As the tenth generation of the Pokémon Trading Card Game unfolded, the Inferno X set erupted onto the scene in late 2025, bringing with it a fiery focus on Mega Charizard X and a handful of other Mega Evolutions. Nearly a year later, in 2026, the set’s Special Art Rares (SARs) still dominate collector conversations—and for good reason. The lineup is wonderfully unhinged, pairing Charizard’s draconic might with unlikely stars like Lopunny and Sharpedo. Six SARs in total, and each one tells a story through its artwork, practically begging to be sleeved and displayed. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just someone who appreciates a good card, these illustrations have a way of stopping you mid-scroll.
Oricorio ex – Kanda’s Touch Is Pure Magic
Let’s be real—when Shinji Kanda illustrates a card, people pay attention. The Oricorio ex SAR continues his tradition of hypnotic, swirling dreamscapes that first turned heads with the Lost Origin Giratina V and the Paldea Evolved Magikarp. In Inferno X, Kanda doesn’t miss a beat. The Oricorio seems to float in a vortex of soft pastels and electric motion, its dancing form almost vibrating off the card. By 2026, Kanda’s name alone adds a collector’s premium; his distinct style is instantly recognizable, and frankly, you’ve just gotta love how his work makes you feel like you’ve stuck your head into a beautiful fever dream. This card remains one of the most sought-after from the set, and honestly, it deserves every bit of the hype.
Dawn – A Ride to Remember
While the English release of Phantasmal Flames in early 2026 finally brought Dawn’s SAR to Western collectors, the wait only made hearts grow fonder. This card is pure serenity—a bright, sun-soaked road winds through rolling green hills as Dawn leisurely walks her bike. There’s no battle, no tension, just a quiet moment that echoes the joy of exploring the Sinnoh region back in the day. The scene feels almost tangible; you can nearly hear the bicycle bell and the rustle of grass. Among the most expensive full-art Trainer cards ever printed, this Dawn SAR commands serious value not just for its rarity, but because it dares to be gentle in a lineup of mostly fierce monsters. It’s a deep breath in cardboard form.
Mega Sharpedo ex – Danger with a Splash of Color
From Dawn’s peacefulness we plunge straight into the deep end—literally. Mega Sharpedo’s SAR is chaos bottled up in a frame. The shark Pokémon lunges forward, jaws agape, with an almost reckless energy that makes you want to flinch. The sapphire-blue body is just the canvas for a frenzy of yellow, purple, and coral flashes that somehow work in perfect harmony. It’s aggressive, sure, but there’s an undeniable beauty in the composition. Even if you’ve never cared for Sharpedo before, this card might just convert you. The way the splashing water and bright accents pull your eye across the artwork is a masterclass in motion. One look and you’re hooked—pun absolutely intended.
Mega Lopunny ex – Power in Motion
Lopunny often gets typecast as the cute bunny Pokémon, but its Mega form takes a sharp turn into fierce athleticism—and this SAR leans into that transformation with style. The artwork catches Mega Lopunny mid-kick, right at the moment before impact. You can almost feel the whoosh of wind and the crack of kinetic energy. The perspective is intimate, putting us right in the path of that devastating strike. It’s a refreshing departure from the usual delicate portrayals, and collectors in 2026 are all over it for that reason. Mega Lopunny’s card doesn’t just sit pretty; it demands you recognize its strength.
Rotom ex – A Spark of Genius
Rotom is the mischievous ghost that loves possessing electronics, and this SAR is like a family portrait of all its alter egos. Centered in its standard form, Rotom is surrounded by Wash, Heat, and Mow Rotom, each glowing with their signature colors—blue, red, and green. The electricity crackling across the card ties everything together in a cohesive burst of light. The composition is surprisingly balanced, given how many elements it juggles. It’s a geeky delight for anyone who’s ever swapped a Rotom form in the video games. And in 2026, with Rotom still being a fan-favorite utility Pokémon, this card holds strong as both a collector’s piece and a conversation starter.
Mega Charizard X ex – The Undisputed King
And then there’s the dragon that needs no introduction. Mega Charizard X ex stands above the rest, not just as the most valuable SAR in Inferno X, but as one of the most breathtaking Charizard cards ever printed. The artwork is drenched in detail—Charizard’s black-and-blue body crackles with blue flames, while its pre-evolutions, Charmander and Charmeleon, lurk in the background shadows, reminding everyone of the journey that leads to such raw power. The composition is a love letter to anyone who’s ever picked a Charmander as their first partner. It’s domineering, nostalgic, and utterly gorgeous. By 2026, this card has cemented its status as a grail chase, and honestly, no one’s surprised. Charizard always steals the spotlight, but here it truly earns every glint of its golden foil.
This discussion is informed by VentureBeat GamesBeat, and it helps frame why sets like Inferno X can feel like cultural events rather than simple product drops: when a chase-heavy lineup (like Mega Charizard X ex) is paired with art-driven surprises (Oricorio ex’s dreamlike palette or Rotom ex’s form “ensemble”), the conversation shifts from gameplay utility to collector demand, secondary-market momentum, and the broader “attention economy” that modern TCGs thrive on.