Cinderace 028/132 Holo Rare (ME01: Mega Evolution) – Full Collector & TCG Guide
The Cinderace 028/132 Holo Rare from the ME01: Mega Evolution set is quickly becoming a fan-favorite card for collectors, anime fans, and competitive players alike. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about this fiery striker: card details, anime connections, current value trends, and how to use it in your Pokémon TCG deck.
| Card Name | Cinderace |
|---|---|
| Set | ME01: Mega Evolution |
| Card Number | 028/132 |
| Rarity | Holo Rare |
| Type / Stage | Fire / Stage 2 |
| HP | 160 HP (as listed on TCGplayer for this card) |
| Condition (this listing) | Ungraded – appears Near Mint (NM) |
The specific eBay listing referenced here describes the card as “CINDERACE 028/132 HOLO Rare Mega Evolution NM Pokemon” and notes it as ungraded but Near Mint. That makes it a clean, affordable pickup if you want a modern holo Cinderace for your binder or a playset for your next Fire deck.
Below, we’ll cover how this card fits into the Pokémon TCG, why anime fans love Cinderace, and what collectors should know about value, rarity, and condition—especially if you’re browsing collectible Pokémon cards online.
Overview of Cinderace 028/132 – What Makes This Card Special?
The Mega Evolution Cinderace card is part of the ME01: Mega Evolution expansion, a modern Pokémon TCG set that introduces new Evolution mechanics and powerful Stage 2 Pokémon. According to TCGplayer’s listing for this card, Cinderace 028/132 is a Fire-type Stage 2 Pokémon with 160 HP and a named Ability called Explosiveness. While the full effect text should always be checked on the physical card, this Ability is notable because it interacts with your starting hand and can help bring Cinderace into play in a unique way.
On top of the gameplay aspect, this version of Cinderace is a Holo Rare—meaning it has a foil illustration box, and the rarity symbol is a star. That combination of holo treatment plus competitive potential is exactly what many collectors and players look for in modern Fire-type Pokémon cards.
Recent price tracking sites like PriceCharting and Sports Card Investor show raw, ungraded copies of this card typically selling in the low single-dollar range, depending on condition. That positions Cinderace 028/132 as a budget-friendly holo rare that still feels special to pull and display, especially for fans of the Galar starter trio.
For players, Cinderace offers a fast, aggressive playstyle that lines up perfectly with how it is portrayed in the Pokémon anime: agile, explosive, and focused on high-impact kicks that can quickly turn the tide of a match.
Card Details and Artwork
Card Text & Ability (Explosiveness)
Official TCG data for this card shows that Cinderace 028/132 has the Ability Explosiveness. Community discussions and database snippets indicate that this Ability interacts with your starting hand during setup, allowing you to put Cinderace directly onto your Bench under certain conditions.
Because there are minor wording differences in some early card images, it’s safest to phrase it this way: the Ability appears to let you bypass the usual evolution line if Cinderace is in your opening hand. That kind of effect is a big deal for a Stage 2 Pokémon, which normally takes time, evolution pieces, and consistency cards to get into play.
Mechanically, this means Cinderace can offer strong tempo in the early game, giving you a high-HP attacker ready to go much earlier than normal. In some lists, players experiment with building their deck around this ability—either maximizing the odds of starting with Cinderace or using search/draw to find it quickly.
Always double-check the exact text on your copy before tournament play, as rulings and errata can change how an Ability is handled in official events.
Attacks, HP, and Typing
Cinderace 028/132 carries 160 HP, which is healthy for a Stage 2 Fire-type in a modern-themed set, but not out of line with other non-EX, non-V heavy hitters. While the exact attack names and damage numbers should be read on your physical card, we can say a few things in general:
- As a Fire-type, Cinderace pairs well with basic Fire Energy and Fire-support Stadiums or Items.
- Its HP total makes it more resilient than many one-Prize attackers, especially against smaller Basics and early-stage Evolutions.
- Damage output is designed to reward aggressive, tempo-based play rather than slow, tanky strategies.
For players looking to build a deck around Cinderace, this combination—explosive early access, respectable HP, and Fire-type synergy—adds up to a card that is fun to pilot and capable of punishing slow setups from your opponent.
The specific eBay listing we’re focusing on presents the card as Near Mint and ungraded, which is ideal if you want a copy that both looks sharp in a sleeve and stands up to regular play at your local league.
Cinderace in the Pokémon Anime – Why Fans Love This Card
One reason the Cinderace 028/132 Holo Rare resonates with fans is its strong connection to the Pokémon anime. Across the series, Cinderace is portrayed as a fast, passionate, soccer-inspired striker whose fighting style revolves around fiery kicks and acrobatic movement.
Anime resources such as Bulbapedia describe Cinderace as having excellent offensive and defensive capabilities, with standout jumping ability and kicking power. That description is reflected in many of its TCG incarnations, including this Mega Evolution version, which focuses on quick deployment and explosive damage rather than slow, lumbering attacks.
Cinderace has made prominent appearances as a partner Pokémon to important characters in the anime, often stealing the spotlight with dramatic finishes and clutch moments. As a result, anime viewers who watched it evolve from Scorbunny to Raboot to Cinderace often want at least one nice holo Cinderace in their binder as a memento.
From a collector’s standpoint, this means that even budget-friendly holo rares like 028/132 can have strong emotional value, especially for fans who connected with the character on screen. For anime fans just getting into the TCG, this card is an easy way to bridge that gap between the show and the tabletop game.
Collector Value: Rarity, Price Trends & Condition
Rarity and Set Context
Cinderace 028/132 is classified as a Holo Rare in the ME01: Mega Evolution set. In practical terms, that means:
- The card has a shiny foil treatment on the artwork window.
- The rarity symbol (a star) marks it as rarer than common and uncommon cards.
- It typically appears less frequently in booster packs compared to regular rares.
While it is not an ultra rare, secret rare, or alternate art card, holo rares like this have long been the backbone of many collections, especially for players who enjoy filling out binders with their favorite Pokémon rather than chasing only the highest-end pulls.
Because the Mega Evolution set is relatively modern, sealed product is still accessible, and single-card prices remain modest. That keeps Cinderace 028/132 affordable for newer collectors or younger fans who might not have the budget for graded vintage cards but still want something eye-catching and playable.
Current Price Range and Market Activity
Public price-tracking tools like PriceCharting and Sports Card Investor list raw, ungraded copies of Cinderace 028/132 Holo around the low-dollar range (for example, roughly $1–$2 depending on condition and timing). These figures are not guarantees, but they do suggest the card is:
- Accessible for budget-conscious collectors and players.
- Liquid enough that there is consistent buying and selling activity.
- Stable in price for now, without major speculative spikes.
If you are browsing for near mint Pokémon cards to complete a Mega Evolution binder page, picking up Cinderace 028/132 at this price point is a low-risk move that adds visual appeal and playability at the same time.
Over the long term, the card’s value will likely be influenced by the popularity of Cinderace as a character, the availability of sealed product from the set, and whether the Ability or attacks remain relevant in expanded or casual formats.
Condition: What “Near Mint” Usually Means
The featured eBay listing notes the card as Ungraded – Near Mint. While grading standards can vary by seller, Near Mint generally indicates:
- Minimal or no whitening on edges and corners.
- No major scratches on the holo surface when viewed under normal light.
- No creases, bends, or water damage.
- Light handling only, suitable for both play and binder display.
Because the card is ungraded, it’s not certified by PSA, CGC, or Beckett; however, for a card in this price range, most collectors prefer to buy ungraded Near Mint copies and store them in binders or top loaders rather than paying grading fees.
If you plan to play the card frequently, it’s still wise to double-sleeve or at least use a strong penny sleeve and deck protector to preserve the condition you receive.
Deck Strategy: How to Use Cinderace 028/132 in the Pokémon TCG
Core Gameplan with Explosiveness
The defining feature of this Cinderace is its Explosiveness Ability, which interacts with your starting hand. Strategies built around this card usually aim to:
- Maximize the chance of opening with Cinderace in your hand.
- Exploit the Ability to get a Stage 2 into play faster than your opponent expects.
- Capitalize on that tempo advantage with strong early attacks.
Players often combine Cinderace with high counts of search and draw cards that increase the odds of seeing it in the opening hand, as well as consistency cards that help refill your hand after you play it down. While the exact decklists are evolving, the concept is clear: get a hefty Fire-type attacker onto the field as quickly as possible, and snowball the advantage from there.
This makes Cinderace particularly attractive in casual and local league play, where creative deckbuilding is encouraged and surprise factor is a big part of the fun.
Support Cards and Synergies
Because Cinderace is a Fire-type Stage 2, it pairs naturally with many classic Fire-support cards (where format-legal). A few general synergies to consider in deckbuilding:
- Fire Energy acceleration – Any card that attaches extra Fire Energy from deck, hand, or discard helps Cinderace attack sooner.
- Draw engines – Pokémon or Trainer cards that draw extra cards each turn both dig for Cinderace and keep your hand full once it’s in play.
- Bench protection – Since you may be dropping a high-value Stage 2 early, cards that reduce Bench damage or heal chip damage can increase its longevity.
If you’re experimenting with a Cinderace-centered build, browsing through affordable Pokémon TCG singles from the same era can help you find complementary pieces without breaking the bank.
For younger players or those newer to deck construction, Cinderace’s straightforward damage output and recognizable anime presence also make it a great “face card” for a deck you’ll be excited to bring to casual events.
Role in Casual vs. Competitive Play
Right now, Cinderace 028/132 Holo Rare is best viewed as a fun, semi-competitive card that shines in casual, local, and kitchen-table settings. Its unique Ability makes for interesting deckbuilding puzzles, and its offensive presence is satisfying without being oppressive.
In top-tier competitive play, meta decks often revolve around multi-Prize Pokémon (like VMAX or similar mechanics) and extremely streamlined engines. While Cinderace can certainly appear in rogue or off-meta lists, it is not currently a central pillar of high-level tournament results based on publicly available data.
That said, the card is still an excellent:
- Teaching tool – It illustrates how Abilities can change setup rules.
- Budget attacker – It offers real damage output without ultra-rare pricing.
- Themed deck centerpiece – Perfect for Fire- or Cinderace-themed builds.
For anyone who enjoys brewing their own concepts and surprising opponents with unexpected tech, this card is absolutely worth testing in your next Fire deck.
Why This Specific Listing Is Appealing
The product we’re discussing is listed as “CINDERACE 028/132 HOLO Rare Mega Evolution NM Pokemon,” with images showing a clean holo surface and standard Pokémon card back. While you should always inspect the actual photos on any listing, this particular one appears to check several boxes for both players and collectors:
- Near Mint condition – Ideal for binder display and regular play.
- Ungraded – You avoid grading premiums and pay closer to raw market value.
- Modern holo – Eye-catching foil pattern without vintage-level pricing.
For collectors building a Cinderace page or completing the ME01: Mega Evolution set, this is a straightforward way to add the holo rare version at a reasonable price. For players, grabbing two to four copies can form the backbone of a themed deck centered on the Explosiveness Ability.
Because the listing price is in the low single digits, it’s also a nice “add-on” item to combine with other cards in your cart when shopping for Fire-types or other Galar starters.
How to Store and Display Your Cinderace 028/132 Holo
Once you pick up a Near Mint copy of Cinderace 028/132, proper storage is important if you want to keep it looking sharp over time. Even modern cards can curl, scratch, or show edge wear if not handled carefully.
For long-term storage, consider the following:
- Use a penny sleeve (soft inner sleeve) immediately after opening or receiving the card.
- Place sleeved cards in a top loader or binder with acid-free pages.
- Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity, which can warp cards or fade colors.
If you plan to play the card regularly, deck protectors are essential. Double-sleeving (inner sleeve plus outer deck sleeve) adds extra security and helps prevent holo scratching when shuffling.
For display, Cinderace’s dynamic pose and fiery holo effect make it a great candidate for front pages of a Galar-themed binder or as part of a trio display alongside Rillaboom and Inteleon from the same era.
Is Cinderace 028/132 Right for You?
Whether this card is a good fit depends on what kind of Pokémon fan you are. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- TCG Players – If you like aggressive Fire decks and creative Abilities that change setup rules, Cinderace 028/132 is a fun tool to experiment with, especially in casual and local formats.
- Anime Fans – If you followed Cinderace’s journey in the anime and want a holo that captures its explosive personality, this is an affordable and visually appealing option.
- Collectors – If you’re filling out Mega Evolution or Galar starter pages, this holo rare helps complete the picture without requiring a big investment.
Because the card sits at an accessible price point and is widely available as a Near Mint ungraded copy, it hits a rare sweet spot: satisfying to own and play, but not so expensive that you’re afraid to shuffle it into a deck.
When you’re ready to pick one up, browsing a curated selection of collectible Pokémon cards is an easy way to find a copy that matches your condition preferences and budget.
FAQ: Cinderace 028/132 Holo Rare (ME01: Mega Evolution)
Is Cinderace 028/132 a good card for beginners?
Yes. While it’s a Stage 2 with a unique Ability, Cinderace 028/132 is still straightforward to understand for newer players. It offers solid HP, respectable damage output, and a memorable Ability that teaches how powerful Abilities can be in deckbuilding. Beginners who like Fire-types and the anime version of Cinderace will find it both fun to play and easy to appreciate.
How rare is the Cinderace 028/132 Holo Rare from Mega Evolution?
It is a standard Holo Rare, meaning it is rarer than common and uncommon cards but not as scarce as ultra rares or secret rares. You won’t see it in every booster, but it is not extremely hard to obtain on the secondary market. Price tracking sites and multiple eBay listings suggest that it is widely available in ungraded form.
Is this card legal in current Standard format?
Format legality changes over time as new sets are released and older ones rotate out. At the time of writing, the ME01: Mega Evolution set is still relatively new in public databases, so you should always check the official Pokémon TCG format legality list or ask at your local game store to confirm whether Cinderace 028/132 is Standard-legal, Expanded-legal, or primarily suited for casual play.
Does the Near Mint condition make it worth grading?
Because raw copies of Cinderace 028/132 currently sell in the low-dollar range, grading is typically not cost-effective purely for resale. However, if you are a dedicated Cinderace fan or building a personal graded collection of your favorite Pokémon, grading a pristine copy can still be worthwhile for sentimental reasons. Just keep in mind that grading fees may exceed the card’s average market value.
What’s the difference between this holo and a reverse holo Cinderace 028/132?
PriceCharting and other databases list both a holo rare and a reverse holo version of Cinderace 028/132. The main difference is the foil treatment: the holo rare has a foil illustration box, while the reverse holo usually has a foil effect on the card’s background outside the illustration (frame, text box, etc.). Both can be Near Mint, but collectors often choose one or the other depending on personal preference.
Can I build a deck focused only on Cinderace?
Yes, many players enjoy building themed decks centered on a single evolution line. There are even videos and community decklists showcasing “Cinderace-only” or Cinderace-heavy builds. They may not always be top-tier competitive, but they can be very fun to pilot. Using multiple Cinderace cards with different attacks and Abilities can create a versatile, character-focused deck.
Is this card a good gift for a Pokémon fan?
For a fan who likes Cinderace, Galar starters, or Fire-type Pokémon in general, this card makes an excellent small gift. It’s a holo rare, it looks flashy, and it usually comes at a price that fits easily into a modest gift budget. Putting it in a top loader or snap case before gifting adds an extra touch of presentation.
Where can I find more Cinderace and Mega Evolution cards?
Online marketplaces and specialized eBay stores are great starting points. If you want to browse a range of Mega Evolution singles, Fire-types, or Galar starter evolutions in one place, check out a dedicated seller that focuses on Pokémon TCG, such as the Pokeferh eBay store, which often stocks a variety of modern and classic cards in Near Mint condition.
Whichever route you choose, the Cinderace 028/132 Holo Rare from ME01: Mega Evolution is a dynamic, character-rich card that bridges the gap between anime fandom, collecting, and actual gameplay.
