Ruby & Sapphire Pokémon Cards

The EX Ruby & Sapphire expansion is the first series of the EX block after the Wizards era. It lays the foundations of a new game mechanic with the arrival of ex Pokémon, more powerful but giving up two Prize cards when knocked out.

• Official name: EX Ruby & Sapphire

• Type: base set of the EX block

• Generation: third generation

• Inspired by the video games Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire

• Series: EX

This expansion includes a wide range of Pokémon cards, Trainer cards and special Energy cards. The booster packs of the time are highly sought after in collections today, particularly in sealed version or excellent condition.

The iconic Pokémon of the series

The set puts the spotlight on the flagship creatures of Hoenn, notably:

• Sceptile

• Swampert

• Combusken

• Grovyle

• Hariyama

• Delcatty

• Flygon

The ex versions of Sceptile ex and Swampert ex are among the most appreciated cards of the EX Ruby series. Their power in play and their rarity make them centrepieces for collectors. Some base holographic cards, tied to the Water, Grass or Fire types, remain in high demand, particularly those linked to flames and offensive strategies.

Mechanic and impact on play

The introduction of ex Pokémon deeply changes the mechanics of the TCG. These cards have high HP and powerful attacks, but they can swing a game if they are knocked out. In the competitive play of the time, decks based on Swampert ex or Sceptile ex dominated certain formats. The Trainer and Energy cards of the set also reinforce fast-evolution strategies. This EX block laid the foundations of modern mechanics, influencing future generations such as the Mega and VSTAR cards that appeared much later.

Rarity, collecting and prices

Today, EX Ruby & Sapphire is a highly sought-after expansion in collections. Cards in new, graded condition can reach high prices, particularly for ex Pokémon. The factors influencing the price:

• The condition of the card

• Rarity

• The version

• The presence of an original seal for the booster packs

Some cards go through out-of-stock periods at specialist shops, particularly PSA- or PCA-graded copies. Collectors regularly monitor sales pages to complete their EX block collection.

Why this expansion is a must-have

EX Ruby & Sapphire is a true starting point for the EX block and a key milestone in the history of Pokémon cards. It combines video-game nostalgia, strategic innovation and strong historical value. For fans of the third generation, this set remains an essential foundation, both for play and for collecting. It represents the transition towards a more powerful and more competitive era of the Pokémon TCG.