Is Darkrai GX Rare? A Comprehensive Pokemon Card Collector‘s Guide

In one word – yes. The powerful Darkrai GX card from the 2017 Sun & Moon – Burning Shadows expansion is an ultra rare pull and highly desired collectible for any Pokemon Trading Card Game fan. With its striking design, competitive pedigree, and mythical namesake, Darkrai GX checks all the boxes that make a card valuable and sought after by enthusiasts.

As an avid Pokemon card collector and player myself, I‘ve followed the Darkrai GX closely since it first appeared. In this 2600+ word guide, we‘ll explore why it stands out as one of the top cards from the Sun & Moon era including:

• Darkrai‘s history and appeal as a Legendary Pokemon
• An in-depth overview of the Darkrai GX Burning Shadows card
• Its competitive impact and tournament pedigree
• Rarity and pull rates from Burning Shadows packs
• Current secondary market prices and recent sales
• How it compares to more expensive cards like Rainbow Rare Charizard GX
• Factors that determine long-term value and demand
• Spotting fake copies and finding authentic versions
• The best places to buy and sell Darkrai GX cards

Let‘s dive in fellow Pokemon masters – here‘s everything you need to know about the iconic Darkrai GX!

Darkrai‘s Lore and Popularity in Pokemon Games/Anime

To understand the appeal of Darkrai GX, you first have to look at Darkrai itself. As one of the most intriguing Mythical creatures in Pokemon, Darkrai gained fame for its competitive power and striking backstory years before becoming a coveted card.

Debuting in 2006‘s Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Darkrai could only be obtained via limited time Nintendo events. Its signature move Dark Void inflicted sleep on entire opposing teams – disrupting competitive play so much it was later nerfed.

Despite some portrayals as a villain, Darkrai developed popularity after protecting a town from nightmares in the Rise of Darkrai film. Its ghostly black and white design also appeals greatly to fans.

In later games, Darkrai remained one of the best counters to Psychic and Ghost-type raid bosses like Mewtwo thanks to its Dark typing. Even today, the Mythical creature maintains an air of prestige among collectors.

Overview of the Playability and Artwork on the Burning Shadows GX Card

When it came time for Darkrai to join the Sun & Moon-era GX gallery, The Pokemon Company did not disappoint.

Released on August 4, 2017 in the Burning Shadows set, the striking full art Darkrai GX depicts the legendary emerging from a dark void. The detailed artwork by 5ban Graphics highlights Darkrai‘s flowing white mane and fierce blue eye as mist swirls around it.

As a Stage 1 Darkness-type card, Darkrai GX has a beefy 210 HP along with two main attacks:

• Night Spear – For 1 Darkness energy, deals 50 damage and prevents damage effects on Darkrai GX the next turn
• Darkness GX – Deals 130 damage for 4 Darkness energy and prevents the opponent‘s Active Pokemon from retreating

Competitively, Darkrai GX saw significant play for its solid damage and disruption. Its Darkness GX attack in particular helped slow down opponents. The Weakness to Fighting was a liability though as cards like Lucario GX rose to prominence.

While not the most dominant card, Darkrai GX‘s strong theme and effects made it an exciting pull for early Sun & Moon era collectors and players. Its artwork remains stunning as well.

Pull Rates and Availability in Burning Shadows Packs

As an Ultra Rare GX card from the Sun & Moon blocks, the original printing of Darkrai GX has a rarity of:

Rarity	Odds
Common	1 in 11 packs
Uncommon	1 in 3 packs
Rare	1 in 11 packs
Reverse Holo	1 in 11 packs
Holo Rare	1 in 22 packs
Ultra Rare GX	1 in 36 packs
Secret Rare	1 in 132 packs

This makes Darkrai GX approximately 3 times rarer than a holo rare, but slightly more common than the standard GX cards in sets like Tapu Lele GX.

According to market data, roughly 5,800 PSA 10 copies of the original Darkrai GX exist – much lower supply than more printed Sun & Moon GXs.

Overall, while not the toughest pull, Darkrai GX remains one of the more scarce cards from Burning Shadows. Opening one in a pack is a thrill and best of luck to those still chasing this iconic Pokemon!

Current Market Value and Recent High Dollar Sales

Thanks to its status as an Ultra Rare GX, Burning Shadows Darkrai GX maintains value on the secondary market years later.

Raw copies in flawless, pack-fresh Mint condition sell for around $3 to $5 based on recent eBay sold listings and TCGplayer Marketplace sales. Some examples:

• Aug 2022: $3.99 (eBay)
• July 2022: $4.50 (eBay Best Offer accepted)
• May 2022: $3.25 (TCGplayer)

There are 87 listings currently on TCGplayer ranging from $2.49 to $9.99 for the original Darkrai GX.

For collectors seeking pristine condition, PSA 10 graded copies range from $20 to $40+ when available:

• Sept 2022: $39.99 (PSA 10, eBay auction)
• July 2022: $22 (PSA 10, eBay auction)
• May 2022: $28 (PSA 10, eBay Buy It Now)

So while not exceedingly rare, Darkrai GX remains a valuable pickup, especially if found for under $5. Gradeworthy copies in PSA 10 can potentially fetch over 10X a raw near mint version.

How Does Darkrai GX Compare to More Expensive GX Cards?

While coveted, the original Darkrai GX has been overshadowed in value by a handful of other hugely popular Sun & Moon-era GXs. Two examples that blow Darkrai‘s prices out of the water:

Rainbow Rare Charizard GX (Burning Shadows)

The alternate art version of Reshiram & Charizard GX remains one of the most popular chase cards in modern collecting. PSA 10s auction for north of $300 while some have sold for as high as $500.

Much higher demand for the famous fire lizard has led to Rainbow Rare Charizard GX sustaining significant value over Darkrai.

Gold Star Umbreon (POP Series 5)

This Eeveelution from all the way back in 2009 illustrates how certain older cards keep collector appeal. It has regularly sold for over $1000 in PSA 10 condition.

Darkrai GX has not reached this kind of sustained value likely due to Eevee‘s broader cultural appeal.

While an iconic and strong card, Darkrai lacks the lasting popularity of franchise mascots like Charizard and Eevee. But this has left it as an reasonably priced option for those looking to collect a powerful Mythical GX Pokemon.

Why Certain Cards Like Charizard Are More Valuable Long-Term

As we can see, Darkrai GX has become an affordable card accessible to many collectors – but why have other GXs like Charizard maintained higher value?

Several key factors go into a card‘s lasting collectibility and demand:

• Pokemon Popularity – Charizard, Pikachu, Eevee have high appeal
• Competitive Legacy – Strong tournament impact fuels interest
• Artwork – Stylish alternate arts or promos become rare
• Nostalgia – Older cards from original WOTC sets gain value
• Condition Scarcity – Mint copies much rarer than poor condition
• Low Population – Limited distribution like trophies
• High Graded Population – How many PSA 10s a card has

For example, despite not seeing much actual play, Rainbow Rare Charizard‘s artwork drives prices higher. And Gold Star Umbreon‘s age, low supply, and Eevee collectors boost its value.

Darkrai GX has some factors helping it like nostalgia and competitive history. But it lacks the sustained cultural relevance of franchise mascot Pokemon.

Still, its iconic status should help Burning Shadows Darkrai GX maintain a solid collector‘s value, especially if kept in pristine condition.

How To Spot Fake Darkrai GX Cards and Find Authentic Copies

With demand for rare Pokemon cards booming, counterfeits are unfortunately commonplace online. Here are some signs a Darkrai GX may be fake:

• Misspelled/incorrect text like "Darkria" or wrong attacks
• Wrong font, colors, layout, or Holofoil pattern
• Blurry, pixelated, or poor print quality artwork
• Flimsy card stock far lighter than real cards
• Lack of texture and feel of a real foil card
• Code card doesn‘t match legit Darkrai GX codes

The safest route is purchasing professionally graded cards from companies like PSA, BGS, and CGC. Their slabs authenticate the card and provide a condition rating.

For raw copies, buying Darkrai GX cards from reputable, high-feedback sellers on marketplaces like eBay and TCGplayer is ideal. Inspecting cards in person at Pokemon card shows also lets you validate legitimacy.

Use common sense, and don‘t fall for deals that seem too good to be true. With counterfeits abound, only purchase Darkrai GX cards from trusted sellers.

Where To Buy and Sell Darkrai GX Cards

For collectors looking to buy, sell, or trade the Darkrai GX, here are some top recommended marketplaces:

• eBay – Largest selection online, many available via auction from vetted sellers
• TCGplayer – Reliable marketplace of US sellers offering raw and graded cards
• Facebook Groups – Great source for deals in collector communities if you find trusted members
• Pokemon Card Grading Group – Buy/sell graded Darkrai GX copies from CGC, PSA, BGS
• Card Shows – Find cards in person from dealers to inspect condition before purchasing

I recommend purchasing raw cards only from highly reviewed sellers with a long history of positive feedback. For selling more valuable Darkrai GX cards, third-party grading and auction sites like eBay yield the highest returns.

The Darkrai GX Still Maintains Appeal Among Collectors

While seen as a villain by some, Darkrai remains one of the most intriguing Mythical Pokemon. Its imposing appearance and competitive legacy carried over perfectly to the Darkrai GX card from Burning Shadows.

Iconic artwork, playability in its era, and appeal as a powerful anti-Psychic counter make the Darkrai GX an important part of Pokemon TCG history. Prices in the $5-20 range make it fairly accessible to collectors. Mint graded copies could gain significant value due to nostalgia and low populations if the card continues gaining notoriety.

So while not the most coveted or expensive GX, Darkrai GX retains collector and even competitive viability that helps secure its place as a unique Pokemon card. For franchise fans, the striking Darkrai GX stands as an awesome embodiment of the Legendary creature‘s ghostly lore and aura.