You’ve probably seen them. Those two cards where Pikachu is wearing a mustache and a hat, looking like he’s about to jump down a green pipe to save a princess. They’re iconic. They’re weird. Honestly, they’re basically the holy grail for anyone who grew up loving both Nintendo and Pokémon.
But here’s the thing: most people don't realize how small the window was to actually get your hands on these. Back in 2016, The Pokémon Company decided to celebrate the opening of a new Pokémon Center in Kyoto with a "Mario Pikachu" collaboration. It wasn't a global release. It wasn't something you could just walk into a Target in Ohio and buy. If you weren't in Japan—specifically at a Pokémon Center—during that specific autumn window, you were out of luck.
What Mario and Luigi Pikachu Cards Actually Are
Let's get the facts straight. This wasn't a full set of 100 cards. It was a very focused, very specific crossover event. We’re talking about two main "Special Boxes" that were released on October 29, 2016.
The first was the Mario Pikachu Special Box. Inside, you got two cards: a Mario Pikachu (293/XY-P) and a Full Art Mario Pikachu (294/XY-P). The second was the Luigi Pikachu Special Box, which naturally featured Pikachu dressed as the taller, greener brother (295/XY-P and 296/XY-P).
People often ask if there are English versions. Short answer? No. Long answer? Still no. These were exclusive to the Japanese OCG (Official Card Game). If you see an English version of these cards today, it’s a fake. 100%. No exceptions. Nintendo and Pokémon have a tight grip on their IP, and for whatever reason, this specific collaboration never crossed the ocean. That exclusivity is exactly why the market for them is so volatile and, frankly, terrifyingly expensive.
The Art Style Matters More Than You Think
The art isn't just "Pikachu in a costume." It’s a love letter to the NES era. If you look closely at the Full Art Mario Pikachu (294/XY-P), you’ll see the background is a direct homage to World 1-1 of Super Mario Bros. You’ve got the clouds with faces, the blocky bushes, and even a little Blastoise and Bowser interaction in the distance.
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The Luigi version is even more niche. It references Luigi’s Mansion, with Pikachu holding a flashlight and looking slightly terrified. The illustrators at Creatures Inc. didn't just phone this in. They captured the "vibe" of both franchises perfectly. This is why collectors who don't even like Pokémon that much still want these cards. They are pieces of Nintendo history.
Why the Price Exploded
In 2016, you could buy these boxes for about 1,500 to 2,500 Yen. That’s roughly $15 to $25 USD. Imagine that.
Today? You’re looking at thousands. If you want a PSA 10 (Gem Mint) graded copy of the Full Art Mario Pikachu, you better be ready to part with $5,000 or more. Some private sales and high-end auctions have seen the pair of Full Arts go for over $10,000.
Why? It’s a "perfect storm" of scarcity.
- Limited Print Run: These were "produced to demand" during a very short window.
- The 2020 Boom: When the pandemic hit and everyone stayed home, the Pokémon market went nuclear. High-end, unique promos were the first things to skyrocket.
- The Cross-Collector Appeal: You have Pokémon collectors fighting against Mario collectors. Two of the biggest fanbases in the world competing for the same 5-year-old piece of cardboard.
It’s also worth noting that the boxes themselves—the "Special Boxes"—contained more than just the cards. They had card sleeves, a deck box, and a playmat. Collectors who kept the boxes sealed are sitting on literal gold mines. A sealed Mario Pikachu Special Box is one of the rarest "modern" items in the entire hobby.
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Identifying Real vs. Fake
Because these cards are worth so much, the market is flooded with "reproductions." That's just a fancy word for fakes.
If you're hunting for Mario and Luigi Pikachu cards, you need to be a detective. First, check the texture. The Full Art versions (294 and 296) have a very specific, intricate etched texture. It looks like tiny fingerprints or ripples across the surface of the card. Fakes are almost always smooth or have a generic "rainbow" sheen that looks oily.
Second, look at the font. Fake Japanese cards often mess up the kerning (the space between letters) or use a slightly "off" weight for the kanji characters. Honestly, the safest way to buy these is already graded by PSA, BGS, or CGC. Even then, verify the certification number on the grader's website. Scammers have even started faking the plastic slabs.
The "Half-Deck" Confusion
One thing that trips up new collectors is the "Mario Pikachu Half Deck." Along with the Special Boxes, there was a smaller, more common release. These cards aren't Full Art; they look like standard Pokémon cards with Mario Pikachu in a small art box. While still valuable, they aren't the "big money" cards everyone talks about.
If someone offers you a "Mario Pikachu" for $200, it’s probably one of these non-Full Art versions. Or a scam. Probably a scam.
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The Future of the Mario-Pokémon Connection
Will they ever do it again? Maybe. But probably not like this.
Nintendo is notoriously protective of Mario. Pokémon is its own entity (The Pokémon Company). Getting these two to shake hands for a product is rare. We saw a "Pikachu wearing a Mario hat" plush recently, but the cards remain a relic of 2016.
There's a reason these cards haven't crashed like some other "hype" cards from the 2020 era. They have "organic" value. They aren't just valuable because a YouTuber said so; they're valuable because they represent the two biggest pillars of gaming history in a way that hasn't been repeated since.
How to Actually Get One (Without Getting Scammed)
If you're serious about adding these to your collection, stop looking on Facebook Marketplace or sketchy eBay listings with "stock photos."
- Check Japanese Auction Sites: Use a proxy service like Buyee or ZenMarket to look at Yahoo! Japan Auctions or Mercari Japan. You'll find more "authentic" listings there, though shipping and fees add up.
- Verify the Texture: If you can't see the "thumbprint" texture in the photos, don't buy it. Ask for a video under a bright light.
- Check the Corners: Japanese cards from this era have a very specific "blue back" design. Ensure the blue is vibrant and the Pokéball is centered.
- Buy the Slab, Not the Raw Card: Unless you're an expert at spotting fakes, buy a card that has already been authenticated. It’s worth the extra 20% premium for the peace of mind.
These cards aren't just "investments." They’re weird, colorful pieces of art that shouldn't really exist. That’s what makes them special. Whether you're a hardcore collector or just someone who thinks a Pikachu with a mustache is hilarious, the Mario and Luigi Pikachu cards are the ultimate crossover. Just be prepared to pay for the privilege of owning a piece of that history.
Avoid any listing that claims to have "extra stock" or "English versions." Stick to reputable auction houses or verified sellers with thousands of high-end sales. The market for these is mature now, meaning the "deals" are gone, but the long-term stability for high-grade copies remains one of the strongest in the entire TCG world.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
- Audit your potential purchase: Use the PSA "Cert Verification" app to cross-reference any graded Mario Pikachu card against the official database images.
- Study the texture: Watch high-definition "unboxing" videos of the 2016 Special Boxes to see exactly how the light hits the holofoil—this is the single best way to train your eye against fakes.
- Set a budget ceiling: These cards fluctuate. Decide on your "maximum" price before entering an auction to avoid the "emotional bidding" that often happens with high-profile Nintendo crossovers.
- Monitor the Japanese market: Prices often move in Japan a few weeks before they shift on eBay; tracking Mercari Japan can give you a head start on market trends.