Pokemon Card Sky-Splitting Deoxys Lenticular (Lens) HP80 3-Type Form 3D Promo Card

The moment you tilt it, Deoxys’s form “switches” — a special promo card packed with that kind of surprise exists.
That card is the lenticular (lens) 3D version of “Sky-Splitting Deoxys.”
It appeared alongside the excitement of the 2004 movie Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys, and today it’s talked about in the collector market as the kind of item you “can’t let go once you find it.”
Unlike ordinary holo cards or typical promos, the visual impact itself becomes the value.
In this article, I’ll cover everything from the release background and why it’s valuable, to how 3D cards work and related collectibles.

About This Item
Deoxys: “The mythical Pokémon that changes forme”
Movie: Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys
Other collectible card examples
Comments from overseas fans
Summary

About This Item

Card Overview

Card name: Sky-Splitting Deoxys
Card number: 001/019
Included in (product): Movie Commemoration VS Pack “Sky-Splitting Deoxys”
Category: Basic Pokémon
Type: Psychic
HP: 80
Weakness: Psychic ×2
Resistance: None
Retreat Cost: 2
Illustrator: Nakaoka

Attacks & Abilities

Poké-Power: Forme Change

Once during your turn, you may search your deck for another “Sky-Splitting Deoxys” and switch it with this Pokémon (damage counters, Special Conditions, and attached cards are carried over). After switching, put the original Deoxys on top of your deck and shuffle your deck.

Attack: Ozone Hole 30

This attack does 30 damage. In addition, if the Stadium “Magnetic Storm” is in play, the opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused.

A Special 3D (Lens) Processed Card

This item is a lenticular (lens) Pokémon card where the picture appears to change when you alter the viewing angle.
Instead of simply “shining” like a typical holo card, the biggest feature is that tilting it makes Deoxys’s appearance seem to change. This is the type often referred to as a “3D card” or “lens card.”

What product was it, when did it come out, and how did you get it?

Source:Amazon

Back then, you obtained it by purchasing a retail product called the “Movie Commemoration VS Pack: Sky-Splitting Deoxys” (a half-deck product).
This product included a built, ready-to-play half deck and other items, plus one “Special Changing Card.” That Special Changing Card is this lenticular card.

Contents of the VS Pack (What’s inside)

The “Movie Commemoration VS Pack: Sky-Splitting Deoxys” includes the following items:

Source:Yahoo! Flea Market

Built half deck (30 cards) ×1 (a lineup themed around the movie)
Pokémon coin ×1 (Munchlax design)

Source:Mercari

Damage counters (paper) ×20 + Poison/Burn markers ×1 each
Sky-Splitting Deoxys Special Changing Card (lenticular) ×1 (Note: treated as not usable in official tournaments)

So rather than being “a free card handed out,” it was more like “a card that came inside when you bought the product.”

How to obtain it back then

1) Early access (available first)

Sold early at Pokémon Center stores in Japan
→ The early sales start is said to be July 17, 2004.

2) General availability (afterwards, more widely available)

Available at movie theaters (such as TOHO-affiliated venues)
Also available through general retail channels such as toy stores, department stores, supermarkets, and bookstores
→ General sales are described as mid-August 2004.

What it is (How it works / what makes it special)

It’s often called a “3D card,” but more precisely, it uses lenticular printing (a lens sheet) to create an effect where the image changes and/or appears to have depth depending on the angle.

As the listing name suggests, the card’s greatest appeal is that it visually expresses Deoxys’s multiple formes through this optical effect.

Lenticular (lens) Pokémon cards are so rare within the Pokémon TCG that they’re practically an “exception category,” and among collectors this Sky-Splitting Deoxys (Special Changing Card) is treated as a representative example.
Because photos don’t fully capture the effect, the impact is strongest when you actually hold it and tilt it — the “experience” of the visuals becomes the value. Demand is high not only in Japan but also overseas.

It’s a collector-oriented item where three factors align: “rare special processing to begin with” × “a symbol of the movie era” × “condition strongly affects value.” The better the condition of the copy you find, the more appealing the rarity becomes — because there’s “no guarantee you’ll encounter another one soon.”

Deoxys: “The mythical Pokémon that changes forme”

Source:Amazon

Deoxys is said to have been born when the DNA of an extraterrestrial virus attached to a meteorite mutated — a highly intelligent Psychic-type Pokémon.

An even bigger defining trait is that it can change into four different formes (Normal / Attack / Defense / Speed).

In the movie, it leaves a strong impression as a “being from space,” and memories like its confrontation with Rayquaza are especially vivid both visually and in the story.

Normal Forme

Source:Pokédex

This is Deoxys’s “base form,” and the one most people recognize as the classic Deoxys silhouette.
It’s positioned as a balanced attacker, with relatively high Attack and Speed.
Among the four formes, it has the fewest quirks, making it easy for first-time viewers to think, “This is Deoxys.”
In a 3D card where the forme switches, Normal serves as the “reference form,” which makes the change feel even more striking.

Attack Forme

Source:Pokédex

A firepower-focused forme with greatly increased Attack and Special Attack.
In exchange, its durability is extremely low — a classic glass cannon that “hits hard but goes down easily.”
Its design also looks more aggressive, with a silhouette defined by sharply extended tentacle-like arms.
This is a favorite among fans who love flashy, high-risk/high-reward impact.

Defense Forme

Source:Pokédex

A defensive forme with raised Defense and Special Defense.
Offense becomes more modest, but it excels as a tank that can absorb enemy attacks while fighting.
Its appearance also becomes rounder and more “shield-like,” making the difference from other formes easy to recognize.
It’s one of the best formes for demonstrating “I can’t believe this is the same Deoxys,” which makes it especially satisfying for display.

Speed Forme

Source:Pokédex

A forme specialized in Speed, designed to take the first move and control the tempo.
It thrives on acting before the opponent and maintaining momentum, which gives it a sharp, tactical feel.
Its silhouette is more streamlined, leaving a light, stylish impression.
Among the four, the “fastest” identity is very clear, which also makes it popular with overseas fans.

Movie: Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys

Source:Amazon

Release date

It was released in theaters in Japan on July 17, 2004, as the 7th Pokémon movie (the second theatrical film of the ADV era).

Story / What it’s about

The story revolves around the mythical Pokémon Deoxys, which appears after a meteorite falls.

A high-tech city serves as the stage, where Ash and friends get caught up in an incident, confront Deoxys, and move toward the truth.

A major highlight is the clash with Rayquaza, which arrives like a guardian of the skies.

Why it’s popular

Source:Pokédex

The “legendary vs legendary” matchup of Rayquaza vs Deoxys is easy to grasp and extremely impactful.
Compared to other Pokémon movies, it leans strongly into SF elements like cities, research, and extraterrestrial origins, giving it a refreshingly different atmosphere.
Deoxys isn’t portrayed as purely “evil,” but rather as a conflict born from misunderstanding and fear, which makes it easier to empathize with.

Other collectible card examples

Holo / Holofoil

A basic special finish where the background or part of the illustration shines. The holo pattern (stars, grids, waves, etc.) changes by era, so even cards of the same kind can show generational differences.

Source:ebay

Charizard (Charizard)｜Base Set 004/102 (Holo Rare)

A classic holo example from early Pokémon TCG, with a strong shining effect on the illustration area.
Its popularity comes from its status as an icon in Pokémon card history and the clear prestige of “original-era Charizard = the peak of collecting.”
Because it’s an older card, condition varies widely, so clean copies and high-grade slabs draw particular attention.

Reverse Holo (Mirror)

A type where the entire card (or the frame/background area) has a reflective holo finish. The difference is obvious when compared with the regular version, making it popular for set collecting.

Source:Fukufuku TCG

Numel (Numel)｜Pokémon GO 013/078 (Reverse Holo)

A reverse holo (mirror) variant where the background side has the shiny finish, making the difference from the standard version immediately visible.
Key appeal points are the “collectability as a separate version of the same card” and the satisfying uniform look when you complete a set.
Even “cute or understated Pokémon” can feel surprisingly different once they’re in reverse holo — that’s part of the fun.

Texture finish (raised / “grainy” feel)

A type with embossed texture on the illustration surface. The feel and light reflection are distinctive, and it’s especially common in modern high-rarity tiers like SAR/UR.

Source:Amazon

Charizard ex｜SV3 (Ruler of the Black Flame) Special Art Rare (SAR)

SAR is a premium category where the illustration spreads across the entire card, creating an artwork-like presence and a luxurious feel.
Its popularity comes from the combination of a flagship Pokémon (Charizard) and special artwork, which boosts display value and the desire to own it.
The shimmering finish often looks better in person than in photos, giving it high “in-hand satisfaction.”

Gold cards (UR-type)

A finish where gold coloring emphasizes the borders and artwork. It’s flashy and strongly appeals to people who want a display piece.

Source:Amazon

Ultra Ball｜Brilliant Stars 186/172 (Gold / Secret)

A gold-based card that looks luxurious overall, and it also belongs to the “secret” category with a number exceeding the set size (186/172).
A major appeal is that a universally recognized staple item is given the “highest-tier look,” making it extra satisfying to collect.
Even though it’s an item card rather than a Pokémon, turning it into a gold card dramatically increases its display and collection value.

Stamped promos (events / campaigns)

Cards stamped with an event name or logo. Distribution numbers are often limited, and the presence or absence of a stamp can effectively make it a different collectible.

Source:Amazon

Pikachu｜S-P 227/S-P (Pokémon Stamp Box-related promo)

A limited promo tied to a specific project (the Stamp Box), and its specialness comes from an acquisition route different from standard pack circulation.
Its popularity comes from the way a globally loved character (Pikachu) gains added value through the “story of a limited project,” making it feel like a commemorative item.
Even among Pikachu cards, “project-tied promos” are often treated as a separate tier, with strong collector demand.

Error cards (printing/cut misalignments, etc.)

An error card is a Pokémon card that looks slightly different from the standard version due to an accidental mistake during printing or cutting.
Examples include text shifts, color differences, and off-center cuts (centering), and collectors sometimes take interest in them as “a card that looks different” even if it’s the same card.
However, these aren’t intentionally produced special editions; they’re accidental individual differences, so whether an error is truly valuable depends on the case.
Because some can be difficult to judge, it’s recommended to reference grading services or expert information and verify carefully if you’re concerned.

Source:reddit

Ninetales (Ninetales)｜Base Set 12/102 “No Damage” error (common nickname)

Among collectors, it’s said that some early “Ninetales (Base Set 12/102)” copies exist with a well-known “NO DAMAGE” error, where the damage number is missing from an attack text.
Because the textual difference is clearly visible even though it’s the same-looking card otherwise, it’s often cited as a beginner-friendly example when explaining error cards.

Comments from overseas fans

“This is one of those cards where photos don’t even show half of how good it is. The real-life switching effect is amazing.”
“The fact that it’s lenticular is basically unfair. I’d just keep tilting it on my desk forever.”
“It instantly brings back my 2004 movie memories. This card hits pure nostalgia.”
“Forme Change is literally Deoxys’s identity, so this card’s gimmick is perfect.”
“Clean copies are so rare. If I find one in good condition, I want to lock it in immediately.”
“Unlike normal promos, it’s a ‘card you experience.’ That’s what I love.”
“It stands out way more in a display case. One card can carry the whole shelf.”
“If you collect movie-related cards, your set doesn’t feel complete without this one.”

Summary

The lenticular 3D “Sky-Splitting Deoxys” card isn’t just rare — it’s a special piece that “shows you the trick” the moment you hold it.
It hits collectors right in the heart because it expresses the symbol of Forme Change—Deoxys—through an experience-based printing method: lenticular optics.
On top of that, the nostalgia tied to the 2004 movie is strong, giving it a theme that “deeply resonates with the people it resonates with,” both in Japan and overseas.
Because condition can heavily influence value, the satisfaction of finding a copy in great shape is exceptional.
If you feel “ordinary cards aren’t enough” and you want a collection piece you can experience, this Deoxys is absolutely worth welcoming into your collection.

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Pokemon Card Sky-Splitting Deoxys Lenticular (Lens) HP80 3 Types Form 3D Promo Card