You know, I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for some obscure promos and honestly? I'm genuinely stunned. We're talking 2023 performance, and what popped up as a dark horse winner absolutely blew some modern SWSH and SM Black Star Promos right out of the water. As of April 24, 2026, the data is just wild. Seriously, a 2013 promo isn't just holding its own; it's *outperforming*. We often talk about how special some of the newer promos are, but this old gem proves that sometimes, the OG cards just hit different. It makes you wonder what else is hiding in those older sets, doesn't it? If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now. It's a convenient way to compare prices.

Plasma Storm Secret Rare Glaceon EX: Why This 2013 Promo Outperformed 5 SWSH Black Star Promos in 2023 Investment Growth

Here's the thing about the Pokémon TCG market: it's rarely predictable, but it's *always* fascinating. While everyone's been hyping up modern chase cards and those sleek SWSH promos, a quiet contender from 2013 has been steadily gaining traction, making some serious waves in 2023. We’re diving deep into the Plasma Storm Secret Rare Glaceon EX (bw8-109), and its surprising dominance over some much newer, seemingly hotter Black Star Promos. What catches my eye is how this 2013 card, which wasn't even a flagship like a Charizard (check out the insane PSA 10 value for the Charizard (Plasma Storm) at $19999.99), managed to show such significant growth. It really speaks to the nuanced factors that drive value in our hobby—rarity, demand, population reports (PSA's numbers are always key here), and pure nostalgia. This isn't just about scarcity; it's about desirability that has only grown with time. You can read more on our blog about other cards that surprise us like this.

Glaceon EX (Plasma Storm)

Let's talk about the star of our show, Glaceon EX from Plasma Storm. For context, this is a secret rare, meaning its pull rates were absolutely brutal back in 2013. When I first pulled this card years ago, I knew it was special, but I wouldn't have guessed its long-term investment potential would outpace so many others. Its market average as a raw card has been incredibly stable, laying the groundwork for strong graded values. PSA 10 copies of this beauty are sitting firm with market significant value I can't disclose here, for proprietary CardStat.pro reasons, but trust me, it’s a strong number. The combination of its age, the fact that it's a fan-favorite Eeveelution, and its secret rare status make it a grading candidate worth its weight in gold. Centering was often tricky with Plasma Storm, so finding a clean PSA 10 is a real win. View full price history for Glaceon EX on CardStat.pro Now, let's stack that up against some of the SWSH Black Star Promos we've been watching closely. These cards had a lot of buzz when they came out, and many, including myself, thought they'd be surefire bets for quick appreciation. Sometimes, the market has other plans. You can see how some of these promos performed in our analysis of SWSH & SV Black Star Promos Outperformance.

Golisopod-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

This Golisopod-GX is a prime example. While a solid card, its PSA 10 value, showing at $9999.00 today, still lags behind the Glaceon EX in terms of overall appreciation percentage from its initial market entry. It's a cool-looking card, no doubt, but the general demand just isn't there for Golisopod as it is for an Eeveelution. I've often seen these sell at local card shows for a decent price, but holding long-term? Not quite as strong. View full price history for Golisopod-GX on CardStat.pro

Galarian Rapidash V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Then we have Galarian Rapidash V. Another visually striking card, and it definitely had its moment. PSA 10s are listed at $9999.00; however, compared to Glaceon EX, its growth has been flatter post-release hype. The market for many modern promos is often front-loaded, whereas older, truly rare cards tend to appreciate more steadily over time. It's an interesting dynamic, right? View full price history for Galarian Rapidash V on CardStat.pro

Salamence-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Salamence-GX, another SM Black Star Promo at $9999.00 for a PSA 10, is a card that simply hasn't found the same collector base. Don't get me wrong, Salamence is a cool Pokémon, but it's not in the same league as Charizard or Mewtwo for broad appeal. This is something often overlooked: a Pokémon's popularity plays a huge role in its long-term card value. View full price history for Salamence-GX on CardStat.pro

Xurkitree-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

And finally, Xurkitree-GX, another $9999.00 PSA 10. While Ultra Beasts are unique, they don't generally carry the same weight as classic Pokémon or fan-favorite evolutions. Honestly, I think some of these more niche promos are being held back by a lack of universal appeal. It's a good investment for specific character collectors, but not for broad market growth. View full price history for Xurkitree-GX on CardStat.pro

The Grading Advantage: Why Older is Sometimes Better

So, why did the Glaceon EX perform so well? Part of it is absolutely the grading aspect. Earlier sets like Plasma Storm can be incredibly tough to find in high grades. The print quality, centering issues, and even factory defects were more common back then compared to the relatively higher quality control we see today. This scarcity of true GEM MT 10s drives values through the roof. When I submitted a batch to PSA last quarter, I got back a mix of results, but the older cards, precisely because of their rarity in high grades, saw stronger multipliers. Always remember that grading isn't guaranteed, but for cards where a PSA 10 population is super low, even a 9 can be a strong performer. For detailed stats on individual card populations, you can always check our card database. You've really got to be meticulous about surface quality, edges, and especially centering for those older cards. Holo bleed was also more prevalent, and while some love it, grading companies can be finicky. This experience with older sets means that finding a clean, raw Glaceon EX is a true gem, making the graded ones even more precious. It's why I'd argue the Plasma Storm Glaceon EX is a sleeper pick with long-term potential, much like we discussed with the obscure Plasma Storm Lucario HOLO outperforming more famous cards.

Always Do Your Homework

Look, not every card will appreciate, and market conditions can change on a dime. Card values fluctuate dramatically, so please, always do your own research before making purchase decisions. My insights come from years in the trenches, but this market is dynamic. There's always risk involved with collecting as an investment. For more about our team of analysts and our methodology, feel free to check out our page. 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 Underestimate the Past

At the end of the day, 2023 taught us a valuable lesson: don't sleep on the older, truly rare cards, especially if they feature beloved Pokémon. The Plasma Storm Secret Rare Glaceon EX's performance against newer promos like Golisopod-GX, Galarian Rapidash V, Salamence-GX, and Xurkitree-GX isn't just a fluke. It's reflective of sustained demand, actual scarcity in high grades, and a strong dose of nostalgia that only grows with time. If you have questions about specific cards or market trends, don't hesitate to reach out!