
The Pokémon TCG market is transferring, and never quietly. With Black Bolt and White Flare coming in sizzling, many Black and White-era playing cards are instantly on each collector’s radar again.
We're seeing large jumps on playing cards which have sat secure for years, all as a result of Gen V is back in fashion. If you're seeking to commerce, money in, or simply gawk at how bizarre card costs can get, I’ve obtained you lined.
Here are 5 playing cards which might be flying and 5 which might be faceplanting. Some of these are sensible buys. Others? Let’s say I wouldn’t need to be the one who paid full price three weeks in the past.
Pokémon Card Crashers
Leafeon ex from Prismatic Evolutions dropped 21% since mid-April, from $467.85 to $369.96. Still costly, sure, however that's a large chunk of change to evaporate in simply a few weeks. If you purchased high, I’m sorry. If not, perhaps give it a few more dips earlier than you pounce.
And then there’s Eevee ex, additionally from Prismatic. Down 28%, now sitting at $172 after peaking above $240. Honestly, I feel Eeveelution fatigue is actual. There are simply so many of them floating round that even good playing cards are struggling to maintain their worth.
Lillie’s Clefairy ex from Journey Together has slid 26% this month, from $212 to $158. I nonetheless like this card a lot, however the dip is noticeable. Early adopters most likely paid more than they need to have, and now the market's correcting prefer it simply remembered what money is.
Salamence ex is tough. It's down a staggering 63% since late March, from $242 to $90.50. That’s not a correction, that’s a full-on crash touchdown. I wouldn’t be shocked if it dips additional. Might be value watching, however I wouldn’t contact it but until you’re in it for the artwork.
Lastly, we’ve obtained Iron Crown ex from Prismatic, down 19% simply this month. It was sitting round $84 and is now at $67.75. That’s not horrible, but it surely’s nonetheless half of a clear trend. The set had a large debut and now the shine is fading quick.
Pokémon Card Climbers
I’ll begin with Reshiram from Black & White, which has completely rocketed. It was sitting at a modest $33.92 in mid-March, and now you’re fortunate to search out one beneath $240. That’s a 150% leap for a card that’s over a decade previous. I’ve seen quicker elevators, however not many. With all 156 Unova Pokémon getting recent prints quickly, I feel Reshiram’s nonetheless obtained room to climb.
Then there’s Zekrom EX from Next Destinies, which has gone from $34.63 to almost $392 since March. It’s one other reminder that Full Art playing cards from the EX period aren’t simply collectible, they’re risky. In a great way, when you obtained in early. I’d nonetheless grab this if it suits your binder, as a result of it's solely going to get more consideration as soon as White Flare drops.
I’m additionally watching Sprigatito from Paldea Evolved. The IR model has quietly crept up from $17.98 in January to $21.95 at the moment. It’s not a moonshot, however in comparison with the overall stoop of trendy IRs, it’s doing surprisingly effectively. Plus, it’s a smug little cat and people love smug cats.
Now for Dialga-GX from Forbidden Light. This one was hanging out round $14 simply two months in the past, and it’s shot up to $74.99. I wouldn’t call it sleek, but it surely’s positively gaining traction. GX-period playing cards are getting more consideration currently, and Dialga's age plus playable nostalgia make it a stable maintain in my view.
Don’t giggle, however Vileplume-GX from Cosmic Eclipse is up too. It was caught at $6.83 for what felt like without end, and now it’s over $10. It’s not precisely a gold rush, but it surely’s one of these oddball rares that sneaks up when no one’s trying. You’ll thank your self later when you pull it out of a bulk field and it instantly pays for lunch.
Pokémon Card Sealed Boosters
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Unless you're lifeless set on grabbing the promo cards and poster in the 151 poster bundle, grabbing booster packs from TCG Player is the place it's at (Or just the poster and promos seperately).
Currently sitting at $10.33 a pack, it's apparent that Amazon is now going above MSRP and secondary market worth. If you're not bothered about opening packs and simply need 151 chase playing cards, right here's some of my favorites as effectively.
If you've devoted your life to pulling chase playing cards your self, right here's what we are able to discover in stock proper now. Just watch out for pricing over MSRP, we're in a bizarre spot as Pokémon trainers proper now, so don't pay more than what it’s important to.
If you're determined for some large field retailer merchandise, right here you go. Just make sure to be savvy earlier than shopping for, as 9 times out of 10 TCG Player will be cheaper on this local weather.
Here's the Pokémon TCG full Release Schedule to date for this yr, too, so that you don't miss something. Buying singles is the most cost effective option to accumulate proper now, however don't really feel like it’s important to "Catch Em' All!".
Destined Rivals Sealed Product Preorder Updates
With Destined Rivals dropping May 30 and preorders presently offered out in every single place, it's a good time to keep on top of the secondary market to search out one of the best costs.
Best Buy will restock on May 23 via a special "Best Buy Drops" preorder event on its app, identical to the current Black Bolt and White Flare expansions preorders.
Best Buy has also confirmed it is going to have Booster Box stock online on May 30, alongside ETBs, Booster Packs, and more in retailer for launch.
You may additionally simply wait a few months for more stable stock, however like I said in my preview, this set is one of my favorites within the Scarlet and Violet period, and effectively value selecting up ASAP.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN protecting the whole lot collectable and offers. Christian has over 7 years of expertise within the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian additionally makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian can also be the writer of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.