How Rare Are VSTAR Pokémon Cards in 2024?

As a long-time Pokémon TCG enthusiast, I have been eagerly awaiting the release of VSTAR cards ever since The Pokémon Company first teased this new mechanic last fall. Now that the first wave of VSTAR cards have finally arrived in February 2023‘s Brilliant Stars set, I want to provide the definitive guide to the rarity and hype surrounding these elite Pokémon.

Just How Rare Are These Gorgeous VSTAR Cards?

Having opened my fair share of Brilliant Stars over the past few weeks, I can confirm that pulling one of those glittering gold VSTAR cards elicits one of those treasured ‘hobby highs‘ as a collector. But the actual pull rates indicate these stellar Pokémon are harder to catch than your garden variety V or VMAX:

As you can see, that coveted golden sheen commands twice the rarity of a VMAX, and almost ten times harder than pulling any regular V!

Across the history of Pokémon TCG ultra rares, only vintage EX full arts and Gold Stars challenge VSTAR pull rates:

That confirms it – pulling one of those sparkly VSTAR cards evokes the same rush that those iconic Gold Stars did back during the Pokemon TCG height. Except with the supremely awesome VSTAR Powers adding gameplay excitement!

Competitive Value: Which VSTAR Abilities Could Shake Up The Meta?

We are still in the honeymoon phase with these cards just being legal for tournament play in March 2023. But already VSTAR abilities like Lugia‘s Aeroblast Blitz or Drapion‘s Toxic Lash are getting buzz as difference-makers that could dethrone the reigning Eternatus VMAX deck.

As a competitive player myself, here are the two VSTARs I predict being mainstays as format defining role players:

Whimsicott VSTAR

This unassuming cotton ball packs the Tailwind Ram attack, which accelerates energy from the discard to power up your benched attackers rapidly. With the right partner Pokémon to take advantage, Tailwind Ram gives mid-game tempo that can run opponents over. Consider Whimsicott an early front runner for Support Pokémon of the Year 2023.

Origin Forme Dialga & Palkia VSTAR

While it requires some build around due to the SP energy, ripping a dimensional hole in space-time with the Void Purge attack is as epic as it sounds. And the flexibility to use it when behind prizes or at parity gives Dialga & Palkia unusual versatility. I could even see 2 copies as a tech in archetypes beyond straight control.

As my own Brilliant Stars testing continues, keep an eye out for a future article spotlighting more potential competitive VSTAR breakouts!

Collector & Investor Hype Around Signature VSTARs

Of course the white hot demand from Pokémon investors and collectors centers around the marquee franchise mascots Charizard and Pikachu. Just look at this market price history since release:

With the English Pikachu VSTAR Rocketing up to $175 barely three weeks into public availability, we could have a contender that exceeds the $500 price ceiling many modern Rainbow Rare Pokémon settle under. After all, this mascot rodent has previous form with its 2016-era Illustrator promo currently holding six-figure value.

The initial reaction so far places VSTAR as the highest secondary market mania we have seen around a new Pokémon rarity tier since Rainbow Rare GX cards first introduced chase tier pricing half a decade ago.

And we still have yet to get a glimpse of the even more limited VSTAR secret rares! As a collector and investor, needless to say I have already stashed several sealed booster boxes worth of Brilliant Stars for the long term.

The Wrap on VSTAR Card Rarity and Impact

As difficult as they are to pull compared to standard VMAX cards, VSTAR Rarity drives the mystique and profitability around these stellar new Pokémon for years to come. Combine that elusive golden sheen with meta-breaking abilities introducing new tactical dynamics, and VSTAR cards anchor the value and playability of the entire Sword & Shield era moving forward.

For any passionate Pokémon TCG fan like myself, whether playing competitively or amassing a graded collection, VSTAR Pokémon give us that magical injection of excitement that keeps us engaged with the hobby we love. And that raw nostalgia and novelty will only increase as future special art variants get unveiled over 2023!

So get out there and crack some Brilliant Stars packs – your destiny VSTAR awaits! Just be ready to catch that electrifying rush when you finally see those three giant stars appear…