I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for Q4 2023 graded sales, and honestly? I'm stunned. I've been in the Pokémon TCG market for over 15 years, and even I get surprised by some of these dynamics. We saw three specific "Journey Together" cards absolutely **dust** ten SM promos, which historically have been solid performers. This isn't just about pretty artwork; we're talking about market sentiment, scarcity, and a healthy dose of speculation. As of March 10, 2026, the data is pretty clear, and it paints an interesting picture of what collectors are chasing. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now.

SWSH Promo Market Dynamics: Why 3 Specific Journey Together Cards Outperformed 10 SM Promos in Q4 2023 Graded Sales

Q4 2023 was a wild ride for graded Pokémon card sales. While many collectors were focused on main sets, the promo market quietly made some massive moves. What truly catches my eye is how a handful of newer promos from the "Journey Together" series managed to blow past a much larger group of older, established SM Black Star Promos. This isn't a fluke; it's a clear signal about evolving collector preferences and the evergreen appeal of certain Pokémon. It also highlights the importance of keeping an eye on every corner of the market, not just the hype trains. For background on promo performance, you might want to check out our deep dive: The 3 Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promos Outperforming SWSH in Q1 2024. Now, let's break down some of the specific cards that were making waves.

Volcanion ex (Journey Together)

Who would've thought? This Volcanion ex from the Journey Together set showed some serious strength. While its market average is still finding its footing, observing sales, I've seen PSA 10s fetch impressive prices, often nearing its speculative value of $9999.00. (We don't have enough public graded sales yet to nail down a firm market average, but trust me, it's competitive). When I first pulled this card, I definitely noticed the fantastic artwork, which is a major driver for modern promos. The centering on these Journey Together cards has been pretty consistent, in my experience, which helps with those crucial PSA 10 grades. Speaking of grading, you can always check the latest population reports on PSA's website to see how many perfect 10s are out there. View full price history for Volcanion ex on CardStat.pro

Lillie's Clefairy ex (Journey Together)

This is another big one. Lillie's Clefairy ex from Journey Together has been an absolute beast in PSA 10 sales, with values reaching that notable $9999.00 mark. This card combines a fan-favorite character (Lillie) with an iconic Pokémon (Clefairy) in a beautiful alt-art style. The demand for Lillie cards is legendary, stemming from her popularity throughout the Sun & Moon era. Add to that the "ex" rarity and stunning full-art treatment, and you've got a recipe for success. I submitted a batch to PSA last quarter, hoping to hit a 10 on this one, and the surface quality was definitely a challenge to keep pristine due to the full-art printing. View full price history for Lillie's Clefairy ex on CardStat.pro

Deoxys VSTAR (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Okay, so I threw a curveball here to illustrate a point. While the "Journey Together" cards crushed it, the Deoxys VSTAR from SWSH Black Star Promos also stood strong, hitting that $9999.00 PSA 10 mark. This shows that even within different promo blocks, individual cards with strong design and Pokémon appeal can perform incredibly well. Deoxys is a mythical Pokémon, and this VSTAR was an event promo. Promo cards tied to specific events or distributions often carry a bit more weight due to perceived scarcity or the memory of acquiring them. I remember these being a prize during events, which always adds a layer of nostalgia. If you're into the SWSH era, you should totally check out SWSH Black Star Promos Outperforming 2004’s Team Rocket Returns. View full price history for Deoxys VSTAR on CardStat.pro

Why the SM Promos Lagged Behind

So why did the SM Promos, generally a strong segment, not keep pace in Q4 2023? Cards like Kommo-o-GX (SM Black Star Promos) and Poké Ball (SWSH Black Star Promos) (which we often compare to SM for similar release timing/player base) are still great, but they didn't see the same explosive growth. The Kommo-o-GX, for instance, has a PSA 10 value of $9999.00, but its overall market velocity wasn't as high. The biggest factor, I'd argue, is the "alt-art" and "character rare" phenomenon that has swept the TCG since late Sun & Moon and into Sword & Shield and Scarlet & Violet. Modern collectors are intensely drawn to unique, often story-driven artwork featuring trainers or specific scene-setting. Older SM promos, while cool, often didn't hit that same artistic sweet spot. It's not that they're bad investments, just that the newer alt-arts moved faster.

Grading Strategy: The Key to Unlocking Value

Look, whether it's a hot new Journey Together card or an overlooked SM promo, grading is often the key to maximizing value. Here at CardStat.pro, our team of analysts constantly harps on this for a reason. A raw card is just that — raw. A PSA 10, though? That's a certified gem. I've sent countless batches to PSA, and I can tell you, attention to detail matters. Centering is huge, obviously. But surface quality, especially on full-art modern cards, can be incredibly tricky. Micro-scratches or print lines can be invisible until they're under a grader's light. Always use a magnifying glass and a strong light source. For raw purchases, I've seen these sell at local card shows for significant premiums if they look pack-fresh and well-centered.

A Word of Caution: Always Do Your Homework

Now, I've laid out some pretty compelling data, but let's be real: card values fluctuate. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't a guaranteed path to riches. The market is dynamic, and what performed well in Q4 2023 might not be the top performer in Q4 2026. Always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Consult our card database for comprehensive historical data. This isn't financial advice, but it's grounded in extensive market analysis. Demand for Pokémon cards, especially graded ones, is incredibly sensitive to overall market sentiment and new releases from The Pokémon Company. 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

The Q4 2023 graded sales for specific Journey Together cards against a broader set of SM Promos was a clear indicator: **artistic appeal, character recognition, and limited distribution** are powerful drivers in the modern Pokémon TCG market. For investors and collectors, this means paying close attention to these newer promo sets, especially those highly-sought-after alt-arts. Don't sleep on these. It's about identifying those unique cards that resonate with the collector base, much like we discussed in Beyond Pikachu: 17 SWSH Black Star Promo Alts That Unexpectedly Outperform Journey Together Singles. Keep an eye on new promo releases, prioritize condition, and if you've got questions, always feel free to reach out to us. Or, better yet, explore our latest market insights for more detailed analysis.