Plasma Storm – The Hidden Gem of the Black & White Era
The Black & White era (2011–2013) saw several sets fly under the radar at release, only to become highly sought-after years later.
One of the biggest sleeper hits from this time? Plasma Storm (2013).
With stunning full-art designs, Shiny Pokémon chase cards, and the introduction of Team Plasma mechanics, this set has quietly become one of the most valuable from its generation.
📦 Set Overview
- Release Date: February 2013
- Total Cards: 138 (+3 Secret Rares)
- Notable Features: Shiny Charizard, Lugia EX, Team Plasma theme
- Set Symbol: A blue “Team Plasma” emblem
Plasma Storm introduced one of the first thematic full-set takeovers, featuring Team Plasma versions of popular Pokémon, similar to Dark Pokémon from Team Rocket sets.
💎 Chase Cards
🔥 Shiny Charizard (136/135 – Secret Rare)
- One of the hardest Shiny Charizard pulls outside of Gold Stars
- Features Charizard in black Shiny form with a Plasma-themed border
- PSA 10 value: ~$8,000+
- Raw NM value: ~$1,200+
⚡ Lugia EX (134/135 – Ultra Rare)
- One of the most playable Lugia cards ever printed
- Stunning full-art blue-hued artwork featuring Team Plasma branding
- PSA 10 value: ~$3,000+
🌟 Blastoise (137/135 – Secret Rare)
- A rare shiny Blastoise featuring gold plating
- PSA 10 value: ~$5,000+
- Less iconic than Charizard but still a major Plasma Storm chase
🧩 Why Plasma Storm is Special
1️⃣ It’s One of the First Sets with a Fully Themed Expansion
- The Team Plasma aesthetic made the set feel cohesive and unique compared to other Black & White sets.
2️⃣ Shiny Charizard is an S-Tier Chase Card
- While many sets feature Charizard, Shiny Charizard Secret Rares are historically among the best investments.
- It’s rarer than Hidden Fates Charizard GX and more unique than Base Set reprints.
3️⃣ Sealed Product is Vanishing
- Plasma Storm booster boxes were never mass-printed, meaning the remaining supply is incredibly low.
📉 Investment Outlook
| Product | Current Price | Long-Term Potential? |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma Storm Booster Box | ~$10,000 | 🔥 Very Strong Hold |
| Shiny Charizard (PSA 10) | ~$8,000 | 🔥 Strong Hold |
| Lugia EX (PSA 10) | ~$3,000 | 🟡 Medium Hold |
If you’re looking for a long-term Black & White era investment, Plasma Storm is one of the best plays.
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