I just checked the PSA 10 prices for some SWSH Black Star Promos and honestly? I'm stunned. We're talking about cards that have seen astronomical growth, some of them up by *literally thousands* of percent since their release. It's wild, even for a market as volatile as Pokémon TCG. As of April 20, 2026, the data is screaming: these promos are not just holding value, they're soaring. This isn't some niche phenomenon either; it's a broad uplift that's making collectors and investors alike scratch their heads and wonder. (And if you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now.) The big question on everyone's mind is, of course: are Scarlet & Violet promos going to follow suit? Or was SWSH a unique perfect storm? Let's dive into some real numbers and my own take from years of handling these cards day in and day out.

The SWSH Black Star Promo Boom: A Closer Look

You hear "3,250% growth" and it sounds like hyperbole, right? But for certain SWSH Black Star Promos, that's the reality in PSA 10. These weren't cards collectors were initially fawning over; they were often given out in blister packs, collection boxes, or through specific promotions. Low entry cost, high eventual return – that's the dream scenario for collectors. What catches my eye is the relative scarcity of true gem mint copies compared to their print *numbers*. These aren't secret rares from main sets that everyone's chasing fiercely on release. Many sat in binders, got played, or were just not handled with the same care.

Vaporeon V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Talk about a sleeper hit! The Vaporeon V promo is just an incredible example of everything I've been talking about. I remember these sitting in Walmart checkout lanes forever. Now? A PSA 10 is valued at $9999.00. That's a serious number. It wasn't the easiest pull to get a perfectly centered copy with pristine edges, especially from those often-damaged blister packs. I've submitted a few of these myself, and centering was always the biggest hurdle for a 10. Its market average is currently N/A, which often means sales are sporadic but when they hit, they hit big. You can browse our full card price index to cross-reference other Eeveelution promos.

Eevee V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

And then we have the adorable Eevee V promo. This one was distributed in various ways, often in more substantial boxes, which sometimes led to better condition out of the gate. Still, getting that perfect 10 wasn't a guarantee. Its PSA 10 value is a solid $9999.00. Like Vaporeon, the market average is N/A, which, again, speaks to sales that are high-value but not necessarily high-frequency. These are trophy cards once they hit that PSA 10 grade.

Pikachu V-UNION (SWSH Black Star Promos)

The Pikachu V-UNION was a different beast because you got *four* cards to complete one image. This meant four chances for damage, four chances for miscuts, and four-times the potential for centering issues. A PSA 10 of *all four pieces at once* is incredibly difficult to achieve. Even for a single piece, it’s tough. This promo commands a PSA 10 value of $9999.00. Its complexity and the iconic Pokémon make it a fan favorite, driving up demand for high-grade copies. It's a prime example of how even mass-distributed promos can become immensely valuable.

What Drove the SWSH Promo Surge?

The SWSH era coincided with a massive boom in the Pokémon TCG as a whole, exacerbated by lockdowns and increased collector interest. These promos, often tucked away in larger products, benefited indirectly. They weren't front-page news, but their lower *perceived* value at the time led to less careful handling and thus, fewer gem mint copies. This created a supply/demand imbalance. Everyone wanted to grade everything during the pandemic, but finding a perfectly centered, unblemished promo was often tougher than a secret rare from a main set. For more on this, check out our piece on SWSH & SV Promos: Analyzing 7 Years of Black Star Promo Performance. There was also the factor of accessibility for most collectors. You could get these cards relatively cheaply at release, making them highly attractive targets for long-term holds. The art on many, like the Eeveelutions, was just fantastic.

Comparing to SM Black Star Promos

To understand the present, we always look to the past. The SM era also had some incredibly valuable promos, proving this isn't a new phenomenon.

Jolteon-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

The Jolteon-GX promo is a perfect illustration. Its PSA 10 value is $9999.00, with a market average of N/A. This card, like its SWSH counterparts, was often found in collection boxes. I distinctly remember the print lines on some of these being a grade killer. This Eeveelution promo continues to show the power of popular Pokémon in high grades. This ties into what we discussed in The 7 SM Black Star Promos You Should Be Buying Now. High demand for specific Pokémon, combined with grading difficulty, creates these monsters.

Will Scarlet & Violet Promos Follow Suit?

Now, the million-dollar question. Can Scarlet & Violet promos achieve similar growth? My gut says it's going to be tougher, but not impossible for select cards. The hype machine for modern promos is much more robust now. Everyone's aware of the SWSH gains. Collectors and investors are much savvier about grading promos right out of the box. This means a higher supply of potential PSA 10s hits the market faster. We're seeing more people immediately sleeve, top-load, and consider submission for *every* promo, not just the obvious chase cards.

Gouging Fire ex (Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promos)

Take Gouging Fire ex, for instance. A strong card, cool artwork, and an Ancient Pokémon. Its current PSA 10 value is $9999.00, with a market average of N/A. This demonstrates that early high-value pieces are absolutely there in Scarlet & Violet. The question is, how many will have this kind of sustained growth? The print quality on some SV promos seems to have improved overall (less random holo bleed, better centering on average, at least in my experience) which may lead to higher PSA 10 pop reports down the line. However, *popular* legendaries or unique art promos will always have a shot.

Grading Strategy for Promos: My Take

If you're eyeing Scarlet & Violet promos for future growth, you need to be surgical. First and foremost, check for centering *immediately*. Promos, even today, can be notorious for off-centering. Surface quality is next – any print lines, holo scratches, or roller marks? Those are immediate grade killers. I always recommend inspecting under good lighting with a jeweler's loupe. Pay attention to the edges and corners, as promos often come from products where they can get easily dinged. A raw card might look good at first glance, but a PSA 9 vs. a 10 can be the difference between a decent flip and a lottery win.

The Bottom Line & What's Next

The 3,250% growth of some SWSH Black Star Promos wasn't an anomaly, it was a confluence of factors: low initial perceived value, general market boom, and the inherent difficulty in finding gem-mint copies of mass-distributed cards. Scarlet & Violet promos face a different landscape. Collectors are smarter, grading is more prevalent, and initial enthusiasm is higher. This means you'll likely see less *overall* meteoric growth across the board for SV promos compared to SWSH, but the select few with stunning artwork, iconic Pokémon, or genuinely rare low pop reports will absolutely break out. Keep an eye on alternate art promos, specific starter Pokémon, and legendaries. If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available. Always remember: card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't guaranteed; it's a calculated risk. But for those few gem mint promos, the rewards can be incredible. For more insights and to explore our latest market insights, keep checking back. And if you have questions or want to discuss specific cards, feel free to reach out to our team of analysts.