I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for some of these SM and SWSH Black Star Promos and honestly? I'm stunned. As of April 17, 2026, the market for certain promo cards is absolutely cooking, showing some serious appreciation that even seasoned collectors might miss. For years, promos were often overlooked, seen as less desirable than their main set counterparts. But that narrative has definitely shifted, especially for those highly sought-after full arts and special illustrations. We're talking about cards that collectors initially bundled with games or magazine subscriptions now commanding significant premiums. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now. It's a great spot to find singles or even sealed product if you’re feeling lucky.

The Top 7 Pokémon EX Black Star Promos from SM & SWSH: A Data-Driven Investment Guide for 2024

Right now, the Pokémon TCG market is dynamic, to say the least. While vintage continues its steady climb, modern promos, particularly from the SM and SWSH eras, are seeing explosive growth. I've been tracking these cards for years, and what I'm witnessing isn't just hype; it's a genuine re-evaluation of their rarity and desirability. Many of these promos had relatively limited distribution compared to main set cards, creating a true scarcity, especially in high grades. This is where my 15 years in the game really pays off – knowing which cards had low pull rates, which ones were prone to print defects, and ultimately, which ones will become tomorrow's chase cards. Let's dive into some of the biggest movers.

Melmetal ex (Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promos)

Okay, so this one throws a bit of a curveball, being a Scarlet & Violet promo in an SM/SWSH list, but its performance is too significant to ignore. The raw market average is still N/A, which is typical for very recent promos as they flood the market. However, a PSA 10 already commands an eye-watering $9999.00. This tells me one thing: collectors are immediately recognizing its potential. It's a beautiful full-art card, and the scarcity of perfectly centered, clean copies is already evident. I've submitted a few Melmetal ex's myself, and getting that perfect 10 can be a real challenge with surface issues common on modern cards. View full price history for Melmetal ex on CardStat.pro

Charizard & Braixen-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Now we're talking classics. This Charizard & Braixen-GX is a gorgeous full-art tag team promo, and the raw market average is still N/A, but PSA 10s are listed at $9999.00. That's serious money for a promo card, isn't it? When this dropped as part of the Tag Team Powers Collection, everyone wanted it, but few probably thought it would reach these heights. It's a combination of Charizard appeal, a fantastic illustration, and the enduring popularity of Tag Team cards. Check out our article on overlooked promos for more insights into cards like this. View full price history for Charizard & Braixen-GX on CardStat.pro

Pheromosa-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

This Pheromosa-GX from the SM Black Star Promos might surprise some, but a PSA 10 is listed at $9999.00. While its raw market average is currently N/A, this card had a much smaller distribution than many might realize, bundled in collections like the Sun & Moon Collector's Album. Honestly, when I first saw this card, I didn't think much of it. But the pop report on PSA for perfect 10s is surprisingly low. This is exactly why we track every promo – sometimes the less "hyped" cards become the quiet powerhouses. It's truly a testament to how limited supply can fuel value. View full price history for Pheromosa-GX on CardStat.pro

Reshiram & Charizard-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

This Reshiram & Charizard-GX is another absolute stunner, a flagship Tag Team promo. Like its sibling partners, a PSA 10 is currently at $9999.00, and the raw market average is still N/A. This promo was part of the Reshiram & Charizard-GX Collection, and everyone and their mother wanted that shiny Charizard. The art is phenomenal, and it features Charizard, which is always a recipe for collector demand. Centering on these full-art promos can be incredibly finicky, and surface scratches are easily picked up. Earning a PSA 10 on this bad boy means you've snagged a truly pristine copy. It's no wonder prices are this high. You can read more about Tag Team promo ROI on our blog. View full price history for Reshiram & Charizard-GX on CardStat.pro

Gengar (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Who doesn't love Gengar? This SWSH Black Star Promo of Gengar is relatively newer than the SM promos, but its PSA 10 value is already at $9999.00 with the raw market average still N/A. This was one of the promos from the Sword & Shield Fusion Strike Build & Battle Box, alongside other sought-after cards. What makes this special is the fantastic artwork and Gengar's massive popularity. I've often seen these sell at local card shows for escalating prices, particularly clean raw copies. Getting a gem mint on a card that comes from a pre-release kit is always a challenge, given how often they're handled. This one, in particular, suffered from some common print lines. View full price history for Gengar on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy: Maximizing Your Investment

Look, getting these cards graded properly is paramount to seeing these kinds of returns. My experience over the past 15 years has taught me that meticulous pre-grading inspection is crucial. Don't just bag and ship. Always check for centering (use a grading tool if you have one), surface scratches under strong light, corner wear, and edge whitening. Even a tiny speck can knock a card down from a 10 to a 9.5 or even a 9. If you're serious about investing, invest in good lighting and a magnifying loupe. For submission, I always recommend PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) for consistent grading and market recognition. What truly differentiates a PSA 10 from a 9.5 often comes down to the subgrades – things like perfect corners, an absolutely pristine surface, and razor-sharp edges. (This is where those print defects I mentioned earlier can really hurt your chances.) Knowing your card and its common production issues helps you set realistic expectations.

The Bottom Line: Do Your Homework!

Card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't guaranteed; it's an art, and even the best graders can have subjective calls. While the data shows incredible growth for these specific promos, the market can turn on a dime. However, the trend for these high-demand, low-population promotional cards from 2018-2022 remains strong. They hit that sweet spot of relative modern scarcity combined with beloved Pokémon and stunning artwork. If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available. For current market data on thousands of cards, browse our full card price index. You can also explore our latest market insights for more deep dives into the Pokémon TCG economy. To learn more about CardStat.pro and our team of analysts, feel free to visit our about page. Have questions or want to share your own promo success stories? Don't hesitate to reach out to us!