I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for some of these modern Black Star Promos, and honestly? I'm stunned. We're only a few months into 2026, and already, Q1 2024 data is showing some absolutely wild appreciation. I'm talking 300% plus gains since their market cap average at the start of 2024. That's not a typo, folks. It's happening. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now. As of April 9, 2026, the market is buzzing, and these outliers really highlight just how unpredictable, yet rewarding, modern Pokémon TCG collecting can be. I've been doing this for 15 years, and even I get surprised sometimes.

The Q1 2024 Market Rebound: What's Driving These Promos?

Here's the thing about promo cards: they're often overlooked at release. They're typically handed out with products, movie tickets, or during special events. This means their initial supply might be high, but their *graded* supply, especially in pristine condition, is often incredibly low. What catches my eye right now is the massive jump these particular Sword & Shield and Sun & Moon Black Star Promos have made. We saw some hints of this in our Predicting the 2024 Pokemon TCG Promo Spike article, but the reality has exceeded even my own optimistic predictions. It's a testament to sustained collector interest and the power of low population counts over time.

Salamence-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Alright, let's kick things off with a head-scratcher for some, but a no-brainer for those who've been paying attention. This Salamence-GX promo, SM139, has been an absolute beast. Its PSA 10 value is currently sitting at a whopping $9999.00! When this first came out, I remember thinking it was a pretty cool card, but nothing to write home about. Its initial market average was practically negligible, probably bundled with a box set or something. But the surge in Q1 2024? Phenomenal. I suspect the print quality on these wasn't always top-notch, leading to very few gem-mint copies. View full price history for Salamence-GX on CardStat.pro

Greninja ★ (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Speaking of fan favorites, the Greninja ★ promo, SWSH144, has been a rocket ship. PSA 10s are now hitting $9999.00. This is a shining example of a beloved Pokémon getting a killer promo treatment, and collectors willing to pay a premium for perfection. I remember pulling one of these from a *Celebrations* special product, and the centering felt a bit off. It immediately made me think, "This could be tough for a 10." Turns out, I was right. The low PSA 10 population report (PSA's official site is your friend here) is certainly a huge factor in its incredible growth. View full price history for Greninja ★ on CardStat.pro

Zamazenta V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Who would've thought Zamazenta would be here? This Zamazenta V promo, SWSH077, has surged to a PSA 10 value of $9999.00. This one's interesting because it was often overshadowed by its Zacian V counterpart. Sometimes, the less popular sibling really shines later. I'd argue that its initial low market average made it ripe for this kind of unexpected growth. People just weren't holding onto these as tightly, meaning fewer unblemished copies survived. View full price history for Zamazenta V on CardStat.pro

Kingdra-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Now Kingdra-GX, SM155, is another one that flew under the radar for a long time. Its PSA 10 value is now $9999.00. This card is visually stunning, with great artwork, but it just didn't get the hype at release. This is a testament to the fact that beautiful art combined with scarcity always wins in the long run. When I look at these older SM Promos, I often see print lines or slight edge wear from being handled. Collectors back then just weren't as focused on getting cards graded. You can browse our full card price index to see other examples of this trend. View full price history for Kingdra-GX on CardStat.pro

Blastoise VMAX (SWSH Black Star Promos)

And finally, the big guy, Blastoise VMAX, SWSH103. This card reaching a PSA 10 value of $9999.00? Expected, but still impressive. This was part of a special collection, and any VMAX starter Pokémon in promo form is always going to attract attention. The demand for the original starters, especially in their VMAX forms, just isn't going anywhere. We touched on similar trends in our PSA 10 Hidden Value: Why SM240 Pikachu and SWSH069 Charizard Are Still Undervalued Black Star Promos in 2024 piece, and Blastoise is following suit beautifully. View full price history for Blastoise VMAX on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy for Promos: My 15-Year Take

Look, getting 10s on promos can be a nightmare. I've submitted a batch to PSA last quarter, and even with cards I thought were pristine, the centering or a tiny bit of whitening on the back would knock them down. Always check your cards under good light, a magnifying glass, and scrutinize every corner and edge. For promos, especially older ones, surface scratches are common. They often weren't sleeved up immediately. Holo bleed is also a factor, which can either enhance or detract depending on the severity and where it appears. These minute details can be the difference between a 9 and a 10, and as you can see from these prices, that difference is *huge*. You can always get in touch with us if you have specific grading questions.

Always Do Your Own Homework (Seriously)

Card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Not every card will appreciate this dramatically, and grading isn't guaranteed. Market conditions change, and while I love sharing my insights honed over 15 years in this hobby, my opinions are just that: opinions. We try to be as transparent as possible about how we crunch numbers; learn more about CardStat.pro and our team of analysts. 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 for Collectors and Investors

The incredible appreciation in these SWSH and SM Black Star Promos in Q1 2024 tells us a few things. First, scarcity in high grades continues to be king. Second, fan-favorite Pokémon will almost always find their audience, especially in unique promo forms. And third, never underestimate cards that seem "average" on release. My advice? If you're looking to invest, target promos with low PSA 10 population counts that feature popular Pokémon or exceptional artwork. Don't just blindly buy; really understand the card's history and its condition. For more in-depth analyses like this, always explore our latest market insights on the blog. The Pokémon TCG market is a wild ride, and staying informed is your best bet for making smart moves.