Top 10 Trainer Gallery Cards in Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield

It was in Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon`s Cosmic Eclipse that we first got to see cool Pokémon cards featuring designs that incorporated both the Trainer and the Pokémon. Not officially dubbed as Trainer Gallery at the time, this concept evolved beyond what we thought it would be, and to the content of fans and collectors. 

What is The Pokémon TCG Trainer Gallery?

Similar to those in Cosmic Eclipse, Trainer Gallery cards feature a Pokémon and a Trainer posing as a team in various scenarios - many of which brought us some really interesting designs and sought-after cards. The official Trainer Gallery Cards are designed with not only a number for the card but also the acronym TG which stands for Trainer Gallery. Much like Alternate Art Cards, trainer gallery cards offer a new look at some Pokémon told in a different perspective. 

The cards were also well received as part of their re-introduction into the Pokémon TCG in Brilliant Stars as they were often placed in the Reverse Holo slot of booster packs, meaning that packs could not only contain a rare hit but also a TG card. This trend was then applied also in Astral Radiance and in Lost Origin - and will likely be until the end of the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield era — and as we approach the end let's take a look at some of the best Trainer Gallery cards that have been release thus far. 

Top 10 Trainer Gallery Cards from Pokémon: Sword & Shield

#10 - Hoothoot - SWSH10: Astral Radiance Trainer Gallery

Starting off our list we have Hoothoot — Hoothoot is by far not one of the most popular Pokémon in the franchise and that's exactly why this TG card is so great. The scene design and picture of a master and his Hoothoot meditating at the top of a mountain is simple yet beautiful.

#9 - Garchomp V - SWSH10: Astral Radiance Trainer Gallery

Featuring the Champion of the Sinnoh region`s Pokémon League herself, it's no surprise this was quickly an instant pick up for collectors. Cynthia is considered to be one of the favorite trainers in the entire franchise, both for her epic personality and her looks — and this card simply brings out that personality with an imposing Garchomp at her side. 

#8 - Kingdra - SWSH10: Astral Radiance Trainer Gallery

At number eight we have yet another card that may come as a surprise to many on our list, but for the same reasons noted above for Hoothoot, this card brought us a fresh look at Kingdra, something we hadn't seen for quite some time. The surfing Kingdra looks great in any collection and has a lot to offer in both design and colors. 

#7 - Pikachu - SWSH11: Lost Origin Trainer Gallery

Sword & Shield Lost Origin is bringing us an impressive four Pikachu cards as part of the Trainer Gallery — and what we know to be Akari's Pikachu is definitely a card to have on our list. For fans of the Pokémon Legends: Arceus game that released earlier, it's Akari's first appearance in the TCG. This card is both adorable and comical. 

#6 - Nessa - SWSH11: Lost Origin Trainer Gallery

An unexpected return but very well received — Nessa makes her appearance in Lost Origin's Trainer Gallery to the content of her fans. We first saw Nessa in Pokémon Sun & Moon Burning Shadows and it was easily one of the best chase cards of that set - this time around pull rates should be better but nonetheless enjoyable to get. 

#5 - Gengar - SWSH11: Lost Origin Trainer Gallery

Taken right out of the Japanese Set Dark Phantasma, Gengar is also featured in Pokémon Sword & Shield Lost Origin in the Trainer Gallery. Gengar is a fan-favorite and this card is sure to draw lots of attention from collection to the die-hard Gengar fans and the casual collectors. Price should also be relatively low which will make it a great pickup. 

#4 - Mimikyu V - SWSH09: Brilliant Stars Trainer Gallery

At number four we have what most called a bizarre card when it first got release with Brilliant Stars. Dubbed as the ''Mastermind Mimikyu'', this card offers a dark sinister reality into what the Pokémon world could be. A great pickup that has held a decent amount of value since the release of Brilliant Stars in early 2022.

 #3 - Pikachu VMAX - SWSH11: Lost Origin Trainer Gallery

While Vivid Voltage was responsible for bringing us the Pikachu designed as ''Chunkchu'', this Trainer Gallery card really brings the concept to life with a powerful, colorful and epic display featuring Red. The card trades for a decently high price making it a great value choice for the Trainer Gallery.

#2 - Mew VMAX (Secret) - SWSH11: Lost Origin Trainer Gallery

Mew is always a great card to have in a set, and if Fusion Strike has taught us anything it's that everyone wants it as part of their collection - this Trainer Gallery Mew is special as it boasts the gold and black finish and is just a really cute version of the card. The card's price is also very affordable making it a great option for both collectors and players looking to spice up the look of the Mew decks. 

#1 - Starmie V - SWSH10: Astral Radiance Trainer Gallery

A chase card that no one expected - Starmie V Trainer Gallery from Astral Radiance quickly became one of the best pulls of the set, featuring the beloved Misty and her Starmie in what I would call a perfect card design. Everything about the choices of shapes, the Pokéball-style floaty, the colors and the relaxed-feel make this a top-tier design. The card has retained most of its initial value which is a testament to how great the card actually is. 

Conclusion about Trainer Gallery Cards

A great and effective way to add value to their sets, the Pokémon TCG Trainer Gallery continues to bring us great designs and cards that many collectors and players look forward to acquiring. 

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