The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) market is experiencing dynamic shifts, with notable fluctuations in card values that collectors should be aware of. The X and Y era promo cards, specifically Venusaur EX, Blastoise EX, and Charizard EX, are witnessing a remarkable surge in value. These cards, historically not considered high-priced, are now seeing a significant increase, particularly for near mint copies. This could be attributed to their stunning artwork and the scarcity of cards in such pristine condition, despite the market being flooded with lightly played and damaged versions.
In our recent analysis of Crashers and Climbers, we accurately predicted a downturn in the value of Prismatic Evolutions chase cards. Over the past few days, Glaceon ex and Sylveon ex have plummeted by 28%, showcasing the volatile nature of the TCG market. Let's delve deeper into the specifics:
Image Credit: IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Eevee ex SIR has experienced a 36% drop since mid-April, coinciding with the release of Prismatic Evolutions reprints. This, along with a general reluctance from the community to pay high prices for Scarlet and Violet chase cards, is driving down prices across the board.
Glaceon ex SIR, traditionally one of the more affordable eeveelutions from Prismatic Evolutions, has seen a 28% decrease from $338.69 to $240.98. While this might seem like a reasonable plateau, I predict it will fall below $200 before the year ends.
### Eevee ex - 167/131
0$226.96 save 36%$145.00 at TCG Player### Glaceon ex - 150/131
0$338.69 save 29%$240.98 at TCG Player### Sylveon ex - 156/131
0$562.60 save 29%$399.69 at TCG Player### Espeon ex - 155/131
0$347.07 save 5%$330.00 at TCG Player### Ceruledge ex - 147/131
0$206.71 save 27%$151.00 at TCG Player
Sylveon ex SIR has similarly dropped by 28%, from $562.60 to just under $400. Despite not being one of my favorites, the detailed artwork and Sylveon's dedicated fan base suggest it will stabilize around the $400 mark.
Espeon ex SIR remains surprisingly affordable compared to Sylveon. As one of the top eeveelutions, alongside Umbreon, now is an excellent time to consider adding this card to your collection, especially with its modest 5% price drop.
Ceruledge ex SIR is another card that has caught my eye. Its dark knight aesthetic and purple flames are brilliantly captured in its artwork. With a 27% price drop from $206.71 to $151, it's a steal for fans of this unique Pokémon.
For those interested in our weekly updates, here are some highlights:
Image Credit: IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Venusaur EX promo has always been a favorite of mine, particularly due to its stunning artwork. It's seen a massive 263% climb in the past week, with near mint copies jumping from $49.53 to $180.
Blastoise EX promo is also on the rise, up 88% from $68.94 to $130, making it a more affordable option for collectors.
### Venusaur EX - XY123
0$49.53 save -263%$180.00 at TCG Player### Blastoise EX - XY122
0$68.94 save -89%$130.00 at TCG Player### Charizard EX - XY121
0$45.58 save -183%$129.00 at TCG Player### Shaymin EX - 77/108
0$6.94 save -44%$10.00 at TCG Player### Togepi & Cleffa & Igglybuff GX - 143a/236
0$127.61 save -41%$180.00 at TCG Player
Charizard EX Promo is an interesting case, being cheaper than its Venusaur counterpart. It's seen an 183% increase, from $45.58 to $129, which is a rare occurrence for Charizard collectors.
Shaymin EX was a staple in my X and Y decks. Its Set Up ability and Sky Return attack made it a versatile card, and it's seen a 44% value increase in the past week.
Togepi & Cleffa & Igglybuff GX from the Sun and Moon era's Team Up set has also risen by 41%, from $127.61 to $180. The unique gimmick of these cards makes them a fun addition to any collection.
### Prismatic Evolutions Super-Premium Collection
0$259.95 at Amazon### Pokémon Trading Card Game Classic
0$290.67 at Amazon### Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle
0$84.48 at Amazon### Holiday 2024 Calendar
0$54.03 at Amazon### Mimikyu ex Box
0$49.99 at Amazon### Poké Ball Tin 3-Pack Bundle
0$59.99 save 20%$47.77 at Amazon### Azure Legends Tin
0$39.78 at Amazon### Palafin ex Box
0$28.13 at Amazon### Pokemon TCG: Stacking Tin
0$25.70 at Amazon
The retail landscape for Pokémon TCG products is currently challenging, with prices well above Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). This trend seems to be becoming the norm for big box retailers, and while it's frustrating, it's the current reality for collectors.
### Prismatic Evolutions Super-Premium Collection
0$220.00 at TCGPlayer### Pokémon Trading Card Game Classic
0$255.00 at TCGPlayer### Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle
0$63.00 at TCGPlayer### Holiday 2024 Calendar
0$50.98 at TCGPlayer### Mimikyu ex Box
0$38.00 at TCGPlayer### Poke Ball Tin
0$24.94 at TCGPlayer### Great Ball Tin
0$25.00 at TCGPlayer### Ultra Ball Tin
0$25.00 at TCGPlayer### Azure Legends Tin (Dialga ex)
0$32.60 at TCGPlayer### Azure Legends Tin (Kyogre ex)
0$34.98 at TCGPlayer### Azure Legends Tin (Xerneas ex)
0$32.60 at TCGPlayer### Palafin ex Box
0$31.68 at TCG Player### Pokémon Stacking Tin: Paradox Pokemon
0$24.99 at TCG Player### Pokémon Stacking Tin: Treasures of Ruin
0$22.72 at TCG Player### Pokémon Stacking Tin: Ogerpon
0$22.98 at TCG Player
At the time of writing, TCG Player and the secondary collectors market offer significantly lower prices than big box retailers. While products are still above MSRP, the ability of small businesses to undercut large retailers on TCG Player indicates a fundamental issue within the supply chain. If you're looking to save money, it's worth exploring these options, especially for new sets like Destined Rivals, Black Bolt, and White Flare.