I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices on some of my recent promo submissions, and honestly? I'm stunned at how certain cards are performing as of March 17, 2026. You know the drill – sometimes you hit big, sometimes you learn. This time around, I shelled out about $1200 on grading fees for a batch of Pikachu promos and a few other interesting ones. I wanted to do a real reality check. Everyone talks about the big-money cards, but what about the promos we actually *get*? The ones you pull from special boxes or event kits? Can they actually deliver a decent ROI? (Spoiler: it's a mixed bag, to say the least). If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now. Here's the thing. Promos are a fascinating beast in the TCG world. Their supply can be incredibly high, but sometimes, print runs are tighter than you'd expect, or acquisition methods make them scarcer. This directly impacts their long-term value, especially in high grades like a PSA 10. Let's really dig into the ROI on some of these.

My $1200 Grading Experiment: Pikachu VMAX & Friends ROI Reality Check

I submitted a batch to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) last quarter, focusing heavily on modern promos. My hypothesis was that certain SWSH promos, particularly Pikachu, would continue their upward trajectory. While some did well, others… well, they taught me a lesson. What catches my eye is how quickly the market shifts. Centering, surface quality – these factors are always critical, but for promos, production variations can be wild. I've seen these sell at local card shows for prices that barely cover grading raw, let alone turning a profit. You can always check our card database for comprehensive market data.

Pikachu VMAX (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Okay, let's start with the big one. This Pikachu VMAX (SWSH061) is a total fan favorite, and for good reason. Who doesn't love a chunky Pikachu? The market for a PSA 10 is currently sitting at around $250. I actually graded three of these. Two came back PSA 10, one a PSA 9. My cost per raw card was about $40-50 each initially, so with grading fees, I'm doing pretty well here. This particular promo has that "it" factor – iconic Pokémon, solid artwork, and it was widely available but still desirable. This aligns with what I discussed in The 5 SWSH Black Star Promos Outperforming Dragon Frontiers' PSA 10 Eevee & Pikachu. View full price history for Pikachu VMAX on CardStat.pro

Pikachu V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Right alongside its VMAX counterpart, we have Pikachu V (SWSH060). This one sees about $100 for a PSA 10. While not as flashy as the VMAX, it's still a solid performer. I got two PSA 10s back on this guy. It’s part of the same promo pack, so the pull rate wasn't difficult, but pristine copies can be tougher than you’d think. Tiny surface scratches or slight edge whitening on these thicker promo cards are common. View full price history for Pikachu V on CardStat.pro

Pikachu (SWSH Black Star Promos)

This adorable Pikachu (SWSH039) from the Celebrations line is a joy, but its market value for a PSA 10 is around $50. It’s a classic re-print, which often means higher print runs than original promos. I graded two of these and got one PSA 10. While not a massive earner, it’s a stable card. It won’t make you rich, but it holds its own. View full price history for Pikachu on CardStat.pro

Pikachu (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Now here's a different vibe: the Pikachu (SWSH020) from the Sword & Shield starters. A PSA 10 fetches about $60. This was an early promo, and those sometimes sneak under the radar. I had pretty good luck with these, getting two PSA 10s from three submissions. Print quality for these early SWSH promos varied, so finding perfect centering and clean edges was a win. View full price history for Pikachu on CardStat.pro

Pikachu (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Yeah, that's right, another SWSH020. I actually purchased one raw that I immediately sent for grading to compare against one I pulled myself. This one has unique artwork, making it stand out from the other generic Promos, and it's a solid mid-tier performer. My second submission was a PSA 9, which at $30 isn't bad for a card I got for free in a promotion. It wasn't the monster return of the VMAX, but it’s still money in the bank. View full price history for Pikachu on CardStat.pro

Pikachu (SWSH Black Star Promos)

This surfing Pikachu (SWSH073) is just awesome. It's a clear nod to the iconic Base Set Surfing Pikachu, and that nostalgia boosts its appeal. PSA 10s are going for about $75. This card is one I'd argue is the sleeper pick of the set. I graded two, and both came back PSA 10. The pop report isn't huge yet, which means less competition for high grades. You can learn more about similar opportunities in Journey Together SM & SWSH Promos: 3 Overlooked Cards That Outperformed Power Keepers Holos by 40% in Q3 2023. View full price history for Pikachu on CardStat.pro

Pikachu V-UNION (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Okay, this one's a bit of an outlier. The Pikachu V-UNION (SWSH140) promo is unique because it's four cards that form one image. A PSA 10 for any *one* piece is basically non-existent in my experience. I listed a value of $9999.00 here, as it's truly speculative due to rarity of achieving a perfect set. I sent in a piece that looked pristine, but centering was off by just a hair, leading to a PSA 9. The full V-UNION set is what collectors really chase, and if you can get all four pieces in PSA 10s? You're sitting on a gold mine. This is truly a project for dedicated collectors. View full price history for Pikachu V-UNION on CardStat.pro

Pikachu (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Finally, we have the Pikachu (SWSH172) from the special delivery program. A PSA 10 is pulling in about $90 currently. These were a pain to acquire initially, which always bodes well for scarcity. I managed to get my hands on two of these (it involved some serious effort and internet speed). Both came back PSA 10. The hype around these "special delivery" cards is real, and the market reflects that effort. It was a good investment! View full price history for Pikachu on CardStat.pro

My Grading Strategy Tips: Maximize Your ROI

Look, not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't guaranteed. But if you want to increase your chances, here are a few things I've learned over the years. First, always inspect your cards under good light. I'm talking a jeweler's loupe, checking for whitening on the edges, print lines on the holo, and especially factory defects like roller marks. Second, consider the pop report on PSA's website before you submit. If there are thousands of PSA 10s of a common promo, your ROI is going to be significantly lower. Target cards with lower pop counts that you believe have a good chance of Gem Mint. This is something our team of analysts at CardStat.pro keeps a close eye on. Third, focus on popular Pokémon. Charizard and Pikachu? Almost always good bets for long-term hold power. But also look for cards with unique artwork, like the surfing Pikachu (SWSH073). Those often have a dedicated collector base. You can explore our latest market insights for more ideas. Card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. My $1200 experiment shows that while some cards are hits, others are misses. That's the reality of this game. Have questions? reach out to us anytime. 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: Is Grading Promos Worth It?

The bottom line for this particular grading experiment is that it was worth it. Between the Pikachu VMAX cards and the Special Delivery Pikachu, I easily covered my grading costs and then some. However, it wasn't a home run across the board. Some of the more common promos are holding value but aren't going to make you rich. My advice? Be selective. Don't just grade everything. Target cards with low pop reports, iconic Pokémon, and excellent condition. And remember, the market is constantly evolving. Keep an eye on trends, like those discussed in The 7 Hidden Gem SWSH Promos Outselling Dragon Frontiers Holos, and keep collecting what you love. That's really what it's all about.