Mega Charizard X ex
Quick take
- The chase card of Phantasmal Flames
- Features the popular Mega Charizard X form from Pokemon X/Y
- Special Illustration Rare with full artwork treatment
- Artwork by danciao shows the Mega Evolution in action
Collector's readWhat it means for your master set
Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Phantasmal Flames
VariantsCard variants
Holofoil 125/94 · $679.99 — the only variant this card was printed in (no reverse holo or special pattern), so a master set needs just this one copy.
The storyMega Evolution Returns
When Mega Evolution debuted in Pokemon X and Y, Charizard got special treatment. Two Mega forms instead of one. Mega Charizard Y kept the classic Fire/Flying typing. But Mega Charizard X went a different direction. Black body. Blue flames. Dragon type.
“The chase card of Phantasmal Flames”
Fans loved it. For years, people wanted Charizard to be a Dragon. Mega Charizard X finally made it happen. Now Phantasmal Flames brings that form to the TCG with modern SIR production quality.
The card was always going to be the chase. Put Charizard on anything and it becomes valuable. Put the coolest version of Charizard on a Special Illustration Rare and you get the most wanted card in the set.
By the numbersMarket analysis
The most valuable card in Phantasmal Flames by a wide margin. Other SIRs in the set don't come close. Charizard tax in full effect.
New release, so expect the usual pattern. High initial prices, correction as supply increases, then stabilization. Charizard cards tend to hold value better than most after that initial drop.
Charizard cards have historically held value. Mega Charizard X adds the nostalgia factor for players who grew up with 3DS Pokemon. The fundamentals look solid once prices stabilize.
PSA 10 and CGC 10 copies typically sell for 1.5 to 2x raw prices. Modern print quality is generally good, but check centering before submitting.
Special Illustration Rares appear in less than 1% of packs. Getting this specific card takes either luck or a lot of money.
Other SIRs in Phantasmal Flames exist. None of them are Charizard. That alone puts this card in a different tier of demand and price.
ArtworkWhy the art matters
Danciao creates dynamic, action-focused Pokemon TCG illustrations. The work emphasizes movement and energy.
The artwork shows Mega Charizard X mid-transformation. Blue flames pour from its mouth and wings. The black and blue color scheme dominates, contrasting sharply with orange flame accents. Mega Evolution energy swirls around the Pokemon. It looks powerful and ready to attack.
The textured holofoil treatment makes the blue flames pop. Tilt the card and the energy effects shift. The dark coloring makes the foil accents stand out more than on lighter cards.
You're seeing the transformation happen. Not just Mega Charizard X standing there, but the moment it becomes something different. That energy and motion gives the card a sense of event. Something important is happening.
BackgroundAbout Mega Charizard X ex
Charizard has been the face of Pokemon TCG collecting since 1999. The Base Set Charizard started the entire concept of chase cards. Every generation since has produced valuable Charizard cards. Mega Charizard X came in 2013 with Pokemon X, finally giving fans the Dragon-type Charizard they wanted.
- ›Dragon type fulfilled a fan request that lasted years
- ›Black and blue colour scheme stands out from regular Charizard
- ›Pokemon X was the more popular version
- ›Appeared in Super Smash Bros as a Final Smash
- ›Baseline Charizard popularity never fades
- ›Box art connection to Pokemon X (2013)
- ›Red's Mega Charizard X in Pokemon Origins
- ›Final Smash in Super Smash Bros
- ›VGC staple during the Mega Evolution era
Mega Charizard X dominated VGC during the Mega Evolution era. Dragon Dance plus Tough Claws made it a physical sweeper. Players built entire teams around getting it set up.
Own it wellCollector guide
The dark artwork shows print imperfections more easily. Check for centering issues and edge whitening. Texture print lines can appear but usually don't affect grades significantly.
Charizard cards are worth grading when they look clean. Verify centering before submission. PSA, CGC, and BGS all work for this card. Read the grading guide →
Sleeve immediately after pulling. Perfect fit inner sleeve, then into a rigid holder. Magnetic cases or graded slabs for long-term storage. Avoid sunlight and humidity. See the storage guide →
TCGPlayer and eBay are the main markets. Check seller reputation. New releases mean more available copies, so shop around. Graded copies remove condition uncertainty. See the singles buying guide →
High-value Charizard cards attract fakes. Authentic cards have proper texture, correct cardstock weight, and sharp printing. When buying expensive copies, graded is safer.
Protect your card
High Chase Score — protect and consider grading. · Amazon affiliate links · Storage guideWord on the streetCommunity sentiment
The return of Mega Evolution had collectors excited. Mega Charizard X as the chase card surprised nobody. The artwork has been well received, and pack opening videos featuring this card get strong engagement.
Active discussion around Phantasmal Flames focuses heavily on this card. Pull videos with the Mega Charizard X SIR perform well. The nostalgia for X/Y era Pokemon drives a lot of the enthusiasm.
Good to knowFrequently asked questions
Keep collectingRelated cards
Plan your Mega Evolution Phantasmal Flames master set
Track every card, see what you're missing, and lay out your binder page by page.
