Cardrake
Home/Expansions/Sword & Shield Evolving Skies/Sylveon VMAX Alternate Art Secret
Sylveon VMAX Alternate Art Secret VMAX
#212/203Illus. Taira Akitsu
Secret Rare

Sylveon VMAX Alternate Art Secret

#212/203 · from Evolving Skies · released August 27, 2021
Track this card
Holofoil
88/ 100
A-Tier Chase

Cardrake Chase Score

A top chase card for this set.

Does this score look right?

Quick take

  • Part of the complete Eeveelution alternate art VMAX collection
  • Artwork by Taira Akitsu features playful ribbon imagery
  • The Fairy-type Eeveelution representation
  • Appeals to collectors who prefer cute aesthetics

Collector's readWhat it means for your master set

Set position
6 of 369
Among the higher-value cards in the set
Demand vs rarity Est.
40×
Well above its rarity · others at this rarity sell for about $9.61
Cost to complete
≈5%
of the ~$8150 to finish Evolving Skies
Completion difficulty Est.
Very 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 timingOut of print for years — chase cards have held value through several market cycles.
Out of print · pricing stable · estimated

Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Evolving Skies

fewermore cards
Common
39
1
2
42
Uncommon
51
51
Rare
19
19
Rare Holo
8
4
12
Rare Holo V
2
10
2
14
Rare Holo VMAX
3
6
3
12
Ultra Rare
2
12
9
12
4
6
45
Secret Rare
7
14
5
3
5
34
Holo Rare
7
1
8
all
124
10
34
31
20
7
11
237
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 212/203 · $384.06 — the only variant this card was printed in (no reverse holo or special pattern), so a master set needs just this one copy.

Sylveon VMAX Alternate Art from Evolving Skies shows the Fairy-type Eeveelution playing with ribbons in a cheerful scene. Taira Akitsu's artwork captures the Pokemon's affectionate nature. Among the eight Eeveelution alternate art VMAXs, Sylveon appeals to collectors who favour the cute and colourful over the dark and dramatic.

The storyThe Fairy-Type Favourite

Evolving Skies gave each Eeveelution premium treatment. Umbreon dominated. But the other seven found their audiences. Sylveon carved out space as the Fairy-type representative.

“Part of the complete Eeveelution alternate art VMAX collection”

Sylveon's design leans cute. The ribbons, the bows, the pink and blue colour scheme. It's the opposite of Umbreon's edge. That contrast means Sylveon attracts a different collector base. Not everyone wants dark aesthetics.

The Fairy-type collector community specifically targets Sylveon. When the type was introduced in Generation VI, Sylveon became its poster child. That association persists.

By the numbersMarket analysis

Price context

Ranks in the upper-mid tier of Evolving Skies Eeveelution alternate arts. Below Umbreon and Espeon, competitive with Glaceon and Leafeon. Fairy-type popularity provides support.

Price trend

Followed the Evolving Skies pattern. The set's lasting reputation helps all the Eeveelution alternate arts. Sylveon benefits from its niche while not commanding Umbreon premiums.

Investment outlook

Sylveon has proven popularity since its Gen VI introduction. The aesthetic has lasting appeal. Solid fundamentals for collectors who favour this design language.

Demand drivers
Fairy-type collector communityCute aesthetic appeals to specific collector tasteEeveelution completionist demandRibbon/bow design uniqueness among EeveelutionsEvolving Skies set reputation
Graded premium

PSA 10 copies sell for meaningful premiums. Modern printing is generally consistent. Check centering and colour accuracy.

Approx. pull rate

Alternate Art VMAX cards appear roughly once per 400+ packs. Getting this specific Sylveon takes significant luck. Most collectors buy singles.

Rarity context

Same rarity tier as Moonbreon and other Eeveelution alternate art VMAXs. Pull rates are equivalent. Price differences reflect Pokemon popularity and aesthetic preference.

ArtworkWhy the art matters

Card artwork
Artist · Taira Akitsu

Taira Akitsu has created Pokemon TCG artwork with attention to character expression and playful scenes. The style handles cute Pokemon well.

The artwork

Sylveon plays with its ribbon-like feelers, wrapping them around itself in a cheerful scene. The background features soft colours and floating ribbon elements. The composition emphasises the Pokemon's affectionate, playful personality.

Technical details

Alternate Art VMAX treatment with textured holofoil. The pink and blue tones interact with the foil to create shimmer. The light colour palette catches and reflects light well.

What makes it special

The artwork lets Sylveon be itself. Playful, affectionate, wrapped in ribbons. No battle pose. No dramatic atmosphere. Just the Intertwining Pokemon doing what it does.

BackgroundAbout Sylveon VMAX Alternate Art Secret

Sylveon appeared in Generation VI with Pokemon X and Y (2013). It was the first Fairy-type Eeveelution and helped introduce the new type to players. It evolves from Eevee through high affection while knowing a Fairy move. The design emphasised bonds and affection.

Why fans love it
  • ›First Fairy-type Eeveelution
  • ›Unique ribbon-based design among Eeveelutions
  • ›Appeals to collectors who prefer cute Pokemon
  • ›Strong competitive presence in VGC
  • ›Represented the new Fairy type prominently
Notable appearances
  • ›Featured in Pokemon X/Y promotional material
  • ›Serena's Sylveon in the XY anime
  • ›Regular competitive use in VGC
  • ›Popular in Pokemon Cafe content
Competitive relevance

Sylveon has been a VGC staple. Pixilate ability turns Hyper Voice into a spread Fairy attack. The VMAX card has competitive stats. Collectors typically keep alternate art copies protected.

Own it wellCollector guide

Condition notes

Light pink colouring can show print variations more obviously. Check centering carefully. The textured surface should be examined for consistency.

Grading recommendation

Value supports grading for clean copies. Verify centering before submitting. The light colours benefit from pristine presentation. Read the grading guide →

Storage advice

Sleeve immediately in perfect fit. Use rigid protection. Keep away from light to preserve the pink tones over time. See the storage guide →

Buying advice

TCGPlayer and eBay have listings. Often part of Eeveelution set discussions. Compare recent sales. Fairy-type collectors may pay premiums. See the singles buying guide →

Authentication tips

Value warrants attention. Authentic cards have proper texture and foil patterns. Consider graded copies for significant purchases.

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

Fairy-type and cute Pokemon collectors specifically target this card. The artwork gets appreciation for capturing Sylveon's personality. Part of the complete Eeveelution set conversation.

Notable sales
  • ›PSA 10 copies perform well within the Eeveelution market
  • ›Part of complete sets that command combined premiums
Social buzz

Featured in Evolving Skies Eeveelution content. The cute aesthetic generates appreciation posts. Ranking discussions always include Sylveon's position.

Good to knowFrequently asked questions

Upper-mid tier by price. Below Umbreon and Espeon, competitive with Glaceon and Leafeon. Rankings shift with market conditions, but Sylveon maintains its position in the middle pack.
Sylveon was the first Fairy-type Eeveelution, introduced when the type itself was new in Gen VI. It became the face of Fairy types. That association gives it significance beyond just being cute.
Yes, completely different sets and different artists. Both are premium Sylveon cards, but the artwork and era differ. Some collectors want both.
For clean copies with good centering, yes. The value supports grading. Light colours benefit from protected display. PSA 10 copies command premiums.

Keep collectingRelated cards

Sylveon VMAX SecretSame PokemonSylveon VMAX SecretUmbreon VMAX Alternate Art SecretSame SetUmbreon VMAX Alternate Art SecretSylveon exSame PokemonSylveon ex
Game data
Type
Pokémon
Element
Psychic
Stage
VMAX
HP
310
Rarity
Secret Rare
Artist
Taira Akitsu
PPrecious Touch
Attach an Energy card from your hand to 1 of your Benched Pokémon. If you do, heal 120 damage from that Pokémon.
CCCMax Harmony
70+
This attack does 30 more damage for each different type of Pokémon on your Bench.
Weakness
MMetalx2
Resistance
DDragonone
Retreat
CC

Plan your Sword & Shield Evolving Skies master set

Track every card, see what you're missing, and lay out your binder page by page.

Open the binder planner

More cards in Sword & Shield Evolving Skies

See all 237 cards →
Trevenant VMAX Secret 206/203Trevenant VMAX Secret206/203Gyarados VMAX Secret 207/203Gyarados VMAX Secret207/203Glaceon VMAX Secret 208/203Glaceon VMAX Secret208/203Glaceon VMAX Alternate Art Secret 209/203Glaceon VMAX Alternate Art Secret209/203Dracozolt VMAX Secret 210/203Dracozolt VMAX Secret210/203Sylveon VMAX Secret 211/203Sylveon VMAX Secret211/203Lycanroc VMAX Secret 213/203Lycanroc VMAX Secret213/203Umbreon VMAX Secret 214/203Umbreon VMAX Secret214/203Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art Secret 215/203Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art Secret215/203Garbodor VMAX Secret 216/203Garbodor VMAX Secret216/203Rayquaza VMAX Secret 217/203Rayquaza VMAX Secret217/203Rayquaza VMAX Alternate Art Secret 218/203Rayquaza VMAX Alternate Art Secret218/203

More from Taira Akitsu

Garchomp V, illustrated by Taira AkitsuGarchomp VKirlia SWSH271 Prerelease, illustrated by Taira AkitsuKirlia SWSH271 PrereleaseSlowpoke, illustrated by Taira AkitsuSlowpokeDewott, illustrated by Taira AkitsuDewottKingdra, illustrated by Taira AkitsuKingdraMienshao, illustrated by Taira AkitsuMienshao