Hybrid catalytic systems are poised to maximize the efficiency of energy conversion. When coupling heat with visible light or plasma sources, known thermally active catalysts are commonly used. The question becomes whether adapting thermally activated catalysts to hybrid energy systems is the ideal strategy. Differences in reaction pathways, including how the energy is exchanged within hybrid systems, mean new catalyst design approaches are needed. To enable a leap forward in designing hybrid systems and accelerate effective plasma/light catalyst development, there is a need to take two steps back to (i) revise the current strategies used to design appropriate catalysts and (ii) identify the criteria critical to regulating system behavior. Spotlighting carbon dioxide valorization, current routes to catalyst design for hybrid systems are evaluated. As these systems are playing an ever-increasing role in a clean energy future, catalyst design strategies involving ongoing retrospection and realignment toward prevailing energy coupling/conversion mechanisms are discussed to facilitate the leap forward.