Released on December 2, 2022, S12A VSTAR Universe (VSTARユニバース) is the final High Class Pack of the Sword & Shield era and one of the most celebrated Japanese Pokemon TCG products. Known for its complete Art Rare (AR) lineup covering the entire generation and its stunning VSTAR UR cards, VSTAR Universe has become the benchmark for modern ripping experiences. With Giratina VSTAR UR at ¥20,000 ($142) and sealed boxes at ~¥9,500 ($67), it offers exceptional value among premium sets.
S12A VSTAR Universe: Set Overview
| Set Code | S12A |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | VSTARユニバース (VSTAR Universe) |
| English Source | Crown Zenith (swsh12pt5) — partial |
| Release Date | December 2, 2022 |
| Pack Configuration | 10 packs / box, 10 cards / pack |
| MSRP | ¥5,500 per box |
| Market Price (2026) | ~¥9,500 (~$67) |
| Total Cards | 172+ (including AR, SAR, UR) |
Top Cards in S12A VSTAR Universe
Giratina VSTAR UR — The Chase Card
Giratina VSTAR UR
~¥20,000 (~$142)
Pull rate: ~1/18 boxes (est.)
Giratina VSTAR UR is the crown jewel of VSTAR Universe, featuring the Distortion World legendary in a gold-textured finish. At ¥20,000 ($142), it's both the most valuable card in the set and one of the most recognizable UR cards of the Sword & Shield era. Its competitive relevance as a top-tier deck archetype adds play demand on top of collector value.
Arceus VSTAR UR
Arceus VSTAR UR
~¥15,000 (~$106)
Pull rate: ~1/18 boxes (est.)
Arceus VSTAR UR features the god-Pokemon in gold finish, representing the pinnacle of the VSTAR mechanic. At ¥15,000 ($106), Arceus was the defining deck engine of the Sword & Shield format, giving this card both playability and collector appeal.
Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR UR
Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR UR
~¥12,000 (~$85)
Pull rate: ~1/18 boxes (est.)
Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR UR completes the Sinnoh legendary trio alongside Giratina and Dialga. At ¥12,000 ($85), it was one of the strongest competitive cards in the format.
Other Notable Cards
Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR UR — ¥10,000 ($71). The time-controlling legendary in gold finish. Completing the Sinnoh trio of URs.
Art Rare (AR) set — VSTAR Universe includes a complete lineup of Art Rare cards featuring stylized illustrations of Pokemon across the Sword & Shield era. Individual ARs range from ¥300-¥3,000, but collectors prize the complete set. The AR Pikachu (#205) is particularly popular at ~¥3,000.
SAR (Special Art Rare) cards — Including Charizard VSTAR SAR (~¥8,000), Giratina VSTAR SAR (~¥6,000), and others with full-art illustrations.
S12A Pull Rates & Box EV
| Category | Rate/Box | Avg Value | EV |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR (Ultra Rare / Gold) | ~0.5 | ¥12,000 | ¥6,000 |
| SAR (Special Art Rare) | ~0.3 | ¥4,000 | ¥1,200 |
| SR (Super Rare) | ~1 | ¥800 | ¥800 |
| AR (Art Rare) | ~6 | ¥400 | ¥2,400 |
| RRR/RR cards | ~2 | ¥200 | ¥400 |
| Other cards | — | — | ¥500 |
| Total EV | ~¥11,300 | ||
| Market BOX | ~¥9,500 | ||
| EV ratio | ~119% | ||
VSTAR Universe is one of the rare sets where average EV exceeds the box price at 119%. The combination of accessible box pricing (~¥9,500), high UR hit rates, and strong AR card volume means most boxes deliver positive value. This makes it one of the safest ripping experiences in the Japanese market.
Where to Buy S12A VSTAR Universe
Browse S12A VSTAR Universe →
Authenticated sealed boxes and UR singles sourced directly from Japan.
FAQ
What are Art Rare (AR) cards in VSTAR Universe?
Art Rare (AR) cards in S12A VSTAR Universe are a complete collection of stylized Pokemon illustrations printed on textured holofoil stock. Unlike standard holographic cards, ARs feature unique artistic interpretations of each Pokemon. The full AR set has become a popular collecting goal, with the complete lineup exceeding ¥30,000 in value.
Is VSTAR Universe the best value High Class Pack?
In terms of pure EV ratio, VSTAR Universe at ~119% is currently the strongest High Class Pack — average box value exceeds the purchase price. Compared to S4A Shiny Star V (~47% EV) and S8B VMAX Climax (~79% EV), VSTAR Universe offers the best mathematical return. However, S4A has a higher ceiling card (Charizard VMAX Shiny at $284 vs Giratina VSTAR UR at $142).