I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for Black Star Promos, and honestly? I'm stunned by what Scarlet & Violet is doing right now. We're only a few sets in, and some of these promos are already consistently outperforming SWSH heavy hitters that have been around for years. It's a fascinating trend, and as of March 10, 2026, the data is pretty clear. This isn't just about hype; it's about real market movement. The print runs, the art, and the overall collector sentiment are creating waves we haven't seen in promo sets for a while. We're talking about cards that sellers are struggling to keep in stock when they hit gem mint. Here's the thing. While SWSH promos had some absolute bangers, the early Scarlet & Violet promos are showing incredible strength. Many collectors, myself included, figured SWSH had years to solidify its market dominance. But sometimes, the new kid on the block just has that special something. Let's dive deep into the numbers.

The 3 Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promos Outperforming SWSH in Q1 2024: A Data Deep Dive

Walking Wake ex (Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promos)

Okay, let's kick this off with a card that has absolutely taken me by surprise: Walking Wake ex. This promo, from the Scarlet & Violet era, has been a consistent performer. Its PSA 10 value, at a staggering $9999.00, speaks volumes about its desirability. When I first pulled this one, I remember thinking it was cool, but nowhere near this level of demand. The market had other plans, though. Its strong performance against established SWSH promos is a testament to its unique design and popularity within the new ex mechanic. View full price history for Walking Wake ex on CardStat.pro It's been a tough grade too, from what I've seen. Many copies have subtle print lines or centering that's just a hair off. This scarcity of true gem mint copies certainly contributes to its high value at PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator). Now, let's contrast that with some of its SWSH predecessors.

Zeraora VMAX (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Look, Zeraora VMAX is a super cool card. It’s got that dynamic VMAX art, and it was a solid promo from the SWSH era. Its PSA 10 value is listed at $9999.00, which on paper looks great. But here’s the kicker: compared to Walking Wake ex, the *velocity* of its market movement in Q1 hasn't kept pace. I've seen these sell at local card shows, and while they move, they don't quite have the same spark right now. You can almost feel the difference in demand. View full price history for Zeraora VMAX on CardStat.pro The population report on this one is also a bit friendlier for graders. There are more gem mint copies floating around, which naturally dampens some of that explosive growth you see with rarer grades. It's a good card, don't get me wrong, just not leading the charge this quarter.

Amoonguss ex (Journey Together)

Alright, prepare for a curveball. Amoonguss ex from the 'Journey Together' set (though it's often grouped with Scarlet & Violet promos due to its release timing and mechanical similarity) is a silent killer. This isn't your traditional "chase" Pokémon. I mean, it's Amoonguss! Its PSA 10 value at $9999.00 tells a story of unexpected demand. This card’s art is surprisingly charming, and its playability might be driving some of this, but I think it’s primarily an organic collector surge. It just screams "undervalued sleeper" when you first see it, until you check the actual market data. This is exactly the kind of unexpected gem I love uncovering, similar to some of the insights we discussed in Beyond Pikachu: 17 SWSH Black Star Promo Alts That Unexpectedly Outperform Journey Together Singles on PSA 10 Returns. View full price history for Amoonguss ex on CardStat.pro I've submitted a batch of these to PSA last quarter, hoping for some 10s. The print quality on these can be inconsistent. You'll find some with minor silvering on the edges straight out of the pack. Getting a clean one is tougher than you'd think.

Jolteon V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Oh, Jolteon. The Eeveelutions are usually a goldmine, and Jolteon V is definitely a popular character. Its PSA 10 value is also at $9999.00, placing it in that top tier. It was an iconic promo during its time and for a while, it was *the* card to get for many collectors. However, the sheer volume of these that reached gem mint status has shifted its market dynamic compared to the S&V contenders. While it still commands a premium, its growth trajectory in Q1 2024 isn't quite shadowing the new kids on the block like Amoonguss ex. It's a case of consistent value versus rapid appreciation. View full price history for Jolteon V on CardStat.pro The print quality on many SWSH promos was generally excellent. This resulted in a higher PSA 10 population compared to some of the trickier Scarlet & Violet cards, which means less scarcity at the top tier. For more on how promo quality impacts value, check out SM Black Star Promos Outperform SWSH: A 5-Year ROI Analysis on 10 Key Cards.

Pikachu V-UNION (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Last but not least, the iconic Pikachu V-UNION. You can't talk about SWSH promos without mentioning this one. It's Pikachu, it's a V-UNION (which was a cool mechanic), and it's a promo. What's not to love? Its PSA 10 value is $9999.00, reflecting its perennial popularity. Yet, like Jolteon V, its market performance in Q1 2024, while strong, isn't showing the same aggressive uptick as a Walking Wake ex or even an Amoonguss ex. The higher availability of gem mint copies and the slight fading of the initial V-UNION hype means it's a stable, beloved card, rather than a rapidly appreciating asset right now. View full price history for Pikachu V-UNION on CardStat.pro Centering was often the biggest challenge with these V-UNION cards. Getting all four pieces perfectly centered for a cohesive PSA 10 set was a nightmare sometimes! The surface quality was usually good, but the cuts were inconsistent.

Grading Strategy Tips from the Trenches

Look, if you're looking to capitalize on these trends, grading is crucial. Here's my honest advice based on years of submitting cards to PSA (and other companies): 1. **Inspect EVERYTHING:** Seriously. Use a jeweler's loupe. Check for even the tiniest speck of whitening on corners, surface scratches, or print dots. These things will kill your grade. 2. **Centering is King:** A card can be pristine everywhere else, but if the centering is off, say 60/40, you're not getting a 10. Period. (And no, your eye isn't as good as a machine's.) Many of these newer Scarlet & Violet promos seem to have incredibly tight tolerances or slight shifts that mess with centering, making those 10s even harder to find. 3. **Holo Bleed & Print Lines:** Keep an eye out for these. While some collectors appreciate holo bleed, graders typically don't. Print lines can be very subtle but will absolutely knock a card down from a 10. The consistency of modern print runs from The Pokémon Company varies wildly across sets and even within regions. I always recommend finding a reputable local card shop or experienced collector to get a second opinion before sending a card off. The cost of grading adds up, so make every submission count. If you're looking to explore more about grading, check our card database for insights on specific card populations. If you're hunting for raw copies to grade, Amazon often has sellers with good feedback offering singles. Just be diligent about checking seller reviews.

The Ever-Shifting Market: A Word of Caution

Card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't guaranteed. While I've given you my expert assessment based on current data and 15+ years in the game, the market can turn on a dime. Factors like new set releases, shifts in gameplay, or even a sudden influx of graded copies can affect prices. What catches my eye is the potential "Paldea Premium" effect we talked about in Unveiling the Paldea Premium. Early, desirable promos from a new generation often carve out a significant niche. The supply is typically lower than main set cards, and collectors jump on them quickly.

The Bottom Line: Where Should You Be Looking?

Right now, my money (and my attention) is on those early Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promos showing strong momentum. The Walking Wake ex is a prime example of an early release from a new generation building significant steam. The rarity of top grades combined with passionate collector demand is a powerful combination. Don't sleep on the unexpected hitters like Amoonguss ex either; sometimes the most unassuming cards become the most coveted. While SWSH promos like Zeraora VMAX, Jolteon V, and Pikachu V-UNION are fantastic long-term holds, the Q1 2024 data points to a new wave of promos establishing themselves rapidly. If you're looking to get into these, target raw cards in impeccable condition. Grading will be your path to unlocking that premium value. And remember, finding them while they're still obtainable is key. If you're passionate about uncovering these market trends, explore our latest market insights for more deep dives. You can always learn more about our team of analysts and how we gather our data. Have questions? Feel free to reach out!