10 Best Pikachu Pokémon Cards You Need to Collect by Den of Geek

Den of Geek magazine has published a list of 10 Pikachu cards that you definitely haven't seen before.

Pikachu is the face of Pokémon, and there's no shortage of amazing cards showcasing the beloved yellow mouse. From rare promos to iconic artwork, here's a list of the best Pikachu cards you should definitely consider collecting in Den of Geek's list!

Base Set Pikachu The first-ever Pikachu card released in the U.S. in 1999 is a nostalgic favorite. While its value may not be high in mint condition, the charm of this original artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita is unmatched. The design shows Pikachu a little chubbier, with stubby arms and cute, pudgy cheeks. This card holds a special place in the hearts of fans, and its connection to the early days of Pokémon makes it a must-have for any collector.

______’s Pikachu – WoTC Promo This promotional card, often referred to as the “Happy Birthday Pikachu,” is unique in the Pokémon card world. Players could personalize the card by writing their names, adding a quirky touch to it. The holographic birthday-themed art by Kagemaru Himeno features Pikachu eagerly looking at a birthday cake. It’s a rare card, and despite its somewhat playful nature, it has solid value in today’s market.

SNAP Promo Pikachu This Pikachu card, part of the Black Star Promo series, was included in the Pokémon Card Trainers magazine in Japan. It features art from the Nintendo 64 game Pokémon Snap, which gave this card a distinctive look. The text “Photo. Gakuji Nomoto” replaced the usual “Illus,” making this card stand out even more. It’s a great piece of nostalgia for fans of the game and an essential item for collectors.

Surfing Pikachu Surfing Pikachu became iconic after appearing in Pokémon Yellow, where players could enjoy a mini-game with Pikachu surfing on a wave. The Surfing Pikachu card captures that moment perfectly, showing the electric mouse happily riding the wave. It’s one of the most fun and visually exciting Pikachu cards and holds a special place in fans’ hearts. The card features the Surf attack, which was a bit unusual for Pikachu, making it even more unique.

Surfing Pikachu VMAX Surfing Pikachu made a big return in the VMAX series, nearly 20 years after the original card was released. This version features Pikachu on a massive surfboard, and the artwork is even more dramatic, with Pikachu larger than ever. The Max Surfer attack is much stronger than the original, doing a powerful 160 damage. The card’s artwork is what really makes it shine, capturing the fun spirit of Surfing Pikachu in a grand, over-the-top style.

Pikachu Star – Holon Phantoms Shiny Pokémon cards are extremely rare, and Pikachu’s first shiny appearance in the TCG came in the 2006 Holon Phantoms set as a Star card. Pikachu’s color swap is subtle, but it’s enough to make this card highly valuable. Shiny Pokémon holds a special allure, and Pikachu’s shiny variant is one of the most sought-after cards for collectors due to its rarity and charm.

Pikachu (San Diego Comic Con Promo) In 2005, Pokémon dropped an exclusive Pikachu card at San Diego Comic-Con, marking the event with the SDCC logo on the card’s artwork. The card itself is relatively simple in design, but the exclusivity of its release makes it a coveted item. As with many convention-exclusive collectibles, the rarity of this card has skyrocketed its value over time, especially among hardcore collectors.

Pikachu – XY Promo This Pikachu card from the XY Promo series features Pikachu at a picnic with his friends, Chespin and Sylveon. While this card isn’t necessarily a high-value collectible, it’s just too adorable to ignore. The lighthearted and cute artwork captures the essence of what makes Pikachu so beloved, and it’s a fan-favorite for its cheerful vibe.

Pikachu – McDonald’s Promo In 2025, Pokémon teamed up with McDonald’s for a Happy Meals promotion that included exclusive Pokémon cards, including a new Pikachu. The artwork shows Pikachu running through the woods, adding a unique twist to the usual Pikachu designs. Given the limited release, these McDonald’s promo cards are bound to become more valuable over time, making them a smart investment for collectors looking to add something rare to their collection.

Pikachu – Kids WB Promo Back in 2004, Pokémon fans had the chance to design their own Pokémon cards as part of a competition with Kids WB. The winning designs, including one for Pikachu, were printed as promo cards. This Pikachu card features the mascot riding a shooting star, and the design captures a childlike wonder that’s incredibly endearing. Because of the rarity of these cards, they’ve become highly sought after by collectors, and finding one in good condition could set you back quite a bit.

Pikachu has been an essential part of the Pokémon franchise for nearly three decades, and his legacy is evident in the wide range of cards that feature him. Whether you're a casual collector or a dedicated Pokémon fan, these 10 Pikachu cards offer a mix of rarity, value, and sheer cuteness. From the nostalgic Base Set Pikachu to the rare and exclusive promo cards, these cards represent some of the best the Pokémon TCG has to offer. If you’re looking to expand your collection or simply want to celebrate the most famous Pokémon in the world, these Pikachu cards should be at the top of your list.

Indeed, as I was looking through these cards and reading their descriptions, I had the feeling that Den of Geek themselves had drawn these cards based on the formula "Pikachu + pop culture phenomenon x something cute." But that's just my lack of knowledge about Pokémon, which once seeped everywhere, much like how Fortnite has now spread its web across the entire entertainment market.