Generations Master Set: 155 Cards, Checklist & Prices
By Cardrake Research Team · Updated
Released 2016
Get Collector to track your progress.
Generations chase cards & key targets
M Charizard EX leads Generations at $161.24, with Gengar ($57.52) and Zapdos ($53.03) behind it. The top three alone are 29% of the estimated master-set cost — plan these purchases first and the rest of the set follows on a normal budget.
| Rank | Card | Number | Rarity | Variant | Market Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  M Charizard EX | 12/83 | Ultra Rare | Holofoil | $161.24 |
| #2 |  Gengar | 35/83 | Holo Rare | Reverse Holo | $57.52 |
| #3 |  Zapdos | 29/83 | Holo Rare | Holofoil | $53.03 |
| #4 |  Leafeon EX | 10/83 | Ultra Rare | Holofoil | $45.76 |
| #5 |  Articuno | 25/83 | Holo Rare | Holofoil | $40.17 |
| #6 |  Jolteon-EX | 28a | Rare Ultra | Holofoil | $32.72 |
| #7 | Jolteon EX | 28/83 | Ultra Rare | Holofoil | $32.72 |
| #8 |  M Blastoise EX | 18/83 | Ultra Rare | Holofoil | $30.84 |
| #9 |  Charizard EX | 11/83 | Ultra Rare | Holofoil | $28.42 |
| #10 |  Vaporeon EX | 24/83 | Ultra Rare | Holofoil | $27.42 |
Acquisition Strategy
- • Monitor price trends - chase cards often fluctuate based on tournament results and influencer coverage
- • Consider condition flexibility - a LP/MP copy can save 30-50% on vintage cards
- • Check multiple marketplaces - prices vary significantly between TCGPlayer, eBay, and local stores
- • Buy during market dips - major releases and reprints often cause temporary price drops
What's in the Generations master set
The Generations master set is 155 cards: 83 base + 70 reverse holos + 1 secret rares. That covers every printed variant — reverse holofoils, secret rares, and the special-art chase cards numbered past 83/83.
About this set
Generations occupies a rare niche in Pokemon TCG history: a 20th anniversary celebration set distributed exclusively through limited-edition Collection Boxes, never available in standard booster boxes. This distribution model created genuine scarcity that most Pokemon sets simply don't have. The 115-card set (83 main + 32 Radiant Collection) pairs standard XY-era Pokemon EX gameplay with a Radiant Collection subset that remains one of the most visually distinctive card series in the entire TCG. The Radiant Collection features full-art Pokemon against stylized pastel backgrounds: dreamy, illustrated compositions that look nothing like typical competitive card art. RC29 Pikachu, the Eeveelution EX trio, and Sylveon EX are the standouts. The monthly distribution through Mythical Collection boxes (just 2 packs per box) meant far fewer Generations packs entered circulation than a typical booster box set. Collectors couldn't just buy cases. They got two packs a month and had to wait. That constraint is why the set is worth collecting now. Fewer packs opened means fewer cards survive in NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise. condition. Pair that with the Radiant Collection art and the 20th anniversary framing, and you get a set that aged better than anyone expected in 2016. NM commons are cheap enough to buy on sight, the Charizard is affordable by chase-card standards, and the whole thing fits in a 2-inch binder.
Where Generations fits in the era
Generations launched on February 22, 2016, as part of Pokemon's massive 20th anniversary celebration that included the mobile game Pokemon GO (July 2016), a Super Bowl commercial, and monthly Mythical Pokemon distributions across all active Pokemon video games. The TCG set was designed to commemorate two decades of Pokemon with callbacks to classic characters and a new Radiant Collection subset inspired by the Japanese Pokekyun Collection (CP3, released September 2015). The unique distribution model tied Generations exclusively to Mythical Collection boxes. Each month from February through December 2016, a new Collection Box featuring a different Mythical Pokemon (Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Genesect, Meloetta) was released containing 2 Generations packs, a figure, and a promo card. This 11-month distribution window meant Generations packs were available continuously but in limited quantities per release. The set was modestly received at launch. Many collectors focused on standard XY sets like BREAKthrough and Fates Collide instead. Radiant Collection cards were popular but the set's special distribution meant it didn't dominate local game store shelves the way standard sets did. Appreciation accelerated from 2020 onward as the collector market expanded and Generations' limited supply became apparent. The 20th anniversary framing aged well, and sealed Mythical Collection boxes appreciated well past retail as collectors recognized the finite supply. By 2024-2026, Generations is widely regarded as one of the XY era's best collecting experiences, with the Radiant Collection frequently cited as a highlight of mid-2010s Pokemon card art.
Collecting challenges
The biggest challenge in collecting Generations is sourcing. Unlike sets distributed through booster boxes with widespread retail availability, Generations entered the market through monthly Mythical Collection boxes containing just 2 packs each. This means the total number of opened Generations packs is dramatically lower than a standard set, and the available supply of individual cards in any condition is proportionally smaller. Sellers who have NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise. Generations cards tend to know their relative scarcity and price accordingly. The Radiant Collection subset presents a specific sourcing challenge: these 32 full-art cards were the pull equivalent of ultra rares, appearing roughly once every 3-4 packs. With fewer total packs opened, the Radiant Collection cards are genuinely scarce in NM condition. Completing the full RC set (RC1-RC32) requires patience and willingness to pay fair market value. Bargain-hunting takes months longer than for standard sets. Centering on Radiant Collection full-arts is inconsistent, complicating matters for grading-focused collectors. The full-art printing process used for these cards appears to have had less precise alignment than standard holo or EX cards in the main set. Cards that are otherwise NM may have 60/40 or worse centering that caps grading potential. For master set completion, the main set is straightforward, but the commons and uncommons from Generations are harder to find in NM condition than their counterparts from standard XY sets. Fewer packs opened means fewer commons entered circulation, and many that did were handled casually rather than sleeved immediately.
Rarity breakdown
| Rarity | Cards | Share of printed set |
|---|---|---|
| Common | 28 | 34% |
| Uncommon | 25 | 30% |
| Ultra Rare | 12 | 14% |
| Rare | 11 | 13% |
| Holo Rare | 7 | 8% |
| Rare Ultra | 2 | 2% |
Price distribution
How card values spread across the set. Most cards are bulk under a dollar; a few chase cards hold most of the value.
Artist spotlight
The illustrators behind the most cards in this set, with their standout artwork. Tap a card for details.
5ban Graphics
10 cards in this set
Naoki Saito
5 cards in this set
Toyste Beach
5 cards in this set
Eske Yoshinob
4 cards in this set
Mitsuhiro Arita
4 cards in this set
match
3 cards in this set
Generations master set buying guide
Where to buy Generations, which sealed product is worth the money, and when to pull the trigger.
Packs or singles?
Pack opening offers good value for this set
All Generations sealed products
| Product | Market | |
|---|---|---|
| Super-Premium Collection [Mew & Mewtwo] | $4697.97 | Shop → |
| Generations Elite Trainer Box | $2999.19 | Shop → |
| Red & Blue Collection [Pikachu EX] | $2995.99 | Shop → |
| Red & Blue Collection [Charizard EX] | $1050.85 | Shop → |
| Mythical Pokemon Collection Box [Mew] | $692.69 | Shop → |
| Mythical Pokemon Collection Box [Shaymin] | $600.00 | Shop → |
| Mythical Pokemon Collection Box [Manaphy] | $555.00 | Shop → |
| Mythical Pokemon Collection Box [Jirachi] | $550.33 | Shop → |
| Mythical Pokemon Collection Box [Celebi] | $543.33 | Shop → |
| Mythical Pokemon Collection Box [Darkrai] | $503.25 | Shop → |
| Mythical Pokemon Collection Box [Meloetta] | $414.99 | Shop → |
| Generations Booster Pack | $311.42 | Shop → |
| Mythical Pokemon Collection Box [Arceus] | — | Shop → |
| Mythical Pokemon Collection Box [Genesect] | — | Shop → |
| Mythical Pokemon Collection Box [Keldeo] | — | Shop → |
| Mythical Pokemon Collection Box [Victini] | — | Shop → |
| Red & Blue Collection [Blastoise EX] | — | Shop → |
| Red & Blue Collection [Venusaur EX] | — | Shop → |
When to buy
Singles panic-priced. Sealed carries 30–50% premium. Wait if you can.
Best window for singles. Chase cards find their floor.
Bulk dips 15–20% on reprint news. Chase cards stay steady.
Sealed and top chase cards begin appreciation cycle.
Collecting strategy
Most cards in this set are worth around $2.25 as singles. Opening packs is the fun way to build your base of commons and uncommons with a chance at lucky pulls — but chase cards are statistically unlikely from sealed product. For most master set collectors, the smart approach is packs for bulk, singles for the rest.
Mix of singles and strategic pack opening
Community insights
From collector discussions, forums, and social media.
What collectors are saying
- Released February 22, 2016 as a special 20th anniversary celebration set. Generations was never sold in booster boxes. It was only available through Mythical Pokemon Collection boxes tied to the 2016 monthly Mythical Pokemon distribution events. This limited distribution model is the single biggest factor in the set's collectibility.
- The main set and the 32-card Radiant Collection subset (RC1-RC32) together come to 115 total cards. The Radiant Collection features full-art Pokemon with stylized pastel backgrounds, a completely different artistic style from the main set that became a collector favorite.
- M Charizard EX Full Art (#12) is the primary chase card. Charizard's universal appeal combined with the set's limited distribution keeps demand steady. The card uses the Mega Evolution mechanic from XY era.
- Radiant Collection Pikachu (RC29) is the second most sought-after card and the Radiant Collection highlight. The full-art style with a dreamy pastel background makes it one of the most aesthetically distinctive Pikachu cards across all sets.
- The Eeveelution EX trio (Flareon EX, Jolteon EX, Vaporeon EX) are popular chase targets. Eeveelutions consistently drive collector demand across every set they appear in.
- Small overall print run compared to standard XY-era sets. The Mythical Collection box distribution (one box per month for 11 months, each containing 2 Generations packs) meant far fewer Generations packs entered circulation than a typical booster box set. Estimates suggest Generations had roughly 25-40% of the pack volume of a standard XY set.
- Sealed Mythical Collection boxes now command a premium that varies with which Mythical Pokemon is featured. The Mew box tends toward the higher end. Complete sets of all 11 Mythical Collection boxes are rare and priced accordingly.
- The 20th anniversary theme pervades the set with callbacks to classic Pokemon artwork and mechanics. This nostalgic framing resonated with collectors who started during Gen 1 and returned for the anniversary event.
- Community sentiment is strongly positive. Generations is viewed as one of the best special sets of the XY era, alongside Evolutions. The Radiant Collection adds collecting depth that standard sets lack.
- PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium. grading populations are lower than comparable XY-era sets due to the smaller print run and the set's initial underappreciation. Many Generations cards weren't graded during the 2016-2019 period, making high-grade copies scarcer than market size suggests.
- The set has no competitive relevance in 2026. All XY-era cards rotated out of Standard format years ago. Prices are driven entirely by collector demand, particularly for the Radiant Collection aesthetic and Charizard/Pikachu chase cards.
- Japanese Pokekyun Collection (CP3) is the counterpart set, released September 2015 with the same Radiant Collection artwork. Japanese versions trade at 40-60% of English Generations prices.
Tips from the community
- Target the Radiant Collection (RC1-RC32) as a standalone collecting goal. These 32 full-art cards with stylized backgrounds form a cohesive aesthetic subset that looks exceptional in a binder. Complete RC sets in NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise. condition don't come cheap.
- Buy M Charizard EX Full Art and RC29 Pikachu first while prices are stable. These two cards represent the set's premium tier and are unlikely to decline given Charizard and Pikachu's enduring popularity.
- Inspect Generations cards for handling damage from Collection Box packaging. The cards came in 2-pack blisters inside larger collection boxes, and the packaging sometimes caused edge nicks or minor bending during shipping. Check edges carefully.
- The main set (1-83) contains standard XY-era Pokemon EX and Mega EX cards. These are available at much lower prices than the Radiant Collection highlights. Complete the main set inexpensively before splurging on RC chase cards.
- Consider buying complete common/uncommon lots from single sellers. NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise. Generations commons and uncommons cost little individually, but complete sets of non-holo cards on eBay save substantial time and money over buying one by one.
- Japanese Pokekyun Collection (CP3) cards offer the same Radiant Collection artwork at 40-60% lower prices. For collectors who care about the art rather than English language cards, the Japanese versions are a strong value play.
- Grading is worthwhile for M Charizard EX Full Art, RC29 Pikachu, and the Eeveelution EX trio if in NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise.+ condition. PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium. 10 premiums of 3-6x raw value justify the submission cost on these cards.
- Store Radiant Collection cards in perfect fit sleeves. The full-art treatment with textured surfaces shows fingerprints and minor scratches more readily than standard holo cards. Handle by edges only.
- The Mythical Pokemon promo cards included in each Collection Box (Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Darkrai, etc.) are separate from the Generations set numbering. Decide early whether to include these promos in your collection scope.
Market insights
- M Charizard EX Full Art (#12) is the set's headliner with stable demand from Charizard collectors, and PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium. 10 copies bring several times raw value. Prices have appreciated 5-8% annually since 2022.
- Radiant Collection Pikachu (RC29): the most desirable Radiant Collection card with strong Pikachu collector demand. The pastel art style drives premium over standard Pikachu cards.
- Flareon EX (#RC6), Jolteon EX (#RC7), and Vaporeon EX (#RC8): the Eeveelution trio trades within a tight range with Flareon typically commanding a slight premium.
- Complete main set, complete Radiant Collection, or the full master set: prices are moderate for a special set, reflecting the smaller card count.
- Sealed Mythical Collection box appreciation has been strong at 10-15% annually as remaining inventory decreases. These are unlikely to be reprinted.
- Individual Generations booster packs (loose, out of Collection Boxes) are not recommended for set completion. Buy singles instead. Pack opening is a premium-priced experience, not an efficient collecting strategy for this set.
- Appreciation trajectory: Generations has outperformed most XY-era standard sets in percentage terms over the past 5 years. The limited distribution creates genuine supply constraints that standard booster box sets don't face.
- International demand is moderate. English Generations cards command 30-50% premiums over Japanese Pokekyun Collection equivalents. European supply is thinner than North American, creating occasional Cardmarket premiums.
- PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium. 10 population rarity: Many Generations cards have sub-100 PSA 10 populations due to the set's initially overlooked collector status. Cards with low PSA 10 counts and strong character appeal (Pikachu, Charizard, Eeveelutions) have outsized grading premiums.
Watch out for
- Generations was NEVER sold in booster boxes. Any sealed 'booster box' of Generations offered for sale is repackaged or counterfeit. Only sealed Mythical Collection boxes and loose booster packs removed from those boxes are legitimate sealed product.
- The Collection Box packaging occasionally caused edge damage to cards inside. Always inspect edges of NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise.-advertised Generations cards, particularly along the top and bottom where the 2-pack blister contacts the card backs.
- Print quality from 2016 is generally good but centering issues exist. Radiant Collection full-art cards are particularly inconsistent in centering, so pre-screen before grading submissions.
- Complete master set cost in NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise. condition is moderate but not insignificant. The Radiant Collection portion represents nearly half the total cost in just 32 of 115 cards.
- No competitive play demand supports prices. All value is collector-driven. If Pokemon collecting interest declines broadly, Generations cards have no competitive format demand floor.
- Counterfeit risk is LOW for individual Generations singles, since card values don't justify sophisticated counterfeiting. However, verify any sealed Mythical Collection boxes for authentic Pokemon Company seal patterns and box construction.
Generations grading guide
Which Generations cards are worth the $20+/card grading fee? PSA 10 premiums vary significantly by rarity tier. See our complete grading guide for how grading works, costs, and international submission options.
Tier 1 - Grade Priority
Worth gradingThe set's top three cards all justify grading. M Charizard EX FA has the highest raw value and strongest PSA 10 demand. RC29 Pikachu's low PSA 10 population creates outsized premiums. Pre-screen centering carefully, as Radiant Collection centering is inconsistent.
Tier 2 - Selective Grading
Worth gradingEeveelution EX cards and top Radiant Collection pieces justify grading for clearly NM copies with strong centering. The Radiant Collection's low PSA 10 populations help premiums. Only submit if centering is 55/45 or better.
Tier 3 - Not Recommended
Skip gradingMid-tier EX cards and standard RC cards have decent multipliers but low raw values. Grading fees ($20-35) approach the total graded value. Keep raw unless the card is truly exceptional condition and you're building a complete graded set.
Tier 4 - Never Grade
Skip gradingGrading costs exceed graded values. High multipliers are misleading on sub-$3 base values. Keep raw in binder pages.
Before you submit — PSA checklist, fees, and tips▾
PSA 10 requirements
- Centering
- 55/45 minimum front and back. Modern SIRs frequently fail here — pre-screen every candidate.
- Corners
- Sharp, no whitening under magnification. Sleeve the moment you pull the card.
- Surface
- No scratches, print lines, or holo damage. SIR foils are especially vulnerable from the factory.
- Edges
- No chipping or fraying. Inspect under bright light.
PSA service tiers
- Value
- $20/card, 4–6 month turnaround. Right for raw values $75–500.
- Regular
- $50/card, 6–8 week turnaround. Right for raw values $500+.
- Express
- $75–150/card, 2–3 week turnaround. Only worth it above $1,000 raw.
Budget for a 5-card submission: $135–170 once you add shipping, insurance, and supplies.
Tips from experienced submitters
- • Pre-screen with a loupe — 70%+ of modern cards fail centering.
- • PSA Collectors Club ($99/year) pays for itself with 2–3 value-tier submissions.
- • Ship in batches of 10+ to amortize shipping and insurance.
- • PSA 9 typically sells at 40–60% of PSA 10 — still a premium over raw.
Storage & protection
Protect your 155-card Generations master set with archival binders, perfect-fit sleeves, and top loaders for the chase cards. Plan on $150–250 for complete coverage.
Premium binders
Dragon Shield Codex · $30–50
Archival pages, side-loading pockets, acid-free. For 155 cards, plan on 9 double-sided 9-pocket pages.
Perfect-fit sleeves
Every card · $30–50 total
Prevent micro-scratches from sliding cards in and out of binder pockets. You'll need roughly 2 packs for full coverage.
Top loaders
Chase cards · $15–25/pack
Rigid protection for SIRs and grading candidates. Essential for anything over $40 raw.
Generations card list
Every card in the Generations master set. Search, filter by rarity or price, and mark off what you own as you go. Tap any card for prices and variants.
Track your collection. Mark cards owned or wanted, add condition & notes, and watch your master set progress.
| Card | Price | Collection |
|---|---|---|
Venusaur EX1/83 · Ultra Rare | $11.00 | Holo |
M Venusaur EX2/83 · Ultra Rare | $22.65 | Holo |
Caterpie3/83 · Common | $0.33 | N RH |
Metapod4/83 · Uncommon | $0.38 | N RH |
Butterfree5/83 · Holo Rare | $4.20 | Holo RH |
Paras6/83 · Common | $0.37 | N RH |
Parasect7/83 · Rare | $0.34 | N RH |
Tangela8/83 · Common | $0.26 | N RH |
Pinsir9/83 · Rare | $0.34 | N RH |
Leafeon EX10/83 · Ultra Rare | $46.56 | Holo |
Charizard EX11/83 · Ultra Rare | $28.42 | Holo |
M Charizard EX12/83 · Ultra Rare | $160.45 | Holo |
Ninetales EX13/83 · Ultra Rare | $5.41 | Holo |
Ponyta14/83 · Common | $0.36 | N RH |
Rapidash15/83 · Rare | $0.68 | N RH |
Magmar16/83 · Common | $0.26 | N RH |
Blastoise EX17/83 · Ultra Rare | $15.88 | Holo |
M Blastoise EX18/83 · Ultra Rare | $30.84 | Holo |
Shellder19/83 · Common | $0.18 | N RH |
Cloyster20/83 · Uncommon | $0.33 | N RH |
Krabby21/83 · Common | $0.22 | N RH |
Magikarp22/83 · Common | $0.74 | N RH |
Gyarados23/83 · Rare | $1.18 | N RH |
Vaporeon EX24/83 · Ultra Rare | $27.42 | Holo |
Articuno25/83 · Holo Rare | $40.17 | Holo |
Pikachu26/83 · Common | $3.58 | N RH |
Raichu27/83 · Holo Rare | $3.08 | Holo RH |
Jolteon EX28/83 · Ultra Rare | $32.68 | Holo |
Jolteon-EX28a · Rare Ultra | $32.68 | Holo |
Zapdos29/83 · Holo Rare | $53.03 | Holo |
Zubat30/83 · Common | $0.27 | N RH |
Golbat31/83 · Uncommon | $0.30 | N RH |
Slowpoke32/83 · Common | $0.52 | N RH |
Gastly33/83 · Common | $0.39 | N RH |
Haunter34/83 · Uncommon | $0.79 | N RH |
Gengar35/83 · Holo Rare | $45.12 | Holo RH |
Jynx36/83 · Rare | $0.39 | N RH |
Meowstic EX37/83 · Ultra Rare | $6.49 | Holo |
Diglett38/83 · Common | $0.58 | N RH |
Dugtrio39/83 · Rare | $0.39 | N RH |
Machop40/83 · Common | $0.26 | N RH |
Machoke41/83 · Uncommon | $0.35 | N RH |
Machamp42/83 · Holo Rare | $1.79 | Holo RH |
Geodude43/83 · Common | $0.23 | N RH |
Graveler44/83 · Uncommon | $0.34 | N RH |
Golem45/83 · Holo Rare | $1.96 | Holo RH |
Golem EX46/83 · Ultra Rare | $3.40 | Holo |
Hitmonlee47/83 · Rare | $0.43 | N RH |
Hitmonchan48/83 · Rare | $0.35 | N RH |
Rhyhorn49/83 · Common | $0.22 | N RH |
Frequently asked questions
How many cards are in the Generations master set?▾
The Generations master set is 155 cards: 83 base cards, 70 reverse holofoils, and 1 secret rares and special-art cards. The base set alone is 84 unique cards, numbered 001/83 through the secret rares. Track all 155 with the free interactive checklist on Cardrake.
See also: Binder layout planner
What are the chase cards in Generations?▾
The top chase card in Generations is M Charizard EX (Ultra Rare) at $161.24. Other high-value cards include Gengar ($57.52) and Zapdos ($53.03). See the full chase card rankings above for current prices.
See also: Chase card rankings, Binder layout planner
How much does a Generations master set cost?▾
A complete Generations master set is estimated at $932 based on current TCGPlayer market prices. Budget collectors can start with the base set for significantly less, while premium completionists targeting graded copies should expect higher costs.
See also: Master set budgeting guide, Binder layout planner
What is the complete Generations master set card list?▾
The Generations set contains 83 base cards across 6 rarity tiers plus 1 secret rares. View the complete card list with images, prices, and rarity information on the Generations binder layout page on Cardrake.
See also: Binder layout planner
How should I organize Generations in a binder?▾
For 155 cards (including reverse holos), a 9-pocket binder needs 9 double-sided pages and a 12-pocket binder needs 7 pages. Use Cardrake's visual binder planner to preview exactly how your cards will be laid out before you start sleeving.
See also: Binder layout planner, Binder organization guide
Is there a Generations master set checklist?▾
Yes — Cardrake provides a visual master set checklist for Generations with all 84 cards. You can track owned and missing cards, view your completion percentage, and plan your binder layout. Sign up for the Collector plan to save your progress.
See also: Binder layout planner
Is Generations worth collecting as a master set?▾
Generations has 84 unique cards with an estimated completion cost of $932. The manageable set size makes it a good choice for newer master set collectors. With 19 cards over $10, most of the value is concentrated in a few key cards.
See also: Master set guide, Binder layout planner
Was Generations sold in booster boxes?▾
No. Generations was never available in standard 36-pack booster boxes. It was exclusively distributed through Mythical Pokemon Collection boxes, each containing 2 Generations packs alongside a promo card and figure. Any sealed 'booster box' advertised as Generations is either repackaged or counterfeit.
What is the Radiant Collection?▾
A 32-card subset (RC1-RC32) featuring full-art Pokemon with stylized pastel and dreamy backgrounds. These cards have a completely different artistic style from the main set. Highlights include RC29 Pikachu, the Eeveelution EX trio (Flareon, Jolteon, Vaporeon), and Sylveon EX. The Radiant Collection is based on the Japanese Pokekyun Collection.
What is the most valuable Generations card?▾
M Charizard EX Full Art (#12) leads the set raw NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise., and PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium. 10 copies bring several times raw. RC29 Pikachu is second, again with a strong PSA 10 multiple. The Eeveelution EX trio rounds out the top tier at modest raw prices.
Is Generations a good set to collect?▾
Generations is one of the most collector-friendly XY-era sets. The 115-card size is manageable, the Radiant Collection art is stunning, and the limited distribution creates genuine scarcity. The 20th anniversary theme adds historical significance. The main drawback is sourcing, since fewer copies exist than standard sets.
Should I grade Generations cards?▾
Grade M Charizard EX Full Art and RC29 Pikachu if NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise.+ with good centering. PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium. 10 premiums of 3-5x justify the cost. The Eeveelution EX trio is borderline (PSA 10 premiums are decent but raw values are moderate). Don't grade standard holos or commons unless building a complete graded set.
How is Generations different from Evolutions?▾
Generations (February 2016) is a 20th anniversary set with original artwork and the Radiant Collection subset, distributed only through Collection Boxes. Evolutions (November 2016) is a direct reprint of Base Set artwork on modern card stock, sold in standard booster boxes. Both are anniversary-themed but have different cards, artwork, and distribution methods.
Are Japanese Pokekyun Collection cards the same as Radiant Collection?▾
Yes, the Japanese Pokekyun Collection (CP3) features the same artwork as the English Radiant Collection. The Japanese versions were released September 2015, about 5 months before the English Generations set. Japanese versions trade at 40-60% of English prices.
Why is Generations so expensive for a 2016 set?▾
Limited distribution. Unlike standard sets with millions of booster boxes printed, Generations was only available in Mythical Collection boxes containing 2 packs each. The total number of Generations packs opened is estimated at 25-40% of a standard XY set. Genuine supply constraints drive premium pricing.
What condition issues should I look for?▾
Edge nicks from Collection Box packaging (check all four edges), centering inconsistencies on Radiant Collection full-arts, and fingerprint marks on textured RC surfaces. The 2016 card stock is generally good quality, so surface scratches and corner wear are primarily from handling rather than manufacturing.
How do I store Generations Radiant Collection cards?▾
Perfect fit inner sleeves for all RC cards. Magnetic one-touch holders for RC29 Pikachu and the Eeveelution EX trio. Standard top loaders for remaining RC cards. The textured full-art surfaces show fingerprints easily, so handle by edges only. Store in climate-controlled conditions away from UV light.