On March 14, 2025, the latest set of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Heat Wave Arena , was released in Japan. Just hours after the release, the collector and player community reacted – and we at CrispyCards have analyzed the most exciting price trends and top cards for you. If you're looking for valuable cards or want to know which designs are particularly in demand, you've come to the right place. Enjoy this article about the rarest cards from Heat Wave Arena.
What is Heat Wave Arena?
Heat Wave Arena is a Japanese Pokémon TCG set that introduces both new gameplay mechanics and popular characters with unique designs. In addition to iconic Trainers like Cynthia, Ethan, and Misty, the set features a variety of Special Illustration Rares (SIR), Gold cards, and Illustration Rares (IR) that are both visually appealing and engaging.
In Germany, the Heat Wave Arena content is expected to be released in the Destined Rivals set in May 2025. This makes the current price development in Japan particularly exciting – because it gives us a first indication of which cards might be in high demand here as well.
Our price analysis: How were the top 10 determined?
We analyzed the average auction prices on Japanese platforms as of March 15, 2025—one day after release—and converted them into euros. These prices show us which cards were in particularly high demand immediately after release. Of course, the market is still subject to change, but initial trends are already clearly visible.
Top 10 rarest cards from Heat Wave Arena
(As of April 10, 2025)
10th place. Mistys Lapras (sv9a 072)
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approx. 16 €
9th place. Klarins Tornupto (sv9a 070)
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approx. 20.50 €
8th place. Peppers Mastifioso ex (sv9a 088)
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approx. 23 €
7th place. Yanmega ex (sv9a 085)
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approx. 24 €
6th place: Misty's Psyduck (sv9a 071)
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approx. 25 €
5th place: Klarins Ho-Oh ex (sv9a 090)
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approx. 39.50 €
4th place. Cynthia's Garchomp ex (sv9a 091)
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approx. 48.50 €
3rd place: Ethan's Adventure (sv9a 089)
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approx. 75 €
2nd place: Klarins Ho-Oh ex (sv9a 086)
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approx. 180 €
1st place: Cynthia's Garchomp ex (sv9a 087)
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approx. 250 €
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This list clearly shows: Illustration Rares like Misty's Psyduck don't have to hide behind SIR or Gold cards. Quite the opposite – thanks to its nostalgic motif and loving design, Psyduck has even surpassed cards like Lavandia, Mabula, and Yanmega.
Why is Misty's Psyduck so popular?
Cards featuring Misty were already a hit in previous sets – this time, it's her dreamy Psyduck that's sparking enthusiasm among collectors worldwide. The card is not only a visual highlight, but also appeals to many fans who grew up with the Pokémon anime of the 2000s. The illustration depicts Psyduck in a playful, almost dreamy style – no wonder this IR fetched prices of up to €19 on its first day.
A look into the future: What does this mean for the European market?
With Heat Wave Arena releasing in our region as part of the Destined Rivals set, now's the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the cards. Those who are smart use Japanese prices as an indicator of future trends. Experience shows that these price trends remain fairly stable—especially for popular trainers and exclusive artwork.
Cards like Cynthia's Garchomp , Ho-Oh ex , or Ethan's Adventure could be among the most sought-after cards in Europe. Collectors should act early while players consider whether these cards will also be relevant in the tournament format.
Conclusion: Heat Wave Arena impresses with strong designs and nostalgic flair
Whether you're a passionate collector, looking to upgrade your deck, or simply love beautiful cards, Heat Wave Arena has something for everyone. Illustration Rares like Misty's Psyduck, in particular, demonstrate that even smaller cards can quickly become valuable highlights.
Stay tuned – we at CrispyCards regularly analyze new sets, price developments, and TCG trends worldwide for you!
👉 Don't want to miss any news? Then follow our blog and don't miss any price updates or release information! The rarest cards from Heat Wave Arena were compiled by Celine Miles.
