The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collectors market is experiencing dynamic shifts, particularly with the X and Y era promo cards. It's fascinating to see the value of the Venusaur EX, Blastoise EX, and Charizard EX box promos skyrocket, despite their historical lack of high prices. The abundance of lightly played and damaged condition cards on TCG Player suggests that the scarcity of near mint copies might justify their elevated prices.
In our recent analysis of "Crashers and Climbers," we accurately predicted significant drops in the value of Prismatic Evolutions chase cards. Over the past week, Glaceon ex and Sylveon ex have plummeted by 28%, which is quite remarkable. Let's delve deeper into these trends:
Pokémon Card Crashers
Image Credit: IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Eevee ex SIR has seen a dramatic 36% decrease since mid-April, coinciding with the release of Prismatic Evolutions reprints. This, coupled with a general reluctance among the community to pay high prices for Scarlet and Violet chase cards, is driving down prices across the board.
Glaceon ex SIR, historically one of the more affordable eeveelutions from Prismatic Evolutions, has dropped by 28% from $338.69 to $240.98. While this might seem like a reasonable plateau, I believe it could dip 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 also experienced a 28% decline, dropping from $562.60 to just under $400. Despite not being my favorite, the intricate artwork on this card, combined with Sylveon's dedicated fanbase, suggests it will remain a stable $400 card.
Espeon ex SIR, surprisingly cheaper than Sylveon, is a great addition to any collection. While it's only dropped by 5%, this is significant for a card that has hovered around the $350-$400 mark since its initial hype subsided. Now might be the perfect time to acquire this card.
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%
Ceruledge ex SIR's 27% drop from $206.71 to $151 is a testament to its cool factor. The dark knight aesthetic and purple flames, beautifully captured in the artwork, make it a must-have for any fan of this Pokémon.
Pokémon Card Climbers
Image Credit: IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Venusaur EX promo has always been a favorite of mine, especially since Bulbasaur was my first starter in Pokémon Blue. The artwork is stunning, and it's clear others agree, as the card has surged by 263% in just one week. Near mint copies have risen from $49.53 to $180.
Blastoise EX promo is also on the rise, though slightly less expensive. It's up 88% in the past week, from $68.94 to $130, making it the most affordable 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, surprisingly, is currently cheaper than Venusaur, marking a rare moment for Charizard collectors. It's seen an impressive 183% increase, jumping from $45.58 to $129.
Shaymin EX, another beloved card from the X and Y era, has risen by 44% in value over the past week. Its Set Up ability, combined with the Sky Return attack, made it a staple in many decks.
Togepi & Cleffa & Igglybuff GX from the Sun and Moon era's Team Up set has also climbed by 41%, from $127.61 to $180. The unique team-up mechanic was a fun addition to the game, and it's great to see its value rise.
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 retail landscape for Pokémon TCG products is currently challenging, with prices significantly above MSRP becoming the norm at big box retailers. This trend is frustrating, and while I could write extensively on the reasons and potential solutions, the reality is that consumers are facing higher costs.
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
The secondary market on TCG Player offers significantly better prices than big box retailers. While products are still above MSRP, the ability of small businesses to undercut larger retailers on TCG Player indicates a flaw in the current supply chain. Unless you can secure preorders for upcoming sets like Destined Rivals, Black Bolt, and White Flare, buying from TCG Player is a smarter financial choice.
