Introduced in Generation VI, Greninja is probably best known as the first Pokémon that Ash caught in the Kalos region.

We’ve come up with a quick list looking at three of the best Greninja cards, including lots of info about how and why they’re so popular. 

Greninja has featured on 17 different cards since it debuted in the Kalos Starter set, so there’s plenty to choose from. 

The Best Greninja Cards to Collect: Top 3 

When looking at the best Greninja cards, we’ve considered pristine graded versions where possible.

3. 2018 Pokemon Sun & Moon Forbidden Light Greninja GX #133 (eBay)

The Forbidden Light expansion from 2018 Pokémon Sun & Moon is where we’ll begin. Greninja GX is one of the main attractions from the set, and we’re looking at the English edition.

This Forbidden Light Rainbow Rare print is the most popular version of the trio of Greninja GX cards found within the set. It’s still reasonably affordable, and ungraded copies can often be found for less than $50. 

Check prices for 2018 Pokemon Sun & Moon Forbidden Light Greninja GX on eBay

2. 2015 Pokemon Japanese XY Rage of the Broken Heavens Greninja #029 (eBay)

Rage of the Broken Heavens is the second main expansion of the XY Series. 

This set was released way before the renewed interest in Pokémon cards took hold, so it can be tough to locate pristine copies of any of the Holo cards from the collection. 

(The English expansion was released on February 3, 2016, while the Japanese edition was released on December 11, 2015.) 

Check prices for 2015 Pokemon Japanese XY Double Crisis Greninja on eBay

1. 2014 Pokemon Japanese Charizard Mega Battle Greninja #XY-P (eBay)

Greninja was released as an unnumbered Holofoil XY-P Promotional card in Japan and awarded to anyone who got 7 Play Points by taking part in various events held as part of the Charizard Mega Battle in Yokohama and Osaka. This was back in May 2004, so it’s the oldest Greninja card to make the list. 

Given the difficulty to obtain the Charizard Mega Battle prize card in the first place, it easily takes the top spot on this list. 

Check prices for 2014 Pokemon Japanese Charizard Mega Battle Greninja on eBay

The Best Greninja Cards: Buyers Guide 

Here are our thoughts on the current state of the market for the best Greninja cards. 

If you want a cheaper graded Greninja investment card, the Gold Star version from 2021 Celebrations is a great place to start. It has been massively overprinted to meet increased demand, but that means PSA 10 versions are pretty affordable. Of the trio of Greninja cards listed above, the Forbidden Light Rainbow Rare print would be our pick.

We’d advise to stay away from modern sets if you’re looking for the best Pokémon card investments. Many of the cards have been massively overprinted, and may struggle to hold value long-term. (Of course, you’ll be safe looking at the Greninja cards from 2014 and 2015. 

Greninja Cards: Final Thoughts 

Greninja might not be the most fashionable monster to collect, but it still has a decent following with fans. 

Being included as the Gold Star Pokémon in 2021 Celebrations also helps, but we’d probably stick with some of the older options listed above if you’re aiming to turn a profit in the future.