I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices. And honestly? I'm legitimately stunned. We're always talking about the big hitters, the Charizards, the hyper-rares from older sets. But what about the cards that silently outperformed? The ones everyone ignored, only to see them surge past their flashier cousins? That's what we're diving into today. As of April 14, 2026, the data is in. And some unexpected promo cards from the Journey Together and Sun & Moon Black Star Promo sets absolutely *smoked* many Sword & Shield promos in 2023. Let's dig in. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now.

The Silent Surges: Why Some Promos Became 2023's MVPs

Look, everyone loves a good SWSH promo. They're often highly played, feature popular Pokémon, and the print quality was generally solid. But demand isn't just about playability or initial hype. Sometimes, it's about scarcity, unique artwork, or just being overlooked long enough for collectors to finally take notice. These cards are the perfect storm of all that. I've seen so many collectors chase the obvious, only to miss out on these quiet juggernauts. It's a common trap. When you get into promo cards, it's about understanding the long game, not just the initial buzz.

Iono's Kilowattrel (Journey Together)

Okay, let's start with a big one. Iono's Kilowattrel. This card from Journey Together has just exploded. We're talking PSA 10 values hitting $9999.00. When I first laid eyes on this card, I knew it had potential with the popular trainer tie-in, but I didn't expect *this* kind of growth trajectory. The artwork is fantastic, vibrant, and it just pops. View full price history for Iono's Kilowattrel on CardStat.pro

Jolteon-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Jolteon-GX, from the SM Black Star Promos, is another example of a card simply crushing it. A PSA 10 is valued at $9999.00. Eeveelutions are always a safe bet, but this one truly soared. I remember picking up a few of these back in the day, mostly for my personal Eeveelution collection, not really thinking they'd become such a hot commodity. The centering on these SM Promos could sometimes be tricky, so nailing a PSA 10 is always a win. View full price history for Jolteon-GX on CardStat.pro

Lillie's Clefairy ex (Journey Together)

Another Journey Together stunner, Lillie's Clefairy ex. This card's PSA 10 value is sitting pretty at $9999.00. Trainer cards, especially those featuring beloved characters like Lillie, consistently do well. What caught my eye with this one is the subtle holo pattern and clean art style. I've sent a few of these to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and noticed the print runs were generally quite good for this set, making those 10s slightly more obtainable than some other eras. View full price history for Lillie's Clefairy ex on CardStat.pro

Salazzle-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Now here's a curveball for some: Salazzle-GX from the SM Black Star Promos. Another $9999.00 PSA 10 valuation. It's not the most conventionally "cute" or "powerful" Pokémon, but this promo just has that certain something. It goes to show you that market appeal can come from unexpected places. Personally, I think the dynamic pose and vibrant background art contribute significantly. Check out our latest market insights for more surprises like this. View full price history for Salazzle-GX on CardStat.pro

Pikachu V (SWSH Black Star Promos) - The SWSH Benchmark

I included this Pikachu V from the SWSH Black Star Promos (valued at $9999.00 in PSA 10) as a benchmark. While it's a great card and obviously a fan favorite, the 2023 performance of the cards above paints a clear picture. The *spread* of the market has widened beyond just SWSH, and savvy collectors are finding value in previously overlooked sets. Pikachu always does well, but the other cards on this list really outperformed many expected SWSH heavyweights last year. It's a testament to diverse demand. View full price history for Pikachu V on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy: What I've Learned

When it comes to promos, consistency is key, and it's something I've learned over 15 years in this hobby. Promos, by their very nature, often come from various products — collection boxes, tins, blister packs via The Pokémon Company. This means their handling can be all over the place. I've submitted a batch to PSA last quarter and seen a beautiful card get docked for a micro-ding on the edge from factory packaging. Always inspect for centering first. Promos are notorious for being off-center. Next, look for surface scratches, especially on those holos. Finally, check the edges for whitening, which is a common issue with cards not packed carefully. For deeper dives into overlooked investments, you might want to read our article: Beyond Charizard: 7 Surprising Pokémon TCG Promo Cards You Should Be Grading Right Now for Long-Term Value.

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 & Risk Factors for Promos

Here's the thing: card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't guaranteed; a perfect 10 is never a given. The market is dynamic, influenced by everything from new game releases to collector trends. However, observing trends like these (where often-ignored sets pop off) is crucial for identifying future opportunities. It's why we do what we do here at CardStat.pro. These Journey Together and SM Black Star Promos really proved their mettle in 2023, showcasing that true value isn't always in the loudest releases. Keep an eye on those less-hyped sets; they could be your next big win. Remember to always examine your cards carefully before sending them in for grading, especially promos. Want to browse our full card price index or learn more about our team of analysts? Don't hesitate. If you have questions about specific cards or market moves, reach out to us anytime.