The release of the latest pokemon card set (https://singlesandslabs.com/) is always one of the most exciting moments for collectors and investors. As we move closer to 2026, Pokémon TCG continues to evolve with stunning artwork, powerful Pokémon, and rare cards that quickly become must-haves. Chase cards are the heart of every new set. These are the cards people open packs for, talk about online, and send for grading in hopes of getting that perfect PSA 10.
In this article, we'll explore what chase cards are, why they matter, and which types of cards from the newest Pokémon TCG set are shaping up to be the top chase cards to look for in 2026.
What Are Chase Cards in Pokémon TCG?
Chase cards are the most desirable cards in a Pokémon set. They are usually:
Very rare
Hard to pull
Beautifully designed
Featuring popular Pokémon
Collectors chase these cards because they often hold the highest value, especially when graded. Investors also focus on chase cards because they have strong resale and long-term potential.
Why Chase Cards Matter More Than Ever in 2026
The Pokémon market has matured over the years. In 2026, collectors are more informed and selective. Chase cards now play a bigger role in:
Market trends
Graded card demand
Long-term value
With grading standards becoming stricter and collectors aiming for quality over quantity, only the best cards truly stand out.
Key Features That Define a Top Chase Card
Not every rare card becomes a true chase card. The strongest chase cards usually share these traits.
Iconic Pokémon
Fan-favorite Pokémon like Charizard, Pikachu, Mewtwo, Rayquaza, and Eeveelutions almost always attract attention.
Special Artwork
Alternate art, illustration rares, and unique poses increase desirability.
Low Pull Rates
Cards that are harder to pull naturally create scarcity.
Grading Potential
Cards that grade well as PSA 10s become even more valuable.
Alternate Art Cards: The Kings of Modern Chase Cards
Alternate art cards continue to dominate the chase card scene.
These cards:
Tell a story through artwork
Look different from standard designs
Appeal to both collectors and casual fans
In the newest Pokémon TCG set, alternate art versions of popular Pokémon are expected to be the top chase cards heading into 2026.
Secret Rares and Special Illustration Rares
Secret rares sit beyond the main set number and are often the hardest to pull.
Why they matter:
Extremely limited supply
High collector demand
Strong PSA grading interest
Special illustration rares, in particular, have become instant hits due to their artistic style and display value.
Charizard Chase Cards Still Dominate
Charizard remains one of the strongest Pokémon in the hobby.
From the newest Pokémon TCG set:
Any Charizard variant instantly becomes a chase card
PSA 10 Charizards continue to command premium prices
Long-term demand remains strong
Even in 2026, Charizard is still one of the safest Pokémon to collect.
Legendary Pokémon Chase Cards
Legendary Pokémon always perform well as chase cards.
Examples include:
Mewtwo
Lugia
Rayquaza
Dialga
Palkia
Legendary chase cards often age better than standard Pokémon due to lore, nostalgia, and competitive relevance.
Trainer Gallery and Character Cards
Trainer-focused cards featuring Pokémon with their trainers have become extremely popular.
Why collectors love them:
Emotional connection
Unique art styles
Lower PSA 10 populations
Some trainer gallery cards from the newest set are expected to become sleeper chase cards in 2026.
Gold Cards and Hyper Rares
Gold cards remain visually striking and highly collectible.
They are chase-worthy because:
They look premium
They are printed in limited numbers
They stand out in slabs
While not all gold cards skyrocket in value, the right Pokémon choice can make them strong long-term holds.
Pokémon Popularity Drives Chase Card Value
Popularity matters more than rarity alone.
A rare card of an unpopular Pokémon may struggle, while a slightly more common card of a fan favorite can outperform it.
Top popularity factors include:
Anime appearances
Game relevance
Nostalgia
The newest set leans heavily into recognizable Pokémon, boosting chase card potential.
PSA 10 Potential and Why It Matters
A chase card's value can change drastically based on grading results.
Cards with:
Clean edges
Centered printing
Strong surfaces
Are more likely to receive PSA 10 grades. Collectors often prioritize cards with strong PSA potential, especially from modern sets.
Print Quality and Its Effect on Chase Cards
Modern Pokémon sets sometimes struggle with print quality.
If the newest set has:
Off-center printing
Edge whitening
Surface issues
Then PSA 10 versions of chase cards become rarer, pushing values higher in 2026.
Supply vs Demand in New Sets
Even the best chase card can drop in value if supply is too high.
Important factors include:
Print run size
Product reprints
Pack availability
Limited supply combined with strong demand creates the best chase card conditions.
Short-Term Hype vs Long-Term Chase Cards
Not all chase cards hold value.
Short-term hype cards:
Spike quickly
Drop once supply increases
Long-term chase cards:
Stabilize after release
Grow steadily over time
Collectors should aim for long-term appeal rather than quick flips.
Competitive Play and Chase Card Demand
Cards used in competitive decks gain attention.
If a chase card:
Becomes a tournament staple
Appears in winning decks
Its demand often increases, even among non-players.
Artwork Quality Is More Important Than Ever
In 2026, collectors care deeply about art.
Cards with:
Unique storytelling
Emotional scenes
High detail
Often outperform technically rarer cards with less appealing art.
Why Singles Are Smarter Than Sealed for Chase Cards
Many collectors now prefer buying singles instead of opening packs.
Benefits include:
No gambling
Controlled spending
Guaranteed card condition
This trend increases demand for high-quality chase card singles and slabs.
How Slab Culture Shapes Chase Card Value
Graded slabs are now a display item.
Collectors enjoy:
Uniform presentation
Protection
Easy storage
Chase cards that look great in slabs gain extra appeal.
International Demand and Market Growth
The Pokémon market is global.
Demand from:
North America
Europe
Asia
Keeps top chase cards relevant worldwide. International buyers often focus on PSA-graded chase cards from modern sets.
The Role of Nostalgia in 2026 Chase Cards
Older Pokémon still drive excitement.
When the newest set includes:
Classic Pokémon
Retro designs
Callbacks to older eras
Those cards often become instant chase targets.
Mistakes to Avoid When Chasing Cards
Collectors should avoid:
Buying at peak hype
Ignoring condition
Overlooking PSA population data
Patience and research are key.
Long-Term Outlook for 2026 Chase Cards
The strongest chase cards from the newest Pokémon TCG set will likely:
Stabilize after initial hype
Gain value as PSA 10s become scarcer
Remain desirable due to art and Pokémon choice
Collectors focused on quality will benefit most.
Final Thoughts
The latest pokemon card set brings fresh excitement, but only a few cards rise to true chase card status. In 2026, the best chase cards will be those that combine popular Pokémon, stunning artwork, low pull rates, and strong PSA 10 potential. Whether you collect for fun or invest seriously, understanding what makes a chase card valuable helps you make smarter choices.
Focusing on high-quality singles and graded slabs allows collectors to enjoy the hobby while staying aligned with long-term market trends.