What a task - 17 sets, choose 3! Sure, let's give this a shot. We will not be following any rules or criteria. We won't entertain objectivity. What do we think are the top 3 Pokemon TCG Sword and Shield sets? Let's find out.
Sword and Shield: Fusion Strike
Let's start with the heavy-hitters. Gengar VMAX alternate art (Gengar VMAX 271/264) - wow! Mew VMAX alternate art (Mew VMAX 269/264) - wow! Espeon VMAX alternate art (Espeon VMAX 270/264) - wow! Then, you have the alternate art V-cards. Breakdancing Genesect V (Genesect V 255/264), Mew V (251/264); the list goes on. Underrated, near-derided on release, the set has been growing in favour in recent years. It is wonderful to see the set's reputation blossom - it deserves it. Watch the tough pull-rates, though. Shop our Fusion Strike collection here.
Sword and Shield: Celebrations
Pokemon celebrated its 25th anniversary with Sword and Shield: Celebrations. The main set was comprised entirely of holographic cards, Pikachu, legendaries, and Professor Oak (Professor's Research 024/025). The magic was in the Classic Collection, a time-capsule of a sub-set. There was nothing like pulling reprinted versions of Base Set Charizard (4/102), Shining Magikarp (66/64), and Gold Star Umbreon (17/17). Further, with great-pull rates, and Celebrations being a relatively small set by modern standards, master-sets were actually possible. Check out our Celebrations collection here.
Sword and Shield: Evolving Skies
We all knew it was coming. There is no denying the continuing hype around Evolving Skies. In this case, the hype isn't empty, it is bolstered by eeveelutions all the colours of the rainbow. Is there even a need to mention 'Moonbreon' (Umbreon VMAX 215/225)? What a card. Similar could be said of Umbreon V (189/225). For the book-lovers, there's Espeon V (180/225) - books psychically swirl around Espeon mimicking a Disney scene. The set is a triumph on a non-eevee level too. Rayquaza V (194/225), Rayquaza VMAX (218/225), Sleepy Dragonite V (192/225), Batman Noivern V (196/225). It doesn't end. The pull-rates, though. My best and worst openings have all come from Evolving Skies. When you pull something great, though, there is nothing quite like it. Our Evolving Skies collection is available here.
Well, we made it. It was a great era, but it's over now. You can view our full Sword and Shield collections here.