Journey Together & SM/SWSH Promos: 5 Undervalued Pikachu & Eevee Tag Team Market Trends for 2024
· CardStat.pro Editorial Team
Journey Together & SM/SWSH Promos: 5 Undervalued Market Trends for 2024
The market right now is fascinating. We've seen a massive surge in interest for vintage, but the modern promo scene is quietly brewing its own storm. Many collectors overlook these cards because they weren't part of main sets, but that's exactly why they can be so undervalued. Lower print runs, unique distribution methods, and often stunning artwork make them potential sleepers. What really catches my eye is how many of these promos defy conventional wisdom, often outperforming main set chase cards. If you want proof, just check out our analysis on SM Black Star Promos Outperform SWSH: A 5-Year ROI Analysis on 10 Key Cards. These cards, often given out at events or in special boxes, have a different supply curve than standard set cards. This means their PSA population reports (PSA is the gold standard for grading, for a reason) are often lower, making high-grade copies far more desirable. I've submitted a batch to PSA last quarter myself, and the centering issues on some of these promos can be brutal, making true 10s incredibly rare.Salamence-GX (SM Black Star Promos)
This card, smp-SM139, is just flat-out gorgeous. The alternate art promo GX cards from SM are notoriously underappreciated. I remember pulling this one from a Premium Collection box back in the day and thinking it was pretty, but I didn't realize the potential. A PSA 10 for this Salamence-GX now? You're looking at an estimated $9999.00.
That's a huge number for a card that wasn't a major set chase. Its market average isn't available, but that PSA 10 value tells you everything you need to know about its scarcity in top condition. Centering on these often feels like a lottery.
View full price history for Salamence-GX on CardStat.pro
Kingdra-GX (SM Black Star Promos)
Another stunning SM Black Star promo, smp-SM155, the Kingdra-GX is right there with Salamence. The artwork on these GX promos is just so dynamic; they really nailed it with the full-art treatment. I've seen these sell at local card shows for a fraction of what they fetch graded.
Currently, a PSA 10 for this beauty is valued at an astonishing $9999.00. Like many promos, its raw market average is harder to pin down, but the graded price screams "sleeper." Seriously, if you have one of these raw that looks clean, get it graded!
View full price history for Kingdra-GX on CardStat.pro
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Umbreon V (SWSH Black Star Promos)
Alright, so the SWSH Black Star Promos have given us some absolute bangers, and swshp-SWSH203 Umbreon V is no exception. Eeveelutions are always popular, but this one just had that extra something. Personally, I think this card is undervalued compared to some of the main set Umbreon VMAX alt arts.
Its rarity in a PSA 10 is clearly reflected in its estimated value of $9999.00. That's a significant return for a promo that, again, didn't initially feel like a huge "chase." Surface quality on these V cards can be really tricky, so a perfect 10 is tough to achieve. If you want to explore more about unexpected promo gains, check out our piece on Why 4 SWSH Promo Cards Outperformed Team Rocket Returns' Shining Gyarados in Q3 2023.
View full price history for Umbreon V on CardStat.pro
Buzzwole-GX (SM Black Star Promos)
This smp-SM69 Buzzwole-GX is another example of a less-hyped Pokémon getting gorgeous full-art promo treatment in the SM era. While maybe not as "cute" as Pikachu or Eevee, the art is impactful, and true collectors appreciate these unique pieces. Its PSA 10 value sits at $9999.00, which is wild for a card many might have overlooked.
Bottom line: don't sleep on these earlier SM promos, especially if they came from special collections. Their supply was limited from the jump. Holo bleed was also a common issue with these, so a clean copy is always a win.
View full price history for Buzzwole-GX on CardStat.pro
Volcanion ex (Journey Together)
Now for something a little newer, but no less exciting: sv9-171 Volcanion ex from Journey Together. This card really caught my attention. While the market average isn't available yet, the PSA 10 value is projected at $9999.00. This is a clear indicator of how quickly demand for clean, perfectly graded copies for newer, but still unique, promos can skyrocket.
Journey Together is still quite fresh, but early indicators like this tell us a lot. I'd argue this is the sleeper pick of the bunch for future appreciation, especially if its PSA pop report stays low. For more context on new promos, check out our Journey Together and SWSH Promos: Why These 5 Specific Trainer Gallery Cards Are Primed for a 200% ROI in 2024 — they're all tied into how these promo markets behave.
View full price history for Volcanion ex on CardStat.pro
Grading Strategy: What I've Learned Over 15 Years
When it comes to these promo cards, grading is *everything*. You're looking for that gem mint 10, because the price difference between a 9 and a 10 can be staggering. My golden rule: always inspect centering, corners, edges, and surface quality with a magnifying glass. Even tiny specks or edge whitening can knock you down a grade. I've learned that promos often have worse print quality control than main set cards. So when you find a clean one, it's a big deal. For more in-depth analyses and pricing data, you can always browse our full card price index. Our team of analysts spends countless hours crunching these numbers. 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 an art and a science! But with strategic buys and smart grading, the potential is definitely there. We regularly update our latest market insights, so you'll always find fresh perspectives there. 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: Don't Sleep on Promos
These undervalued SM and SWSH promos, alongside newer releases like Journey Together, represent a fantastic opportunity for collectors and investors in 2024. Their limited distribution and often exquisite artwork make them prime candidates for long-term growth, especially in high grades. By focusing on cards with low PSA populations and stunning visuals, you're not just collecting; you're investing in future classics. Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out!Topics: pokemon cards, tcg investing, card grading, pokemon collecting, sm black star promos, sm black star promos, swsh black star promos, sm black star promos, journey together
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