Released on February 7, 2020, S1A VMAX Rising (VMAXライジング) was the first expansion set of the Sword & Shield era, introducing the Dynamax/VMAX mechanic to the Japanese Pokemon TCG. Led by Dragapult VMAX and Toxtricity VMAX as the debut VMAX cards, this set holds historical significance as the starting point of an entire generation. Sealed boxes now trade at ~¥16,000 ($114) in 2026.
S1A VMAX Rising: Set Overview
| Set Code | S1A |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | VMAXライジング (VMAX Rising) |
| English Source | Rebel Clash (swsh2) |
| Release Date | February 7, 2020 |
| Pack Configuration | 30 packs / box, 5 cards / pack |
| MSRP | ¥4,950 per box |
| Market Price (2026) | ~¥16,000 (~$114) |
| Total Cards | 100+ cards |
Top Cards in S1A VMAX Rising
Dragapult VMAX Rainbow
Dragapult VMAX (Rainbow)
~¥8,000 (~$57)
Pull rate: ~1/12 boxes (est.)
Dragapult VMAX Rainbow is the premier chase card of VMAX Rising. As one of the first VMAX cards ever printed, Dragapult's Dynamax form in rainbow finish holds historical value. At ¥8,000 ($57), it's a milestone card marking the start of the VMAX era.
Boss's Orders Rainbow
Boss's Orders (Giovanni)
~¥5,000 (~$35)
Pull rate: ~1/12 boxes (est.)
Boss's Orders became one of the most impactful supporter cards in the Sword & Shield era — a staple in virtually every competitive deck. The Giovanni full-art rainbow version from S1A carries both play and collector significance at ¥5,000 ($35).
Toxtricity VMAX Rainbow
Toxtricity VMAX (Rainbow)
~¥4,000 (~$28)
Pull rate: ~1/12 boxes (est.)
Toxtricity VMAX Rainbow features the electric/poison punk-rock Pokemon in its Gigantamax form. At ¥4,000 ($28), Toxtricity's unique design and competitive viability at launch make it a nostalgic pull from the early VMAX days.
Other Notable Cards
Sonia SR — ¥3,000 ($21). Full-art supporter card with clean illustration of the Galar region professor's assistant.
Oleana SR — ¥2,500 ($18). Full-art of the Macro Cosmos VP, a popular trainer in the Galar storyline.
S1A Pull Rates & Box EV
| Category | Rate/Box | Avg Value | EV |
|---|---|---|---|
| HR (Hyper Rare / Rainbow) | ~1 | ¥4,000 | ¥4,000 |
| SR (Super Rare) | ~2 | ¥1,500 | ¥3,000 |
| UR (Gold cards) | ~0.3 | ¥3,000 | ¥900 |
| RRR/RR cards | ~3 | ¥300 | ¥900 |
| Other cards | — | — | ¥800 |
| Total EV | ~¥9,600 | ||
| Market BOX | ~¥16,000 | ||
| EV ratio | ~60% | ||
At 60% EV ratio, VMAX Rising offers moderate value for ripping. The set's appeal is primarily historical — as the first VMAX expansion, sealed boxes carry a collectibility premium beyond their pull rate value.
Where to Buy S1A VMAX Rising
Browse S1A VMAX Rising →
Authenticated sealed boxes from the first Sword & Shield expansion, sourced directly from Japan.
FAQ
What was the first VMAX card?
S1A VMAX Rising introduced the VMAX mechanic to the Japanese Pokemon TCG on February 7, 2020. Dragapult VMAX and Toxtricity VMAX were among the first VMAX cards, alongside others like Copperajah VMAX and Cinderace VMAX. The VMAX mechanic represented the Dynamax/Gigantamax feature from the Pokemon Sword & Shield video games.
Is S1A VMAX Rising a good investment?
At ~¥16,000 ($114), S1A VMAX Rising has appreciated approximately 3x from its ¥4,950 MSRP. As the first VMAX expansion, it holds a unique historical position in the Sword & Shield era. However, individual card values are moderate compared to later sets like Eevee Heroes or Shiny Star V.