Another week brings more excitement and fluctuations in the Pokémon single card market as trainers eagerly await the release of Destined Rivals. Fortunately, the Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon Center preorders managed to dodge the usual bot frenzy this time around.
The most significant drop this week was Greninja ex 214/167, which has plummeted nearly 50% since the beginning of the year. We're also witnessing price reductions across the Obsidian Flames and the elusive 151 expansions. In contrast, Dragonite V from Evolving Skies is on an upward trajectory, nearly doubling in value since the start of the year, and its stunning artwork suggests it was always undervalued.
Charizard V Alt Art continues to impress, featuring a dynamic battle scene against Venusaur and steadily increasing in value. Meanwhile, Rayquaza VMAX Alt Art is soaring, gaining an impressive $100 in value since the year began. Let's explore the week's biggest Pokémon TCG climbers and crashers in detail.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
While Sword and Shield era Pokémon cards are finally seeing a noticeable climb, Scarlet and Violet series cards are settling back into more realistic price ranges.
Alakazam ex SIR from 151 is a stunning card, and it's now 34% lower in price than at the beginning of March. It's an excellent addition to any collection this year.
Bulbasaur was my first starter Pokémon when I first played Pokémon Blue, so the Bulbasaur IR holds a special place in my heart. This card has dropped by a massive 52% since mid-March, making it an affordable and beautiful card to add to your collection.
Moving on to Obsidian Flames, Ninetales IR has always been one of the set's standout cards. With a 40% price drop since February, now is the perfect time to grab this card for just $18.17.
0$411.62 save 33%$275.00 at TCG Player
0$56.62 save 34%$37.62 at TCG Player
0$52.82 save 49%$27.00 at TCG Player
0$30.04 save 40%$18.17 at TCG Player
0$64.80 save 7%$59.99 at TCG Player
Despite any criticism of Obsidian Flames, the Charizard ex SIR stands out with its cool stained glass look in its Tera form, making it a showstopper. While it hasn't dropped significantly since March, saving $5 is still a win.
The biggest crasher this month is Greninja ex SIR, which was once poised to be the most expensive card of the Scarlet and Violet era. However, with the arrival of Prismatic Evolutions, the FOMO has intensified. It remains a classy card at $275, but it's a stark contrast to its $411.62 price at the end of February.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
This week's climbers feature Rayquaza VMAX alt art, a coveted card from the Sword and Shield era. Already valued at over $500, it's now at $649.99 and showing no signs of slowing down. This card could potentially reach the $1,000 mark in a few years, making it a worthwhile investment if you can afford it.
For fans of the Kanto region, Charizard V Alt Art is a must-have, showcasing an engaging battle against Venusaur. The dynamic angle sets it apart from many static Pokémon cards (a nod to the WotC era). It's gained another $40 since January and could easily surpass $200 before the year ends.
0$649.99 at TCG Player
0$184.61 at TCG Player
0$225.00 at TCG Player
0$411.62 save 33%$275.00 at TCG Player
Dragonite V Alt Art is a highlight of Evolving Skies, capturing the beloved Pokémon's versatility in a charming way. Its value has nearly doubled since mid-January, now sitting at a solid $225. Make sure to grab one before it flies even higher. Don't miss out on last week's article, which also featured some remarkable cards.
For those dedicated to pulling chase cards, here's what's currently in stock. Be cautious of prices exceeding the MSRP; it's a challenging time for Pokémon trainers, so avoid overpaying.
Here's the Pokémon TCG full Release Schedule for this year, so you won't miss any releases. Buying singles remains the most cost-effective way to collect, but remember, you don't need to "Catch 'Em All!"
4$275.65 save 4%$265.99 at Amazon
2$142.92 at Amazon
2$66.86 at Amazon
3$69.45 save 8%$63.99 at Amazon
5$59.99 at Amazon
4$59.99 save 15%$50.90 at Amazon
2$59.99 save 16%$50.38 at Amazon
4$49.99 at Amazon