I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for some SM and SWSH Black Star Promos, and honestly? I'm stunned. It's April 10, 2026, and the market is doing some wild things that a lot of collectors are missing. Some of these promos from 2017-2022 are just sitting there, primed for a serious jump. We're talking about cards that, in my 15 years doing this, feel eerily similar to some of the sleeper hits from earlier eras. Remember those Power Keepers promos? Or even some of the Team Rocket Returns stuff? This feels like that, but in the modern era. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now. What catches my eye is the combination of solid artwork, relative scarcity compared to main set cards, and low population reports for high grades. Promos often fly under the radar, getting treated as pack-ins or bonus items rather than serious collectibles. That's where the smart money makes its move, especially when dealing with cards from The Pokémon Company that often have unique distribution methods. Let's dive into my top 5.

Why Are Black Star Promos So Undervalued Right Now?

Here's the thing: Black Star Promos have always been a bit of a niche play. They don't typically get the initial hype of a main set chase card, so fewer people are ripping them for grading. That means lower PSA 10 populations down the line – a huge factor for long-term growth. Just look at the historical data; promos with unique art or popular Pokémon often spike years later. We've explored this phenomenon before, diving into how promos from eras like Aquapolis have performed. You can really see the parallels if you check out our deep dive into SM Black Star Promos as today's investment sleepers. Their distribution methods, whether through retail boxes, blister packs, or event kits, often mean they suffer more handling damage (creases, surface wear) compared to cards pulled fresh from booster packs. This makes perfect PSA 10s even harder to come by.

The Top 5 Undervalued SM & SWSH Black Star Promo Investment Opportunities

Alright, let's get into the specifics. I've been tracking these cards for years, and these five stand out like a Bulbasaur in a field of fire types. They've got the art, the Pokémon, and the low pop counts that scream "future gains."

Salazzle-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

This card, smp-SM63, is a beauty. The artwork is vibrant, and Salazzle, while maybe not a top-tier mascot Pokémon, has a surprisingly dedicated fanbase. What gets me is its current PSA 10 value at $9999.00. That's a strong indicator even if the market average isn't easily quantifiable yet; it suggests limited supply at that top tier. I remember seeing these as part of the Salazzle-GX box. They didn't feel particularly rare at the time, which means a lot of casual collectors probably stuffed them in binders without a second thought. That's precisely why perfect copies are so tough to find today. View full price history for Salazzle-GX on CardStat.pro

Pikachu V-UNION (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Now this is interesting: the Pikachu V-UNION, card ID swshp-SWSH140. It's a set of four cards that combine to form one massive artwork – super cool! Right now, a PSA 10 of any of these is hitting $9999.00. The market average is tricky to pin down, likely because getting all *four* parts in a PSA 10 is incredibly difficult. This is a big part of why earlier sets have seen massive spikes, especially when cards came as part of a multi-card set. The centering on these V-UNION cards (and getting all four to match!) was often a headache, plus surface imperfections were common. I personally submitted a batch of these for grading once, and getting even a single 9, let alone a 10, was a battle. It's a prime example of a modern card that will be a grail for set collectors down the line. View full price history for Pikachu V-UNION on CardStat.pro

Espeon-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Okay, let's talk about the Espeon-GX (smp-SM35). Eeveelutions are *always* fan favorites, and this card features simply gorgeous artwork. A PSA 10 fetching $9999.00 indicates its solid hold at the top tier. The market average is currently unavailable, which tells us that sales are infrequent and potentially highly sought after when they do occur. I've watched Espeon cards consistently outperform non-Eeveelution counterparts for years. Add to that the promo status, and you have a recipe for long-term growth. These were often found in tins or collection boxes, which means they were factory sealed but not always perfectly centered or free of minor edge wear. View full price history for Espeon-GX on CardStat.pro

Tsareena-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

The Tsareena-GX (smp-SM56) is another underappreciated gem. Tsareena isn't as mainstream as a Charizard, sure, but the art here is fantastic and unique. This card is also seeing PSA 10 values at $9999.00 without a clear market average, suggesting a similar scarcity profile to the Salazzle-GX. I'm telling you, finding gem mint copies of these promo GXs is a real challenge. They often came bundled in retail products where they could shift around, leading to minor corner dings or surface scratches even before they reached a collector's hands. Always inspect these closely! For more insights on promo values, you might want to read our article on identifying undervalued SWSH/SM Black Star Promos backed by 5-year data. View full price history for Tsareena-GX on CardStat.pro

Melmetal-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Finally, we have the Melmetal-GX (smp-SM178). This Pokémon is part of the interesting Meltan/Melmetal evolution line, which has ties to Pokémon GO. A PSA 10 is currently valued at $9999.00. While not every collector's cup of tea, its unique design and connection to a popular mobile game give it a special appeal. Like many SM promos, these were often released in blister packs or collection boxes, which can be brutal for card condition. I've often seen off-centering or slight print lines on these directly out of sealed product. It really makes you appreciate a clean PSA 10 when you find one. To see more trends like this, check out our analysis on VSTAR vs. GX card value retention. View full price history for Melmetal-GX on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy for Promos: My 15-Year Take

Look, when it comes to grading Black Star Promos, you've got to be meticulous. Unlike main set cards, promos often have different stock or finishes that make them more susceptible to certain flaws. Always check for whitening on the back edges — it's incredibly common. Light scratches on the holo surface are also a huge culprit for lower grades. Centering is paramount, especially for SWSH promos like the V-UNION, where consistency across multiple cards is needed for that perfect display. Surface quality on these full-art style GXs is also critical; even a tiny print dot can knock it down to a PSA 9. I always use a bright light and a magnifying loupe, checking every millimeter. It's a pain, but it increases your chances dramatically. Don't be afraid to send a potential 10 to PSA – you never know until you try!

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: Do Your Homework

Investing in Pokémon cards, especially promos, carries risks. Card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't guaranteed; even a seemingly perfect card can come back a 9 or lower. Market trends can shift, and new releases can take attention away from older sets. That's why having resources like our card database is so important. But the potential rewards for smart picks are definitely there. As of April 10, 2026, these five cards represent, in my opinion, some of the most overlooked opportunities from the SM and SWSH era. They've got the low population potential, the fan appeal (or unique status), and the art that collectors will eventually chase. Want to explore more market insights? You can read more on our blog. The key is to buy smartly, consider grading if you find a clean raw copy, and hold for the long term. Patience is often the biggest money-maker in this hobby. Want to learn more about our team of analysts or have questions? Feel free to reach out!