Raikou in 2026: A Six-Era TCG Survey and What Each Period Still Offers Collectors
By Dexhaul Team · August 26, 2026
Raikou has been in the Pokémon TCG since 1999, and in 2026 it spans a wider price range than almost any other Johto legendary: a $1 reverse holo at one end, a $334 Neo Revelation holo at the other, and a Japanese Special Art Rare in between. This guide walks through each TCG era chronologically, notes what the cards cost right now, and flags the two or three that are worth tracking down at each level.
Raikou is one of the three legendary beasts introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver, alongside Entei and Suicune. According to the official Pokédex, it carries storm clouds on its back and releases thunderbolts when it roars. The character's design translated well to TCG artwork across every era, which is partly why the card history is so varied.
One note before the era breakdown: this guide covers only officially released TCG cards and licensed merchandise. DexHaul is independent and not affiliated with The Pokémon Company or any of the sellers listed.
Era 1: Neo Revelation (2001)
The English Neo Revelation set introduced Raikou as a Holo Rare. This is the card most serious collectors mean when they say "the Raikou holo." It features Ken Sugimori-era linework and the Neo-era lightning-bolt border, and it has appreciated steadily as the vintage market has expanded.
Raw copies are available from $334, reflecting ungraded condition from a specialist store. Graded examples in PSA 9 or PSA 10 trade at a significant premium.
For collectors building a Johto legendary collection, the Neo Revelation holo is the anchor piece. It is the one Raikou card that crosses into vintage-tier pricing. If your budget allows only one vintage Raikou, this is it.
Era 2: Skyridge and POP Series 2 (2003–2006)
Between Neo Revelation and the Diamond & Pearl era, Raikou appeared in Skyridge (2003, position 28/144, around NZ$49) and POP Series 2 (2006, position 3/017, from $26).
Neither card has the profile of the Neo Revelation holo, but both fill the gap between vintage and modern. Skyridge was a short-print run set, and many singles from it are harder to find than their price suggests.
POP Series cards were distributed through organized-play events rather than standard booster packs. Both are worth tracking down for a comprehensive Raikou binder.
Era 3: Diamond & Pearl and the HGSS Promo (2007–2010)
Raikou appeared in Diamond & Pearl: Secret Wonders at position 16/132. That card is currently available for $27.75. It is a straightforward holofoil rare and sits at a comfortable mid-range price for a collector who wants a clean DP-era Raikou without the vintage premium.
The HGSS19/25 promo holofoil is the more interesting pickup from this window. HGSS-era promos were distributed through retail and league channels, not pulled from booster packs.
At $38, the HGSS19 promo sits above the DP Secret Wonders copy despite being a later card. That premium reflects relative scarcity compared to set pulls.
If you collect promos specifically, the HGSS19 is a must. If you collect by era, either card covers the 2007–2010 window at a reasonable price.
Era 4: Mega Evolution Blisters and BREAKthrough (2015–2016)
This era produced what are now the most accessible Raikou TCG entries. The Mega Evolution set (Japanese release 2015, English 2016) included Raikou at 48/132 as a Rare Holofoil. Base set copies are currently listed for $1.
The 2-Pack Blister sealed products from this era are a different proposition. The Mega Evolution 2-Pack Blister featuring Raikou promo and two booster packs is currently available for $17.99 sealed. For collectors who want a display piece rather than a raw single, sealed blisters from this window are often more attractive than opening the equivalent content.
BREAKthrough (2015) also included a Raikou Holo Rare at 55/162. That card sits at roughly CA$4.40, making it one of the cheapest holo-rarity Raikou cards across the full TCG history. Good for completing a master set; not a prestige pick on its own.
Era 5: Sword and Shield (2020–2023)
The Sword and Shield block gave Raikou two notable appearances. Vivid Voltage (SWSH04, 2020) included Raikou at 050/185 for around $7. Crown Zenith's Galarian Gallery subset, released in 2023, brought Raikou back as GG41/GG70.
The Crown Zenith GG gallery treatment is the best modern English-language Raikou card. At $46.59 it sits in a comfortable range for modern collectors: expensive enough to feel like a genuine pickup, accessible enough that it does not require saving up for months. Crown Zenith was also the final standard Sword and Shield set, giving the GG subset cards a definitive "end of an era" framing that some collectors specifically target.
Vivid Voltage at $7 is the obvious budget modern single. It has a solid art treatment and is widely available. Between the two, the Crown Zenith GG is the better display card by a significant margin.
Era 6: Scarlet & Violet and the 2026 Japanese Market
The current Mega Evolution Japanese TCG wave has brought Raikou back in a significant way. As documented on Bulbapedia, Raikou has been a recurring subject across major Japanese sets, and the M6 Storm Emeralda release continues that pattern with a Special Art Rare treatment at position 108/076 SAR.
The SAR format is a full-art alternate illustration, which typically carries a higher price floor than standard ex or V cards from the same set. At $63.72 the Raikou ex SAR sits between the Crown Zenith GG ($46.59) and the Neo Revelation holo ($334). A second Japanese SR listing from GengyGallery shows the same card at $84 from a different seller, so $63–$84 represents the current spread depending on source and condition.
For collectors already following the Mega Evolution wave, this is the natural Raikou pickup. For collectors who have not engaged with the Japanese market, it is a reasonable first step: the SAR format is well understood, grading services cover Japanese cards, and the price is bounded enough to assess the risk.
Plush, Figures, and the Convention Exclusive
Raikou's non-TCG collectible market is narrower than Entei's or Suicune's, but several solid options exist.
The Pokémon fit plush at $20 is the standard entry for plush collectors. The Sanei All Star Collection PP62 Raikou 8" sits at $49.99 and is a larger, more display-oriented piece. The Lazy Stretch Series plush from Joe's Japan Plushies at $50 takes a more relaxed pose and is a newer style if you want something that reads differently on a shelf.
The Funko Pop Raikou Jumbo 10" (#1104) was a 2025 Fall Convention Exclusive. Convention exclusives sell during a short window, so specialist secondary-market stores are now the only route.
At roughly €86.90, it is the highest-priced non-TCG Raikou item currently listed. It makes sense only if you collect Funko Pops alongside cards and plush.
What the Price Spread Actually Tells You
Raikou's range in 2026 runs from $1 (Mega Evolution base holo) to $334 (Neo Revelation vintage holo), with real options at $7, $20, $38, $46.59, and $63.72 in between. Few Johto legendaries hold that kind of depth across active inventory.
New collectors: start at $7 (Vivid Voltage) or $1-$2 (Mega Evolution reverse holo). Mid-collection buyers who want the current standout card: the Storm Emeralda SAR at $63.72. Long-term vintage focus: the Neo Revelation holo is the target.
All three are correct answers. They serve different budgets and goals.
Browse Raikou cards, plush, and figures from independent shops at DexHaul's Raikou search. DexHaul is independent and not affiliated with Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, or any of the merchants listed.