Infamous ‘Useless’ Pokémon Card Skyrockets to $100 in Weeks
▼ Summary
– Magikarp is generally considered one of the weakest Pokémon in the TCG, capable only of basic moves like Splash and Tackle until it evolves into Gyarados.
– In 2023, Magikarp received an Illustrated Rare card in the Paldea Evolved set, which has become highly sought after with its market value increasing by over $100 in two weeks.
– The card’s value spiked in mid-September 2025, rising from $296 on September 19 to $405 by October 3, according to TCGplayer data.
– Despite its poor gameplay stats, such as low HP and weak attacks, collectors value the card for its artistic merit and rarity, illustrated by Shinji Kanda.
– This Magikarp card is not the most valuable version, as there are three other Magikarp cards that are more expensive and outrank it in collector rankings.
In the world of Pokémon card collecting, Magikarp’s new Illustrated Rare card from the Paldea Evolved set has seen its market value surge by more than $100 in just two weeks, proving that even the most humble creature can become a treasure. Known for its comically weak abilities in the game, this particular Magikarp has captured the attention of enthusiasts not for its power, but for its artistic appeal and scarcity.
Since May 2025, the card’s price had been climbing gradually, but it entered a dramatic upward trend in mid-September. Data from TCGplayer shows that on September 19, the card was valued at $296. By October 3, that figure had jumped to $405, marking a $109 increase in a remarkably short period. This kind of rapid appreciation is rare, even for highly sought-after collectibles.
The artwork for this standout Magikarp card was created by Shinji Kanda, an illustrator whose previous works have also experienced sudden spikes in demand. Many collectors actively seek out cards bearing Kanda’s distinctive artistic style, betting that their long-term value will continue to grow over time. This trend highlights how a strong visual identity can drive a card’s worth independently of its utility in gameplay.
From a competitive standpoint, this Magikarp remains as unremarkable as ever. It has only 30 Hit Points, making it vulnerable to nearly any opposing Pokémon. Its single attack, Expert Splasher, inflicts a mere 10 points of damage, or 30 if two coin flips both land on heads. Clearly, this card’s purpose isn’t to win battles; it’s meant to evolve into Gyarados, just as Magikarp has always done.
Still, the card’s popularity reinforces a key lesson for collectors: charisma, artistic merit, and rarity often matter far more than a card’s battle performance. Even when a Pokémon offers little in gameplay, a beautiful or unusual illustration can turn it into a high-value collectible.
It’s worth noting that this Paldea Evolved Magikarp isn’t the most expensive version available. In fact, several other Magikarp cards have reached prices that easily overshadow this one. Multiple earlier prints appear on lists of the most valuable Pokémon cards ever sold, showing that this floppy fish has made quite a splash in the collectibles market more than once.
Would you consider spending hundreds of dollars on a card that’s practically useless in a match? Share your thoughts and your own memorable Pokémon card acquisitions in the Wargamer Discord community.
(Source: War Gamer)