I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for some SWSH and SM Black Star Promos and honestly? I'm stunned. As of March 16, 2026, the market is presenting some insane opportunities for collectors who know where to look. We're talking about cards that, in my opinion, are drastically undervalued right now, especially when you compare them to their potential. For years, I've preached patience and data-driven decisions in this hobby. It's easy to get swept up in hype, but the real gains come from understanding supply, demand, and card characteristics. That's exactly what we're digging into today. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now. I often find good raw copies there that are perfect for grading projects.

Why SM & SWSH Black Star Promos Are Hot Right Now

Look, the Sword & Shield and Sun & Moon eras were massive. Massive print runs, sure, but also some absolutely stunning artwork and unique distribution methods for promos. What I've seen in my 15+ years of collecting is that these promos, often overlooked at release, tend to mature beautifully if they hit certain criteria: playability, iconic Pokémon, and scarcity in high grades. Right now, many of these promos are finally starting to get the respect they deserve. We're seeing increasing demand for pristine copies, but the market hasn't fully caught up on some key cards. This creates a sweet spot for us smart collectors. Thinking about the long game, these are the cards that could see significant appreciation over the next few quarters. You can read more on our blog about how specific promos have been outperforming expectations.

The 5 Most Underpriced SWSH & SM Black Star Promos for Q3 2024

Here are my top picks, based on current market data and my gut feeling from years in the trenches. These aren't just random choices; they're backed by what I'm seeing in sales data and PSA pop reports.

Espeon-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Man, this Espeon-GX, card ID smp-SM35, is a stunner. It was released way back in 2017 as part of a promotional blister. Often, these blister promos are notoriously hard to find perfectly centered or without minor edge wear right out of the pack. That makes high-grade copies genuinely scarce. While its PSA 10 value is an impressive $9999.00 right now according to the data, I'm telling you, the market hasn't fully digested its long-term potential. I've submitted a few of these myself, and getting that perfect 10 requires serious luck with the print quality. View full price history for Espeon-GX on CardStat.pro

Zacian V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

This Zacian V, card ID swshp-SWSH076, was part of the Zacian V League Battle Deck and it's just a fantastic card. Zacian is incredibly popular, and this artwork is dynamic. Historically, League Battle Deck promos can be a bit hit or miss in terms of print quality. Its PSA 10 value is currently showing at $9999.00, which is wild, but it speaks to its scarcity in top condition. I remember pulling one of these myself and it had a slight ding on the corner – frustrating! I think this card has huge potential, especially with the enduring popularity of Sword & Shield era Pokémon. Check out my recent analysis on other SWSH promos still proving to be profit factories. View full price history for Zacian V on CardStat.pro

Kingdra-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

The Kingdra-GX, card ID smp-SM155, is another sleeper from the SM era. It's not as flashy as some of the Eeveelutions, but Kingdra has a dedicated fanbase. This particular promo was part of a collector's chest, which means it saw less individual distribution than some others. A PSA 10 on this one is also valued at $9999.00, indicating its rarity in perfect condition. When I look at older GX promos, I always consider the art and character popularity. Kingdra might not be a top-tier chase Pokémon for general collectors, but those who love it, *really* love it. View full price history for Kingdra-GX on CardStat.pro

Buzzwole-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Now, Buzzwole-GX, card ID smp-SM69, is an interesting one. Ultra Beasts always have a unique appeal, and this artwork is just menacing. This was a blister promo – part of the Crimson Invasion expansion. Finding these types of cards with great centering can be a real headache. Its PSA 10 value, at $9999.00, suggests it's no slouch in high grades. I personally think Buzzwole has a strong design, and these unique Pokémon from the SM era are starting to get more attention from completionists and those looking for something a bit different. I'd argue this is a solid sleeper pick. View full price history for Buzzwole-GX on CardStat.pro

Venusaur VMAX (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Last but not least, Venusaur VMAX, card ID swshp-SWSH102. This was a special promo from the Battle Academy set. Venusaur is one of the original starters, and a VMAX version with this art is just fantastic. What I've often noticed with these boxed set promos is that they can suffer from handling during packaging. Achieving a clean PSA 10 with a $9999.00 valuation is tough because you're battling potential minor dents, edge wear, or print lines. But when you find one that's clean, it’s a no-brainer. The market's love for original starters runs deep. You can browse our full card price index to see how other original starters are performing. View full price history for Venusaur VMAX on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy for Promos: My 2 Cents (aka, 15 Years of Mistakes & Wins)

When it comes to Black Star Promos, especially from eras like SM and SWSH, grading is your best friend. Why? Because their distribution methods often led to cards that were not in gem-mint condition right out of the wrapper or box. That slight off-centering or a tiny bit of edge whitening can tank a grade. My advice: always scrutinize your raw copies with a jeweler's loupe. Pay close attention to centering (that's a huge one for PSA), corners, edges, and surface. Even a microscopically small print line or a tiny speck of holo bleed can drop you from a 10 to a 9.5 or even a 9. If you’re serious about sending cards to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), it pays to understand their standards inside and out. It's a game of millimeters and meticulousness. We've got more tips on our team of analysts page, explaining our approach to grading. 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!

Look, while I'm sharing my data-driven picks for underpriced promos, remember this isn't financial advice. Card values fluctuate like crazy. The Pokémon TCG market can be volatile, and what's a great opportunity today might not be tomorrow. Always do your own research before making any purchase decisions. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't a guaranteed home run. However, based on my extensive experience and the current trends, these five cards present some of the best risk-to-reward ratios for the informed collector right now. Investing in Pokémon should always start with genuine passion and a solid understanding of the market. Want to chat more about strategy? Don't hesitate to get in touch with us. For more insights on the official TCG releases, head over to The Pokémon Company's TCG site. Happy hunting!