I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices, especially for some forgotten promos, and honestly? I'm stunned. We're sitting here on April 18, 2026, and the market is doing some wild things that most people are totally missing. Remember when everyone was chasing the big hitters? Charizards, obviously. But there are genuine hidden gems out there that are steadily climbing, and you're going to kick yourself if you don't pay attention. Today, we're diving deep into one of my absolute favorites: the XY174 Pikachu Black Star Promo. This card is a sleeper, and I firmly believe it's still punching below its weight. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now.

Why the XY174 Pikachu Promo is Exploding (Quietly)

This isn't about hype; it's about scarcity, playability, and that undeniable Pikachu factor. The XY174 Pikachu promo was released as part of the McDonald's collection in 2016, and initially, it didn't get much fanfare. Everyone was focused on the bigger, flashier XY promos, or even looking ahead to the early SM era cards like Pheromosa-GX (SM Black Star Promos), which, let's be real, had a lot more buzz at the time. But supply and demand always win out, especially with these smaller, often overlooked promo sets. I've been tracking this card for years, ever since I first saw them handed out in those little McDonald's pouches. What catches my eye now is how consistently it's moving up, even as other cards from the same era, like Charizard-GX (SM Black Star Promos), have seen wilder, more volatile swings.

The Undervalued Gem: XY174 Pikachu Promo

Let's talk about the card itself. The XY174 Pikachu, with its playful artwork and low attack cost, saw some brief competitive use, which always helps a card's longevity in the collector market. But more importantly, it's a Pikachu. And a promo. That combination is usually a recipe for long-term growth. The print run for these McDonald's promos wasn't as massive as, say, a core set common. And because they were given to kids, finding them in pristine condition — even pack fresh — is a challenge. Many have soft corners, minor edgewear, or surface scratches from being handled. This directly impacts PSA's strict grading standards, making clean PSA 10s genuinely tougher to acquire.

Pheromosa-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Pheromosa-GX was a popular card competitively for a while, and that did boost its value. However, it's a completely different situation than a beloved Pokémon like Pikachu. Currently, a PSA 10 of this card goes for an estimated $9999.00, which is a testament to its former competitive relevance and GX rarity. Its market average is N/A, which makes true raw evaluation tricky. View full price history for Pheromosa-GX on CardStat.pro

Charizard-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Ah, Charizard. Always the king, even in promo forms. This Charizard-GX promo was a huge chase card to pull, and it still commands respect. A PSA 10 is valued at an astonishing $9999.00. No surprise there. Its market average is N/A, which also speaks to its high-end, graded-only transactions for the most part. Finding a clean one raw? Good luck. This card is an absolute beast, and you can read more about how similar Charizard promos have impacted the market here. View full price history for Charizard-GX on CardStat.pro

Lucario-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Lucario has a significant fan base, and the Lucario-GX (SM Black Star Promos) definitely appeals to collectors who appreciate both the character and the competitive value a GX brings. Its PSA 10 value is an estimated $9999.00, cementing its status as a highly sought-after graded card. No public market average available, which again, hints at those high-end transactions. I've often seen these selling at local card shows for a good premium in any grade. View full price history for Lucario-GX on CardStat.pro

Ho-Oh-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

The legendary Ho-Oh in GX form? Yes, please. The Ho-Oh-GX (SM Black Star Promos) is another beautiful card that consistently fetches strong prices. A PSA 10 is currently valued at $9999.00. Similar to the others, a general market average isn't available, but I can tell you from personal experience these graded Ho-Ohs move quickly. You can explore our latest market insights on early XY-era promos and SM Black Star Promos here. View full price history for Ho-Oh-GX on CardStat.pro

Maractus (Journey Together)

Now, this is where it gets interesting. Maractus (Journey Together) is a delightful illustration, but let's be real, it's not a Pika or a Zard. Yet, a PSA 10 is valued at $9999.00. This is a perfect example of what a popular set and unique collection can do, creating demand even for less popular Pokémon. This really showcases the "Journey Together" effect, which we discussed further in our post Decoding Journey Together: The 7 Pokémon SWSH/SM Black Star Promos Outperforming Their Graded Pop Reports by 15%. View full price history for Maractus on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy for Promo Cards

Grading promos can be a minefield. With cards like the XY174 Pikachu, you're constantly fighting against production flaws. I've submitted a batch to PSA last quarter, and even cards that looked *perfect* often came back as 9s due to minor surface imperfections or slight off-centering. Centering is key: Especially for older promos, it's rarely perfect. Even a 60/40 front centering can drop you from a 10 to a 9. Back centering is also crucial, but not as heavily weighted. Surface quality: These McDonald's promos, being foil, are prone to micro-scratches that are only visible under harsh light. Holo bleed is also a factor, sometimes enhancing visual appeal but not always grading positively. Edges and corners: Because they weren't always sleeved immediately, minor whitening on the edges or soft corners are common. Inspect every single corner with a loupe if you're serious. The bottom line? Be realistic with your expectations. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't guaranteed. But when you hit that PSA 10 on a card like the XY174 Pikachu, it's a huge win.

Why XY174 Pikachu's Price Surge Isn't Overlooked Anymore

Look, as of April 18, 2026, the data points to a slow, steady climb for XY174 Pikachu. It's not a rocket ship like some of the more infamous investor cards, but it's consistent. The card's pop report for PSA 10s is relatively low compared to more modern promos that were squirreled away in pristine condition from day one. This scarcity, combined with evergreen appeal, is its superpower. Personally, I think this card is still undervalued. It checks all the boxes: popular Pokémon, desirable artwork, promo status, and genuinely limited supply in high grades. It's a no-brainer for long-term hold. Card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Consult The Pokémon Company's official resources and our own card database for comprehensive price history. If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available. So, what's my actionable advice? If you can find a clean raw XY174 Pikachu promo, snag it. If you're comfortable with the risks of grading, send it in. This isn't a get-rich-quick card, but it's a solid, foundational piece for any serious collection or investment portfolio. Keep your eyes peeled and your loupe ready! Want to explore more market insights? Feel free to read more on our blog. If you have questions about specific cards or grading, my team and I are always happy to help; just get in touch with us. You can also learn more about CardStat.pro and our team of analysts here.