Another week, another whirlwind in the Pokémon TCG single card market as trainers eagerly anticipate the release of Destined Rivals. Thankfully, the Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon Center preorders managed to steer clear of any bot-related chaos this time around.
The most dramatic price drop this week was seen with Greninja ex 214/167, plummeting by nearly 50% since the start of the year. We're also witnessing significant price reductions across the Obsidian Flames and the elusive 151 expansions. On the flip side, Dragonite V from Evolving Skies has nearly doubled in value over the same period, with its artwork always making it a bit undervalued.
Charizard V Alt Art continues to impress, featuring a dynamic battle against Venusaur and steadily climbing in value. Meanwhile, Rayquaza VMAX Alt Art is soaring, gaining an additional $100 in value since the beginning of the year. Let's delve into the other major Pokémon TCG climbers and crashers of the week.
Pokémon Card Crashes
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
While Sword and Shield era Pokémon cards are finally seeing a notable increase, Scarlet and Violet series cards are generally settling back into more realistic prices.
Alakazam ex SIR from 151 is a stunning card, now 34% cheaper than at the beginning of March. It's a must-have for any collector's binder this year, especially with its connection to Uri Geller's grandfather.
Bulbasaur was my first starter Pokémon back in Pokémon Blue, so the Bulbasaur IR holds a special place in my heart. It has dropped a significant 52% since mid-March, making it an excellent time to add this beautiful card to your collection.
Moving to Obsidian Flames, Ninetales IR has always been a standout card in the set. With a 40% price crash since February, now priced at a reasonable $18.17, it's the perfect time to grab this gem.
Greninja ex - 214/167
0 $411.62 save 33% $275.00 at TCG Player
Alakazam ex - 201/165
0 $56.62 save 34% $37.62 at TCG Player
Bulbasaur - 166/165
0 $52.82 save 49% $27.00 at TCG Player
Ninetales -199/197
0 $30.04 save 40% $18.17 at TCG Player
Charizard ex - 223/197
0 $64.80 save 7% $59.99 at TCG Player
Charizard ex SIR from Obsidian Flames boasts a stunning stained glass look in its Tera form, making it a showstopper. Though it hasn't dropped significantly since March, every dollar saved counts.
The biggest crasher this month is Greninja ex SIR, which once seemed poised to be the priciest card from the Scarlet and Violet era. However, with the arrival of Prismatic Evolutions, the FOMO skyrocketed. It's still an impressive card holding steady at $275, but imagine having paid $411.62 at the end of February!
Pokémon Card Climbers
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Turning to this week's climbers, Rayquaza VMAX Alt Art remains one of the grails of the Sword and Shield era. Already valued over $500, it's now at $649.99 and shows no signs of slowing down. It could potentially reach $1,000 in a few years, so if you can afford it, it's a wise investment.
As a Kanto enthusiast, I can't get enough of the region's charm, and Charizard V Alt Art does it justice with its epic battle against Venusaur. Its dynamic angle sets it apart from the static poses common in many Pokémon cards. It has gained another $40 since January and could easily surpass $200 before the year ends.
Rayquaza VMAX - 218/203
0 $649.99 at TCG Player
Charizard V - 154/172
0 $184.61 at TCG Player
Dragonite V
0 $225.00 at TCG Player
Greninja ex - 214/167
0 $411.62 save 33% $275.00 at TCG Player
Dragonite V Alt Art from Evolving Skies is a highlight of the set. This fan-favorite Pokémon can appear both adorable and fierce, embodying its full potential despite looking different from its pre-evolutions. The artwork captures its cute side, which is why it has nearly doubled in value since mid-January, now at a solid $225. Be sure to grab one before it soars even higher.
Pokémon Card Sealed Boosters
If you're committed to pulling chase cards yourself, here's what's currently in stock. Be cautious of prices above MSRP; we're in a peculiar market as Pokémon trainers, so don't overpay.
For those interested in the full release schedule for this year, be sure to check it out so you don't miss any new releases. Buying singles remains the most cost-effective way to collect, but remember, you don't need to "Catch 'Em All"!
Surging Sparks Booster Box
4 $275.65 save 4% $265.99 at Amazon
Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium
2 $142.92 at Amazon
Shrouded Fable ETB
2 $66.86 at Amazon
Paldean Fates Booster Bundle
3 $69.45 save 8% $63.99 at Amazon
Pokémon TCG: Prismatic Evolutions Surprise Box
5 $59.99 at Amazon
2004 Pokéball Bundle
4 $59.99 save 15% $50.90 at Amazon
2004 Pokéball Bundle
2 $59.99 save 16% $50.38 at Amazon
Pokémon TCG: Mimikyu ex Box
4 $49.99 at Amazon
