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Home/Expansions/Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions/Palafin ex
Palafin ex Stage 1
#151/131
Special Illustration Rare

Palafin ex

#151/131 · from Prismatic Evolutions · released January 17, 2025
Track this card
Holofoil
82/ 100
A-Tier Chase

Cardrake Chase Score

A top chase card for this set.

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Quick take

  • Water-type dolphin with superhero transformation
  • Special Illustration Rare with full artwork treatment
  • Hero Form aesthetic is dramatically different
  • Comic book superhero references resonate

Collector's readWhat it means for your master set

Set position
18 of 280
Among the higher-value cards in the set
Demand vs rarity Est.
0.9×
In line with its rarity · others at this rarity sell for about $42.68
Cost to complete
<1%
of the ~$4625 to finish Prismatic Evolutions
Completion difficulty Est.
Hard
A pricey pickup for set completers
Where it sits in the price lifecycle
Release Hype
Post-Release Correction
Stable / Reprint Risk
End-of-Print Spike
Out-of-Print Maturation
Buy timingPrismatic Evolutions is out of print, so supply only tightens over time. Buy a clean copy when you find one rather than waiting for a dip.
Out of print · pricing trending down · estimated

Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Prismatic Evolutions

fewermore cards
Common
46
46
Uncommon
33
33
Rare
19
2
21
Double Rare
11
11
3
25
Ultra Rare
3
9
12
Special Illustration Rare
3
15
4
10
32
Hyper Rare
4
1
5
ACE SPEC Rare
5
1
6
all
106
23
11
10
15
5
10
180
0.5
1
5
15
50
150
150+
Columns = resale price up to $X (log) · shade = cards in cell (log) · right & bottom = totals · white ring = this card

VariantsCard variants

Holofoil 151/131 · $39.91 — the only variant this card was printed in (no reverse holo or special pattern), so a master set needs just this one copy.

Palafin ex Special Illustration Rare from Prismatic Evolutions features the Dolphin Pokemon in premium SIR treatment. Palafin's superhero transformation mechanic made it one of Generation IX's more creative designs. The Hero Form aesthetic creates unique collector appeal.

The storyThe Superhero Dolphin

Palafin looks unassuming in Zero Form. Just a regular dolphin Pokemon. Then it switches out and returns as Hero Form. Suddenly it's a muscular superhero dolphin. The transformation surprised everyone.

“Water-type dolphin with superhero transformation”

That gimmick captured imaginations. The mild-mannered dolphin with a secret identity. Comic book references landed perfectly with fans who grew up on superhero media.

In Prismatic Evolutions, Palafin provides Water-type representation with personality. The Hero Form is what collectors want to see.

By the numbersMarket analysis

Price context

Mid-tier among Prismatic Evolutions SIRs. The superhero concept has dedicated fans. Water-type collectors interested.

Price trend

Palafin's unique concept maintains interest. The transformation gimmick is memorable. Should hold position based on distinctive appeal.

Investment outlook

Palafin has niche but dedicated appeal. The superhero concept ages well with comic fans. Solid fundamentals for collectors.

Demand drivers
Superhero transformation conceptHero Form design is dramaticWater-type collector interestComic book reference appealCompetitive viability with Hero Form
Graded premium

PSA 10 copies command solid premiums. The Hero Form design grades well. Check centering before submitting.

Approx. pull rate

SIRs in Prismatic Evolutions have low pull rates. Unique concept Pokemon have specific appeal.

Rarity context

Mid-tier among set SIRs. The superhero concept provides distinctive collector appeal.

ArtworkWhy the art matters

Card artwork
Artist · GIDORA

GIDORA has contributed Pokemon TCG artwork with dynamic compositions suited to action-oriented Pokemon.

The artwork

Palafin depicted in its Hero Form with the muscular superhero aesthetic prominent. The transformation from unassuming dolphin fully realised. Dynamic pose suggests heroic action.

Technical details

Special Illustration Rare with textured holofoil. Blue tones with heroic energy. The muscular design interacts with the premium finish.

What makes it special

Palafin in Hero Form looks like it could save the world. The contrast from its mild Zero Form is dramatic. The artwork captures that superhero moment of revelation.

BackgroundAbout Palafin ex

Palafin appeared in Generation IX with Scarlet and Violet (2022). Starts as unassuming Zero Form. After switching out with another Pokemon present, returns as Hero Form with dramatically increased stats. The superhero reference was immediately recognised.

Why fans love it
  • ›Superhero transformation is unique concept
  • ›Hero Form design is dramatically different
  • ›Comic book references resonate
  • ›Zero to Hero ability is clever name
  • ›Competitive viability in Hero Form
Notable appearances
  • ›Scarlet/Violet transformation mechanic
  • ›Competitive use in Hero Form
  • ›Meme content about transformation
  • ›Featured in anime
Competitive relevance

Palafin's Hero Form has massive stats. It saw competitive play once the transformation was achieved. The setup requirement balanced its power.

Own it wellCollector guide

Condition notes

Blue tones should be vibrant. Check centering on both axes. The muscular details should be crisp.

Grading recommendation

Value supports grading for clean copies. The Hero Form design looks dramatic when graded. Verify centering. Read the grading guide →

Storage advice

Sleeve immediately in perfect fit. Use rigid protection. The heroic design deserves display. See the storage guide →

Buying advice

TCGPlayer and eBay have listings. Superhero fans and Water-type collectors interested. Unique concept drives specific demand. See the singles buying guide →

Authentication tips

At this price point, standard authentication awareness applies. Check texture and holofoil patterns.

Protect your card

High Chase Score — protect and consider grading. · Amazon affiliate links · Storage guide
Inner sleeveVault X Exact Fit SleevesA snug perfect-fit inner layer — double-sleeve valuable cards with these before the matte sleeve goes on.View on Amazon →Outer sleeveDragon Shield Matte SleevesMatte, archival-safe outer sleeves — the everyday standard for keeping surfaces and edges clean.View on Amazon →Rigid holderCardboard Gold Top LoadersPSA-recommended acid-free top loaders — rigid protection against bends and scratches on raw high-value cards.View on Amazon →Premium binderDragon Shield Card Codex 360A 360-card side-loading portfolio with a padded cover for long-term, display-safe storage.View on Amazon →

Word on the streetCommunity sentiment

Reception

Superhero concept gets appreciation. The transformation surprise was memorable. Comic book fans particularly enjoy it.

Notable sales
  • ›Consistent demand from concept appreciators
  • ›Water-type collectors interested
Social buzz

Featured in transformation discussion content. Superhero references continue. Zero to Hero memes persist.

Good to knowFrequently asked questions

Palafin starts as Zero Form, an unassuming dolphin. When it switches out with an ally in battle, it returns as Hero Form with dramatically increased Attack. The name references the classic superhero trope.
Yes. Hero Form has one of the highest Attack stats in the game. The setup requirement of switching creates counterplay, but the payoff is massive damage potential.
Many Pokemon fans grew up with superhero media. A mild-mannered dolphin with a secret muscular hero form hits those references perfectly. It's clever design that rewards genre awareness.
For clean copies with good centering, yes. The Hero Form design looks striking when graded. Verify centering before submitting.

Keep collectingRelated cards

Glaceon exSame TypeGlaceon exGholdengo exSame SetGholdengo ex
Game data
Type
Pokémon
Element
Water
Stage
Stage 1
HP
340
Rarity
Special Illustration Rare
AbilityHero's Spirit
Put this Pokémon into play only with the effect of Palafin's Zero to Hero Ability.
WGiga Impact
250
During your next turn, this Pokémon can't attack.
Weakness
LLightningx2
Resistance
None
Retreat
CC

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