Pokémon Alt Art Vs Full Art Explained

Full Art and Alternate (Alt) Art are different styles of card illustration in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The jargon can be quite confusing, as different communities tend to use slight variations. In this article, we tackle these definitions and build a handy guide to each type of card art.

What Is A Full Art?

A Full Art card is a type of illustration in the Pokémon Trading Card Game that features artwork that spans the entire card. Full Art cards typically feature a larger and more elaborate illustration than regular Pokémon cards. These cards are highly prized by collectors due to their unique visual style and rarity.

The first Full Art card was introduced in the Pokémon Trading Card Game during the HeartGold & SoulSilver series, released in 2009. Since then, Full Art cards have been a staple of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and have appeared in various sets and expansions. 

Examples of Full Art cards include the Full Art version of the legendary Pokémon Reshiram from the Black & White set, the more recent Full Art version of the legendary Pokémon Mewtwo from the Pokémon GO set, and many others.

A GX, V, VMAX, and VSTAR can all be full art cards. As long as the artwork spans the entirety of the card, it can be called full art.

What Is An Alt Art?

In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, an alternate art card is a version of a card that features a different illustration or design than the original version, but with the same text. In addition to this, an alt art is also a full art, since the whole card will feature the artwork.

This means that a V, VMAX, and VSTAR can all have alt art versions. 

These cards are considered rarer than regular versions of the same card, which can increase their value to collectors. However, the rarity and value of an alternate art card can vary greatly and is determined by factors such as the popularity of the card, the scarcity of the card, and the demand among collectors. Some of the most valuable alternate art Pokémon cards can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on their condition and rarity. 

Are Trainer and Galarian Gallery Cards Alt Arts?

In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, “Trainer Gallery” (TG) and “Galarian Gallery” (GG) cards are subsets that feature full artwork on the card, but they are not typically referred to as “full art” cards by the community (even though they technically are). The terminology can be confusing, but these cards are simply referred to as “TG” and “GG” cards. 

These cards depict various Trainers and Pokémon from the Galar region, and they are usually released as part of sets that focus on specific themes.

Like other alternate art cards, the rarity and value of TG and GG cards can vary depending on factors such as the popularity of the card, the scarcity of the card, and the demand among collectors. 

Conclusion 

When deciding on an investment strategy when it comes to full art and alt art cards, keep in mind a few key ideas. Alt art cards are usually the better investment and are considered a premium product among Pokémon investors. 

But remember, in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, TG and GG cards are subsets that feature full artwork on the card, but they are not typically referred to as “full art” cards by the community. These cards look similar to full art cards but are not considered on the same level and carry lower value.