Ascended Heroes Predicted Most Valuable Cards: Mega Gengar ex Steals the Spotlight

The Ascended Heroes set is set to release in January 2025, and based on the Japanese MEGA Dream ex set prices, we can make educated predictions about which cards will be the most valuable in the English release.

Surprisingly, Mega Gengar ex's Special Illustration Rare is currently the most valuable card in the Japanese set at ¥92,800 yen ($594), even outranking the ultra-rare gold Mega Dragonite ex. This is the first time we've seen any card outrank the gold secret rares since they were introduced.

🏆 Top Predicted Chase Cards

1. Mega Gengar ex (Special Illustration Rare) #240

Japanese Price: ¥92,800 ($594)
Predicted English Price: $400-600
Predicted PSA 10 Price: $1,200-1,500

Why It Will Be Valuable:

• Unprecedented demand - First non-gold card to top a set since MUR golds were introduced
• Gengar is extremely popular - Top 10 most popular Pokémon
• Ghost-type collector appeal - Dedicated Ghost-type fanbase
• Stunning artwork - Special Illustration Rares feature the best artwork
• Competitive viability - Likely to see tournament play

Investment Outlook: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the card to watch. The Japanese market is telling us something important: collectors value this artwork more than the gold rarity. Expect this to be the chase card of Ascended Heroes.

2. Mega Dragonite ex (Gold Secret Rare) #250

Japanese Price: ¥69,800 ($446)
Predicted English Price: $350-500
Predicted PSA 10 Price: $1,000-1,300

Why It Will Be Valuable:

• Gold secret rare rarity - Highest rarity tier
• Dragonite is beloved - Original Dragon-type from Gen 1
• Extremely low pull rate - Approximately 1 in 600+ packs
• Pseudo-legendary status - Dragonite has always been valuable
• Competitive powerhouse - Dragon types are meta-relevant

Investment Outlook: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Whilst ranked second to Mega Gengar ex in Japan, this gold card will still command premium prices. Gold secret rares have a proven track record of appreciation.

3. Mega Dragonite ex (Special Illustration Rare) #246

Japanese Price: ¥44,800 ($287)
Predicted English Price: $200-300
Predicted PSA 10 Price: $600-800

Alternative Dragonite artwork for completionists. Special Illustration Rare scarcity with Dragon-type appeal makes this a solid secondary chase card.

4. Pikachu ex (Special Illustration Rare) #234

Japanese Price: ¥42,800 ($274)
Predicted English Price: $180-280
Predicted PSA 10 Price: $550-750

Pikachu cards are always safe investments. Mascot status and Special Illustration Rare artwork make this a popular chase card.

📊 Rarity Breakdown & Pull Rates

Based on Japanese set structure:

Expected Value per Booster Box:

• Average box: 1-2 Illustration Rares
• Mega Attack Rare: 1 in 2-3 boxes
• Special Illustration Rare: 1 in 4-5 boxes
• Gold Secret Rare: 1 in 16-17 boxes

🎯 Investment Strategy

Pre-Release Strategy (Now - January)

What to Do:

1. Pre-order booster boxes - Lock in MSRP pricing
2. Watch Japanese prices - Track trends before English release
3. Set aside budget - Prepare for singles purchases
4. Join pre-release events - Early access to cards

Launch Week Strategy (January 2025)

What to Buy:

• Mega Gengar ex SIR - If under $500, buy immediately
• Mega Dragonite ex Gold - Target $400-450 range
• Pikachu ex SIR - Good value under $250

Avoid overpaying - Prices spike at launch then stabilise

Post-Release Strategy (February - March)

Best Buying Window: Prices typically dip 2-4 weeks after release. Target 20-30% below launch prices.

What to Buy:

• Mega Gengar ex SIR - Target $350-400
• Mega Dragonite ex Gold - Target $300-350
• Character SIRs - Buy dips on N, Marnie, Iono

🔮 Price Predictions (English Release)

📈 Why Japanese Prices Matter

Historical Accuracy

Japanese prices are typically 60-80% predictive of English prices:

Examples:

• Umbreon VMAX (Eevee Heroes → Evolving Skies)
  • Japanese: ¥50,000 ($450)
  • English: $350-400 ✅
• Giratina VSTAR (Lost Abyss → Lost Origin)
  • Japanese: ¥30,000 ($270)
  • English: $200-250 ✅
• Charizard ex (Ruler of the Black Flame → Obsidian Flames)
  • Japanese: ¥40,000 ($360)
  • English: $300-350 ✅

Mega Gengar ex Prediction:

• Japanese: ¥92,800 ($594)
• English prediction: $400-600 ✅ (likely accurate)

🔥 Why Mega Gengar ex Is Special

Breaking the Gold Card Dominance

For the first time since gold secret rares were introduced, a non-gold card is the most valuable in a set. This is significant because:

1. Artwork matters more than rarity - Collectors value beautiful art
2. Gengar's popularity is undeniable - Top-tier Pokémon
3. Special Illustration Rares are the new chase - Better art than golds
4. Market is maturing - Collectors prioritise what they love

Gengar's Track Record

Gengar cards have consistently performed well:

• Gengar Prime (Triumphant): $50 → $200+
• Gengar & Mimikyu GX (Team Up): $30 → $80+
• Gengar VMAX (Fusion Strike): $50 → $120+
• Mega Gengar ex (Ascended Heroes): Predicted $400-600

📝 Final Thoughts

Based on Japanese MEGA Dream ex prices, Ascended Heroes is shaping up to be one of the most exciting sets of 2025. The fact that Mega Gengar ex's Special Illustration Rare is outperforming the gold Mega Dragonite ex tells us that collectors are prioritising artwork and Pokémon popularity over pure rarity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mega Gengar ex SIR is THE chase card - Budget $400-600
2. Gold Mega Dragonite ex is still valuable - Budget $350-500
3. Character SIRs offer good value - N, Marnie, Iono are solid investments
4. Mega Attack Rares are affordable alternatives - Mega Charizard X and Mega Gengar
5. Buy the dip 2-4 weeks after release - Best value window

Investment Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This set has exceptional investment potential, driven by beloved Pokémon, stunning artwork, and the return of Mega Evolutions.

Predictions based on Japanese MEGA Dream ex prices as of November 28, 2024. English prices may vary based on print run, demand, and market conditions. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.