EX FireRed & LeafGreen: Kanto Returns
Complete review of the EX FireRed & LeafGreen set, which brought beloved Kanto Pokemon back to the EX era. Covers Charizard ex, market prices, and collecting strategy.
EX FireRed & LeafGreen: Kanto Nostalgia in the EX Era
Released in September 2004, EX FireRed & LeafGreen capitalized on the massive success of the FireRed and LeafGreen Game Boy Advance remakes by bringing the original 151 Kanto Pokemon back to the forefront of the TCG. This 116-card set is one of the most beloved EX-era expansions, combining nostalgic Kanto favorites with the powerful Pokemon-ex mechanic. The result is a set that appeals to both Gen 1 purists and EX-era collectors. View the complete set in our set database.
Chase Cards & Current Pricing
EX FireRed & LeafGreen features several premium cards that drive collector demand:
- Charizard ex (105/112) — The headline card and the most valuable in the set. Raw near-mint copies trade for $200-$600, with PSA 10s reaching $3,000-$6,000.
- Blastoise ex (104/112) — The water-type counterpart at $60-$150.
- Venusaur ex (112/112) — The grass starter rounds out the trio at $50-$120.
- Gengar ex (108/112) — A ghost-type fan favorite valued at $60-$150.
- Mr. Mime ex (110/112) — An underrated card that has been appreciating steadily at $30-$80.
- Gyarados ex (109/112) — The sea serpent commands $40-$100.
The Kanto Starter Trio
Having all three original Kanto starters as Pokemon-ex cards is a major draw for this set. Many collectors specifically seek the Charizard ex, Blastoise ex, and Venusaur ex as a matched trio, and finding all three in similar condition (especially graded) can command a premium. The Charizard ex in particular has been one of the best-performing EX-era cards in terms of price appreciation.
Set Features & Design
EX FireRed & LeafGreen has 116 cards including 12 Pokemon-ex cards, numerous holos, and a solid selection of Kanto Pokemon across all evolution stages. The set's artwork frequently references scenes and locations from the video game remakes, creating a cohesive Kanto aesthetic that resonates with fans of the original games.
One notable feature is the inclusion of Trainer cards that reference specific locations from the games, such as the Pokemon Tower and Celadon Department Store. These flavor-rich cards add collecting depth beyond just the Pokemon cards themselves.
EX Era Investment Potential
EX FireRed & LeafGreen has emerged as one of the strongest-performing EX-era sets in the secondary market. The combination of Kanto nostalgia, three starter Pokemon-ex cards, and the overall growing interest in EX-era cards has driven consistent price increases. Sealed booster boxes, once available for $200-$300, now command $2,000-$4,000, and individual booster packs sell for $40-$80.
If you have EX FireRed & LeafGreen cards — particularly the Charizard ex — they could be worth considerably more than you paid. Get a free quote on your EX-era collection today. For more set reviews covering every Pokemon TCG era, visit our blog.
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