Is Snorlax Ultra Rare? Yes, Here‘s Why
If you‘re a Pokémon card collector trying to catch ‘em all, you‘ll need an ultra rare Snorlax in your collection. Snorlax‘s status as a rare find across the Pokémon franchise makes its trading cards highly sought after by players and investors. So whether you‘re a fan wanting the iconic Snorlax for nostalgia, or an expert collector seeking value, the short answer is: Yes, Snorlax cards are ultra rare.
Now let‘s explore all the reasons why this beloved sleepy Pokémon commands such scarce and expensive cards across its 25+ year history in the Pokémon world.
Just How Rare Is Snorlax?
Before diving into individual card values, let‘s first establish just how rare basic Snorlax specimens are to find. Rarity across the Pokémon games, cards, and media has contributed to Snorlax‘s prestige among fans.
Rare In The Video Games
Across mainline Pokémon video game titles, Snorlax has always been elusive, requiring special effort to encounter:
- In Red/Blue, Snorlax blocked key paths, requiring the Poké Flute item to awaken
- In Gold/Silver just one Snorlax appears at the peaks of Mt. Silver only on Mondays
- In Ruby/Sapphire it could only be found through the embedded item PokéNav on special routes
- In Diamond/Pearl only 5 Snorlax appear on rare Honey trees across the entire Sinnoh region
Rare In the TCG Sets
Unlike common fodder species like Rattata or Pidgey, Snorlax cards are classified as "Rare" or "Ultra Rare", meaning much lower pull rates from booster packs.
For example, the 1st Edition Jungle set had:
- Common cards – 80/64 (125%)
- Uncommon cards – 40/64 (62.5%)
- Rare cards – 16/64 (25%)
- Ultra Rare Holos – 11/64 (17%)
So your odds of pulling the Snorlax rare were only 25% per Jungle pack opened, and 17% for the ultra rare holo version.
Rare in Pokémon GO
The hit mobile game Pokémon GO, with over 1 billion downloads, also reflects Snorlax‘s elusive nature:
- Snorlax has a capture rate of only 5%, one of the lowest in GO.
- Its flee rate of 9% is also higher than average.
- Snorlax spawns are rare outside events, nests, and its Raid Day.
- Shiny Snorlax are extraordinarily unlikely at full odds.
- Perfect IV wild Snorlax spawns are near impossible finds.
Now that we‘ve established Snorlax‘s general rarity across the brand, let‘s explore the key factors that make its cards so valuable and desired by collectors.
What Makes Snorlax Cards So Valuable?
Beyond just nostalgic appeal, elite Snorlax cards draw immense value from attributes like competitive utility, special art, scarce variants, and condition:
Competitive Utility
Strong attacking moves and durability with high HP has made certain Snorlax cards mainstays in top tournament decks:
- Snorlax VMAX boasts 330 HP and hits for 210 damage.
- Snorlax ex unleashed Beat Up for 60x number of Pokémon.
- Snorlax & Eevee GX had a Button attack pinging for 80 spread damage.
- Snorlax LV.X‘s Ultimate Tackle could deal 100+ damage.
This playability separates it from collectors‘ items and fuels demand from players.
Special Artwork
Chase cards like the Alternate Full Art Snorlax & Eevee GX feature exclusive illustration styles. Others have gold textures like the Rainbow Rare Snorlax VMAX. Such artwork creates appeal beyond standard prints.
Scarcity
Short printed "secret" variants, 1st Edition stamps, and special expansions like Hidden Fates Shiny Vault ensure very limited quantities for the most coveted Snorlax cards.
High Grades
Despite age, flawless PSA 10 or BGS 10 Gem Mint copies fetch astronomical prices compared to played copies. This is true across the vintage cards like 1st Edition Jungle Snorlax.
Cultural Resonance
As one of the most beloved 1st generation Pokémon, Snorlax strikes a nostalgic chord for adult collectors revisiting their youth. Its humor and identifiable traits like gluttony make it timelessly appealing.
Prominent Illustrators
Snorlax‘s vintage cards were illustrated by famed artists like Ken Sugimori, Mitsuhiro Arita, Kagemaru Himeno, and more. Their status adds prestige.
Let‘s now showcase some of the specific ultra rare and valuable Snorlax cards highly sought after by collectors and investors.
Most Notable Ultra Rare Snorlax Cards
Here are some of the rarest and most expensive Snorlax cards that demonstrate its elite Pokémon pedigree:
1st Edition Snorlax (Holo) – Skyridge Expansion
Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
Background: Released in 2003, this 1st Edition Skyridge expansion print featured nostalgic Ken Sugimori Snorlax artwork. As one of the last Wizards of the Coast expansions before PUSA took over, it had small print runs.
Value: Over $1000 in PSA 10 Gem Mint grade.
Snorlax ex Delta Species (Holo) – Legend Maker Expansion
Illustrator: Masakazu Fukuda
Background: The unique Delta Species mechanic made Snorlax a Water-type in this 2006 set. Its retro look mimics the original TCG holo foil style.
Value: $200+ PSA 10 due to novelty and age.
Snorlax VMAX Rainbow – Sword & Shield Rebel Clash
Illustrator:voutthelegandario9
Background: Modern rainbow rare treatment given to the strong Snorlax VMAX competitive card with 310 HP. Short printed chase card.
Value: $200+ PSA 10 for the vivid rainbow foil version.
Snorlax & Eevee GX Alternate Full Art – Sun & Moon Team Up
Illustrator: Nagomi Nakamura
Background: This Tag Team card depicts Snorlax and Eevee in a beautiful exclusive full art illustration with texture.
Value: Over $300 PSA 10 due to iconic pairing.
Snorlax LV.X (Secret Rare) – Majestic Dawn
Illustrator: Masakazu Fukuda
Background: This ultra rare LV.X powered up form of Snorlax had 160 HP and solid attack damage when it released in 2008.
Value: $130+ PSA 10 for the Secret Rare gold text version.
1st Edition Snorlax Holo – Jungle Set
Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
Background: The 1999 Jungle expansion printed Snorlax in English for the first time. iconic artwork and 1st Edition stamp make it coveted.
Value: $400+ PSA 10 Gem Mint due to age and significance.
These cards demonstrate the prestige and value placed on rare Snorlax specimens spanning over 20 years. Let‘s go deeper on why specific cards appreciate.
Factors Influencing Rarity & Value
We‘ve established Snorlax as highly sought after. But what specific attributes make individual cards worth hundreds or thousands?
1. Competitive Utility
Cards like Snorlax VMAX Rainbow Rare that see heavy play carry premiums for usability.
2. Special Art
Stylized card frames, full art illustrations, gold textures instantly distinguish rare versions.
3. Low Population
PSA and BGS population reports show how few PSA 10 copies exist for chase cards, driving prices higher.
4. Era Relevance
Cards tied to beloved generations like 1st Gen Jungle Snorlax carry nostalgic weight.
5. Iconic Artists
Illustrators like Sugimori, Arita, and Himeno lend prestige to vintage cards they illustrated.
6. Character Popularity
As a top-tier Gen 1 fan favorite, Snorlax garners interest beyond just competitive viability.
7. Sealed Product
Booster boxes guaranteeing a shot at rare Snorlax cards accrue value themselves.
By targeting cards that check multiple boxes like special art, nostalgic appeal, competitive utility and perfect grading, collectors pay huge premiums to acquire the very best. Now let‘s examine the investment outlook which influences modern card valuations.
Investing in Snorlax Cards
For modern Snorlax cards, investment potential factors heavily into pricing and rarity perception. What is the investor verdict on Snorlax for value growth?
Extremely Strong Fundamentals
As a highly popular yet scarce Gen 1 Pokémon, Snorlax has tremendous inherent collectability that transcends generations.
Competitively Relevant
Playability in the GCC drives recurring demand for strong cards like Rainbow Snorlax VMAX.
Global Appeal
Pokémon‘s worldwide popularity ensures interest beyond just North American collectors.
Growing Population
Demographic waves and nostalgia ensure growing engagement from older and newer collectors.
Brand Strength
The Pokémon Company continues pushing the franchise forward across media, maintaining cultural relevance.
Limited Supply
Even modern prints have short allocations, ensuring constant scarcity for the best cards.
Experts and analysts overwhelmingly agree Snorlax cards, especially high grade PSA 10 examples of the major ultra rare variants, are blue chip collectibles poised for steady value growth given the irresistible combination of nostalgia, competitive utility, and built-in scarcity.
Just How Much Are Snorlax Cards Worth?
Let‘s examine the valuation range for some of the most sought after Snorlax cards:
Snorlax VMAX Rainbow
- Raw NM Copies: $50 – $75
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $200+
Snorlax ex Delta Species Holo
- Raw NM Copies: $60-$100
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $300+
Snorlax & Eevee GX Alternate Full Art
- Raw NM Copies: $150-$250
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $600+
1st Edition Jungle Snorlax Holo
- Raw Lightly Played: $150-$250
- PSA 9 Mint: $600-$1000
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $3000+
Clearly condition is king when it comes to maximizing value. But even well-kept raw copies of Snorlax‘s ultra rare cards trade hands for impressive sums, speaking to the lasting prestige of this iconic species.
Conclusion – A Must Have for Any Collector
In summary, prestigious Snorlax cards are absolutely worthy of the ultra rare designation. Its competitive utility, special artwork variants, first edition prints, nostalgic significance for Gen 1 fans, and natural scarcity across the Pokémon universe make Snorlax a pillar of any comprehensive Pokémon card collection. Vintage finds like 1st Edition Jungle Snorlax and modern hits like Rainbow Snorlax VMAX alike demonstrate its elite rarity.
So if you‘re building up a well-rounded assortment of the most popular, historic and hard to find Pokémon cards, be sure to pursue at least one special Snorlax specimen. Its enduring sleep-loving character and decades of card history make it a mandatory entry for collectors across generations!
