Pikachu on the Ball & 14 Other Promos from SWSH, SM, & Scarlet & Violet: Which Were Actually Worth Grading?
· CardStat.pro Editorial Team
The Market's Verdict: Which SWSH, SM, & SV Promos Are Worth Grading?
Here's the thing about promos: their value isn't always immediately obvious. Unlike main set chases, promos often have different distribution methods, wildly varying print runs, and sometimes unexpected spikes in desirability. The supply/demand curve for these can be a real rollercoaster. That's why diving deep into which ones actually *grade well* and hold value is crucial. I've been tracking these promos for years, buying them early, grading batches, and watching the market shift. My latest submission to PSA last quarter included a few of these, and the results — and current market values — are genuinely eye-opening. Let's dig into some specific examples and see which ones you might want to consider sending in. For more market insights, always explore our latest market insights.Zamazenta V (SWSH Black Star Promos)
This Zamazenta V, swshp-SWSH293, is a beast, both in game and in the secondary market if you can nail that perfect grade. When this card first came out, I remember thinking it was cool, but not *PSA 10 worth thousands* cool. Boy, was I wrong.
A PSA 10 copy of this card is commanding an insane **$9999.00** right now. The centering on these could be tricky, and managing surface imperfections was always a challenge, making gem mint copies genuinely rare. This is absolutely one to grade if you find a clean one.
View full price history for Zamazenta V on CardStat.pro
Kommo-o-GX (SM Black Star Promos)
The Kommo-o-GX, smp-SM71, is another sleeper hit from the SM era. I still vividly recall pulling this from a blister pack, thinking "huh, neat." Little did I know a PSA 10 would be valued at a staggering **$9999.00** today.
The holographic pattern on these can often show minor print lines, which is a killer for surface grades. Finding a truly flawless one, especially with good centering, is like finding a needle in a haystack. If yours looks pristine, send it in!
View full price history for Kommo-o-GX 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.
Shop Pokémon Cards on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate, CardStat.pro earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Golisopod-GX (SM Black Star Promos)
Ah, Golisopod-GX, smp-SM62. This card shares a similar story to Kommo-o-GX in terms of its humble beginnings. It’s an SM Black Star Promo that has absolutely taken off, with PSA 10 copies hitting **$9999.00**.
These cards, from my experience, often had slight whitening on the back edges straight out of the pack. That made high grades tough to achieve. If you have one that looks minty fresh, you're sitting on a potential goldmine. We've talked about similar promo successes in our blog post on Hidden Gems: Analyzing the 12 Best Performing SM & SWSH Black Star Promo Singles by ROI (2020-2023).
View full price history for Golisopod-GX on CardStat.pro
Reshiram ex (Journey Together)
Moving into the more recent Scarlet & Violet era, we have Reshiram ex, sv9-30, from the "Journey Together" set. This card at a PSA 10 is currently at **$9999.00**. It's a gorgeous card, no doubt.
The print quality for some of the earlier SV promos could be a bit inconsistent, especially with centering. I've seen some with noticeable shifts, which immediately tanks a grade. But a perfectly centered, clean copy? That’s where the value is.
View full price history for Reshiram ex on CardStat.pro
Mewtwo V-UNION (SWSH Black Star Promos)
Lastly, let's talk about the Mewtwo V-UNION, swshp-SWSH162. V-UNION cards were a unique concept, spread across four individual cards. This one piece of the puzzle, if graded as a PSA 10, is also fetching **$9999.00**.
The challenge with V-UNION cards was often obtaining all four pieces in perfect condition, as they came from different products. This particular piece, being promo, had its own potential issues. The larger surface area might also show more imperfections. Still, the Mewtwo appeal is undeniable for collectors.
View full price history for Mewtwo V-UNION on CardStat.pro
Grading Strategy: My Two Cents on What Works
Look, not every card is a candidate for grading. My biggest piece of advice, honed over 15+ years of submissions, is this: **inspect, inspect, inspect.** Don't just pull a card and immediately sleeve it for submission. Take it out, under good lighting, and really scrutinize it. Check for: * **Centering:** This is huge. Even a perfect surface can get knocked down if the borders aren't even. This is often the first thing I look at. * **Surface:** Holo scratches, print lines, dents, even tiny specks of dirt can kill a PSA 10. (Seriously, run a microfiber cloth lightly over the surface). * **Corners & Edges:** Whitening is the bane of my existence. Promos, especially older ones, often have this issue right out of their packaging. I've learned to be ruthless when pre-screening. If it's not absolutely pristine, the odds of it hitting a 10 drop significantly, making the grading fee a sunk cost. For more detailed tips, you might want to check out The ROI of 18 Pokémon Black Star Promos: A 5-Year Data Deep Dive. Before you send anything in, go browse our full card price index to get the latest market data directly.A Word of Caution: The Market Moves
This needs to be said: **Card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions.** What's hot today might not be tomorrow, and grading isn't a guaranteed payday. There's always a risk that a card won't appreciate or won't even achieve the grade you're hoping for. Print runs can also increase unexpectedly, impacting long-term value. It's tempting to think every rare card is a future investment, but that's just not true. My advice? Collect what you love first. Any investment returns are a bonus. If you have questions about specific cards or grading tips, feel free to reach out to us! Our team of analysts is always here to help.Final Thoughts and Actionable Advice
The bottom line is, while not every promo is a guaranteed home run, certain ones, especially those with low PSA 10 populations due to inherent print or distribution challenges, can absolutely be worth the investment of grading. The cards we discussed here, particularly the SM and SWSH era promos, have proven themselves to be significant players in the graded market. If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available. Always stay informed, always inspect your cards thoroughly, and happy collecting!Topics: pokemon cards, tcg investing, card grading, pokemon collecting, swsh black star promos, sm black star promos, sm black star promos, journey together, swsh black star promos
Continue reading on the CardStat.pro blog or browse the card price index.