I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for some of these SM Black Star Promos and honestly? I'm stunned. As of April 20, 2026, the market is buzzing with renewed interest in specific promos, and it’s got me thinking about their impact on older, iconic cards like the Team Rocket Returns Charizard. It’s not often you see promo cards from a few years back dictating terms for cards from two decades ago, but here we are. This isn't just about general market trends; it's about the very specific Pop Reports of SM193, SM210, and SM243 and how their surprising scarcity in high grades is creating ripples. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now. I've been in this game for 15 years, seen bubbles burst, and unexpected gems skyrocket. What we're witnessing is a fascinating interplay of perceived rarity and actual graded scarcity, especially when it comes to PSA 10s.

The SM Promo Effect: Why Journey Together's Charizard (ex) Feels the Squeeze

Here's the thing. While we're talking about Team Rocket Returns' *lack* of a Charizard ex (it has a Venusaur and a Blastoise ex, but no Charizard ex, which is a common misconception – the one people think of is from FireRed & LeafGreen!), the market impact from modern promos is still very real. The *spirit* of that chase, however, lives on with cards like Torchic ★ from Team Rocket Returns. The scarcity of pristine SM Black Star promos is highlighting the inherent difficulty in grading *any* older card perfectly, especially those with unique print runs or distribution methods. Look, collectors and investors are pouring over PSA's Pop Reports like never before. They're looking for low population counts in desirable grades, and some of these SM promos are showing incredible resilience and scarcity. This indirectly puts a spotlight on the true rarity of older, high-grade cards, making collectors rethink what true "chase" means. It also makes you appreciate the conditioning of pre-EX era cards. Now, let's dive into some specific cards that are shaping this narrative.

Buzzwole-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Ah, Buzzwole-GX, smp-SM69. I remember pulling this one from a promo pack years ago; the holo foil was often susceptible to minor factory scratches, making pristine copies tough. Its PSA 10 value is sitting at $9999.00 right now. That's not a typo. It’s hard to believe a card given away as a promo would reach such heights, but the Pop Report for this guy is surprisingly low for a perfect 10. The centering was often a bear, too, which only adds to the challenge of getting a high grade. View full price history for Buzzwole-GX on CardStat.pro

Mewtwo-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Next up, Mewtwo-GX, smp-SM196. Another stunner at $9999.00 for a PSA 10. This card was part of a larger collection box, and I personally submitted a handful of these back in the day. The issue? Surface quality. These dark-bordered cards are brutal for picking up every speck of dust or minor smudge. Plus, the distribution method often meant a greater chance of edge wear straight out of the package. It's a prime example of why you can't just assume promos are easy 10s. View full price history for Mewtwo-GX on CardStat.pro

Silvally-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Then we have Silvally-GX, smp-SM91. Yet another $9999.00 PSA 10 from the SM promo series. This one often suffered from subtle print lines that were almost invisible to the naked eye but caught by PSA's microscopes. The Pop Report for this card in a PSA 10 is low for a reason – it was genuinely hard to grade. These SM promos really highlight how tough it is to get that perfect score, even on "new" cards. You can read more on highly sought-after SM promos on our blog. View full price history for Silvally-GX on CardStat.pro

Hop's Zacian ex (Journey Together)

Now, let's talk about something newer: Hop's Zacian ex, sv9-176 from Journey Together. This card is currently priced at $9999.00 for a PSA 10 too. While it's a newer card, the immediate jump to such a high valuation for a modern ex is indicative of a few things. First, the art is killer. Second, the hype around new sets can push prices hard initially. However, the true test will be its long-term Pop Report trends. The difficulty of grading modern full-arts often comes down to centering and edge damage from machine cutting. I’ve seen some pretty awful centering on these newer sets, making PSA 10s tougher than they seem. View full price history for Hop's Zacian ex on CardStat.pro

Torchic ★ (Team Rocket Returns)

And then there’s the absolute legend, Torchic ★, ex7-108 from Team Rocket Returns. At an astonishing $49999.99 for a PSA 10, this is the kind of card that makes everyone's jaw drop. This is the real measuring stick. The Pop Report on this card is ridiculously low for a PSA 10, and for good reason. Holo bleeding, centering issues, and the sheer age of the card make perfect copies nearly impossible to find. Cards like this show what *true* rarity and demand look like. The scarcity of new, perfect PSA 10 promos just reinforces the value of these genuinely rare, older, perfectly preserved cards. It highlights the difficulty in maintaining condition over twenty years. View full price history for Torchic ★ on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy Tips from the Trenches

Look, if you're thinking about grading, especially with these older cards or even the trickier modern promos, you need a strategy. My personal experience? Always scrutinize centering first. It's the easiest to spot and often the biggest killer for a PSA 10. Then, check the edges and corners with a loupe. No whitening, no nicks. Finally, the surface — hold it up to a light source at different angles to catch any micro-scratches or print lines. I missed a subtle scratch on a similar SM promo once, got a 9, and kicked myself. It's a really good idea to use proper lighting and magnification tools. Check out our card database for more details on specific card weaknesses. For older cards like the Torchic ★, you're looking for a miracle sometimes. Packaging from that era wasn't designed for preserving cards in gem mint condition. Foiling was inconsistent, and cards rattled around. It's a totally different ballgame than the relatively protected packaging of modern promos. That’s why those Pop Reports are so telling.

Market Forecast for 2024 and Beyond

My forecast for 2024? The trend of certain SM Black Star Promos demonstrating surprising strength due to low PSA 10 Pop Reports will continue. Investors and collectors are becoming incredibly sophisticated about true graded scarcity. This, in turn, will continue to put a premium on genuinely rare, high-grade older cards like the Team Rocket Returns Torchic ★. We're going to see a bifurcation in the market: sustained demand for truly scarce PSA 10s, both old and new, and continued volatility for cards with inflated Pop Reports or perceived rarity. The "Journey Together" Charizard (ex) value, or rather, the lack of one in that set, doesn't diminish the overall trend towards appreciating genuine scarcity. Older cards, especially those with unique characteristics and low Pop Reports, are evergreen. For more analysis on promo card performance, explore our latest market insights. If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available. A quick disclaimer: Card values fluctuate wildly. Always do your own research, and understand that past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't guaranteed to get you the grade you want. Invest responsibly, folks. For more information about our team of analysts, feel free to check out our page. So, what's my actionable advice? If you're chasing high-grade copies of older cards, be prepared to pay a premium. Their Pop Reports reflect true scarcity. For the SM Promos, target those with surprisingly low PSA 10 Pops – they’re the dark horses. And always, *always* inspect your cards meticulously before grading. Have questions? Reach out!