Gardevoir ex SAR Scarlet & Violet: Prices and Market Value

Some cards have it all: an iconic Pokémon, a polished illustration, a sought-after rarity and a top-tier competitive role. The Gardevoir ex SAR price is exactly that type of card. Numbered 245/198, it exceeds the set's official print total, an immediate sign of secret rarity, and stands out as one of the most desired pieces of the Scarlet & Violet launch set. Whether you're a collector in search of a beautiful piece to frame or a player attentive to the value of your deck, this card deserves serious attention.

The Scarlet & Violet set: context

Released on March 31, 2023 simultaneously in France and the rest of the world, the Scarlet & Violet set (SV01 in English: Scarlet & Violet Base Set) marks a turning point in the Pokémon TCG. It inaugurates the new generation of ex cards, replacing VMAX and VSTAR, and introduces a new overall design with gold borders on the high-rarity cards.

With 198 cards in the main set, SV01 also offers a series of secret cards numbered beyond the set (up to 258/198), including the highly coveted Special Illustration Rares. This first set of the Scarlet & Violet series immediately established a high visual quality standard, and several of its secret cards have remained among the references of the SV generation.

Within this set, three versions of Gardevoir ex coexist, an important point to know before any purchase:

• 086/198: Double Rare (classic ex)
• 228/198: Ultra Rare / Full Art
• 245/198: Special Illustration Rare, the card we're talking about here

The card in detail

The Gardevoir ex SAR carries the number 245/198 and is illustrated by Jiro Sasumo. Its rarity is classified as Special Illustration Rare (SAR / SIR), the highest tier accessible in the set's standard boosters, just below the Hyper Rares.

The illustration occupies the entire surface of the card, without an interrupting frame. Gardevoir appears in an elegant, luminous composition, bathed in pastel pink and white tones, with a staging that accentuates its graceful and protective dimension. Jiro Sasumo's artistic approach plays on depth and softness, far removed from the action style found on some ex cards. It's precisely this choice, a contemplative rather than dynamic illustration, that gives it a strong and recognizable identity.

In play, Gardevoir ex is a powerful Psychic-type card with HP in the norm for ex cards. It has fueled several serious competitive archetypes since the set's release, which reinforces its appeal beyond the visual aspect alone.

Market-value analysis and current prices

The market for the Gardevoir ex SAR has been active and relatively stable since 2023. Here is a summary of the observed prices:

PSA 10 prices are estimated from recent eBay sales, CardMarket does not offer direct data on graded cards. The gap between a decent raw (€50) and a PSA 10 (€175 median) is significant, which justifies grading if the card is in excellent condition.

The English version circulates more on the secondary market, which explains slightly more variable prices. The French version, less available internationally, stays in similar ranges on CardMarket Europe.

The valuation factors

Popularity of the Pokémon, Gardevoir is a Generation III Pokémon with a loyal, multigenerational fan base. Its popularity doesn't rest on a passing trend: it's structural.

Rarity of the SAR, Special Illustration Rares have a very low pull rate in boosters. On SV01, the secret cards (200+) represent a tiny share of print runs, and the SARs are among the hardest to obtain in this tier.

Competitive impact, Gardevoir ex has been and remains a central piece of several competitive decks in the Standard format. A tournament-playable Pokémon maintains real demand, not just speculative demand.

Distinctive illustration, Jiro Sasumo's work on this card is recognized in the community. The SAR's aesthetic clearly distinguishes it from the two other versions in the same set.

Print status, SV01 is no longer in active print. The stock available on the secondary market is therefore what remains from past openings, with no possible restocking via new boosters.

Nostalgia and versatility, This card speaks to visual collectors, competitive players and Gardevoir fans alike. This combination of audiences supports demand over the long term.

Should you buy this card?

Arguments for buying

• The raw price between €40 and €65 remains accessible for a SAR from the first set of a major generation.
• The revaluation potential of a PSA 10 is real (~€150 - 200), especially if Gardevoir stays competitive.
• It's a visually strong card, which has its place in a physical collection even without a financial goal.
• The SV01 set marks the start of the Scarlet & Violet generation: the key pieces of this set tend to age well.

Points to keep in perspective

• Three versions of Gardevoir ex exist in the same set: always check the number (245/198) before buying. An 086/198 or 228/198 is not worth the same thing.
• The PSA market has its uncertainties: grading fees, delays and uncertainty about the final grade must be factored into the calculation.
• Raw prices have slightly retreated since the 2023 peaks. The card has stabilized but is no longer in a phase of rapid appreciation.

Practical advice

If you want the card for your collection, buy it raw while checking the condition of the corners and surface. Between €45 and €55 for a near-mint copy is a reasonable price. If you're considering PSA grading, aim only for copies with no defect visible to the naked eye. For deck use, the 086/198 version (Double Rare) fills exactly the same competitive role for much less.

Conclusion

The Gardevoir ex SAR 245/198 is a card that pulls off the balancing act: it satisfies the demanding collector with a quality illustration by Jiro Sasumo, the competitive player with a Pokémon that has weighed in the meta, and the patient investor with a raw/graded ratio that remains attractive. It's one of the solid references of the Scarlet & Violet launch set, and its status shouldn't erode over time.

To track its market value without getting lost in CardMarket tables, use PokéItem directly in your browser, or download the app on your phone to check prices and manage your collection from anywhere, the page automatically detects whether you're on iOS or Android.