ThePokemon TCGhas plenty of Pikachu cards due to how big of a mascot the yellow mouse has become since its debut in the original games and anime. What about its Evolution, Raichu? Raichu may not be as cute as Pikachu, but it sure does pack a punch with even higher voltage running through its cheeks.
In the Pokemon TCG, Raichu might be more valuable than you might think, with some copies going for hundreds of dollars on the market. From tag team duos to legendary printings in the original base set, these are the eight most valuable Raichu cards in the TCG.
Card values reflect the market value as seen onTCGPlayer.comand may be subject to fluctuation with time.
8Raichu Expedition $101.47
Can Raichu Beat Pikachu?
The E-Reader cards are some of the most unique cards in the Pokemon TCG. In their prime, these cards could be scanned to unlock some extra Pokedex entries using the E-Reader device on a Game Boy Advance. Right off the bat, this Raichu goes for just over $100, setting the bar for what the other valuable cards might look like.
This Raichu was released inthe Expedition set of the Pokemon TCG. The card art is not only holo but also features Raichu surrounded by a swirl of stars, giving it a fun look. Some might even say that this Raichu almost rivals Pikachu’s cuteness.
7Dark Raichu $129.90
Team Rocket’s Raichu
What would happen if Team Rocket finally got their hands on Pikachu? If they used a Thunder Stone, then it would probably be evolved to fulfill the greater organization’s greediest desires. This Dark Raichu was released inthe Team Rocket set of the Pokemon TCGwhich added cards with lower HP but tougher moves.
This Raichu looks like it is ready to hit hard in its holo-foiled card art. It has the iconic Team Rocket logo on the right of the card and the ever-valuable first edition symbol on the left. Surprise Thunder requires two coin flips landing on heads to unleash its full power. If you do get them, it does 20 damage to each of your opponent’s benched Pokemon.
6Raichu And Alolan Raichu GX Alternate Full Art $133.18
An Electrifying Tag Team Duo
The Tag Team era of the Pokemon TCGintroduced many different duos that complemented each other. Some Pokemon are paired up due to their similar natures, while others are due to their contrasting elemental powers. The Unified Minds set brings together the original Raichu from Kanto and the Alolan Raichu for an electrifying team-up.
The card art features Raichu being pulled by its tail as Alolan Raichu rides the wind like a kite. This funny and mischievous card is an excellent addition to any collection, but it will cost you a pretty penny to acquire. That is unless you managed to pull this back when the set was in circulation. If so, consider yourself lucky.
5Raichu Prerelease Staff $149.99
A Raichu From The Best Era
The Platinum era gave us one ofthe greatest Pokemon games of all time. This remake added so much content to the original Sinnoh games and, in the TCG, the cards are just as valuable. This Raichu is part of the Arceus set that was released during this era. Furthermore, it has two unique markings that make it valuable.
Unlike other prerelease cards, this one does not have the name of the set as a stamp. Instead, it simply has prerelease stamped on the card art. This card is also a staff card, so it has an additional stamp, making it even harder to come by unless you were working at the event during the time of its release.
4Dark Raichu Oversized Box Topper $199.99
A Dazzling Jumbo Card
Box toppers are special promo cards that often come with special boxes of the Pokemon TCG. Getting these cards is fairly easy when they are first released since you don’t have to pull them from packs but can see them on the box as decoration. These enticing cards can go up in price if you give them enough time.
Dark Raichu has one oversized reprinting of the one found in the Team Rocket set. This card has a completely holographic body that makes the entire card shimmer. It almost feels like electricity is surging through this card. These copies go for almost $200, making them a valuable part of your collection if you happen to have one.
3Raichu Skyridge $213.14
Silly Raichu Art
One of the silliest Raichu cards was printed inthe Skyridge set of the Pokemon TCG. This Raichu just has such a goofy face that it is impossible not to fall in love with it. However, this card does come at a hefty price if you’re trying to get your hands on it nowadays.
Aside from the holographic card art, this Raichu also has an E-Reader barcode which allows you to unlock the Pokedex entry on your Game Boy Advance. This card also happens to have one cute move called Zzzap, which surges electricity through each Pokemon with a Pokebody or Pokepower for 20 damage.
2Raichu Shadowless Base Set $399.81
Why Shadowless Pokemon Cards Are Rare
Is your Raichu worth its weight in gold or is it only worth a fragment?The Base set of the Pokemon TCGhas many rare and nostalgic cards that collectors would sell their organs for. However, there is one defining trait that can determine if the cards you pull are worth some money.
This small detail is a shadow that appears between the yellow of the card art box and the colors of the card body. If the card is one of the earliest printings, then it will lack this shadow, making it a shadowless card. These are the cards everyone wants to get their hands on.
1Shining Raichu $399.99
The Most Expensive Raichu Card
The Neo Destiny setcontains the most valuable Raichu card in the Pokemon TCG. This card features a shiny Raichu with special card textured card art. These printings are unique but even more distinct is the fact that it is an Electric-type that uses Water Energy.
The more unique markings on the card the better and Neo Destiny’s Shining Raichu also has the first edition stamp on the left and the set symbol on the right. It looks like water does conduct electricity since this card’s price is supercharged at nearly $400. If you have this card tucked away in good condition, then congratulations on the find.
Pokemon TCG
Collected by children and adults alike for more than two decades, the Pokemon TCG contains thousands of cards of your favorite Pokemon, trainers, and more.
