I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices on some of the former darlings of the SWSH and SM Black Star promo sets, and honestly? As of April 24, 2026, I'm stunned – but not in a good way. The fallout from the "Journey Together" era has really recalibrated the market, and some of these cards have absolutely cratered. We're talking about promos that, not too long ago, collectors were scrambling for. Now, they're poster children for oversupply and speculative bubbles bursting. It’s a harsh lesson for anyone who bought into the hype without understanding market dynamics. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now.

What's Driving the Downturn? Lessons from "Journey Together" & Beyond

The market's been wild, right? We've seen an incredible surge in interest in the past few years, but with that came overprinting and a saturation of certain promotional products. The "Journey Together" release (from which cards like Reshiram ex and Hop's Zacian ex emerged) really changed the perception of what constitutes scarcity in modern promos. Everyone thought these would be instant classics, but the supply was just too high. Look, even my own submission to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) last quarter showed a significant jump in population reports for many of these newer promos. The chase for flawless 10s is getting tougher because there are just *so many* copies out there. This isn't just about "Journey Together," though. This broader trend impacts older promos too, as collectors shift their focus or simply run out of capital. It’s why we saw so many SWSH and SM promos start to slide. I wrote a piece on The 5 SWSH & SM Black Star Promos That Cratered 60%+ in Value, and these examples fit right into that narrative. Let's break down some of the SWSH and SM Black Star Promos that have really felt the pinch.

Eevee V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Oh, Eevee. This card, swshp-SWSH065, was an absolute darling for a hot minute. I remember when PSA 10s were flying off the shelves for a decent premium. The market average was respectable, and it was a no-brainer for many to grade. The appeal of Eevee is undeniable across the franchise, from the games to the Pokémon TCG itself. But guess what? That "solid" PSA 10 value of $9999.00 today isn't even close to what it used to be. The hype around promos like this started to deflate dramatically, exacerbated by the sheer volume of "Journey Together" promos hitting the market. For this Eevee V, its current market average is just *N/A*, which should tell you all you need to know about its current liquidity. It's a tough pill to swallow if you bought in at peak. View full price history for Eevee V on CardStat.pro

Raikou-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

This Raikou-GX, smp-SM121, from the SM era was another card that had its moment in the sun. It’s got that classic legendary appeal, good artwork, and early on, the supply seemed managed. I've seen these sell at local card shows for surprising amounts when the supply was tighter. Everyone wanted the full art GXs. But much like the Eevee V, the current PSA 10 value of $9999.00 tells a story of significant devaluation. The market average is *N/A* — meaning it's barely trading at all. It just couldn't sustain its value as new promos flooded the market. Investors and collectors simply moved on, seeking the next big thing, and often finding it in cards that also eventually crashed. It's a cyclical thing. View full price history for Raikou-GX on CardStat.pro

Tapu Koko-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Ah, Tapu Koko-GX, smp-SM50. This one always felt a bit more niche than some others, but it still commanded attention because it was a GX promo. Early SM era promos often had better print quality and less over-saturation than later ones, so on paper, this should have held up. When I'd open older promo boxes, the centering on cards like this often felt better than the current stuff. But even with a slightly better starting point, the current PSA 10 value is $9999.00 and the market average is *N/A*. It’s a testament to how aggressively the market has corrected. This isn’t just about supply, it's also about shifting collector tastes and the overall macro-economic environment. People are being more discerning with their dollars, and these older, less sought-after promos are the first to get cut. View full price history for Tapu Koko-GX on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy: What I've Learned

Honestly, my personal grading strategy has shifted quite a bit because of these market fluctuations. I used to be much more aggressive with modern promos, thinking the low entry cost and potentially high grade would always net a profit. That's clearly not the case anymore. Now, I'm focusing on truly pristine raw cards. I examine everything: centering, surface quality (looking for those tiny print lines or holo scratches that PSA will ding you for), and edge whitening. I use a jeweler's loupe, no joke. If I'm submitting to PSA, I want to be 99% confident it's a 10. The cost of grading isn't getting cheaper, so every submission needs to count. For expensive submissions, check out our 5-Year Data Deep Dive on 17 Key Cards to help inform your decisions. I’ve seen enough 9s come back on cards that *looked* perfect to teach me humility. I also focus heavily on population reports. A card with a massive PSA 10 pop is going to struggle, period. Scarcity, even for perfect grades, matters more than ever. Always check PSA's website before you submit, it's invaluable data.

A Word of Caution: Not Every Investment Pays Off

Let's be real for a second. Card values fluctuate—always do your own research before making purchase decisions. This isn't a guaranteed stock market, and certainly not every card will appreciate. Grading isn't guaranteed either; you might send in a card hoping for a 10 and get an 8. It happens. The "Journey Together" fallout is a stark reminder of the risks involved in collecting and investing in modern promos. High print runs, coupled with an enthusiastic but eventually saturated grading market, can absolutely crush values. It's why I always recommend diversifying your collection across different eras and focusing on truly iconic, scarce cards. You can browse our full card price index to see some of the more resilient cards out there. 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: Be Smart, Be Selective

What's the takeaway from all this? Be extremely selective with modern promos. Don't fall for the hype. Research print runs if you can, understand distribution methods, and always, *always* consider the long-term appeal versus short-term speculation. The cards that hold value tend to be genuinely scarce, or have iconic artwork from extremely popular Pokémon without excessive population reports. For more insights on this, you should definitely read more on our blog – we're constantly analyzing these trends. Before you invest serious money, take a look at the historical data. Analyze trends, understand why certain cards perform well (or don't). If you have questions or want to discuss specific card picks, feel free to get in touch with us. Our team of analysts is always ready to share insights.