It's here! The first half of the English Destined Rivals set, but the Japanese Pokemon Card version.
If you’ve been following the Pokémon trading card game (TCG) scene, you know prices have been going crazy lately, especially for new sets like Pokemon Heat Wave Arena (sv9a).
Japanese Pokémon collectors and investors are abuzz over these valuable Pokémon cards, with many already fetching big bucks on the resale market.
Today, we’ll explore the top 10 Heat Wave Arena cards that command significant prices and details on where you can purchase these singles, including from High Value Hobby.
We’ll also discuss why this set holds an important place in the Pokémon franchise and how it might affect the future of the hobby.
Heat Wave Arena Overview
Released in Japan on March 14, 2024, Heat Wave Arena (sv9a) has quickly gained a reputation among Japanese Pokémon fans. This set focuses on a mix of classic characters and fresh new faces, offering collectors and players a chance to grab expensive Pokémon cards that could become centerpiece items in their collections.
The Pokémon Company introduced special rarities like Art Rare (AR), Super Rare (SR), Special Art Rare (SAR), and Ultra Rare (UR) in recent expansions, and these continue in Heat Wave Arena to showcase gorgeous card artwork, iconic Trainer-Pokémon pairs, and sought-after chase cards.
Here’s a quick breakdown of each rarity you’ll encounter in Heat Wave Arena:
- AR (Art Rare): Beautiful full-art cards with unique, detailed illustrations that typically feature a Pokémon in a thematic scene.
- SR (Super Rare): Includes Full Art Pokémon and Trainer cards, highlighted by special textured finishes.
- SAR (Special Art Rare): Ultra-scarce variants with even more elaborate artwork, sometimes telling a story or depicting multiple Pokémon.
- UR (Ultra Rare): Features secret gold or special textured finishes for top-tier collectible cards.
Because this set is exclusive in Japan, the quantity of sealed boxes available outside of the country can sometimes feel limited.
This scarcity naturally drives up the prices of the most valuable cards in the set, making them particularly attractive to serious Pokémon fans and investors. However, this is also due to recent surge in demand for Pokemon products in North America, prompting the Japanese Pokémon sets to also surge in price.
If you’re hunting for these prized cards, be prepared to pay a premium compared to 2024 sets, and keep a close eye on recent sales on eBay or specialized secondary markets like High Value Hobby.
Top 10 Most Valuable Heat Wave Arena Cards (2025 Market Ranking)
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Heat Wave Arena cards you’ll want to watch out for, based on 2025 market ranking data.
The following table gives a quick snapshot of each card, its rarity, and a notable feature:
|
Rank |
Card |
Rarity |
Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
|
#10 |
SR |
Beloved fan-favorite Trainer & Pokémon |
|
|
#9 |
SR |
Full art Trainer with Johto connections |
|
|
#8 |
AR |
Nostalgic Johto starter Pokémon |
|
|
#7 |
AR |
Stunning artwork featuring iconic duo |
|
|
#6 |
SAR |
Heartfelt storyline from the Paldea region |
|
|
#5 |
UR |
Gold-textured Legendary featuring Johto |
|
|
#4 |
UR |
Premium gold finish with dynamic artwork |
|
|
#3 |
SAR |
Vibrant scene showcasing Trainer journey |
|
|
#2 |
SAR |
One of the set's most stunning combos |
|
|
#1 |
SAR |
Ultimate chase card, extremely rare pull |
Let’s explore why each card has become so valuable and how it reflects the broader Pokémon TCG market.
#10 Cynthia's Garchomp ex 80 (SR) - Heat Wave Arena sv9a
Trainer-Fan Connection
Cynthia is one of the most celebrated Champions in the Pokémon franchise, and Garchomp stands as her signature powerhouse. Fans cherish this pairing for its dynamic synergy in both the video games and trading card sets.
Moderate Pull Rate but Highly Desired
While not as scarce as SAR or UR cards, this SR version of Cynthia’s Garchomp ex has proven elusive enough to maintain a decent secondary market price.
Current Resale Value
As of Q1/Q2-2025, TCG Player reports sales averaging around $24 to $36 USD. Prices can spike for gem-mint graded copies, especially those recognized by third-party grading services.
#9 Ethan's Adventure 84 (SR) - Heat Wave Arena sv9a
New Full Art Trainer Release
Ethan, the Johto protagonist, hasn’t always gotten the spotlight in the TCG. This brand-new full art SR trainer card introduces a unique angle: capturing Ethan’s adventurous spirit and his connection to other Pokémon from the Johto region.
Popularity with Johto Fans
Many older collectors grew up with the Pokémon Company expansions featuring Johto. This nostalgic factor, plus the artwork’s depiction of a confident Trainer ready to explore, has fueled its popularity.
Market Price Movements
While it’s cheaper compared to the SAR or UR hits in the set, according to TCGPlayer, Ethan’s Adventure has sold at a low price of $19.75, and a high price of $40.00.
#8 Ethan's Typhlosion 70 (AR) - Heat Wave Arena sv9a
Nostalgia + Clean Design
Ethan’s Typhlosion resonates with fans because Typhlosion is a classic Johto starter evolution. The AR illustration, featuring a stylized forest backdrop, appeals to collectors who love minimalistic yet vibrant art.
Part of Johto Theme Trio
Many fans aim to gather all Johto-themed cards, making this a must-have for nostalgic synergy. This particular card often appears in top three competitor lists of favorite Johto releases.
Gradual Value Increase
While it may not garner the big bucks that Ultra or Special Art Rares do, its value has crept upward due to the popularity of Typhlosion. However, it has seen the typical price drop after release as more cards hit the market with more booster boxes being opened as time passes.
According to TCGPlayer.com, the current market price is around $33.29, with a low point of $27.95, and a high price point of $50.00 USD.
#7 Misty's Psyduck 71 (AR) - Heat Wave Arena sv9a
Iconic Duo: Misty and Psyduck
This comedic pair has warmed hearts since the days of the anime and the Pokémon TCG expansions like Misty's Psyduck from Gym Heroes. Psyduck’s normally silly expressions have taken a back seat with a swimming shot paired with Misty’s kind expression make for an absolutely stunning Art Rare.
This is one of my personal fav cards from Heat Wave Arena - and I'm a big Misty fan as well.
Collector Favorite for Art and Emotion
Misty’s Psyduck 71 (AR) often ranks among fan-favorite cards for the heartfelt bond it depicts. The storyline references and nostalgic flair captivate collectors, pulling in the casual Pokémon fans and seasoned vets alike.
Scarcity of AR Slots in Boxes
Given that only a few AR cards appear in any given booster box, you might need to purchase multiple booster boxes or grab single cards on the secondary market to secure this piece.
In general, I'd recommend waiting a few weeks after release so that the price of the box can settle at a lower price than right after release - but totally up to you!
According to TCGPlayer.com, market prices average around $40.54 USD, with a low sale price of $35.00 USD, and a high sale price of $49.99.
#6 Arven's Mabosstiff ex 88 (SAR) - Heat Wave Arena sv9a
Paldea Fan Appeal
Introduced in the Paldea region, Arven’s Mabosstiff became a highlight in the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet storyline. The faithful bond they share is artfully captured in this SAR card, tugging at players’ heartstrings.
Read more about that storyline here: https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Arven
If you’ve played the mainline Paldea games, you know the emotional rollercoaster Arven experiences with Mabosstiff. This story-driven angle makes the card’s artwork particularly cool, significantly raising its collectible appeal.
SAR Rarity Keeps the Price Up
This card’s synergy of design and narrative sets it apart, typically fetching a market price around $46.52 USD, according to TCG Player.
#5 Ethan's Ho-Oh ex 90 (UR) - Heat Wave Arena sv9a
Textured Golden Ultra Rare
As a UR, Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex 90 sports an eye-catching gold sheen. The card’s artwork employs vibrant details to emphasize Ho-Oh’s majestic appearance, reminiscent of the legendary beast it is.
It makes me think of Pokemon Gold for Gameboy. I absolutely loved that game growing up, and it goes down as one of my all-time fave games.
Legendary Status of Ho-Oh
Ho-Oh has always been a top-tier legendary for collectors—just think of how iconic it was as the cover Pokémon for Pokémon Gold. Combining Ethan and Ho-Oh in one design offers a synergy that’s popular among Johto fans.
Market Price
For the most updated market price, check TCG Player to get an idea. At the time of writing this, the card has a market price of around $76.88 USD.
#4 Cynthia's Garchomp ex 91 (UR) - Heat Wave Arena sv9a
Premium Artwork
This version of Cynthia’s Garchomp is styled with gold accents, making it stand out from the standard SR version. I'm a Cynthia Fan, so it's awesome to see her get so much love in this set.
Garchomp is always incredible with its cool design and powerful stance.
Market Price
Both the Ultra Rare (UR) and the Special Art Rare (SAR) fetch high prices, but according to TCGPlayer.com, this card has a low sale price of $75.00 USD, and a high sale price of $99.95 USD, with an average market price of $88.17 USD.
#3 Ethan's Adventure 89 (SAR) - Heat Wave Arena sv9a
Vibrant SAR Trainer Card
This Special Art Rare captures Ethan’s journey through a visually striking illustration. The background includes references to Pokemon, like Cyndaquil, Pichu, and Slugma, intriguing fans who love the artwork details.
Storytelling Through Illustration
The narrative approach, showing Ethan preparing for challenges alongside well-known Pokémon, sets it apart from simpler Full Arts. Collectors who enjoy “world-building” cards see this as a must-own piece.
Market Value
Since launch, Ethan’s Adventure 89 (SAR) has reached a market price of $86.48 USD, according to TCGPlayer.com.
#2 Ethan's Ho-Oh ex 86 (SAR) - Heat Wave Arena sv9a
One of the Most Stunning SARs
The swirling flames and high-drama colors behind Ho-Oh make this card a showstopper. An absolutely stunning piece, it showcases the synergy between two Pokémon icons: Ethan and Ho-Oh.
Legendary Beast + Popular Trainer
This set truly cements Ethan as a top-tier character, pairing him with the majestic bird that’s often overshadowed by its Kanto counterpart, Lugia.
Fans wanting to complete “Ethan’s journey” will definitely chase this.
Market Price
According to TCGPlayer.com, the current market price is around $219.49 USD, with a low sale price of $200.00 USD, and a high sale price of $269.99 USD.
These prices will fluctuate in the coming weeks, so check TCG Player for the most updated price.
#1 Cynthia's Garchomp ex 87 (SAR) - Heat Wave Arena sv9a
The Grail Card of Heat Wave Arena
The most expensive Pokémon cards in Heat Wave Arena often involve beloved Trainers like Cynthia - as per this list.
This SAR outshines all others thanks to a dramatic illustration featuring the synergy between Cynthia and Garchomp.
Tough to Pull?
Some collectors report pulling only one SAR card per box on average, if at all. Within that extremely limited slot, Cynthia’s Garchomp ex 87 (SAR) rarely appears, especially competing with the other SAR's in this set.
This drives an intense demand that elevates its price to premium levels.
Market Price
Recent data on TCG Player reports a current market price of $315.89 USD, with a low sale price of $298.99, and a high sale price of $349.98 USD.
What a banger.
It’s considered the ultimate chase card for the Heat Wave Arena set and might remain the most coveted piece for years to come.
My Final Thoughts on Heat Wave Arena (sv9a)
Why Collectors and Competitive Players Should Be Excited: Heat Wave Arena (sv9a) provides a fresh blend of stunning artwork and beloved Trainer-Pokémon combos.
This resonates with both collectors seeking the most valuable cards and players looking to enhance decks with popular new strategies.
I'm also thrilled that even though this set has heat in its name, Typhlosion is the star as opposed to a new Charizard card, or even an expensive Pikachu card. We've had enough of those lately.
Impact on the Pokémon TCG Landscape: This exclusive set has heightened awareness of Japanese Pokémon cards worldwide. The hype around rarities such as SAR and UR influences card design and collector habits in future expansions.
Stay Updated for Card Reveals and Pricing Trends: Keeping tabs on announcements from the Pokémon Company and reputable sellers, like High Value Hobby, helps ensure you won’t miss any upcoming surprises or changes in card value.
Looking to buy a Heat Wave Arena Booster Box? Purchase a booster box here, and I'll personally ship your Pokemon Cards directly to your door, safely and securely. Check my Verified Buyer Reviews here from collectors all over North America.
If there are any Pokemon Cards that you need from this set, definitely check out my Heat Wave Arena singles here.
~Jazz & Khaleesi