Pretend Pikachu Promos: Magikarp & Gyarados (2015 Japanese XY)
Two of the most creative Japanese Pokémon promos of the modern era — both returning from grading as PSA 10 (Gem Mint).
Two of the most creative Japanese Pokémon promos of the modern era
Among Japanese Pokémon collectors, few modern promos are as instantly recognisable — or as consistently sought after — as the 2015 “Pretend” Pikachu series. Issued during the XY era, these cards feature Pikachu dressed as other iconic Pokémon, combining humour, design innovation, and limited distribution in a way that has made them long-term collector favourites.
This post highlights two standout examples currently returning from grading:
- 2015 P.M. Japanese XY Promo – Pretend Magikarp Pikachu (XY-P #150)
- 2015 P.M. Japanese XY Promo – Pretend Gyarados Pikachu (XY-P #151)
Both have been awarded PSA 10 (Gem Mint).
The cards (PSA 10)
Pretend Magikarp Pikachu (XY-P #150), PSA 10 (Gem Mint).
Pretend Gyarados Pikachu (XY-P #151), PSA 10 (Gem Mint).
Pretend Magikarp Pikachu – XY-P #150
The Magikarp variant is often regarded as the most playful of the Pretend Pikachu cards. Pikachu appears inside a Magikarp costume, complete with fins and the unmistakable wide-eyed expression that mirrors Magikarp’s famously hapless reputation.
While humorous on the surface, the card is deceptively difficult in high grade. The dark blue patterned background, combined with full-art holo foil, makes edge wear, print lines, and surface imperfections especially unforgiving under grading.
In PSA 10, this card represents the intersection of:
- Modern Japanese promo scarcity
- Character-driven design appeal
- Strong cross-generational demand
Pretend Gyarados Pikachu – XY-P #151
The Gyarados variant transforms Pikachu into one of the franchise’s most recognisable evolutions. The contrast between Pikachu’s cheerful expression and Gyarados’ traditionally fearsome image gives the card its visual punch.
This version features a richer, darker holo palette and consistently strong demand among Pikachu specialists. Like the Magikarp version, PSA 10 examples are meaningfully scarcer than raw availability might suggest, as centring and surface quality are frequently the limiting factors.
Why the Pretend Pikachu series matters
The Pretend Pikachu promos marked a shift in Pokémon’s promotional strategy:
- Embracing character reinterpretation rather than simple artwork variants
- Event-based, time-limited Japanese distribution
- Designed as collectibles from the outset, not mass-market cards
As a result, the series has aged exceptionally well and continues to attract strong collector demand.
Grading context
Both cards have returned from PSA as Gem Mint 10, a notable achievement for this issue.
Factors working against high grades include:
- Full-art holo surfaces prone to print defects
- Tight centring tolerances
- Edge sensitivity, particularly on darker backgrounds
In modern Japanese promos, condition — not age — is the true scarcity driver.
Availability
These cards are client-owned and are not currently listed publicly.
Collectors with a serious interest in acquiring one or both cards are invited to get in touch. All enquiries will be passed directly to the owner.
Contact CardHawk regarding availability →
PSA grading & Japanese promo submissions
CardHawkGrading regularly handles submissions of Japanese Pokémon promos, including limited-issue and event-exclusive cards where accurate grading is essential.
If you are considering grading high-end modern Pokémon — particularly Japanese promos — we are happy to advise.