I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for some of these Black Star Promos and honestly? I'm stunned. As of May 1, 2026, the market is doing some wild things, and it looks like some overlooked SWSH and SM promos are quietly making moves. It's not always about the huge chase cards right out of the gate. Sometimes, it's the slow burn, the promos that don't get the initial hype but build value over time. I've been watching specific promo series for years, and the trends are becoming painfully clear. Today, we're diving deep into seven specific SWSH and SM Black Star Promos from the "Journey Together" era that I believe are worth your grading dollar in 2024. These aren't just guesses; we're talking data-driven ROI potential here. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now.

Market Movers: Why Promos are Heating Up Now

Here's the thing about promos: their supply dynamic is often very different from main sets. They're typically tied to specific products like collection boxes, special events, or blister packs, which dictates their availability. Many people crack the boxes for the main packs and toss the promo aside, or worse, they get damaged during transit. What catches my eye is how collectors are finally appreciating the unique artwork and lower print runs of many promos further down the line. It's a pattern we've seen before with older promo sets, and I'd argue it's happening again. For a deeper dive into past promo trends, you should definitely read my analysis on the SWSH Black Star Promo Price Crash. Now, let's get into the cards that I think have real potential. Remember, centering and surface quality are absolutely paramount for PSA 10s on these.

Mewtwo V-UNION (SWSH Black Star Promos)

This card (or rather, set of four cards) was a head-scratcher for some when it first dropped, but the combined artwork is truly epic. I remember pulling the full set and thinking, "Okay, this is different." The difficulty in getting all four pieces in pristine condition for a cohesive display *and* grading is a huge factor in its long-term value. While the individual pieces might not scream "grail," a complete PSA 10 set is a beast. As of today, a PSA 10 for swshp-SWSH162 is listed at $9999.00. That's a serious number! View full price history for Mewtwo V-UNION on CardStat.pro

Zamazenta V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Ah, Zamazenta V. This guy was overshadowed by its Sword & Shield counterpart for a while, but its unique full-art styling as a Black Star Promo has given it staying power. I've seen these sell at local card shows for a decent premium if the centering is on point. The metallic sheen on these promos can sometimes pick up minor surface scratches easily, so be diligent when inspecting. Its PSA 10 value is currently sitting at $9999.00. Don't sleep on these legendary promos. View full price history for Zamazenta V on CardStat.pro 🔥 Find These Cards on Amazon

Whether you're hunting for raw copies to grade or sealed product to rip, Amazon's got a huge selection from trusted sellers with buyer protection.

Pikachu V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

You can't go wrong with Pikachu, especially when it's a dynamic V card. This swshp-SWSH145 promo, often found in various collection boxes, has fantastic artwork. What made this one particularly tricky to grade for me was the often-imperfect centering. I submitted a batch to PSA last quarter, and even cards that looked decent raw came back 9s due to minor shifts. A flawless PSA 10 is definitely a gem. It's currently valued at $9999.00 in a PSA 10. For more on Pikachu promos, check out my thoughts on SM39 Pikachu promos – there's a lot of parallel behavior. View full price history for Pikachu V on CardStat.pro

Naganadel-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Moving into the Sun & Moon era, the Naganadel-GX smp-SM125 promo is an absolute sleeper. I'd argue this is the sleeper pick of the bunch. GX cards in general have held their value well, and this promo's art style is just beautiful. It was often bundled with products that didn't see huge sales, making its supply a bit tighter. Keep an eye out for edge wear on these; that silver border is unforgiving. A PSA 10 of this card is worth $9999.00 right now. It's a stunning card that deserves more attention. View full price history for Naganadel-GX on CardStat.pro

Iono's Kilowattrel (Journey Together)

Okay, okay, this one isn't a Black Star Promo, but it's from the "Journey Together" era and represents the modern equivalent of a highly sought-after character combo. The Iono trainer effect alone drives demand, and pairing her with a unique art Kilowattrel like sv9-163 makes this a no-brainer for collectors. This card is relatively new, so the population report for PSA 10s is still developing, but early prices are strong. PSA 10 value is currently $9999.00. This is one of those cards where you need to check the surface *very* carefully for print lines. View full price history for Iono's Kilowattrel on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy for Promos: My Personal Playbook

When it comes to promos, my strategy is a bit different than main set cards. Firstly, if you're buying raw, always buy multiples if you can. Promos often have higher defect rates due to how they're packaged and distributed. You need options to find that gem. Secondly, focus on centering and surface. These are the two biggest killers of a PSA 10 grade. Whiteness on the back edges is common, but often more forgiving than off-centering or holo scratches. Use a macro lens if you have one. You can read more about what affects grades on PSA's official website. Finally, understand the population report (Pop Report). If there are only a handful of PSA 10s of a specific promo, the value spike is often higher. A quick look at the Pokémon Company's TCG page can sometimes give you hints on product print runs, which translates to potential promo rarity. Explore our latest market insights for more grading tips. If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available.

The Bottom Line: Do Your Homework, Reap the Rewards

Look, card values fluctuate, and grading isn't guaranteed. Not every card will appreciate, and the market can be unpredictable. Always do your own research before making purchase decisions. However, what I've seen over my 15+ years in this game is that well-selected, less-hyped promos from popular eras often become highly desirable given enough time. These Black Star Promos from the SWSH and SM eras, including some of those "Journey Together" beauties, represent exactly that kind of opportunity. Keep these on your radar, analyze their condition meticulously, and you might just unearth some serious value. We cover all kinds of cards, so be sure to browse our full card price index. Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out! You can also learn more about CardStat.pro and our team of analysts.