ThePokeHangouts

Author name: aflgamesco

Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat SVP 85

Last Updated: December 13, 2023 PSA 10 Population: 4520 | Link PSA Total Population: 9,218 | Link Recent Sold Price in PSA 10: ~$400 | eBay Recent Sold Price in Raw: ~$135 | eBay Covid Era: Post Covid Card Summary Pros: Artwork: This card features artwork by illustrator Naoyo Kimura and is in the art style of Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat. Pokemon Popularity: Pikachu is essentially the face of Pokemon and one of, if not the most popular Pokemon in the franchise.  Collectability: This card is in English only (at the time of writing) and was only available during a crossover event with the Pokemon and Van Gogh Museum in 2023 to celebrate the Van Gogh Museum’s 50th anniversary.  It could only be received by either purchasing any “Pokemon Center x Van Gogh Museum” merchandise from the English Pokemon Center website or by participating in the “Pokemon Adventure” activity at the Van Gogh Museum.  This card highly sought after by collectors due to it’s rarity and collaboration with the museum. Similar Cards: There is a set of cards that are inspired by The Scream by Edvard Munch, including Psyduck, Eevee, Pikachu, Mimikyu, and Rowlet.  These cards have proved to be highly sought after by collectors so the Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat may follow a similar pattern. Cons: Actual Power: This card is mostly not viable in the TCG. If you need to search for some other  specific Pikachu card in your deck, this card could have some use, but in general it’s not really practical. Grading Issues: Like many valuable cards, grading can be tricky due to various reason. Finding one in mint condition for grading could be challenging but no common flaws have reported so far. Overall: Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat (also called Van Gogh Pikachu) was one of the most controversial and sought after cards at the end of 2023.  Even though this was a free card that came with other purchases on the Pokemon Center website or through participating in the Museum’s activity, the card stock ran out and was unavailable within hours of availability.  Many collectors were upset due to not being able to get this card because of how fast it went, even through multiple waves of availability.  This Pikachu isn’t typically viable in the TCG but is a powerhouse when it comes to collectability. If you would like to read more on the Grey Hat Pikachu and the Van Gogh event, you can check it out here.

Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat SVP 85 Read More »

Everything about Pokémon Horizon: The Series! (February 2024)

Pokémon Horizons: The Series is the latest installment of the Pokémon anime franchise, which has been running for over 25 years. The series is based on the Generation IX games Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, which introduced the new region of Paldea! The protagonist will be Liko and Roy, two young trainers who join a group of explorers called the Rising Volt Tacklers and travel across the Pokémon world, visiting all the regions from Kanto to Paldea. Along the way, they encounter new friends, new foes, and new mysteries, as well as old favorites from previous generations. This series will have a darker and more mature tone, as it deals with themes such as exploration, discovery, and survival. The series also introduces the Explorers, a mysterious organization that is after Liko’s pendant, which holds a secret connection to the legendary Pokémon Terapagos, the guardian of Paldea! It first premiered in Japan on TV Tokyo on April 14, 2023, with a one-hour special, and will be distributed by Netflix in the United States on February 23, 2024. So have any of this captured your attention yet?! This series has received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised the animation, the story, the characters, and the music. The series has also been nominated for several awards, such as the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year and the Annie Award for Best Animated Television Production for Children. As the chapter closed for Ash/Red will you be interested in watching this new Pokémon series?!

Everything about Pokémon Horizon: The Series! (February 2024) Read More »

Mewtwo GX 78

Last Updated: December 19, 2023 PSA 10 Population: 1944 | Link PSA Total Population: 7066 | Link Recent Sold Price in PSA 10: ~$650 | eBay Recent Sold Price in Raw: ~$105 | eBay Covid Era: Pre Covid Set: Shining Legends  Card Summary Card Chart Card Summary Card Chart Tab Content Card Summary Pros:  Artwork: Mitsuhiro Arita has also drawn some of the most stunning and iconic cards in the Pokémon TCG; one including the Mewtwo-GX. This artwork showed Mewtwo held captive in a laboratory in the special set Shining Legends, which debuted the first true alternate art with the card that collectors have come to call “Mewtube”.  Collectability: Mewtwo GX 78 is a highly collectible card from the Shining Legends expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It features a secret rare, full art, alternate artwork of Mewtwo GX. The rates were low pulling this card along with the common print issue of white spotting on the front and back of the card usually giving the grade a PSA 9. This is the first true alternate art card.  Cons: Grading Issues: Like many valuable cards, grading can be tricky. Finding one in mint condition for grading could be challenging. (Centering, White Spotting etc.) Overall:  In summary, Mewtwo#78 is a highly valuable collector’s item with stunning art. If you’re a collector or an investor, this card could be a great addition to your Mewtwo collection!

Mewtwo GX 78 Read More »

Pokemon X Tiffany and Co Collaboration

Pokémon, the popular franchise of video games, anime, and merchandise, has teamed up with Tiffany & Co., the iconic luxury jeweler, to create a limited-edition capsule collection of necklaces and pendants. The collection is a result of a collaboration with contemporary artist Daniel Arsham, who is known for his “Future Relics” series of sculptures that depict objects from the present as if they were unearthed from a distant future. The collection features nine pieces, each with a pendant shaped like a Pokémon, such as Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Eevee, Jigglypuff, Mewtwo, Mew, and Ditto. The pendants are crafted from oxidized sterling silver, with some exclusive styles in 18k yellow gold with diamonds. The designs are inspired by Arsham’s Pokémon sculptures, which he exhibited in his “A Ripple in Time” show in Tokyo last year. The sculptures have a crystallized quality that evokes a sense of decay and transformation. The collection is available on EQL, a platform that uses blockchain technology to ensure a fair and transparent selection process for purchasing limited-edition products. Customers can apply to purchase the pieces on EQL, and the winners will be randomly selected and notified via email. The collection ranges in price from $1,500 to $29,000, depending on the material and the rarity of the Pokémon. The collaboration is a unique fusion of art, culture, and luxury, that appeals to fans of both Pokémon and Tiffany & Co. The collection is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history and art, as well as a tribute to the beloved characters of Pokémon! If you missed out from the EQL do not be alarmed as there is another chance! EQL stated you’ll be available again beginning December 2023 at two Tiffany & Co locations: The Landmark in New York City and the brand’s Omotesando store in Tokyo!  

Pokemon X Tiffany and Co Collaboration Read More »

Charizard V 154

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHOmBV4js_E Last Updated: November 16, 2023 PSA 10 Population: 7156 | Link PSA Total Population: 12,464 | Link Recent Sold Price in PSA 10: ~$240 | eBay Recent Sold Price in Raw: ~$105 | eBay Covid Era: Post Covid Card Summary Pros:  Artwork: The card features stunning artwork by illustrator Ryota Murayama. The high contrast and dynamic composition make it visually appealing.  Collectability: Charizard is an iconic Pokemon, making this card highly sought after by collectors. Cons: Actual Power: Despite its value, the card’s actual power in gameplay is somewhat disappointing. It’s not a top-tier competitive card. Grading Issues: Like many valuable cards, grading can be tricky. Finding one in mint condition for grading could be challenging. (Centering etc.) Overall:  In summary, Charizard V #154 is a valuable collector’s item with stunning art but may not excel in competitive play. If you’re a collector or an investor, this card could be a great addition to your collection!

Charizard V 154 Read More »

Detective Pikachu 2 Releases Today! (Japan Exclusive Promo)

If you’re a fan of the Pokémon franchise and the quirky detective Pikachu, you’ll be happy to know that the sequel to the 2016 Nintendo 3DS game, Detective Pikachu, is coming to the Nintendo Switch on October 6, 2023. The game, officially titled Detective Pikachu Returns, will continue the story of Tim Goodman and his partner Pikachu as they solve mysteries in Ryme City and beyond. The game promises to feature more Pokémon, more puzzles, and more coffee for the caffeine-addicted sleuth. But that’s not all. If you’re lucky enough to live in Japan or have access to a Japanese copy of the game, you’ll also get some exclusive pre-order bonuses that will make any Pokémon collector envious. The most notable one is a special Pokémon Trading Card featuring Detective Pikachu riding on the back of a Growlithe. The card has a beautiful artwork and a stamp of the game logo. It also comes with a fluffy figure of Detective Pikachu that is 5.5 cm tall and looks adorable. These bonuses are only available at the Pokémon Center in Japan, so act fast if you want to secure them. Other Japanese retailers are also offering different pre-order bonuses, such as an item case, an eco-mug, and a set of 10 promo cards. You can check out the full list of them on the Pokémon Japan website. Unfortunately, there is no word yet on whether these bonuses will be available in other regions or not. We’ll keep you updated if we hear anything new. Detective Pikachu Returns is shaping up to be an exciting adventure for Pokémon fans of all ages. If you enjoyed the first game or the movie adaptation, you’ll definitely want to check out this sequel. And if you’re new to the series, don’t worry. You can still jump in and have fun with the witty and charming Detective Pikachu. Just make sure you have enough coffee for Detective Pikachu! Will you be playing and what do you think of the Japanese exclusive promo card that comes with the preorder?

Detective Pikachu 2 Releases Today! (Japan Exclusive Promo) Read More »

Pokemon Fans, Get Ready for a Fun-Filled Day at GameStop! (October 7)

If you love Pokemon and want to meet other fans, trade cards, and play games, you won’t want to miss the Pokemon Trade and Play event happening at select GameStop stores on October 7th! This event is part of the celebration of the release of Detective Pikachu Returns on Nintendo Switch and the new Pokemon TCG Scarlet & Violet 151 products. Here are some of the highlights of what you can expect at this event: Free Trade & Play Kit: When you arrive at the event, you will receive a free Trade & Play kit that contains a Fun Pack and some other goodies. A Fun Pack includes two common cards and a reverse holo card, which can be a common, uncommon, or rare card. You can use these cards to trade with other participants or add to your collection. The kit also comes with items like sticker sheets and puzzles to keep you entertained. Detective Pikachu Returns: This is the sequel to the hit game Detective Pikachu, which was released in 2018. In this game, you will team up with the witty and adorable Pikachu to solve mysteries and find clues in the vibrant city of Ryme. You will also encounter many familiar and new Pokemon along the way. The game features enhanced graphics, voice acting, and gameplay compared to the original. You can try out the game at the event and purchase it if you like it. Pokemon TCG Scarlet & Violet 151: This is the latest expansion of the Pokemon Trading Card Game, which features over 200 new cards based on the original 151 Pokemon. You will find cards of iconic Pokemon like Charizard, Mewtwo, and Pikachu, as well as new forms and variants like Alakazam ex, Zapdos ex, and Ultra-Premium Collection. You can buy these products at the event and open them with other fans. You might even pull some rare or ultra-rare cards that are worth a lot of money! Games and Activities: The event is not only about trading and buying, but also about having fun and making friends. You can play games like Pokemon GO, Pokemon UNITE, and Pokemon Masters EX on your mobile devices or Nintendo Switch. You can also join activities like trivia quizzes, coloring contests, and scavenger hunts. There will be prizes for the winners and participants of these games and activities. The Pokemon Trade and Play event is a great opportunity for Pokemon fans of all ages to enjoy their favorite franchise and connect with other enthusiasts. The event will start at noon local time and last until supplies run out. Check the nearest GameStop hosting this event near you here! PokemonTradeAndPlay | GameStop

Pokemon Fans, Get Ready for a Fun-Filled Day at GameStop! (October 7) Read More »

The Downfall of Van Gogh x Pokemon Collaboration

The Pokémon Company International recently announced a collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum of Amsterdam, featuring a range of exclusive merchandise inspired by the legendary painter’s artworks. The collaboration, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the museum and the 170th anniversary of Vincent van Gogh’s birth, also includes an exhibit of six paintings that feature Pokemon characters in the style of Van Gogh. The collaboration was met with enthusiasm by many Pokémon fans, who rushed to order the items from the Pokémon Center online store. The items included a Pikachu plush dressed as Van Gogh, trading card game sleeves, figures of Pikachu and Eevee, poster prints, and a jigsaw puzzle. However, some fans were left disappointed and angry when they received emails from the Pokémon Center informing them that their orders were either cancelled or modified due to high demand and limited availability. According to the emails, some customers who ordered multiple items had their orders reduced to one item per customer, while others had their orders cancelled altogether. The emails also stated that the customers would receive refunds for the cancelled or modified items and apologized for any inconvenience caused. Many fans took to social media to express their frustration and dissatisfaction with the Pokémon Center’s handling of the situation. Some accused the Pokémon Center of overselling the items and failing to manage their inventory properly. Others claimed that they had ordered the items as soon as they became available and felt cheated by the random selection process. Some even speculated that the Pokémon Center was reserving some of the items for scalpers or influencers, who would sell them at higher prices or use them for promotion. Some fans also criticized the Pokémon Center for not offering any compensation or alternative options for the affected customers. They suggested that the Pokémon Center should have offered pre-orders, backorders, or vouchers for future purchases. They also argued that the Pokémon Center should have communicated more clearly and transparently about the availability and distribution of the items. What do you wish should have been done differently by the Pokémon Company and were you able to get a hold of one of the most hyped collaboration products?

The Downfall of Van Gogh x Pokemon Collaboration Read More »

Scroll to Top