and mugs with the Detective Pikachu logo

For collectors who are fans of the film as well, these products are great fun to own.


A fun fact about the production

Did you know Ryan Reynolds did all the facial scans and motion capture for Pikachu himself? Yes, those Detective Pikachu expressions really are based on his own face! The combination of his voice and the animation created a character that was funny, charming and unique.


Why the Detective Pikachu set stays special

Detective Pikachu was a unique crossover between film and card game. It gave us a new take on familiar Pokémon and brought the TCG to life in a way that had not been done before.

Whether you are a fan of the film or simply love rare cards: the Detective Pikachu set has something special about it. And who knows, maybe there will be a sequel one day. Until then, this set is a fine piece of history in your collection.