The Latias & Latios GX Alternate Art from Sun & Moon Team Up has become one of the hottest cards in the Pokémon collecting world. PSA 10 copies now fetch between $7,600 and $9,300—a jaw-dropping 475% jump from late 2024. But is this legendary duo worth the investment?
What Makes This Card Special
Released in February 2019 as part of the Team Up expansion, this TAG TEAM Pokémon-GX features artwork by Sanosuke Sakuma that collectors can’t stop talking about. The Japanese illustrator positioned Latias and Latios facing each other in flight, and the negative space between them forms a heart shape. Collectors have nicknamed it “Love Birds,” and that romantic imagery has driven demand far beyond typical chase cards.
The card exists in four variants, but only the Alternate Art (170/181) commands serious money. Regular and Full Art versions sell for a fraction of the price, making the alternate art roughly 15 to 20 times more valuable than its siblings.
For fans who grew up watching Pokémon Heroes in 2002, this card hits differently. That film featured Latios sacrificing himself to save Alto Mare, and Sakuma’s artwork captures the emotional bond between these legendary siblings in a way that resonates with longtime collectors.
Current Market Snapshot
The numbers tell a dramatic story of 2025’s explosive growth:
A PSA 10 copy sold for $9,300 in August 2025, near the all-time high. Even damaged copies rarely dip below $500, showing remarkable floor support. PSA has tracked 310 auction sales totaling over $621,000 across all grades—impressive volume for a single card variant.
Population and Grading Reality
PSA has graded 4,408 copies of this alternate art. Only 1,943 achieved PSA 10, giving you roughly a 44% shot at gem mint if you’re cracking packs or submitting raw copies.
The card’s full-art holographic surface scratches easily during pack-to-sleeve handling, and centering issues plague many copies. If you’re buying raw with plans to grade, inspect closely.
BGS 10 Black Labels are essentially unicorns—only one has been tracked. BGS 9.5 copies trade between $5,500 and $7,500, offering an alternative for collectors who prefer Beckett’s grading standards.
A word of caution: Counterfeits are everywhere for high-value cards like this one. Authentic copies have textured holofoil; fakes feel too smooth. At these prices, authentication isn’t optional.
The Investment Case
Several factors work in this card’s favor:
Team Up introduced TAG TEAM Pokémon-GX and helped revive the alternate art concept that Sword & Shield later ran with. This card sits at the foundation of modern Pokémon collecting trends.
Supply constraints are real. The PSA 10 population sits under 2,000, roughly ten times lower than comparable chase cards like Umbreon VMAX. Team Up booster boxes grow scarcer by the month, putting a hard ceiling on future supply.
The “Love Birds” theme attracts buyers who might not chase typical dragon or fire-type artwork. That crossover appeal expands the potential buyer pool considerably.
What Buyers Should Consider
If you’re eyeing a purchase, here’s the practical breakdown:
PSA 10 ($7,600-$9,300): The premium grade commands premium prices. You’re paying for certainty and maximum resale appeal, but you’re also buying at historic highs.
PSA 9 (~$3,089): Significant savings for a near-mint card that most people can’t distinguish from a 10 without magnification. Smart money for collectors who want the card rather than the investment.
Raw copies (~$1,875): The gambling option. You might grade a 10, or you might end up with an 8. Factor in PSA’s current turnaround times and fees before assuming you’ll flip for profit.
The Bottom Line
The Latias & Latios GX Alternate Art represents something rare in collecting: a card where artistic merit, emotional connection, and scarcity align. Sakuma’s heart-shaped composition transformed what could have been another TAG TEAM card into a genuine icon.
Whether the 2025 price surge continues or consolidates, this card has demonstrated staying power over six years. The combination of fixed supply, nostalgic appeal, and that unforgettable artwork suggests demand won’t disappear anytime soon.
For collectors weighing a purchase, the question isn’t whether this card belongs in a collection—it’s whether current prices leave room for growth, or if you’re comfortable paying a premium for one of modern Pokémon’s most beloved pieces.
