Home > News > Pokémon TCG Pocket: Extradimensional Crisis Sparks Sun and Moon Nostalgia with Top Card Picks
The reveal of Extradimensional Crisis instantly transported me back to the vibrant Sun and Moon era, a time when the Pokémon TCG embraced bold creativity and unexpected designs.
The Ultra Beasts in Pocket, with their wild aesthetics and dynamic energy, echo the thrill of opening Crimson Invasion packs, where creatures seemed to leap from another dimension. It was chaotic, daring, and utterly captivating. So, let’s revisit Alola and highlight my favorite cards from the Sun and Moon sets.
This new set weaves in elements from that era, with Buzzwole, Nihilego, Type Null, and Lusamine’s unique energy effect evoking the unpredictability of Forbidden Light, the flair of Ultra Prism, and the shiny allure of Hidden Fates.
Cosmic Eclipse capped the Sun and Moon era with flair, introducing Character Rares. The Arceus, Dialga, and Palkia GX card stood out with its commanding presence at trade tables.
Rosa’s Full Art card radiated subtle strength, while the Pikachu Character Rare brought a warm, nostalgic charm unlike anything else.
Hidden Fates, launched in August 2019, redefined excitement with its Shiny Vault. The Shiny Charizard GX was the ultimate prize, stopping tables in their tracks when pulled.
I never snagged one, but pulling a shiny Rowlet showed me the set’s depth. With shiny Umbreon GX, Mewtwo GX, and the full-art bird trio, every pack felt electric.
Unified Minds delivered with flair. Mewtwo and Mew GX felt like a dream crossover brought to life, packing a punch in battles.
Slowpoke and Psyduck GX was a quirky surprise that turned heads, while Cherish Ball became a subtle but essential staple.
Unbroken Bonds doubled down on Tag Team cards. Reshiram and Charizard GX was a showstopper, leaving players in awe when pulled.
Gardevoir and Sylveon GX had a graceful synergy, while Dedenne GX became a deck-building essential, proving its understated power.
Detective Pikachu, released in April 2019, rode the movie’s wave with CGI-inspired cards. Realistic Bulbasaurs and eerie Charmanders gave the set a unique vibe.
I only opened a few promo packs, but seeing a Mewtwo GX pulled at a card night, with its intense design, sparked real excitement.
Team Up revolutionized the game with Tag Team GX cards. Latias and Latios GX felt like an anime poster come to life, with stunning synergy.
Pikachu and Zekrom GX dominated competitive play, while Gengar and Mimikyu GX blended spooky charm with chaotic energy.
Lost Thunder was massive, the largest Pokémon set at the time. Lugia GX’s artwork radiated majestic power, making it a standout.
Alolan Ninetales GX returned with stunning beauty, while Zeraora GX inspired lightning-fast decks that brought pure joy to players.
Dragon Majesty, released in September 2018, was a dragon lover’s dream. Available only in special products, opening packs felt like an event.
Dragonite GX’s bold artwork and Ultra Necrozma GX’s golden shine stole the show, while Reshiram GX and Salamence GX delivered dramatic flair.
Celestial Storm blended nostalgia with innovation. Rayquaza GX was a commanding centerpiece, while Lisia’s Full Art card popped with collectible appeal.
Articuno GX exuded icy elegance, its quiet strength making it a fan favorite.
Forbidden Light spotlighted Ultra Necrozma GX, a card that sparked excitement at league nights with its raw power.
Greninja GX stood out as a top-tier starter, while Diantha’s Full Art card added a touch of refined beauty to the set.
Ultra Prism introduced Prism Star cards, injecting fresh excitement. Full Art Lillie and Cynthia cards turned heads with their stunning designs.
The gold Solgaleo GX and Lunala GX became coveted treasures, sparking dreams of future trades.
Crimson Invasion brought Ultra Beasts into the spotlight, their chaotic energy adding a bold twist. Gyarados GX embodied fierce intensity.
Full Art Lusamine and Olivia cards injected vibrant flair, though the set’s pack-opening thrill was more subdued.
Shining Legends, launched in October 2017, was a unique mini-set. Shining Mew’s radiant glow and Secret Rare Mewtwo GX’s intense design left lasting impressions.
Shining Rayquaza and Arceus added collectible allure, making this compact set a timeless gem.
Burning Shadows, released in August 2017, was defined by the elusive Rainbow Rare Charizard GX. Gardevoir GX and Secret Rare Fairy Energy shone brightly.
That Charizard, though, remains a haunting dream for many collectors.
Guardians Rising, following Sun and Moon base, saw Tapu Lele GX dominate decks. Alolan Ninetales GX and Sylveon GX dazzled with their holo shine.
Secret Rare Double Colorless Energy was a golden find, though Pokémon GX cards stole the spotlight.
Sun and Moon Base, launched in early 2017, felt like a bold new chapter. Alolan forms brought vibrant flair, and the GX mechanic hit hard.
Full Art Lillie and Secret Rare Ultra Ball sparked excitement, while Lunala GX’s commanding presence made every pack feel like a victory.
The Pokémon TCG collector market increasingly favors buying singles over booster packs, with some chase cards now more affordable than overpriced bundles.
Some prices seem staggering, but several cards have dropped significantly from just weeks ago, while others continue to climb.
For those eager to open booster packs, here’s how to do it smartly without breaking the bank.
For those eyeing big-box retailer products, here’s a lineup. Compare prices carefully—TCG Player often offers better deals in today’s market.