Sandstorm

Released
2003-09-18
Base set
100$2,045.85
Full set
100$2,045.85
Master set
193$5,995.98
Code
SS
Symbol

The master set counts 93 Reverse Holofoil, 79 Normal and 21 Holofoil. It leaves out 11 Non E Reader, 5 Kevin Nguyen, 5 Reed Weichler, 3 Chris Fulop and 9 more in 7 other printings.

EX Sandstorm moves the Hoenn adventure into deserts, ruins, and fossil sites. Pokémon such as Cacturne, Cradily, Armaldo, and Sandslash reinforce the harsh landscape, while the legendary Regis and several familiar Kanto species add variety. The set’s earthy artwork and archaeological imagery give it a more focused atmosphere than the broad introduction of EX Ruby & Sapphire. The expansion closely follows Japan’s Miracle of the Desert, although the English checklist is not completely identical.

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The expansion develops the new Pokémon-ex mechanic by featuring evolved Pokémon-ex, including Aggron ex, Gardevoir ex, Kabutops ex, Raichu ex, and Wailord ex. These cards showed that the mechanic could support complete evolution lines rather than only powerful Basic Pokémon. Wailord ex became especially memorable for its enormous HP at the time, while Gardevoir ex and Raichu ex remain popular collector cards. Fossil-related Trainers and evolution strategies strengthen the theme throughout the checklist. EX Sandstorm is an early example of the EX era finding its own voice: compact, mechanically adventurous, and visually unified around a landscape that feels dangerous, ancient, and distinctly Hoenn.

100 cards · 193 unique printings in master set

100 cards · 193 unique printings in master set