The Pokémon Scarlet & Violet series launched in early 2023 and now includes more than ten expansions in 2026. It introduced ex cards (replacing V), Illustration Rare (IR), Special Illustration Rare (SIR) and ACE SPEC cards. It's today's reference format for play and collecting — here's your complete guide.
The Scarlet & Violet series: new rules and rarities
Scarlet & Violet (SV) brought major changes from Sword & Shield. V and VMAX cards are gone, replaced by ex cards (two Prize cards when Knocked Out). Rarities were redesigned: Double Rare, Ultra Rare, Illustration Rare (IR), Hyper Rare and Special Illustration Rare (SIR) form the new hierarchy. ACE SPEC cards — limited to 1 per deck — are exclusive to Prismatic Evolutions.
All Pokémon Scarlet & Violet sets (sv1–sv10)
- SV01 — Scarlet & Violet (base): first ex cards, Koraidon-ex and Miraidon-ex
- SV02 — Paldea Evolved: Tera Pokémon-ex, Gardevoir-ex
- SV03 — Obsidian Flames: Charizard-ex SIR, most popular 2023 set
- SV04 — Paradox Rift: Iron Valiant-ex, Roaring Moon-ex
- SV04.5 — Paldean Fates: Charizard SIR, Mewtwo-ex SIR
- SV05 — Temporal Forces: Pecharunt-ex, mask-themed sets
- SV05.5 / sv6pt5 — Shrouded Fable: mini-set, boosted HP-less cards
- SV06 — Stellar Crown: Terapagos-ex, powerful Tera cards
- SV07 / sv8 — Black Bolt: Raikou-ex, Miraidon-ex reprint, Zapdos-ex
- SV07.5 / sv8pt5 — Prismatic Evolutions: Eevee and evolutions, ACE SPEC, flagship 2025 set
- SV08 / sv9 — Journey Together: paired Pokémon
- SV09 / sv10 — Destined Rivals: Giovanni, Cynthia, villain cards
Best Scarlet & Violet sets for collecting
For collecting, three sets dominate 2026 discussions. Obsidian Flames (SV03) remains unbeatable for Charizard-ex SIRs. Prismatic Evolutions (sv8pt5) features the most beautiful Eeveelution SIRs ever made. Destined Rivals (sv10) contains highly sought-after iconic character SIRs.
Scarlet & Violet Pokémon boxes on Amazon France
Our catalog offers a selection of Scarlet & Violet boxes available on Amazon with real-time prices. ETBs (Elite Trainer Boxes) from recent expansions offer the best value, with 9 boosters and all game accessories included.
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Scarlet & Violet Pokémon boxes available on Amazon
Pokemon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions Binder Collection
9 packs$26.99
Pokemon Scarlet & Purple Elite Trainer Set - Prismatic Evolutions of The Pokemon TCG (1 Fully Illustrated Promo Card, 9 Booster Packs & Premium Game Accessories)
9 packs$219.99
Pokemon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions Booster Pack (Random Art) - 10 Cards
1 packs$20.99
Pokemon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions Poster Collection
9 packs$58.88
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Most powerful ex cards in Scarlet & Violet
The most played ex cards in Scarlet & Violet competition in 2026 are: Charizard-ex (Turbo Charizard deck), Gardevoir-ex (Psychic control), Miraidon-ex (Lightning acceleration), Koraidon-ex (Fighting deck), Flutter Mane-ex and Iron Valiant-ex (fast Paradox decks). These cards appear in sets SV03, SV04, SV04.5 and SV07.
Scarlet & Violet: which set to buy first?
For competitive players: Black Bolt (sv8) and Destined Rivals (sv10) contain the most played Standard 2026 cards. For collectors: Prismatic Evolutions (sv8pt5) has the most spectacular SIRs. For beginners on a budget: Journey Together (sv9) or a Shrouded Fable blister offer a good sample of the current format.
Scarlet & Violet vs Mega Evolution: which to choose?
Both series coexist in 2026. Scarlet & Violet is the official Standard format for tournaments. Mega Evolution (ME01/ME02) is a nostalgic Expanded-legal series with strong collector value. If you play competitively, SV is essential. If you collect for card beauty or nostalgia, Mega Evolution is an excellent complementary choice.
Scarlet and Violet era: key sets and 2026 priorities
Scarlet and Violet era: key sets and 2026 priorities
| SV set | Role | Collector interest | 2026 play interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlet and Violet (sv1) | Era foundation | Medium | Rotated staples |
| 151 | Nostalgia hype | Very high | Format-dependent staples |
| Prismatic Evolutions | Dense SIR chase | Very high | Still playable |
| Shrouded Fable / ME bridge | Transition to Mega ex | High | Recent meta |
Collection and play roadmap across SV expansions.
FAQ
Is the Scarlet and Violet era still relevant in 2026?
Yes: many SV sets remain in Standard, SV SIRs have an established collector base, and older ETBs have stabilized. It is a deep era to complete without buying everything at launch.
Which SV sets should new collectors start with?
Scarlet and Violet base (sv1), then Prismatic Evolutions for modern chase, then strong meta sets (151, Shrouded Fable). Target singles instead of opening the entire era.
Which SV cards to hold long term?
SIRs and Illustration Rares of iconic characters, 151 promos, persistent meta ex cards. Commons and uncommons rarely matter unless misprinted.
How do you track SV-era prices without noise?
Filter Cardmarket by SV block and sort by rarity. rateTCG shows which SV sets still resist post-rotation declines — a keep signal for holders.
Calculate your pull rates
Search any Pokémon card on rateTCG to estimate pull rates per product and compare Amazon prices.
