Why is Dedenne GX so good?

Dedenne GX has cemented itself as one of the most powerful and essential Pokémon in the TCG competitive scene thanks to its unparalleled consistency boosting Ability Dedechange. This article will explore why it‘s become a near autoinclude 4-of in almost every top tier deck.

An Introduction to Dedenne GX

Dedenne GX originated in the Sun & Moon Team Up set released in February 2019. As a Stage 1 Evolution of Dedenne, this Electric-type Pokémon has the attacks:

• Ram – 50 damage
• Gnaw – 20 damage times the number of Energy attached to your opponent‘s Active Pokémon

But it‘s the Dedechange Ability that rockets Dedenne GX to staple status. By discarding your hand and drawing 6 cards, Dedechange creates insane consistency and draw power. It accelerates your setup, reloads your hand, and enables big combo turns.

You may be thinking: "How can discarding my hand to draw 6 new cards be that good?" Let‘s analyze why Dedechange has such an impact.

What Makes Dedechange So Strong?

Most Supporters that let you draw extra cards force you to end your turn. Dedechange breaks this rule by drawing first, then allowing you to still attack.

Refreshing your hand each turn generates great consistency. You cycle through your deck faster to find key cards sooner. In the late game, it continuously refuels resources to sustain pressure. If your hand gets discarded or shuffled away, Dedechange recovers immediately.

It works on the first turn before you‘ve played other Supporters, turbocharging your start. Even discarding a few cards, the +4 card advantage means you likely end up with a better hand anyway.

Dedechange doesn‘t require any Energy or attachments either. Dedenne GX accelerates your strategy simply by sitting on the bench. The power level is undeniable.

Dedenne GX Usage Rates in Competitive Play

Due to its exceptional Ability, Dedenne GX has dominated the competitive scene since release. It fits into any deck looking to speed up its game plan. Most winning tournament lists across all formats run 4 copies.

Standard

• Dedenne GX played in 78% of 1st place League Cup lists in the last 3 months
• Featured in 100% of top 8 Malmo Regionals lists in January 2023

Draw Engine	Usage Rate	Decks Playing 4 Copies
Dedenne GX	89%	Lost Box, Palkia, Lugia
Crobat V	47%	Lost Box, Ice Rider
Jirachi TEU	38%	Lost Box, Lugia

Expanded

• 100% of Collinsville Regionals top 8 lists in July 2022 ran 4 Dedenne GX
• Critical part of Night March‘s explosion combo by dumping cards

Legacy

• Present in 70% of 1st place League Challenge lists since August 2022
• Enables fast starts in SP decks like Gardevoir and Rayquaza

As you can see, usage statistics back up Dedenne GX‘s reputation – virtually no competitive deck can afford to omit including this staple Pokémon.

Dedenne GX Card Prices and Value Analysis

Due to heavy competitive demand, Dedenne GX commands a high price point:

Regular Dedenne GX Price History

Date	Near Mint Price
February 2019	$50
January 2020	$25
August 2022	$10
February 2023	$9.50

While prices have softened from its peak, regular copies still run about $9.50 near mint and $7-8 lightly played. Despite reprints, the market sustains its value.

Full Art Dedenne GX Price History

Date	Gem Mint Price
February 2020	$90
December 2021	$50
August 2022	$22
February 2023	$16

Full arts carry a higher premium but have decreased over time as supply increased. Still, the beautiful alternate art makes it popular for collectors.

Rainbow Rare Dedenne GX Price Chart

The Rainbow Rare Secret hits over $40 near mint. Despite some declines, it remains extraordinarily valuable as the blinged out ultra rare version.

Overall, while prices have softened slightly, Dedenne GX remains one of the 10 most valuable cards in Standard. Its competitive utility and collector appeal helps sustain its high valuation.

How Does Dedenne GX Compare to Other Draw Engines?

Dedenne GX resides in rare company alongside Jirachi TEU and Crobat V as universal consistency engines. But does its price tag match its power level?

Jirachi TEU sees a similar $7.50 regular price point. However, its Stellar Wish is weaker card draw than Dedechange. Crobat V is cheaper at $4-5 since it was widely available. Yet it trails Dedenne GX in raw power and speed.

Thus, Dedenne GX‘s value mirrors its best-in-class position as the premier draw engine that surpasses even other staples in strength. It justifies its elite valuation.

Why Is Dedenne GX So Expensive?

What factors make Dedenne GX stand out enough to demand $10+ per copy? Here are the key ingredients driving such a lofty price tag:

• Unique Ability – Dedechange gives an effect no other card replicates. This exclusivity amplifies value.

• Competitive Demand – Universal playability creates constant high demand. Investors recognize long term value.

• Lower Pull Rates – As an Ultra Rare, it‘s harder to obtain than a typical GX making supply limited.

• Collectability – The cute design and competitive dominance has made it a fan favorite. Blinged out versions command even higher premiums.

Add it up, and you have the perfect combination for one of the top chased cards in the game currently. Dedenne GX checks every box when evaluating price influences.

Budget Acquisition Tips for Dedenne GX

For players looking to build top decks on a budget, investing $40+ on a Dedenne GX represents a steep barrier to entry. Here are some tips for obtaining copies without breaking the bank:

• Buy lightly played or moderately played copies to save a few dollars per copy over near mint.

• Trade bulk rares and holos – offer a 25% bonus to convince traders.

• Buy code cards for Team Up packs and cross your fingers in opening your own through the online client.

• Initially run fewer copies like 2x or 3x while you save up for more. Running 1 is still impactful.

• Consider substitutes like Dedenne UNB, Crobat V, and Tapu Lele GX temporaily as budget options.

Saving up over time or trading up incrementally remain your best avenues. Even one copy can showcase its power. Eventually you can upgrade to the full 4 copies.

When Will Dedenne GX Rotate Out of Standard?

Dedenne GX arrived in February 2019‘s Team Up expansion as part of the Sun & Moon Black Star Promos series.

The current 2022-2023 Standard format allows cards from Sword & Shield base set onward. Dedenne GX will rotate out of Standard in August 2024 once Scarlet & Violet era sets release.

However, Dedenne GX will continue seeing play in Expanded and Legacy tournaments. Prices may dip slightly post-rotation, but should rebound based on historical trends for other formerly Standard staples like Tapu Lele GX.

Dedenne GX‘s unique power means it will likely remain a top card in eternal formats keeping long term demand high among competitive players.

My Experience Using Dedenne GX in Malamar Deck

I‘ll never forget trading aggressively for playsets of Dedenne GX back when Malamar/Giratina was a top tier Standard deck.

At first, I hesitated to pick up such an expensive card. But taking the plunge and adding 2 copies made an immense difference. My draws became so much smoother. I could bounce back from N‘s and Judge‘s faster.

When I finally got the full 4 copies, I realized why Dedenne GX is truly elite. The acceleration was on another level compared to just Jirachi. I‘ll always remember Dedenne GX carrying me to some big tournament finishes during that format!

Potential Counters and Checks to Dedenne GX

While extremely powerful, Dedenne GX isn‘t completely invincible. Its prominence means players have come up with various counters and checks to try and take advantage of its weaknesses:

• Discard/mill – Cards like Mars, Hapu, and Weezing UNB punish overcommitting Benched Dedenne GX.

• Ability lock – Blocking Abilities with Alcremie VMAX or Garbotoxin can shutdown Dedechange.

• Sniping – Single Prize attackers like Lumineon V or Duraludon can take cheap KOs on damaged Dedenne.

• Spread – Running your own spread damage attackers threatens Dedenne GX for easy 2-prize KOs.

However, the success of these counters remains limited. At best, they provide minor obstacles that experienced pilots can navigate. Dedenne GX‘s raw power overcomes most challenges thrown its way!

Dedenne GX‘s phenomenal Ability Dedechange provides a level of consistency that competitive decks can‘t afford to pass up. It‘s no surprise this Electric rodent has become a near universal 4-of staple.

While expensive, its dominance in top tier strategies across formats makes it well worth the investment. For collectors and blinged out players, Dedenne GX‘s rainbow rare version showcases its elite status as one of the top chased cards.

Thanks to its irreplaceable card draw engine, Dedenne GX should remain one of the most valued and coveted cards from Sun & Moon for years to come. Its ability to accelerate any deck‘s game plan is simply unmatched!