Destructoid’s Best Pokémon TCG Cards of 2023

destructoid.com:

Although Pokémon TCG had a busy year, it wasn’t one I enjoyed too much, in part because Paldea never really captured my heart. Despite this, there have been a few gorgeous cards released, and you should consider yourself lucky if you managed to score one.

For collectors and players, there were a few changes to get used to this year. Some were aesthetic; for example, the cards from the Crown Zenith set, which was released in January, are the last to feature yellow borders. Additionally, the name of each Energy card is now printed on the top of the card alongside a new subtype tag.

Of course, there are also price changes to get used to. The MSRP for booster packs went up from $3.99 to $4.49. To make up for this, each booster pack now has three guaranteed holofoil cards and an extra booster pack has been added to Elite Trainer Boxes.

When it comes to the quality of the artwork, it’s all subjective. Like I said, I’m not much of a fan of Paldea, but some beautiful artwork has nevertheless been released this year. We also got the 151 set which allowed us to experience Kanto’s stars again. The following Pokémon TCG cards of 2023 are some of the best released this year:

Crown Zenith was one of the first sets released this year and arguably contained some of the best artwork of 2023. You don’t have to be a Pikachu fan to appreciate this full-art secret rare. Not only does it have the yellow rodent leaping into action, but you also get creatures like Krobat and Hisuian Zoroark in the background. It’s colorful, it’s action-packed, and it’s filled with fan favorites. What more could you ask for?

Another standout from Crown Zenith is the Oricorio card from the Galarian Gallery. I like the colorful, slightly psychedelic artwork