Cinderace 017/063 Holo Japanese “Mega Brave” Card Guide (Near Mint, Ungraded)
If you enjoy collecting Japanese Pokémon cards, love Cinderace from the anime, or you’re a Fire-type deck player looking for something stylish to add to your binder, this Japanese Cinderace 017/063 Holo “Mega Brave” card is an appealing budget-friendly option. This article walks through what this listing appears to offer, why Cinderace remains popular, and how a card like this can fit into both collection goals and casual gameplay.
Quick Card Information
| Card | Cinderace 017/063 Holo (Japanese) |
|---|---|
| Language | Japanese |
| Rarity (from title) | Appears to be Rare Holo (“R” in title) |
| Condition (listing) | Ungraded – appears Near Mint (“NM” in title) |
| Card Number | 017/063 |
| Approx. Price (at time of listing) | $1.99 USD |
| Country of Origin | Japan (Japanese card text) |
The product title on eBay is “Cinderace 017/063 HOLO Mega Brave JAPANESE R NM REND Pokemon”. Because detailed set information was not clearly available through external lookups, this guide focuses carefully on what the listing appears to offer, without assuming anything about the exact set or release year beyond what can be reasonably inferred.
Cinderace in the Pokémon Anime and Games
Cinderace is widely recognized as the final evolution of Scorbunny, the Fire-type starter from the Pokémon Sword and Shield era. In the anime, especially in Pokémon Journeys, Cinderace becomes a key partner Pokémon for Goh, getting significant screen time and character development. That exposure is one reason cards featuring Cinderace tend to attract both TCG collectors and anime fans.
In the show, Cinderace is portrayed as agile, energetic, and competitive, reflecting its in-game role as a fast physical attacker. Its signature move, Pyro Ball, and its soccer-style kicking theme give it a distinctive personality compared with other Fire-type starters. Cards that show Cinderace in dynamic poses or fiery action scenes often feel particularly connected to those anime appearances.
The listing title includes the words “Mega Brave”. There is no official Cinderace Mega Evolution in the games or anime, so “Mega Brave” in this context most likely refers to a specific attack or a translated/creative naming used on the Japanese card or by the seller to describe the card’s move set. Without a readable scan of the attack text, it is safest to treat “Mega Brave” as a descriptor tied to this individual printing rather than an anime mechanic.
For anime-focused fans, a Japanese holo Cinderace like this is a neat physical representation of the character you’ve seen racing across the field in the show. While it probably isn’t an ultra-rare chase card, it can serve as an affordable piece of memorabilia that still has that shimmering holo effect collectors love.
Visual Appeal and Holo Pattern
The eBay photos show a Japanese-language card with a visible holo foil effect. While the exact artwork details are hard to describe without high-resolution scans, it appears to be a standard-size Pokémon card with a vertical layout and the traditional Japanese card back. The “HOLO” and “R” in the listing title suggest a holo rare, which usually means the Pokémon portrait area has a holographic finish.
Japanese holo patterns often differ slightly from their English counterparts, and many collectors appreciate the crisper printing and rich color saturation of Japanese releases. Even when the card is not especially expensive, that unique Japanese holo look often makes it a favorite to display in binders or top loaders.
Because this copy is described as “NM” (Near Mint) in the title, it appears to be in strong cosmetic condition: likely minimal whitening on corners, a clean surface, and no major creases. As always, buyers should rely on the actual photos and description on the listing itself, but this is the usual implication of “NM” and fits well with collectors looking specifically for near mint Pokémon cards to complete a holo evolution line.
At around $1.99 USD at the time of the listing, this card sits in the “affordable shiny binder piece” category rather than the high-end investment tier. That can actually be a positive: it’s easier to enjoy the card, play casual games with it, or let younger collectors handle it without worrying that every tiny scratch destroys serious monetary value.
Collector Perspective: Is This Cinderace a Good Pick-Up?
Budget-Friendly Japanese Holo
Many collectors like to balance their binders with a mix of high-end chase cards and low-cost, visually appealing holos. This Cinderace 017/063 Japanese holo “Mega Brave” appears to fall squarely into that second category: it’s a relatively low-risk buy that still checks several collector boxes:
- Popular starter evolution (Cinderace)
- Holographic finish
- Japanese text – a plus for many international fans
- Near Mint condition (as indicated) at a low entry price
For collectors who focus on complete evolution lines, it can be fun to place this card alongside Scorbunny and Raboot prints in a Sword & Shield-themed binder page. Even if you do not know the exact set, the card number 017/063 at least helps organize your Japanese section numerically.
Long-Term Value and Rarity
Because external research on this exact 017/063 printing was limited, it’s difficult to state anything definitive about its rarity compared to other Cinderace cards. There is no indication that this is a secret rare or special promo; the “R” in the title reasonably suggests a regular holo rare. Cards like this usually appreciate modestly, if at all, unless they become notable for some reason (nostalgia for a particular set, limited print run, or sustained demand from competitive players).
That said, Japanese cards have been gaining more attention from international collectors, and starter evolutions from each generation often hold a stable baseline of demand. If you’re building a long-term Cinderace collection, having different language versions and holo styles can be a satisfying way to diversify your binder without spending heavily.
From a pure investment angle, this card is better viewed as a fun, liquid piece for trading or low-stakes collecting rather than a major speculation target. The real value lies in its aesthetic and character appeal.
Condition Notes: Ungraded but Near Mint
The listing categorizes the card as “Ungraded”, with “NM” appearing in the title. Ungraded simply means it has not been sent to a professional grading company like PSA, BGS, or CGC for encapsulation and a numerical grade. For most collectors, especially at this price level, ungraded near mint cards are completely acceptable and often preferable because they are more affordable and easier to store in standard binders.
When a seller labels a card as Near Mint, it typically implies the card may have only very light wear—small white dots on corners, tiny surface marks visible under certain lighting, and no major bends or creases. However, because grading standards can vary from person to person, it’s wise to inspect the provided photos carefully and read any written description on the listing page.
If you are planning eventually to submit the card for professional grading, buying a copy that already appears clean is a sensible first step. Given the relatively low near-term market value, grading might be more about personal enjoyment or completing a graded Cinderace collection rather than profit. But for character collectors, having a slabbed Japanese holo Cinderace can be very satisfying.
For casual players, the ungraded status is almost irrelevant: as long as the card shuffles well, has no significant edge damage, and remains structurally sound (no creases, water damage, or major whitening), it will be perfectly playable in casual decks or kitchen-table games.
Gameplay and Deck Strategy Considerations
Because full move text for this particular Japanese Cinderace 017/063 printing was not confirmed through external data, any direct strategic evaluation needs to stay cautious. However, we can still talk about how Cinderace cards in general tend to function in the Pokémon TCG and how a Japanese holo like this might slot into casual decks.
Typical Cinderace Playstyle in the TCG
Cinderace cards generally lean into the Fire-type identity: high-damage attacks, sometimes with recoil or energy discard costs, and abilities or attacks that reward aggressive, fast-paced play. In many sets, Cinderace lines support themes like:
- Accelerating Fire Energy from the discard pile or deck
- Dealing extra damage based on the amount of Fire Energy attached
- Switching in and out of the Active spot to exploit abilities or retreat effects
The “Mega Brave” tag in the listing title may point to an attack that emphasizes strong, straightforward damage or some conditional damage boost. Even without exact wording, it’s safe to assume this is a Stage 2 or Stage 1 Fire-type attacker intended for mid-to-late game pressure in a casual deck environment.
Using Japanese Cards in Casual Play
In official tournaments in many regions, there are restrictions on using non-local-language cards unless you also have a reference card in the local language. However, for most at-home games and friendly local leagues, players are quite happy to allow Japanese cards, especially if everyone at the table understands the effect or can look up an English equivalent.
This makes Japanese holos like Cinderace 017/063 ideal for casual decks where style and character matter as much as winning. You get to show off a different language version, enjoy the unique holo pattern, and still have a workable Fire-type attacker in a Scorbunny–Raboot–Cinderace evolution line.
If you’re looking to assemble a budget-friendly Fire deck using a mix of local-language and Japanese cards, browsing a store that carries a wide range of Pokémon TCG singles can help you pair this Cinderace with suitable support Trainers and Basic Pokémon.
Who Should Consider Buying This Card?
Anime Fans and Character Collectors
If you loved watching Goh’s Cinderace in Pokémon Journeys or you generally gravitate toward starter evolutions, this card fits nicely into a character-focused collection. It offers:
- A holo foil finish that stands out on a page
- Japanese text for a more authentic “imported” feel
- An affordable way to celebrate one of the more modern Fire starters
Some collectors like to line up their favorite starter evolutions across generations—Charizard, Typhlosion, Blaziken, Infernape, Emboar, Delphox, Incineroar, and Cinderace—on a dedicated Fire-type page. A holo like this is exactly the kind of piece that makes those pages feel complete.
New and Returning Pokémon TCG Collectors
For new or returning collectors, expensive chase cards can feel intimidating. A low-cost Japanese holo in apparent Near Mint condition is a fantastic starting point: it looks premium, but the price remains accessible. Cards like this help you learn about condition grading, storage, and set organization without a huge financial commitment.
If you are building your first binder and want a few eye-catching holos, targeting this kind of mid-tier rarity is smart. And since this listing is offered by a dedicated store, you can easily add other collectible Pokémon cards to your cart to round out an order.
Older fans who played during early generations and are now returning for the Sword & Shield era will likely appreciate Cinderace as a modern counterpart to the classic Fire starters they grew up with.
Storage and Protection Tips
Even though this Cinderace 017/063 holo is relatively inexpensive, protecting it properly will keep it looking sharp and preserve its modest value. Here are some best practices:
- Use penny sleeves: As soon as the card arrives, place it in a soft sleeve to protect the surface from scratches.
- Add a top loader or binder slot: For extra rigidity, slide the sleeved card into a top loader. Alternatively, use a quality nine-pocket binder page with side-loading pockets.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Over time, UV light can fade colors, even on modern cards. Store your binder in a cool, dark, and dry place.
- Handle by the edges: Oils from your fingers can leave marks on holo foil. Picking up the card by the sides is a simple way to avoid this.
Protecting your card properly not only keeps it in Near Mint shape but also improves your experience as a collector. Flipping through a binder of clean, well-sleeved holos is part of the joy of the hobby.
Even if you are mainly a player, not a collector, giving your key attackers this level of care makes your deck feel more special and extends the life of your cards through many shuffles and matches.
How This Card Fits into a Broader Cinderace Collection
Many dedicated fans of a particular Pokémon try to obtain as many different printings as possible—regular holos, reverse holos, promos, full arts, and alternate arts. While this specific Cinderace 017/063 holo “Mega Brave” does not appear to be one of the ultra-premium variants, it fills an important niche:
- Japanese language slot: Complements English and other language versions.
- Standard holo rare: Bridges the gap between common/uncommon prints and high-end V/Vmax/EX cards.
- Binder balance: Helps visually balance a page that might otherwise be dominated by full arts or non-holos.
If you already have a Cinderace V or VMAX in English, pairing them with a Japanese regular holo offers a satisfying variety of art styles and aesthetics. Over time, these incremental additions are what transform a small group of favorite cards into a full-fledged character collection.
And if you prefer a more general theme, such as “Fire-type starters” or “Galar region Pokémon,” this card still contributes nicely, especially if you prioritize holo prints over non-holo ones for your main display pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Cinderace 017/063 holo card rare?
Based on the information available, this listing appears to be for a regular holo rare Japanese Cinderace card rather than a secret rare or high-end chase card. That means it is moderately collectible but not considered extremely rare. Its appeal comes more from the character, language, and holo foil than from extreme scarcity.
Can I use this Japanese Cinderace card in official tournaments?
Rules vary by region and tournament level, but typically you can only use non-local-language cards if you also have an official reference card in the tournament’s primary language and if the event rules permit them. For casual play at home or in friendly local groups, Japanese cards are usually fine as long as everyone understands what the card does.
Is this card good for investment?
It is better to view this Cinderace 017/063 holo as a collector-friendly and budget-friendly card, not as a major investment piece. While it may hold or slightly increase its value over time due to Cinderace’s popularity and the appeal of Japanese holos, it is unlikely to experience the kind of dramatic price spikes associated with ultra-rare or vintage cards.
What does “Ungraded – Near Mint” actually mean?
“Ungraded” means the card has not been professionally graded by a company like PSA or BGS. “Near Mint,” as used by many sellers, indicates that the card appears to have only very minor wear, such as tiny white spots on edges or minimal surface marks, with no creases or major defects. Always check the listing photos to confirm the condition matches your expectations.
Is “Mega Brave” an official Cinderace form?
No. There is no official Mega Evolution for Cinderace in the games or anime. In this listing, “Mega Brave” most likely refers to the name of an attack on the card or a descriptive term the seller used. It should not be confused with Mega Evolutions like Mega Charizard or Mega Blaziken from earlier generations.
Who is this card best suited for?
This Cinderace 017/063 holo Japanese card is best suited for:
- Anime fans who want a physical token of Cinderace
- New or returning collectors building budget-friendly holo collections
- Character collectors focusing on Cinderace or Fire-type starters
- Casual TCG players who enjoy using Japanese cards in friendly games
If that sounds like you, this is a simple, attractive addition to your collection or deck.
Where can I find more cards like this?
You can explore a wider selection of Japanese and English singles, including other starters, holos, and affordable rares, by browsing the seller’s store on eBay. Stores that specialize in Pokémon often have a curated range of options spanning multiple sets and eras, making it easier to find the exact cards that fit your collecting or deck-building goals.
