Top 10 Pokemon Ascended Heroes Japanese Cards To Invest In
- Patrice Journ
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
While our previous coverage highlighted Japan’s M2 Inferno X set and its iconic Mega Evolution cards, today we’re shifting focus to the Mega Ex Dream / Ascended Heroes expansion, the Japanese release that has captivated collectors with its ultra-premium chase cards.
As with many hyped sets, prices for its rarest cards have undergone significant corrections since the initial frenzy. For example, the Mega Gengar EX (240/193) Special Art Rare—one of the set’s most coveted cards—has seen its value drop from a peak of USD900 in early auctions to roughly USD380, reflecting a +50% decline within weeks of the set’s debut.
The prices and trends referenced here are averaged as of this article’s publication date. While the Japanese market often stabilizes faster than its English counterpart, volatility persists for high-end collectibles. For a deeper dive into what these shifts mean for collectors and investors, stay tuned for our concluding analysis at the end of this article.
The Special Art Rare (SAR) Mega Gengar ex card 240/193, illustrated by artist danciao, is highly valued for its striking and ominous artwork that captures the Pokémon's essence.
The card's "story" ties into the return of Mega Evolution in the upcoming video game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, where Mega Dragonite was officially revealed as a new form. This new Mega Evolution gives Dragonite several distinct Dragonair-like features, such as wings on its head that act as feelers and a pearl on its tail, allowing it to fly farther and faster than before. In the games, Mega Evolution dramatically boosts its stats, particularly its Special Attack, making it a powerful force in battle.
The Special Art Rare (SAR) of Mega Dragonite ex (246/193) from the MEGA Dream ex Japanese set tells a story of evolution and aspiration, beautifully illustrated by the artist DOM.
The Special Art Rare (SAR) Pikachu ex card with the number 234/193 features artwork by the illustrator and game designer James Turner, known for his work as the Art Director for Pokémon Sword and Shield. The "story" of the card is tied to his prominent career within the Pokémon franchise and the card's inclusion in the special Japanese set MEGA Dream ex.
Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex 237/193 (Special Art Rare)
Latest Average Sale on eBay: $120
The special art rare (SAR) Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex (237/193) card illustrates a sinister scene where the Team Rocket leader, Giovanni, is in control of the powerful Psychic Pokémon Mewtwo. The artwork, illustrated by the original Base Set Charizard artist, Mitsuhiro Arita, evokes strong nostalgia and highlights the dark origins of Mewtwo within the Pokémon lore.
The Special Art Rare (SAR) N's Zoroark ex 242/193 card, illustrated by Raita Kazama, captures a powerful, kaleidoscopic moment between the trainer N and his Zoroark. The artwork is part of the Japanese MEGA Dream ex set and is prized by collectors for its unique, vibrant illustration style.
The Special Art Rare (SAR) Iono's Bellibolt ex card (236/193) from the MEGA Dream ex Japanese set (released in the West as part of Journey Together) is illustrated by artist Akira Komayama and tells a visual story of the close bond between the popular Gym Leader/streamer Iono and her partner Pokémon.
The Special Art Rare (SAR) of Marnie's Grimmsnarl ex card, number 243/193 from the Japanese MEGA Dream ex set, is a full-art illustration that depicts the popular character Marnie with her Pokémon, Grimmsnarl, ready for battle. The "story" of the card is primarily visual, capturing a specific, intense moment with unique artwork not seen on the card's original release.
The Canari 248/193 (Special Art Rare) Pokémon card tells the story of the new character Canari from the upcoming game Pokémon Legends Z-A, who works as a popular game streamer. The card's artwork depicts her in a modern, vibrant setting, taking a selfie from her streaming setup.
The Special Art Rare (SAR) of Iris's Fighting Spirit depicts Iris as the reigning Champion of the Unova region, standing confidently alongside her signature Dragon-type Pokémon. The artwork captures her journey from an aspiring Dragon Master to a powerful and respected trainer.
The Ripple Effect: How Delayed English Products Could Reshape the Mega Ex Dream Market
As collectors navigate the evolving prices of Mega Ex Dream / Ascended Heroes, a critical factor looms on the horizon: the English adaptation, titled “Ascendant Heroes”, is slated for release in January 2026—but with a caveat. Confirmed distributor plans reveal that booster bundle boxes, a staple for affordable sealed product openings, won’t hit Western shelves until April 2026. This three-month gap could have significant repercussions for both markets.
Historically, English releases trigger renewed interest in their Japanese counterparts, but this delay complicates the equation. Western collectors eager to pull English versions of Mega Ex Dream’s chase cards—may opt to wait for cheaper booster bundles rather than splurging on pricier Japanese singles or boxes in early 2026. This hesitation could temporarily depress demand for Japanese cards, driving prices further downward in Q1 as the market anticipates the English rollout.
However, Japanese sets often rebound due to their inherent advantages: earlier release cycles, and perceived premium quality (e.g., holofoil patterns, cardstock durability). Savvy investors could exploit this volatility, buying key Japanese singles during the Q1 lull before prices stabilize post-April 2026, when the English booster bundle release reignites global hype.
In conclusion, while the delayed English rollout may test short-term confidence in Japanese Mega Ex Dream valuations, the set’s unique appeal and structural market differences should cushion its long-term prospects. For collectors, patience—and strategic timing—will be key.
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