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Pokémon Platinum & Sinnoh TCG: Lucario, Garchomp and chase cards
Guide7 min read

Pokémon Platinum & Sinnoh TCG: Lucario, Garchomp and chase cards

By Thomas Laize ·

Pokémon Platinum (2008) is considered by many the best game in the franchise, set in the Sinnoh region. Giratina, Arceus, Dialga, Palkia, Lucario, Garchomp — this generation's Pokémon are among the most popular in the TCG in 2026. A complete guide for fans.

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The Sinnoh region and its iconic Pokémon

Sinnoh is the region of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum (2006–2008). It's inspired by Hokkaido island in Japan. The creation legendary trio — Dialga (Steel/Dragon), Palkia (Water/Dragon) and Giratina (Ghost/Dragon) — is among the most iconic in the franchise. Arceus (Normal), the God Pokémon, is the legendary focus of Pokémon Platinum.

The most sought-after Sinnoh TCG cards in 2026

  • Lucario ex / Mega Lucario ex — pillar of the Mega Evolution series, widely played and collected
  • Garchomp ex — powerful card in Destined Rivals with Cynthia
  • Giratina VSTAR Alt Art — one of the priciest modern cards (€150–300)
  • Togekiss V / Togekiss VMAX — popular support cards
  • Dialga VSTAR — strong Steel/Dragon card from recent sets
  • Palkia VSTAR — competitive Water/Dragon card
  • Arceus VSTAR — from the Brilliant Stars series, played in Expanded
  • Empoleon ex — Water/Steel starter with beautiful SIRs

Giratina VSTAR Alt Art: why is it so expensive?

Giratina VSTAR Alt Art (Sword & Shield — Lost Origin) is one of the most coveted cards in the modern format, valued between €150 and €300 in good condition. The artwork shows Giratina in its Distortion World with exceptional gothic, mysterious flair. The card combines Pokémon popularity, pull rarity and standout art — three factors that maximise collector value.

Mega Lucario ex: the Sinnoh star of the Mega Evolution series

Mega Lucario ex is one of the headline cards of ME01 (Mega Evolution). Lucario hails from Sinnoh (Pokémon Diamond and Pearl) and has been a fan favourite since 2006. Its Fighting/Steel Mega Evolution packs a devastating attack, making it both a competitive and collector card.

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Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: the Sinnoh remakes

The Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remakes (2021) and Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022) reignited interest in Sinnoh. In the TCG, that translated into full sets dedicated to Sinnoh with many SIR and Alt Art cards of the region's legendaries. Giratina, Dialga, Palkia and Arceus cards from this period are highly sought after.

Pokémon Platinum is often cited as the best game in the franchise by longtime fans. Sinnoh Pokémon cards (Lucario, Garchomp, Giratina) benefit from a loyal fan base that keeps demand strong and steady.

Sinnoh cards: vintage Platinum vs modern SV

Sinnoh cards: vintage Platinum vs modern SV

Sinnoh legendaryVintage (Platinum era)Modern (SV / SWSH)2026 liquidity
GiratinaRare Platinum Lv.XVSTAR Alt Art LOR €100–180Very high (modern)
Dialga / PalkiaPlatinum Full Art ~€80–200Temporal Forces exHigh
ArceusVintage Arceus LV.XVSTAR Brilliant Stars €30–80High
StartersRare Torterra/Infernape IRAccessible SV reprintsMedium
Buying strategyCardmarket singlesRecent set ETBsSingles more cost-effective

Where to find Dialga, Palkia, Giratina and Arceus based on your budget.

FAQ

Which Platinum Pokémon have the most expensive TCG cards?

Dialga, Palkia and Giratina (Origin Forme) lead Sinnoh: Giratina VSTAR Alt Art (LOR) ~€100–180, vintage Platinum Dialga/Palkia Full Arts ~€80–200. Arceus and Torterra/Infernape/Empoleon starters round out the top.

What's the link between Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Platinum cards?

Arceus (2009) and Platinum share Sinnoh. Arceus-GX, Arceus V and Arceus VSTAR (Brilliant Stars) are emblematic cards. Arceus VSTAR Alt Art trades at €30–80.

Should you buy vintage Platinum boosters or singles?

Platinum (2009) boosters cost €50–150 each with extreme variance. For a specific Sinnoh card, Cardmarket is more rational. Save vintage openings for pure enjoyment.

Do recent sets feature Sinnoh Pokémon again?

Yes: Temporal Forces, Lost Origin and several SV reprints include Dialga, Palkia, Giratina and starter evolutions. Modern artwork is more accessible than vintage Platinum.

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