A new generation of the Pokémon TCG started here. Sword & Shield released on February 7, 2020 and opened the Galar era, retiring Pokémon-GX in favor of two mechanics that defined the next three years of the game: Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX. Here's the collector's guide: the dates, the mechanics, the cards to chase and what came in every box.
Sword & Shield at a Glance
- Release date: February 7, 2020
- Set code: SWSH01, the first main expansion of the Sword & Shield series
- Set size: 202 cards plus secret rares
- Region: Galar, from Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
- Box art: Zacian V and Zamazenta V
- New mechanics: Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX
Pokémon V and VMAX Arrive
Pokémon V are powerful Basic Pokémon that give up two Prize cards when Knocked Out. Pokémon VMAX evolve from them and represent the Dynamax and Gigantamax forms from the games, with even bigger HP and a three-Prize penalty. The legendary wolves Zacian V and Zamazenta V fronted the set, and Zacian V quickly became one of the most-played cards in competitive decks.
The set also brought a new card frame and a rule change players still feel today: the player who goes first can no longer play a Supporter on their first turn.
The Chase Cards
Marnie. The Spikemuth Gym Leader's full art and rainbow Supporter cards were the hottest pulls in the set, and Marnie remains one of the most collected Trainers of the whole era.
Zacian V and Zamazenta V. Full art, rainbow and gold versions of the box legendaries.
Rainbow Rare VMAX. Snorlax VMAX and Lapras VMAX in rainbow foil, two of the first Gigantamax cards ever printed.
Full Art Trainers. Galar characters like Professor Magnolia and Marnie set the tone for the era's Supporter cards.
The Product Lineup
| Product | What's inside |
|---|---|
| Booster Pack | 10 cards plus a basic Energy, in one of four pack artworks |
| Sleeved Booster Pack | 1 booster pack in cardboard sleeve packaging |
| 3 Pack Blister | 3 packs plus a foil promo |
| Build and Battle Box | 4 packs and a 23-card Evolution pack with 1 of 4 promos |
| Elite Trainer Box | 8 packs, Zacian or Zamazenta sleeves, Energy cards, dice and a storage box |
| Booster Box | 36 packs |
Our take: Sealed Sword & Shield base set has become a collector's item in its own right, with booster boxes trading far above their original price. If you want to open this era today, it's usually cheaper to start with later Sword & Shield sets and keep base set sealed.
Tips for Collectors
- Check sold listings. Prices on 2020 sealed product swing a lot, so recent eBay sold listings are the best guide before you buy.
- Watch the regulation mark. Sword & Shield cards carry the D regulation mark and have long since rotated out of Standard, so this set is for collectors and Expanded players.
- Grade the Marnie. Clean copies of the full art and rainbow Marnie are worth sending in.
Start Your Collection With Booster Pack Cards
Browse our Pokémon TCG Booster Boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes and Booster Packs, or shop the full Pokémon TCG collection. Next up in the Galar era: our Rebel Clash collector's guide.
