Storm the Desert
EX Sandstorm was the first expansion to feature Pokemon-ex cards, mixing Generation III with fan-favorite returns like Typhlosion and Kabutops in a desert-themed set.
ex2 Difficulty
3/5 to complete
Avg Card Value
Varies
Market average
Top Card
Typhlosion ex
See market
Rarity Tier
Overview
EX Sandstorm, released September 18, 2003, was the first expansion set in the EX era with 100 cards. It introduced Pokemon-ex cards into expansion sets and featured a mix of Generation III Pokemon with returning favorites from earlier generations.
Best for
- Collectors building early modern EX sets and learning reverse-holo rows
- collectors pricing Sandstorm (2003, 100 cards) as EX-era cardboard — not as generic “old cards”
- anyone specifically hunting Typhlosion ex / Aggron ex and needing the rest of the set for context
Skip this path if
- you treat every EX as equal liquidity across expansions
- you expect every card in Sandstorm to carry similar resale (bulk is bulk)
Common mistakes
Collectors mishandle Sandstorm by ignoring delta between stamped promos, EX holos, and later reprints. Typhlosion ex / Aggron ex still does most of the economic work inside a 100-card list — do not price bulk like hits. Listings labeled only “EX-era” are not a SKU: match set code ex2 (2003) before you match the art.
What to check first
Start with surface scratches on large EX foils; they grade and sell differently. Then inspect Typhlosion ex / Aggron ex under real light before anyone says “NM” or grade. Gap the rest with the Sandstorm checklist; sealed product does not replace the expensive row.
Most valuable cards
Typhlosion ex (#99) and Aggron ex (#95) are the top chase cards. Gardevoir holo (#29) and Wailord holo (#14) are popular regular holos. The Pokemon-ex cards carry the most value, typically selling for $30–$150 in near mint condition.
Cards from Sandstorm
Tap any card to see price history and details.
28 of 100 
Armaldo
Cacturne
Cradily
Dusclops
Seviper
Kecleon
Umbreon
Azurill
Fearow
Linoone
Pelipper
Cacnea
Eevee
Omanyte
Seedot
Wailmer
Wally's Training
Claw Fossil
Mysterious Fossil
Root Fossil
Multi Energy
Aerodactyl ex
Aggron ex
Gardevoir ex
Kabutops ex
Raichu ex
Typhlosion ex
Wailord ex
Tips to finish the set
Sandstorm is a manageable 100-card set with reasonable prices. The Pokemon-ex cards are the primary expense. Multi-type Pokemon were introduced here, adding mechanical interest for collectors who appreciate the competitive side.
How to Complete This Set
- 01
Identify Sandstorm cards by set code ex2 / symbol — do not sort by art alone
- 02
Split bulk commons/uncommons from holos and special rarities before pricing
- 03
Track Typhlosion ex and Aggron ex as priority singles, not pack EV fantasies
- 04
Scan or checklist-gap the rest after the chase budget is honest
Scan with the app
Pokex identifies Pokemon-ex cards and their unique full-art style borders. The scanner helps distinguish Sandstorm's desert-themed artwork and reverse holo patterns from other EX-era sets.
Common questions
01 What are the best cards in EX Sandstorm?
Typhlosion ex and Aggron ex are the most valuable. Gardevoir holo and Wailord holo are popular among collectors. Multi-type Pokemon like Zangoose and Seviper were competitively relevant.
02 How many Pokemon-ex are in Sandstorm?
EX Sandstorm contains 5 Pokemon-ex cards: Typhlosion ex, Aggron ex, Gardevoir ex, Wailord ex, and Raichu ex, numbered at the end of the set.
03 Is Sandstorm worth collecting?
Sandstorm is a solid set for collectors entering the EX era. Prices are moderate and the set has historical significance as the first expansion with Pokemon-ex.
04 What is the Sandstorm set symbol?
The EX Sandstorm set symbol resembles a desert scene or sand dune formation, reflecting the set's desert and fossil theme.
You might also like
Ready to scan your collection?
Get Pokex free. Identify any Pokémon card and see what it is worth in seconds.
No credit card. No signup. Just scan.
Scan to download
Point your phone camera at a code
