The Pokémon TCG collectors market is constantly evolving, and recent trends show a remarkable surge in the value of three X and Y era promo cards: Venusaur EX, Blastoise EX, and Charizard EX. These cards, known for their stunning artwork, have traditionally been more affordable, but near mint copies are now commanding higher prices due to their rarity amidst a market flooded with lightly played and damaged condition cards.
In last week's "Crashers and Climbers" column, we accurately predicted significant price drops for Prismatic Evolutions chase cards. Over the past few days, Glaceon ex and Sylveon ex have plummeted by 28%, which is quite dramatic. Let's delve into the details:
Pokémon Card Crashers
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. The community's reluctance to pay high prices for Scarlet and Violet chase cards is contributing to this downward trend.
Glaceon ex SIR, typically one of the more affordable eeveelutions from Prismatic Evolutions, has dropped by 28% from $338.69 to $240.98. I anticipate this card might 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, a fan favorite with intricate artwork, has also dropped by 28%, from $562.60 to just under $400. I believe it will stabilize around this price point.
Espeon ex SIR, surprisingly more affordable than Sylveon, has only dropped by 5%. Given its consistent value around the $350-$400 range post-hype, now could be a good time to add it to your collection.
Ceruledge ex SIR, with its captivating dark knight aesthetic and purple flames, is a card worth considering at its new price of $151, down 27% from $206.71.
Did you catch last week's crashers and climbers?
Read the most recent updates from our weekly column.
May 19: Salamance ex and Zekrom EX are soaringMay 9: Sword and Shield-era cards see a surprising boostMay 2: Magikarp 203/193 and Pikachu ex 238/191 nosedived by 30%
Pokémon Card Climbers
Image Credit: IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Venusaur EX promo, my personal favorite from the X and Y era due to its stunning artwork reminiscent of my first starter, Bulbasaur, has surged by 263% in a week. Near mint copies have skyrocketed from $49.53 to $180.
Blastoise EX promo has also seen a significant rise, up 88% from $68.94 to $130, making it the cheapest of the trio.
### 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, a rare occurrence for collectors, is now cheaper than Venusaur, up 183% from $45.58 to $129.
Shaymin EX, a staple in my X and Y decks for its Set Up ability and Sky Return attack, has increased by 44% to $10.
Togepi & Cleffa & Igglybuff GX from the Sun and Moon era has risen by 41%, from $127.61 to $180. The Team Up mechanic was a fantastic addition to the game.
Pokémon TCG Stock Update
### 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 current retail situation for Pokémon TCG products is challenging, with prices often exceeding MSRP. This trend seems to be becoming the norm for big box retailers. If you're set on opening booster packs, consider the options below to save money.
TCG Player Has The Same Products For Less
### 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 compared to big box retailers. Unless you can secure preorders for new sets like Destined Rivals, Black Bolt, and White Flare, the current pricing model suggests a fundamental issue in the supplier-distributor-retail chain.
