Pikachu went Gigantamax in Vivid Voltage, released on November 13, 2020. The set is best known for two things: the rainbow Pikachu VMAX that collectors nicknamed "Chonkachu," and the debut of Amazing Rares, cards whose rainbow-splashed art bursts right out of the frame. Here's the collector's guide: the dates, the chase cards and what came in every box.
Vivid Voltage at a Glance
- Release date: November 13, 2020
- Set code: SWSH04
- Set size: 185 cards plus secret rares
- Box art: Pikachu VMAX
- New rarity: Amazing Rare
Amazing Rares Debut
Amazing Rares are holofoil cards where a burst of rainbow color spills outside the art box, and they carry special abilities or attacks that make them playable too. Vivid Voltage introduced them with several Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, and they returned in later Sword & Shield sets.
The Chase Cards
Rainbow Pikachu VMAX. The Gigantamax Pikachu in rainbow foil is the headline card of the set and one of the most beloved cards of the Sword & Shield era.
Amazing Rares. The new rarity's first wave, popular with binder collectors.
Full Art Pokémon V and Trainers. Full art and rainbow versions of the set's Pokémon V and Galar Supporters.
Gold secret rares. Gold Items and Pokémon at the very top of the rarity ladder.
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 (Sobble or Vaporeon versions) |
| Build and Battle Box | 4 packs and a 23-card Evolution pack with 1 of 4 promos |
| Elite Trainer Box | 8 packs, Gigantamax Pikachu sleeves, 45 Energy cards, dice and a storage box |
| Booster Box | 36 packs |
Our take: Vivid Voltage is a fan favorite for Pikachu collectors. The Elite Trainer Box, with its Gigantamax Pikachu sleeves, is the sealed product most collectors reach for.
Tips for Collectors
- Check sold listings. Rainbow Pikachu VMAX prices are driven by condition, so compare recent eBay sold listings for raw and graded copies.
- Collect the Amazing Rares. They're one of the most distinctive card styles of the era and look great together in a binder.
- Sleeve every rainbow card. Rainbow foil scratches easily.
Keep Collecting With Booster Pack Cards
Browse our Pokémon TCG Booster Boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes, Booster Packs and sleeves and toploaders, or shop the full Pokémon TCG collection. Next up: shiny hunting in our Shining Fates collector's guide.
