Pokémon EX, GX, V, Vmax, Vstar: what's the difference in 2026?
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Pokémon EX, GX, V,
Vmax, Vstar: What's
the Difference?
You've just pulled a Pokémon card that says "EX" — but your friend says they have a "V" and it's the same thing. Or not. The Pokémon TCG has multiplied suffixes since 2003, and each corresponds to an era, different game rules, and distinct rarity levels. This guide untangles everything — format by format, era by era — and explains which ones are worth the most in 2026.
Why these suffixes exist
In the Pokémon TCG, the suffixes EX, GX, V, Vmax, and Vstar designate Pokémon of superior power — special versions of a standard Pokémon with more HP, stronger attacks, and unique abilities. In competitive play, when such a Pokémon is knocked out, the opponent takes 2 prize cards instead of 1.
For collectors, these suffixes have a different meaning: they indicate the rarity level and the artistic treatment of the card. Generally, the more suffixes a Pokémon has, the rarer and potentially more valuable its card is.
The format timeline
EX — the original (2003-2007)
The first EX are the ancestors of all premium formats in the TCG. Recognizable by their rounded borders and characteristic holographic background, they bear the suffix "ex" in lowercase in the first series, then "EX" in uppercase. Among the most famous: Charizard EX, Mewtwo EX, Snorlax EX from the Ruby & Sapphire era.
In 2026, old EX cards are vintage collector's items. A Charizard EX from the Team Magma vs Team Aqua expansion in perfect condition can exceed €500. Their value is driven by nostalgia and the rarity of well-preserved copies — cards from this era age poorly in terms of condition.
EX and Mega EX — the return (2013-2016)
The return of EX in the XY era introduces a more modern design and two levels: standard EX and Mega EX — gigantic evolutions of certain EX with even higher HP and damage. This era also marks the introduction of the first Full Art (full-page illustration before AR) and the first entirely gold cards — the ancestors of modern Gold Rares.
Popular XY EX cards (Mega Charizard EX, Mega Rayquaza EX, Mega Mewtwo EX) remain highly sought after. The popularity of the XY Evolutions expansion — which revisits the design of the original Base Set — has kept prices high for cards from this era.
GX — the era of unique attacks (2017-2020)
GX cards replace EX cards in the Sun & Moon era with a new mechanic: each Pokémon-GX has a GX attack that can only be used once per game. It is in this era that modern Gold Rares appear for the first time — Gold Pokémon, Gold Trainers — creating a new level of rarity and desirability. Rainbow Rares (multicolored) also make their appearance here.
Popular GX cards like Lycanroc GX, Necrozma GX, or Sylveon GX remain highly valued. Tag-Team GX — two Pokémon on one card — are particularly sought after by collectors.
V, Vmax, Vstar — the modern era (2020-2023)
The V era introduces three power levels in the same generation — a first in the TCG. Pokémon V are the basic version, Vmax their gigantic evolutions (with the highest HP in TCG history), and Vstar an alternative branch with a unique "Star Ability." Each Vstar can use its Star Ability only once per game — like the GX attack before it.
It is in this era that AR (Alternative Rare) and SAR (Special Art Rare) make their appearance — full-page illustration cards that have become the most sought-after by modern collectors. SAR Vmax and Vstar (notably Charizard Vmax, Rayquaza Vstar, Giratina Vstar) are among the most highly rated cards in the TCG in 2026.
EX (new) — the rebirth (2023-2026)
The Scarlet & Violet era (2023) brings back the name "EX" — but with a different mechanism than the old EX from the 2000s. The new EX (written in lowercase "ex" in official texts) function like the old V: premium 2-prize cards, without a Vmax or Vstar branch. This simplification returns to a clearer format after the V/Vmax/Vstar complexity.
The Scarlet & Violet era produces the most in-demand SAR and Hyper Rare cards in 2026. Charizard ex SAR, Pikachu ex SAR, Gardevoir ex SAR — these cards represent the peak of the current market. It is in this era that The Lucky Hand sources most of its premium boosters.
Which is worth the most in 2026?
The value of a format depends on the era, the Pokémon, and the artistic treatment. Here is a summary for 2026:
| Format | Era | Max Rarity | Top card value | 2026 Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old EX | 2003-2007 | Holo rare | €50 – €500+ | ↗ Vintage increasing |
| EX / Mega EX | 2013-2016 | Full Art, Gold | €20 – €200+ | → Stable |
| GX | 2017-2020 | Gold, Rainbow | €10 – €150+ | → Stable |
| V / Vmax / Vstar | 2020-2023 | SAR, Hyper Rare | €15 – €300+ | ↗ SAR highly demanded |
| New EX (Scarlet & Violet) | 2023-2026 | SAR, Hyper Rare | €20 – €300+ | ↗ Active market |
To understand the exact drop rates for each rarity level at The Lucky Hand and know which booster targets which format, consult our complete drop rate guide.
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