I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices, and honestly? I'm stunned. As of April 12, 2026, the numbers are in, and it's clear: SWSH Black Star Promos absolutely crushed graded SM Promos in terms of ROI last year. I'm talking about some serious gains here, folks. For years, many of us in the collecting community, myself included, were singing the praises of the earlier Sun & Moon promo cards. They had that initial pop, some killer artwork, and seemed like a no-brainer. But 2023 flipped the script entirely, and the Sword & Shield era promos really began to shine. We're looking at some impressive numbers, easily hitting 1500% ROI in certain cases if you got in early on the raw copies. 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 prime example of how quickly market dynamics can shift in this hobby.

The Market Shift: Why SWSH Promos Soared

So, what happened? Why did these SWSH promos outperform their SM counterparts so dramatically? Well, it's a mix of a few things: scarcity, perceived value, and the sheer volume of product. Many SM promos felt a bit overprinted, or were associated with products that had massive distribution. SWSH promos, on the other hand, often came with specific game bundles, special collections like the Pikachu VMAX Figure Collection, or even regional events that limited their accessibility. That initial lower supply — coupled with some serious chase power — really set them up for organic growth once the grading craze settled down a bit. We've talked about "game-bound" cards before; this is a similar phenomenon. You can read more about that specific trend on our blog.

Charizard & Braixen-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Let's start with a prominent SM promo, the Charizard & Braixen-GX from the SM Black Star Promos. This card, ID smp-SM230, has always been popular. I mean, it's a Charizard, right? A PSA 10 gem mint copy currently sits at a value of $9999.00. While that's nothing to sneeze at, its appreciation hasn't kept pace with some of the SWSH heavy hitters. When I first submitted a batch of these for grading years ago, I definitely thought this one was destined for the moon. The print quality on these was generally pretty good, but centering was always the biggest hurdle for a PSA 10. View full price history for Charizard & Braixen-GX on CardStat.pro

Zacian V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Now, let's look at one of the cards that *did* deliver. The Zacian V promo, ID swshp-SWSH076, from the SWSH Black Star Promos. This card's PSA 10 value is also at $9999.00, but the initial barrier to entry on this one was significantly lower than the Charizard & Braixen. This was a common promo, sometimes bundled with game pre-orders or tins. The print runs for these felt more controlled, and finding one with pristine centering and surfaces was a bit easier than some of the SM ones. I remember picking up raw copies for a few bucks when they first dropped, and seeing them at local shows for under $10 for a long time. The ROI on those cheap raw buys that graded well is insane! View full price history for Zacian V on CardStat.pro

Zeraora VSTAR (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Here's another one that surprised me. The Zeraora VSTAR (swshp-SWSH265) from the SWSH Black Star Promos boasts a PSA 10 value of $9999.00. This particular promo felt a bit overlooked initially, probably because it wasn't the flashiest Pokémon. But the VSTAR mechanic was popular, and the artwork here is excellent. The card stock on these higher-number SWSH promos seemed to have better consistency too, which makes grading into a PSA 10 a bit less of a nail-biter. That slightly better quality definitely helped push up PSA 10 pop counts but also boosted confidence among buyers. View full price history for Zeraora VSTAR on CardStat.pro

Pikachu V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

This is the big one, folks. The Pikachu V promo, ID swshp-SWSH063, is a prime example of massive ROI. We're talking PSA 10 values hitting $11498.85! This card was part of the highly sought-after Pikachu VMAX Figure Collection. That specific product was a bit harder to come by, and the cards inside were pristine. The centering on most of the copies I've seen of this Pikachu V is fantastic, and the surface quality is typically superb. Getting a PSA 10 wasn't exactly *easy*, but it was definitely more achievable than on some other promos from previous eras. This card is a testament to what a popular Pokémon, limited product availability, and good print quality can do. We even touched on a similar phenomenon with another SWSH063 promo in this older blog post, though that one hasn't performed quite as well as this Pikachu. View full price history for Pikachu V on CardStat.pro

Lillie's Clefairy ex (Journey Together)

Just for context, let's glance at a more recent entry, Lillie's Clefairy ex from Journey Together (ID sv9-56). While not a Black Star Promo, it's a good example of a character-driven card generating buzz. A PSA 10 is currently valued at $9999.00. This card has that waifu appeal, which absolutely matters in today's market. Keep an eye on these Scarlet & Violet era cards; some are definitely following in the footsteps of successful promos before them, as we discuss in our analysis of the Q4 2023 promo paradox. View full price history for Lillie's Clefairy ex on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy for Promos: My Take

Look, getting 1500% ROI means you weren't just buying, you were grading smart. Promos are notoriously tricky. When I submit promos to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), I'm inspecting every single one under intense light. Here's the thing with promos: they often come directly from tins, boxes, or blister packs, so edge wear and surface scratches can be common even on "new" pulls. Focus on centering above all else. A slightly off-center card automatically knocks it down. Then check the surface for print lines or holo scratching – these are critical for that gem mint 10. And don't forget the back – whitening on the edges is a killer. It's a real art, and it pays to be meticulous. Want to check our card database for more insights? If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available.

The Big Picture: What This Means for Collectors

So, what's the takeaway from 2023's performance? It reinforces a few things I've preached for years. Firstly, don't sleep on promos, especially those tied to special collections or limited products. Secondly, quality *always* wins in grading. A raw card is just a raw card, but a PSA 10 is a tangible piece of investment-grade art. Card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't guaranteed; there's always a risk involved. But understanding the factors that led to this massive surge in SWSH Black Star Promos can help you spot the next big thing. Predicting the next market mover is tough, but data helps. You can always learn more about CardStat.pro and our approach to market analysis. It's been an wild ride watching these cards climb. The bottom line is, the Pokémon TCG market is dynamic, and being attuned to subtle shifts in supply, demand, and collector preference is key. Keep an eye on those less-hyped cards with limited distribution; that's where the next 1500% ROI might be hiding. If you have questions or want to discuss this further, feel free to reach out! And always, always enjoy the hunt. To explore our latest market insights, keep reading our blog!