Etched holo is a holographic foil pattern characterized by an embossed, three-dimensional texture rather than a flat foil layer. The Pokémon TCG Crystal sub-class (Skyridge, Aquapolis) used etched holo across the entire artwork frame, producing the distinctive shattered-glass appearance that defines those cards. Modern Pokémon sets use varied etching patterns (texture, pattern, full-art) for premium rarities. Etched holo is significantly harder to counterfeit than flat foil and is a useful authentication marker.

Etched holo, sometimes called textured holo or cosmos holo depending on the era, refers to a holographic foil treatment applied to certain Pokémon trading cards in which the foil pattern is physically textured rather than smooth. Under magnification, etched holos show a fine three-dimensional pattern in the foil layer that catches light differently from standard flat holographic treatments and produces a more dynamic visual effect when the card is tilted.

The etched holo treatment first appeared on certain ultra-rare cards in the EX series and has been used periodically since on premium tier cards across multiple generations. Modern Sword & Shield and Scarlet & Violet sets use etched holo treatments on V-UNION, alternate-art VMAX, and special illustration rares. Because the texture sits proud of the card surface, etched holos are more vulnerable to scratching than standard holos and benefit from immediate sleeving on opening. See holo for the standard treatment and reverse holo for the variant treatment.