Cinderace 034/202 Holo Rare – Sword & Shield Base Set Card Guide
The Cinderace 034/202 Holo Rare from the Sword & Shield base set is a great pick for collectors, anime fans, and competitive players who love this fiery Galar starter. This particular listing appears to offer the card in Near Mint (NM) condition and ungraded, making it an accessible way to add a fan-favorite holo to your collection or deck.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about this card: its set and release, ties to the Pokémon anime, collecting value, and how Cinderace fits into Pokémon TCG deck strategy.
| Card Name | Cinderace |
|---|---|
| Set | Sword & Shield – Base Set |
| Card Number | 034/202 |
| Rarity | Rare Holo |
| Language | English (according to typical SWSH base listings) |
| Condition | Near Mint (listing states “NM”, ungraded) |
| Release Year | 2020 (Sword & Shield base set) |
What Is the Cinderace 034/202 Holo Rare?
Cinderace 034/202 is a Rare Holo card from the original Sword & Shield base set released in 2020. Multiple price and database sites confirm it as card #34/202, illustrated by Kouki Saitou, and classified as a holo rare. This is the main set holo version (not the non-holo theme deck exclusive or stamped promos you might also see online).
The card features Cinderace, the final evolution of Scorbunny, in dynamic artwork that highlights its powerful kicking and fiery offense—perfectly aligned with how the Pokémon is portrayed in games and the anime. For many players and collectors, this card is one of the signature Fire-type holos of early Sword & Shield-era product.
Because this listing notes “NM Pokemon” and “Ungraded,” it appears to be aimed at buyers who want a high-quality raw copy rather than a graded slab. For modern holo rares from 2020, Near Mint raw cards are usually the sweet spot between affordability and condition quality.
As with any single-card listing, if you’re condition-sensitive, it’s worth examining the photos closely—corners, edges, and holo surface—so that the Near Mint description matches your expectations.
Cinderace in the Pokémon Anime and Games
Part of the appeal of this Cinderace holo rare is its strong connection to the anime and games. Cinderace is the final form of Scorbunny, one of the three Galar starter Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield (the video games). In the anime, Cinderace (originally a Scorbunny) becomes a key partner Pokémon for Goh in Pokémon Journeys.
Across anime episodes and game lore, Cinderace is portrayed as an agile, soccer-inspired striker. Sources like Bulbapedia and Serebii highlight its explosive jumping ability, strong kicking power, and signature fiery shots. In the Pokédex, you’ll see descriptions about it juggling pebbles, igniting them, and launching them as blazing soccer balls that scorch its opponents.
This identity as a fiery striker translates nicely into the TCG version from Sword & Shield. The card’s attack hits hard for the cost, and Cinderace is designed as an aggressive, offense-driven Stage 2 Fire-type—very much in line with its fast-paced playstyle in the games and anime battles.
For anime fans, adding a holo Cinderace 034/202 is a way to commemorate Goh’s Cinderace or your own in-game partner from the Galar region. While the card itself isn’t specifically an “anime promo,” it captures the same era and vibe as the Pokémon Journeys series.
Card Text and Gameplay Overview
While I won’t reproduce every line of card text verbatim, we can summarize Cinderace 034/202 based on officially documented references:
- Stage: Stage 2 Fire-type Pokémon (evolves from Raboot).
- Rarity: Rare Holo (standard Sword & Shield base print).
- Role: Offense-focused attacker with a solid Ability and strong attack.
Official strategy content from Pokémon’s own “Top Deck Academy” describes this specific Cinderace from Sword & Shield as having:
- A useful Ability that gives it extra value before or during attacks.
- A powerful attack often referred to as dealing about 190 damage for a relatively efficient Fire-type Energy cost.
In practical terms, this means Cinderace can serve as a main attacker in a Fire deck. It hits strong enough to knock out many single-Prize Pokémon and heavily damage multi-Prize threats, and its Ability offers an extra angle of play that skilled players can leverage during matches.
If you’re building around Fire-type strategies from the early Sword & Shield era, this Cinderace slots in as a big striker that rewards good deck building and resource management. It also pairs nicely with classic Fire support like Energy acceleration or item-based consistency cards available in Standard and Expanded of that time.
How Cinderace 034/202 Fits into Deck Strategy
The Sword & Shield Cinderace won’t define the modern meta on its own, but it offers a fun and capable game plan for casual play, budget decks, and themed builds. Top Deck Academy even dedicated an episode to a fast-paced deck featuring this Cinderace, which shows how much design intent the card has.
Fire-Type Core for Casual and Theme Builds
In casual formats or local leagues, a Cinderace-centered list can operate as a streamlined Fire-type attacker line. The idea is simple:
- Use Scorbunny and Raboot to set up your Stage 2 line.
- Accelerate Fire Energy from the deck or discard pile using available support.
- Bring Cinderace into play and start swinging for big damage with its main attack.
This kind of list is excellent for newer players learning Prize trade math and tempo: when to evolve, when to attach Energy, and when to commit to a big attack.
Synergy with Fire Support
While the exact Standard-legal card pool around Cinderace has shifted since 2020, Fire archetypes traditionally benefit from:
- Energy acceleration (cards that attach extra Fire Energy).
- Draw and search support to quickly find your Scorbunny–Raboot–Cinderace line.
- Recovery tools to get Energy or Pokémon back after KOs.
Because Cinderace is a Stage 2, your deck-building challenge is ensuring consistent evolution. Including enough copies of each stage, plus search cards, is key to making the deck function smoothly.
Where Cinderace Shines
Cinderace 034/202 shines in three main environments:
- Kitchen-table and casual games where theme and favorite Pokémon matter as much as winning.
- League or school clubs using Sword & Shield-era cards in a more relaxed setting.
- Budget decks built from affordable Pokémon TCG singles without pricey ultra rares.
Its high damage output and solid Ability reward good sequencing, making it fun for players who want to improve their skills while still using a recognizable, fan-favorite Pokémon.
Even as formats rotate and newer sets appear, Cinderace 034/202 remains playable in casual and custom formats where power level is moderated and theme decks are welcome.
Collecting Value and Rarity
From a collecting standpoint, Cinderace 034/202 checks several important boxes: it’s a holo rare starter evolution, it comes from the first main set of the Sword & Shield era, and it features a popular Pokémon anchored to the Galar region and the Pokémon Journeys anime.
Set Context: Sword & Shield (2020)
The Sword & Shield base set released in 2020 marked a big transition for the Pokémon TCG. It kicked off the entire SWSH block, introduced the V and VMAX mechanics, and brought Galar region Pokémon like Cinderace into the TCG spotlight.
Within this set, Cinderace #34/202 appears as a holo rare. Collectors often seek out holo rares of key starter lines from base sets, and over time, these can become nostalgic pieces—similar to how Kanto and Johto starter holos from earlier eras are now fan favorites.
The card also has alternative versions (such as cosmos holo prints and non-holo deck exclusives), but the listing you’re looking at appears to be the standard holo rare version, which is the one most closely tied to booster pack openings from SWSH base.
While prices for modern holos fluctuate and are generally modest, starter evolutions like Cinderace tend to maintain steady demand among collectors who build full evolution lines or full sets.
Near Mint Condition: Why It Matters
The product title includes “NM” and the parsed card info indicates “Near Mint,” which in typical hobby usage means a card with only very light wear—often only minor surface or edge marks visible under close inspection. It should look clean in a binder and be solid for casual play.
For a 2020 holo rare, Near Mint is often the target condition for collectors, because:
- It’s significantly cheaper than graded Gem Mint but still visually appealing.
- It protects your long-term enjoyment of the card; holo scratches and whitening are minimized.
- It keeps options open if you later decide to grade or upgrade your collection.
When buying near mint Pokémon cards, always review the seller’s description and photos. This listing appears to provide clear images of front and back, which helps you verify the condition before purchase.
Because the card is ungraded, any future grading outcome would depend on closer inspection by a grading company, but NM raw copies are most likely to fall into the mid-to-high numeric grades if you ever go that route.
Price Expectations and Long-Term Potential
Price trackers like PriceCharting and PokeScope show that Cinderace 034/202 typically sells as an affordable holo rare, often in the low single-digit dollar range for Near Mint copies. The listed price of around $2.49 USD (as of the product information you provided) is consistent with that general range, though actual market prices may move over time.
For most collectors, this card is more of a collection-building piece than a high-end investment:
- It helps complete a Sword & Shield base set binder.
- It anchors a Galar Fire-type or starter-themed page.
- It acts as a nostalgic marker of the SWSH era and anime period.
Could it grow modestly in value over the very long run? Possibly, especially if Sword & Shield-era nostalgia becomes strong in future years the way earlier generations have. But the main reason to pick up this Cinderace now is to enjoy it as a playable, display-worthy holo of a beloved starter Pokémon.
From a risk standpoint, the entry cost is low, but the upside is primarily sentimental and collection-focused, not speculative.
Who Should Buy This Cinderace Holo?
Because it bridges anime appeal, collecting, and gameplay, Cinderace 034/202 Holo Rare suits several types of buyers.
1. Pokémon Anime and Galar Fans
If you enjoyed watching Goh’s Scorbunny evolve into Cinderace in Pokémon Journeys, or if Cinderace was your starter in the Nintendo Switch games, this card is a simple way to represent that connection physically. The artwork and holo pattern give it more presence than a non-holo version would.
Many anime fans like building small binders featuring their favorite on-screen Pokémon: Goh’s Cinderace, Ash’s main partners, or key rivals’ aces. This holo fits perfectly in a page of Galar stars alongside Rillaboom, Inteleon, and key V/VMAX cards from the same era.
Since the card is ungraded, it can easily be integrated into a binder, top loader display, or framed collage without worrying about slab bulk.
For a relatively low price, you get a holo that directly evokes the Galar storyline, making it a strong value for anime and game fans.
2. TCG Players Building Fire or Theme Decks
For players, this Cinderace is a fun, functional attacker around which you can build a Fire-themed deck. While it may not be the absolute top-tier competitive choice in every format, it offers:
- Strong attack damage for a reasonable Energy cost.
- A useful Ability that adds extra tactical depth.
- Synergy with the Scorbunny evolution line and other Fire support cards.
Using a holo as your main attacker also makes casual games feel more exciting: your board state looks more impressive when your ace striker visibly shines. For new players especially, having a holo rare as the centerpiece of a deck can be a big morale boost.
If you’re constructing a budget list using collectible Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era, this Cinderace provides both theme and function.
Because it’s a Stage 2, it also teaches sequencing, deck-thinning, and resource planning—valuable skills that carry over even if you later move into higher-level competitive decks.
3. Set and Starter-Line Collectors
If you’re working on a complete Sword & Shield base binder, the Cinderace 034/202 holo is a non-negotiable slot. It completes the Fire-type starter line and is a notable piece alongside the set’s V and VMAX headliners.
Collectors who focus specifically on starters (like Charizard, Typhlosion, Blaziken, etc.) often build multi-generation pages showing each region’s Fire-type final evolution across eras. In that context, Cinderace is the Galar-era representative and this holo rare is an affordable, official way to include it.
Because it’s a holo from the first SWSH base set, it’s a more “canonical” representation of Cinderace than some theme deck non-holo prints. For Fire starter collections, that tends to matter.
If you also track condition closely, the Near Mint description will be appealing; you can place this card confidently on the same page as older, more expensive holos without it visually dragging down the overall quality of the binder spread.
Tips for Buying This Cinderace Holo Online
When picking up a single card like this Cinderace 034/202 Holo Rare online, a few best practices can help you get exactly what you expect.
1. Review All Photos Carefully
This listing provides multiple images (front, back, and close-up). Look closely for:
- Edge whitening.
- Corner dings.
- Holo surface scratches, print lines, or scuffs.
- Any bending, creasing, or warping.
For a card described as Near Mint, you might see minor manufacturing lines or light wear, but nothing that stands out at a normal viewing distance. If the photos look consistent with that, the NM label is probably fair.
If you’re extremely picky—such as only wanting cards that could potentially grade very high—you may want to message the seller for additional lighting angles or more detailed condition notes.
For most collectors and players, though, the provided images and NM description should be sufficient to gauge quality.
2. Check the Version
Cinderace 034/202 appears in a few different variants: standard holo, reverse holo, cosmos holo, and non-holo deck exclusives. This particular listing appears to be for the regular holo rare from Sword & Shield base (the most typical pack-pulled version).
Confirm that the listing photos match what you want:
- Holo pattern: The background behind Cinderace should feature the main set holo foil.
- Set symbol & numbering: The bottom corners should show the Sword & Shield base set icon and 034/202 numbering.
- No extra stamps: If you want the standard holo, check that there are no League or promo stamps unless that’s your preference.
If everything lines up, you’re looking at the classic holo rare version that most collectors target first.
Should you later want to explore stamped promos or alternative holo patterns, you can look for those separately while using this card as your baseline Cinderace 034/202.
3. Build Around It in Your Collection
When this card arrives, consider how you want to integrate it:
- Binder display: Place Cinderace next to Scorbunny and Raboot to complete the evolution line.
- Anime shrine page: Pair it with other Pokémon heavily featured in Pokémon Journeys.
- Theme deck core: Sleeve it up and use it as the main attacker in a casual Fire deck.
This flexibility is a big reason why holo rares like Cinderace 034/202 remain popular years after release. They’re not just collection fillers—they’re playable, displayable, and emotionally connected to a specific generation of games and anime.
If you decide you want more cards from this era—other Galar starters, early Sword & Shield Vs, or supporting trainers—you can often find them from the same seller or store, browsing through their wider selection of Pokémon TCG singles.
FAQ: Cinderace 034/202 Holo Rare (Sword & Shield)
Is Cinderace 034/202 a good card for beginners?
Yes. While it’s a Stage 2 and requires some setup, Cinderace offers clear, high-damage attacks and a helpful Ability that teach important fundamentals: evolving on time, managing Energy, and planning attacks. It’s a strong centerpiece for a beginner-friendly Fire deck, especially for fans of the Galar region.
Is this Cinderace card rare or valuable?
It’s classified as a Rare Holo, which makes it more special than commons and uncommons, but it’s not an ultra rare or secret rare. Market prices for Near Mint copies are usually in the low single digits. Its main value lies in its playability, starter Pokémon status, and connection to the Sword & Shield era, rather than high-end monetary value.
What condition is this specific listing in?
The product title and parsed card info both indicate Near Mint (NM) and Ungraded. That typically means the card is in great shape with only minor wear. As always, check the listing photos carefully to make sure the condition aligns with your expectations.
Is this the same Cinderace as in the Top Deck Academy episode?
Yes. Pokémon’s Top Deck Academy content describes and showcases the Sword & Shield Cinderace with a strong attack and useful Ability—this is the same 034/202 Cinderace from the base set. The strategies discussed there are directly applicable if you pick up this card for casual play.
How does this card relate to the Pokémon anime?
Cinderace in the anime (especially Goh’s partner in Pokémon Journeys) is portrayed as an agile, fiery soccer striker. The TCG card reflects that identity as a powerful attacking Fire-type. While it’s not an anime-stamped promo, owning this holo is a straightforward way for anime fans to represent Cinderace in their physical collection.
Are there other versions of Cinderace 034/202?
Yes. This card number appears in multiple print styles across products: standard holo rare, reverse holo, cosmos holo, and non-holo deck-exclusive versions. The listing here appears to be the regular holo rare from the Sword & Shield base set. If you want alternative prints (like League-stamped promos), you’d need to search for those specific variants.
Should I grade this Cinderace card?
That depends on your goals. For most collectors, a Near Mint raw copy is enough, and grading fees may exceed the card’s market value. However, if you’re building a graded Sword & Shield starter collection or you receive a copy that appears exceptionally clean, grading can be a fun way to preserve it long term. Just keep in mind that, financially, this is more of a passion-driven choice than a guaranteed investment play.
Where can I find more Sword & Shield-era singles?
If you’re looking to expand beyond this Cinderace—adding Scorbunny, Raboot, other Galar starters, or Sword & Shield trainer cards—you can browse a dedicated eBay store that stocks a variety of Pokémon TCG singles and near mint Pokémon cards from multiple eras.
Whether you’re a Cinderace super-fan, a Sword & Shield set collector, or a player building a Fire-type deck, the Cinderace 034/202 Holo Rare is a well-rounded, affordable card that captures the spirit of the Galar era in both gameplay and artwork.
