Generation VII: GX Power
Generation VII replaced Mega Evolution with Pokemon-GX — Basic or evolved Pokémon with high HP and once-per-game GX attacks that gave up two prizes when knocked out. Pokemon Sun and Moon launched in November 2016, followed by Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon in November 2017, and Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee in late 2018. The SM TCG block spanned Sun & Moon base (February 2017) through Cosmic Eclipse (November 2019), plus the fan-favorite mini-sets Hidden Fates (August 2019) and Shining Fates-precursor Shiny Vault subsets. Tag Team GX — three-prize multi-Pokemon partnerships like Pikachu & Zekrom GX or Reshiram & Charizard GX — defined the late-era competitive meta. Prism Star cards added deck-building restrictions (one per deck). Hidden Fates spotlighted Shiny Pokemon chases and is now one of the most in-demand sealed products in the hobby.
Key TCG Sets
Sun & Moon
163 cards
Guardians Rising
169 cards
Burning Shadows
169 cards
Shining Legends
78 cards
Crimson Invasion
124 cards
Ultra Prism
173 cards
Forbidden Light
146 cards
Celestial Storm
187 cards
Dragon Majesty
78 cards
Lost Thunder
236 cards
Team Up
196 cards
Unbroken Bonds
234 cards
Unified Minds
258 cards
Hidden Fates
69 cards
Cosmic Eclipse
271 cards
Era Highlights
- Pokemon Sun & Moon release (November 2016)
- Pokemon-GX replaced EX as the premier rare mechanic with Sun & Moon base (February 2017)
- Alolan variants introduced region-specific forms in the TCG
- Prism Star cards added deck-building restrictions in Ultra Prism (February 2018)
- Tag Team GX pairs (Pikachu & Zekrom, Reshiram & Charizard, Mewtwo & Mew) debuted in Team Up (February 2019)
- Hidden Fates (August 2019) spotlighted the Shiny Vault subset — including Shiny Charizard GX
- Cosmic Eclipse (November 2019) closed the era with Tag Team GX lineup finale
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What replaced GX cards after Gen 7?
Pokemon-V and VMAX in Sword & Shield replaced GX starting in February 2020. Tag Team GX ended with Cosmic Eclipse — the final SM set. VMAX was the Gen 8 parallel to Tag Team GX, with 310-340 HP Dynamax forms that gave up three prizes.
02 What was the meta deck of Gen 7?
Zoroark GX toolbox (Zoroark GX + various partners) ran for nearly two years as the top deck. Buzzwole GX, Gardevoir GX, Malamar (psychic acceleration), and the Tag Team era's Pikachu & Zekrom GX (Pikarom) all defined specific seasons. Reshiram & Charizard GX closed the competitive era strong.
03 Why is Hidden Fates so valuable?
Hidden Fates (August 2019) was printed in a limited window and included the Shiny Vault — a subset of shiny-style reprints including Shiny Charizard GX (SV49). Sealed Hidden Fates booster packs routinely clear $40-$70 each, and Elite Trainer Boxes go well into three-figure territory.
04 Which Gen 7 starter cards are most collected?
Decidueye GX (Sun & Moon base and Burning Shadows), Incineroar GX, and Primarina GX are the main Alola starter collectibles. Secret Rare Gold Decidueye GX from Burning Shadows and the Hidden Fates Shiny variants hold the strongest premiums.
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