If you’ve spent any time at a card shop lately, you’ve seen it. That unmistakable red-and-white blur. Latias ex full art isn't just another shiny piece of cardboard; it's currently one of the most talked-about cards in the Surging Sparks expansion. Honestly, the TCG market is weird right now, but Latias is holding its own for reasons that go way beyond just "it looks cool."
Most people think the hype is just about the art. They're wrong. While the Special Illustration Rare (SIR) version is basically a miniature masterpiece, the actual "Full Art" (Ultra Rare 220/191) is the one quietly moving the needle for both players and mid-tier collectors.
Why Latias ex Full Art is Suddenly Everywhere
The Surging Sparks set dropped a bomb on the meta, and Latias ex (220/191) was right in the blast zone. You've got the Skyliner ability to thank for that. Basically, as long as Latias ex is on your bench, all your Basic Pokémon have zero retreat cost. Read that again. No Energy discards to get your heavy hitters out of the active spot. In a game where tempo is everything, that’s huge.
I was chatting with a guy at a regional event last weekend, and he was running a "hit-and-run" deck featuring Mega Latias ex. He used the standard Latias ex full art specifically to pivot between attackers without burning resources. It’s a clean strategy. But it’s not just the competitive players. Collectors are snatching these up because Latias and Latios have that "pair" factor—people want the set.
💡 You might also like: Stuck on the Connections hint June 13? Here is how to solve it without losing your mind
The Numbers: What’s it Actually Worth?
Let’s talk money. We aren't in the 2020 bubble anymore, but prices for the Latias ex full art (Ultra Rare) are surprisingly stable. As of January 2026, you're looking at:
- Near Mint (NM) Raw: Usually lands between $18 and $22.
- PSA 10: It’s been swinging from $60 to $85 depending on the week.
- The SIR Version (239/191): That's the big sibling, currently commanding about $145 to $160.
PriceCharting data shows a slight "Surging Sparks" fatigue, but the Ultra Rare full art is actually a "buy" for a lot of folks who can't swing the $150 for the SIR. It’s the "budget grail" of the set.
The Confusion Between the Two Versions
You wouldn't believe how many people mix these up. You’ve got the Ultra Rare Full Art (number 220/191) which features the bold, textured "portrait" style on a bright background. Then you have the Special Illustration Rare (SIR) (number 239/191).
📖 Related: GTA Vice City Cheat Switch: How to Make the Definitive Edition Actually Fun
The SIR version, illustrated by artists like AKIRA EGAWA, shows Latias soaring through a cityscape. It’s gorgeous. But the Ultra Rare 220/191 is the "workhorse" card. It’s the one you actually see in sleeves on a playmat. If you're looking for an investment, go for the SIR. If you want a binder-closer or a deck-pimper, the 220/191 is your move.
Competitive Viability (Is it actually good?)
The Skyliner ability is the soul of this card. In the current 2026 meta, we're seeing a lot of "drag-and-trap" strategies where your opponent tries to pull a high-retreat-cost Pokémon into the active spot to stall for time. Latias ex full art effectively deletes that entire archetype.
- Eon Blade: For two Psychic and one Colorless energy, you hit for 200. It's... okay.
- The Catch: You can't attack during your next turn.
- The Workaround: Because of Skyliner, you just retreat for free, send up a different attacker, and wait.
Honestly, it’s more of a support piece than a main attacker. It’s the "engine" that keeps the car moving.
👉 See also: Gothic Romance Outfit Dress to Impress: Why Everyone is Obsessed With This Vibe Right Now
What to Watch Out For When Buying
Condition is everything, obviously. But with Surging Sparks, we've seen some weird factory lines. Print lines are a nightmare on these full arts. If you’re looking at a raw copy on eBay, check the back corners. For some reason, the bottom-left corner on the 220/191 series has been prone to tiny "white nicks" right out of the pack.
If you're buying a graded 9, you're basically paying for the raw card plus the plastic. In my opinion? Buy a clean raw copy for $20. The upside of it becoming a $100 card is low, but the utility of having it in your collection is high.
The Japanese Connection
Don't ignore the Japanese Terastal Festival equivalent. The Japanese Latias ex full art often has better texture and holofoil quality than the English counterparts. If you’re a "visuals-first" collector, the Japanese SARs (Special Art Rares) are arguably better. But for the standard Full Art? The English version is much easier to flip if you need the cash later.
Actionable Steps for Collectors and Players
If you're sitting on the fence about picking up a Latias ex full art, here is how to handle it:
- Check Your Deck Synergy: If you run Basic Pokémon with a retreat cost of 2 or more (like some of the new Tera ex cards), buy one copy of the 220/191 Ultra Rare. It’s a game-changer for your mobility.
- Inspect Before You Buy: If you're buying raw, look specifically for vertical print lines on the front face. These are common in the Surging Sparks print run and will kill a PSA 10 grade instantly.
- Target the "Latios" Pair: If you're a collector, the value of Latias always goes up when you have the matching Latios. Look for the Surging Sparks Latios (Illustration Rare 203/191) to complete the set. It’s a cheap addition that makes the Latias look way better in a binder.
- Wait for the "Post-Release" Dip: If the card is still hovering at $25, wait. These typically settle into the $12-$15 range about six months after a set's release once the "new car smell" wears off.