TCG Card Investor  ·  Weekly Briefing

TCG Card Investor

Weekly market intelligence on the Pokemon TCG

Vol. 2026 · Issue No. 03  ·  May 2 – 9, 2026

Hey friend, welcome to the hobby.

The Big Story

Ascended Heroes has stopped printing until after the 30th Anniversary set in September, yet distributors are already charging comic stores over $12 per pack wholesale, making any retail price relief structurally impossible. Coordinated buyouts involving millions of dollars are sweeping TCGPlayer across Sword and Shield era sets including Fusion Strike, Lost Origin, and Silver Tempest, with Obsidian Flames ETBs seeing 76 copies sold in a single day on May 6th alone. Local card shops are sitting on Ascended Heroes cases at $2,000 and refusing to sell even at a 5-6x margin over their $30-$35 distributor cost, a dealer holding behavior that has now extended above standard market price.

Key Market Trends

1.Ascended Heroes supply locked: print run done until November, wholesale floor above $12 per pack. AnonTCG confirmed Ascended Heroes has finished its print run with no additional printing expected until after the 30th Anniversary set in September, and possibly not until November. The Poke Plumber independently reported that distributors are already charging comic stores over $12 per pack at wholesale, making a retail price drop structurally unlikely regardless of demand. Nostalgia Nomics added that local shops acquiring ETBs at $30-$35 from distributors were selling them for $180 on shelves yet still refusing to sell remaining case stock even at $2,000 per case.
AnonTCG 19:59  ·  The Poke Plumber 26:00  ·  Nostalgia Nomics 01:00
2.Coordinated buyouts are setting new price floors across S&S and SV sealed. Alpha Investments flagged coordinated buyouts involving millions of dollars on TCGPlayer across Fusion Strike, Lost Origin, Silver Tempest, and newer SV releases. Nostalgia Nomics corroborated the pattern with specific examples: Phantasmal Flames boxes ran to $500 and stabilized in the high $400s, Paldean Fates ETBs ran to $600 and stabilized in the mid-$500s, and Fusion Strike boxes ran to $1,200 and are now trading between $1,100 and $1,200. It Was Never A Phase Cards documented a single-day buyout of 76 Obsidian Flames ETBs on May 6th, leaving only 26 copies on TCGPlayer.
Alpha Investments 01:32  ·  Nostalgia Nomics 09:40  ·  It Was Never A Phase Cards 08:28
3.Prismatic Evolutions ETBs hold near $180 with ongoing high open rates tightening sealed supply. Multiple creators noted Prismatic Evolutions standard ETBs sitting around $180, up roughly 10% over the past month, with the set previously trading above $210. Christy Holds flagged that ETBs are still being opened at high rates due to god packs and rising chase-card prices, putting downward pressure on sealed supply faster than buyers expect. PokeNE reported personally acquiring 650 Prismatic ETBs including 500 at roughly $160 each via wire transfer, betting the set will outperform Ascended Heroes within a year.
It Was Never A Phase Cards 03:20  ·  Christy Holds 04:29  ·  PokeNE 05:43
4.Sword and Shield sealed is underappreciated: multiple creators flagging it as the better risk-reward over SV. Alpha Investments argued S&S sealed offers more opportunity than Scarlet and Violet given lower relative supply and more time under the belt, citing Silver Tempest up 500%, Chilling Reign up 600%, and Fusion Strike up roughly 1,000% from his cost basis. The Poke Plumber independently flagged Fusion Strike in the high $900s as a buy before $1,200, Brilliant Stars at $600 with only 10 copies left on TCGPlayer, and rising chase-card prices as a leading indicator for sealed moves. Both creators converged on S&S as the higher-conviction play relative to current SV pricing.
Alpha Investments 32:42  ·  The Poke Plumber 05:16  ·  The Poke Plumber 10:52
5.Chaos Rising expected to mirror Phantasmal Flames trajectory with pre-orders already double Perfect Order. AnonTCG reported Chaos Rising pre-orders exceeded more than double those of Perfect Order, with his entire allocation selling out in a single day at just under $200 per box, while Phantasmal Flames boxes now trade at $450-$460. Danny Phantump noted the Mega Evolution block's improved illustration-rare pull rate of 1 in 9 packs versus 1 in 12 for SV, with Chaos Rising containing roughly 11 illustration rares. The Mega Greninja SIR is expected to push $500-$700 at English launch on concentrated speculator demand.
AnonTCG 08:47  ·  AnonTCG 06:57  ·  Danny Phantump 12:34

Consensus Calls

BUYPrismatic Evolutions ETBs using a dollar-cost averaging approach; multiple creators cite ongoing high open rates tightening sealed supply, the set's proven staying power through reprints, and current prices around $180 as a better risk-reward than chasing Ascended Heroes at 7-8x MSRP.
BUYSword and Shield era sealed product, particularly Fusion Strike (high $900s), Brilliant Stars ($600, only 10 copies on TCGPlayer), and ancillary S&S collection boxes; rising chase-card prices and thin remaining supply point to a broader run-up.
BUYChaos Rising booster boxes ahead of release, as pre-order demand already doubled Perfect Order and the set is expected to mirror Phantasmal Flames' price trajectory from roughly $200 toward $450-plus.
HOLDAscended Heroes sealed product sourced at or near distributor cost; the print run is confirmed done until November, supply will only tighten into the 30th Anniversary window, and multiple creators view it as a future blue-chip set for patient holders.

If you found this useful, forward to a fellow collector or investor. Sharing helps the briefing reach the right audience.

Quote of the Week

“Modern Scarlet and Violet booster boxes have achieved what historically took 5 to 10 years of price growth in just 1 to 2 years, compressing the traditional investment timeline significantly.”

— PokeNE  ·  24:05

Section 01

Market Commentary

Per-creator notes from market-commentary channels. Each section reflects one channel's published view; consensus across all channels is summarized in the briefing above.

From Alpha Investments

$2 Million Dollar INVESTIGATION - POKEMON APOLOGY

May 09, 2026  ·  9m 06s

Investment Thesis

[Pokemon segment] Rudy from Alpha Investments addresses community questions about large-scale, coordinated buyouts happening on TCG Player across Sword and Shield era sets (Fusion Strike, Lost Origin, Silver Tempest) and newer releases including Scarlet and Violet product. He denies personal involvement while sarcastically deflecting, warns viewers against paying above MSRP, and notes prices on some sets have reached extreme levels.

Datapoints

  • Coordinated buyouts involving millions of dollars are reportedly occurring on TCG Player across Sword and Shield era sets including Fusion Strike, Lost Origin, and Silver Tempest, as well as newer Scarlet and Violet releases. 01:32
  • Scarlet and Violet: 151 (MEW) booster boxes have reportedly reached $500 per box on the open market. 06:20
  • Rudy previously sold Surging Sparks booster boxes to patrons at approximately $160 per box, which he now frames as having been a significant discount relative to where the market moved. 06:55

Recommendations

AVOIDRudy explicitly warns viewers not to pay above MSRP for Pokemon products amid the current buyout-driven price spikes. 05:49

View Source  →  YouTube

Rudy Responds - State of Pokemon

May 05, 2026  ·  33m 54s

Investment Thesis

Rudy (Alpha Investments) surveys the current Pokemon market, arguing that above-MSRP prices on Mega Evolution sets reflect genuine card value rather than manipulation, and that Sword and Shield sealed product is underappreciated relative to Scarlet Violet. He holds eight-figure positions in both eras but warns the overall market shows textbook bubble behavior, with overcrowded flipping culture and unsustainable price appreciation across the board.

Datapoints

  • Mega Evolution 3 (Perfect Pikachu) booster boxes are trading around $200-$205 on TCG Player and eBay, equating to roughly $5.50 per pack, versus an MSRP of approximately $160-$165 per box, about 9% over MSRP. 04:01
  • Sword and Shield era boxes such as Chilling Reign, Destined Rivals, Fusion Strike, Silver Tempest, and Lost Origin are currently priced in the $300-$600 range; Rudy notes Silver Tempest has returned approximately 500%, Chilling Reign up 600%, and Fusion Strike up roughly 1,000% from his original cost basis. 32:42
  • Ascended Heroes (Mega Evolution 2.5) packs are trading at $15-$20 per pack for a brand-new set, with multiple singles in the thousands of dollars, and any available stock sells out almost instantly. 23:00

Recommendations

BUYSword and Shield era sealed product, as Rudy sees more opportunity there than in Scarlet Violet given lower relative supply, more time under the belt, and prices he considers highly attractive on a risk-reward basis. 15:32
HOLDScarlet Violet sealed product (particularly SV5 and older sets), which Rudy considers largely "home free" at current prices despite being his largest and most crowded position. 21:05

View Source  →  YouTube

From Nostalgia Nomics

The TRUTH About Pokemon BUYOUTS!

May 09, 2026  ·  13m 16s

Investment Thesis

The creator explains the mechanics behind Pokemon TCG sealed product buyouts, arguing that large investors and outside capital funds deliberately buy out market supply to raise prices on products they already hold in bulk. Specific sets including Phantasmal Flames, Temporal Forces, Surging Sparks, Paldean Fates ETBs, Lost Origin, and Fusion Strike are cited as recent buyout targets, with prices stabilizing at new higher floors after corrections.

Datapoints

  • Phantasmal Flames booster boxes ran up to $500 and have since stabilized in the high $400s. 09:20
  • Paldean Fates ETBs were bought out and ran up to $600, stabilizing in the mid-$500s. Lost Origin boxes ran up into the high $800s and stabilized in the mid-to-low $800s. Fusion Strike boxes ran up to $1,200 and are now trading between $1,100 and $1,200. 09:40
  • Mid-block Scarlet and Violet cases in the Temporal Forces to Surging Sparks range are seeing a massive increase in buying activity from large investors allocating capital. 09:27

View Source  →  YouTube

Pokemon Investing Conversation. *ENTER CLICKBAIT HERE*

May 07, 2026  ·  14m 40s

Investment Thesis

Nostalgia Nomics discusses the shifting perception of buying Pokemon products at above-MSRP prices, noting that Ascended Heroes ETBs now sit around $180 and Black and White specialty sets look increasingly attractive as Prismatic Evolutions and Ascended Heroes have both moved up. He also explains why different entry points mean sellers and holders are often making rational, incomparable decisions.

Datapoints

  • Ascended Heroes ETBs are currently trading around $180, up from a release price of roughly $100-$120, while Prismatic Evolutions ETBs have also climbed to the $180 range. 04:51
  • Black and White illustration rares are pulling $30-$50 each, with some hitting $43-$50 on stream; the set's top hits (red Victini variants) rank among the most expensive cards in the entire Scarlet and Violet era, with PSA 10s reaching into the high teens of thousands of dollars. 04:01
  • Specialty set ETB distributor pricing for English Pokemon runs approximately $30-$35 per ETB and $95-$105 per booster box, establishing a known cost floor for the market. 09:04

Recommendations

BUYBlack and White specialty set sealed product, as the creator argues it is the most undervalued specialty set now that Prismatic Evolutions and Ascended Heroes have both moved to the $180 range and supply is drying up. 06:34

View Source  →  YouTube

The Pokemon Market Is COOKED FOREVER!

May 05, 2026  ·  13m 08s

Investment Thesis

Nostalgia Nomics describes a structural supply squeeze in the Pokemon sealed market: local card shops are sitting on Ascended Heroes and Prismatic Evolutions cases rather than selling at already-elevated margins, bots clear online retail instantly, and a rumored delay to the Perfect Order second wave is being blamed on prioritizing Chaos Rising. The creator argues reprints have consistently failed to normalize prices and that the market is now momentum-driven rather than fundamentals-driven.

Datapoints

  • Local card shops acquire Ascended Heroes ETBs from distributors at $30–$35 each and were selling them on shelves for $180, representing roughly a 5–6x margin. Despite this, at least one shop the creator visited was refusing to sell remaining case stock. 01:00
  • Ascended Heroes ETB cases were being offered at $2,000 (implying roughly $200 per ETB), yet shops were still declining to sell, indicating dealer holding behavior has extended even above standard market price. 01:36
  • A Destined Rivals reprint in Europe caused only a modest price dip and did not bring prices down to MSRP or anywhere near $200 per booster box, reinforcing the creator's view that reprints are insufficient to normalize the market. 10:41

Recommendations

HOLDContinue accumulating sealed product from each new set, going heavier on sets the creator believes in, rather than trying to time price targets. 11:39

View Source  →  YouTube

Pokemon Is Life

May 03, 2026  ·  19m 06s

Investment Thesis

[Pokemon segment] The creator argues that Pokemon investing is no different from investment dynamics in art, golf, or sports, and uses current sealed product price moves to illustrate supply-demand mechanics. Ascended Heroes ETBs have already jumped from $100-$120 to roughly $180 at release, while Prismatic Evolutions ETBs sit near $180 after a slower climb, and Paldea Evolved boxes now trade at $450-$500 despite once sitting at $90 retail.

Datapoints

  • Ascended Heroes ETBs launched at $100-$120 and have already risen to approximately $180, drawing widespread attention due to the speed of the move. 10:07
  • Prismatic Evolutions ETBs are also around $180, but the move took over a year, which the creator says is why that price level generates far less community anger than Ascended Heroes. 10:14
  • Paldea Evolved booster boxes, once available at $90 at retail, now trade at $450-$500; the creator notes anyone could have purchased at MSRP from store shelves. 10:28

View Source  →  YouTube

From AnonTCG

Chaos Rising is a week away and it looks Very similar to another recent set - Hint - it will do well

May 08, 2026  ·  12m 27s

Investment Thesis

AnonTCG previews Chaos Rising (the English release of the Japanese Ninja Spinner set), arguing it will perform similarly to Phantasmal Flames due to comparable print runs, a single dominant chase card in Mega Greninja, and pre-order demand that sold out more than double the volume of Perfect Order in a single day. He also briefly flags potential 30th anniversary Japanese product and notes Prismatic Evolutions currently offers relative value.

Datapoints

  • Chaos Rising booster boxes are pre-selling from MVP at $237, while Phantasmal Flames booster boxes are currently trading at $450-$460. 06:57
  • Chaos Rising pre-orders exceeded more than double those of Perfect Order, and the creator's entire allocation sold out in a single day at just under $200 per box. 08:47
  • The Mega Greninja SIR (Special Illustration Rare) is expected to push $500-$700 at English launch, driven by concentrated speculator demand and limited SIR print runs estimated around 40,000-50,000 copies. 03:42

Recommendations

BUYChaos Rising booster boxes ahead of release, as the creator expects the set to mirror Phantasmal Flames' sealed-product price trajectory given comparable supply and a strong single chase card in Mega Greninja. 07:52
BUYPrismatic Evolutions singles or sealed, which the creator flags as offering relative value compared to current alternatives in the market. 12:10

View Source  →  YouTube

This week's Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, One Piece and other TCG Distribution Update!

May 04, 2026  ·  22m 10s

Investment Thesis

[Pokemon segment] The creator reports that Ascended Heroes has stopped printing until after the 30th Anniversary set in September, with wave two of mega EX boxes and booster bundles still weeks away. Chaos Rising is arriving with healthy supply. The 30th Anniversary set is confirmed for a September release, and the creator notes Celebrations used five-card packs, which affects pack and ETB counts compared to modern sets.

Datapoints

  • Ascended Heroes has finished its print run until after the 30th Anniversary set; no additional printing is expected until November unless something changes. 19:59
  • Chaos Rising is arriving with a healthy supply at distribution; the creator is still waiting on a couple of allocations but expects a normal release. 19:37
  • The Pokemon 30th Anniversary set is expected to release in September (likely September 16th), and Celebrations used five-card packs, meaning more packs and ETBs per box than current configurations. 21:39

Recommendations

HOLDAscended Heroes sealed product, as the print run is done until November and supply will only tighten heading into the 30th Anniversary window. 20:08

View Source  →  YouTube

From Christy Holds

Which Pokémon Set Wins Right Now?

May 08, 2026  ·  12m 14s

Investment Thesis

Christy Holds compares Prismatic Evolutions, Destined Rivals, and Ascended Heroes across four dimensions: card value distribution, market performance cycle, opening experience, and risk profile. She ranks Ascended Heroes first for depth and momentum, Prismatic Evolutions second for proven staying power, and Destined Rivals third for consistency but limited upside, while cautioning that Ascended Heroes may already have priced in much of its success.

Datapoints

  • Ascended Heroes is only 3-4 months old but is already priced like a mature set, having caught up to Prismatic Evolutions and Destined Rivals in price despite being over a year newer. 04:47
  • Prismatic Evolutions has seen most items fall slightly over recent months due to reprints, with further reprints expected in summer, reflecting a post-hype settled phase rather than weakness. 03:53
  • Prismatic Evolutions concentrates nearly all its value in the Eeveelutions, while Ascended Heroes spreads value broadly across almost the entire set, and Destined Rivals offers a smaller, more targeted SIR pool. 01:13

Recommendations

BUYAscended Heroes, as the creator ranks it the strongest set right now for card depth and momentum, predicting it will overtake Prismatic Evolutions in price over the coming years. 10:47
HOLDPrismatic Evolutions sealed product, as the creator believes it has proven long-term demand sustainability through reprints and could be the set people return to over time. 10:33

View Source  →  YouTube

STOP Buying These Pokemon Products (Buy THESE Instead)!

May 03, 2026  ·  6m 37s

Investment Thesis

Christy Holds runs through which Pokemon products she would and would not buy right now. She cautions against chasing Ascended Heroes ETBs at 7-8x MSRP and Sword and Shield Pokemon Center ETBs she sees as overpriced, while flagging the Sword and Shield Charizard UPC, Prismatic Evolutions regular ETBs, and Journey Together enhanced booster boxes as better-value entry points at current prices.

Datapoints

  • Ascended Heroes Pokemon Center ETBs are sitting at roughly 7-8x MSRP just a few months after release, with loose copies trading around £300. 00:40
  • Prismatic Evolutions ETBs are still being opened at high rates due to god packs and rising chase-card prices, putting downward pressure on sealed supply faster than many buyers expect. 04:29
  • The Mega Charizard X EX from the Mega Charizard UPC can be picked up raw for around £60, while a PSA 10 copy trades closer to £300, a roughly 5x grading upside. 05:44

Recommendations

BUYSword and Shield Charizard UPC, which offers gradable Charizard promos whose PSA 10 value covers the cost of the box, making the risk/reward more balanced than most current options. 01:28
BUYPrismatic Evolutions regular ETBs before supply tightens further due to ongoing high open rates driven by god packs and climbing chase-card prices. 04:11
AVOIDAvoid adding more Ascended Heroes Pokemon Center ETBs at current prices (around £300); you are buying into momentum rather than early value. 00:26

View Source  →  YouTube

From Ketchum All Collectibles

My Ascended Heroes Investment Plan

May 04, 2026  ·  37m 31s

Investment Thesis

The creator details his Ascended Heroes investment strategy, noting the set has outsold Prismatic Evolutions on his live stream despite being only 3 months old. He is holding ETBs and booster bundles from distro but avoiding large pack positions, while continuing to accumulate Prismatic Evolutions and select graded singles that remain below their 2021 highs. He warns that current price levels carry meaningful downside risk.

Datapoints

  • Ascended Heroes has sold over 12,500 packs on the creator's live stream in just over 3 months since its January 30, 2026 release, compared to 9,434 packs of Prismatic Evolutions sold in the same 4-month window after that set launched. Ascended is on pace to surpass Prismatic's full-year total of 25,000 packs, even in a year where overall pack volume is roughly half of last year. 04:25
  • Pokemon 151 booster packs have tripled from roughly $10 to $27 over the past year; booster bundles rose from approximately $70 to $210-$215 (about 3x); ETBs started around $225 but have not quite tripled, meaning all three SKUs performed within a similar range of each other over the 12-month period. 14:30
  • Ascended Heroes booster packs are currently priced at approximately $15 on TCGPlayer and have risen about 20% in the past week as ETBs, booster bundles, and pin collections have all hit the market simultaneously. The creator notes the pack did not spike to $20 at launch as he expected, but is now moving sharply higher. 06:16

Recommendations

BUYPrismatic Evolutions booster bundles and ETBs at 80-85% of market when available, as the creator identifies them as his largest net purchase over the past 3 months alongside select graded singles. 18:39
HOLDAscended Heroes ETBs sourced directly from distributor; the creator is sitting on roughly 15 cases and is not fire-selling despite the product being up approximately 50%, expecting further appreciation similar to Prismatic Evolutions ETBs reaching near $200. 10:04
AVOIDAvoid adding a significant quantity of Ascended Heroes booster packs to long-term investment positions at current prices, as the creator believes the set will be heavily reprinted and sees meaningful downside risk from today's levels. 08:10

View Source  →  YouTube

From PokeNE

Pokemon Market / Business Talk! Ascended Heroes to the Moon? PokeNE Bankrupt? with @DJsPokeCenter

May 07, 2026  ·  1h 18m

Investment Thesis

PokeNE and DJ's Poke Center discuss Pokemon business strategy in a wide-ranging live stream. Key topics include the profitability of buying Ascended Heroes and Prismatic Evolutions cases, the shift from Japanese to Chinese and Korean product, Korea's 50% MSRP increase, and the bullish case for Scarlet and Violet sets going out of print. The hosts also debate whether the Mega era can sustain momentum through Q4 2027.

Datapoints

  • Korea raised Pokemon TCG booster box MSRP by 50%, compared to the 11% English MSRP increase (from $144 to $160) that caused significant community backlash. 16:14
  • Ascended Heroes ETB cases are appreciating roughly 10% by the time an order arrives, making a $150 per-case margin relatively easy to achieve on volume. 07:11
  • Journey Together ETBs were last observed trading around $270-$280 (non-enhanced), with a noticeable price tick-up already underway as the set approaches end of print. 1:15:27

Recommendations

BUYKorean Eevee Heroes and Korean 151 booster boxes, as both sets are still cheap relative to their English and Japanese counterparts and Korean MSRP just rose 50%, signaling tightening supply. 19:47
BUYSurging Sparks and Prismatic Evolutions ETBs as SV-era sets approach end of print, with the creator expecting a meaningful price increase over the next two years. 1:15:18
HOLDPrismatic Evolutions cases, as the creator believes holding for another month or two will outperform churning and burning on current inventory. 21:03

View Source  →  YouTube

The Satisfying Downfall Of Pokemon Influencers

May 07, 2026  ·  11m 51s

Investment Thesis

PokeNE addresses accusations of conflict of interest around buying collections while advising others to sell, arguing both bulls and bears face the same criticism. He discusses DJ's Poke Center's strategy of buying sealed cases and flipping within days on rising prices, using Ascended Heroes as an example, and warns smaller investors against over-concentrating capital in sealed product given the market's 10% swing risk.

Datapoints

  • Ascended Heroes cases priced around $2,000 have been rising roughly 5-10% within a week of purchase, making short-term flipping viable for well-capitalized sellers. 05:45
  • A 10% drop on a single $2,000 Ascended Heroes case equals a $200 loss; scaled to 10 cases, that is $2,000 evaporated, illustrating the capital risk of concentrated sealed-product positions. 09:51
  • Paldean Fates ETBs are now trading at approximately $600, cited as an example of a product the creator passed on holding that appreciated significantly. 04:14

Recommendations

AVOIDAvoid high-concentration sealed-case flipping strategies in products like Ascended Heroes unless you have at least $50,000 in liquid capital to absorb a sudden 10% market drop. 09:24

View Source  →  YouTube

SELL Ascended Heroes and Buy Prismatic

May 06, 2026  ·  10m 32s

Investment Thesis

PokeNE argues that short-term flippers who bought Ascended Heroes cheaply (MSRP or distro cost) should sell now at current elevated prices and rotate profits into Prismatic Evolutions ETBs, which he believes will outperform Ascended Heroes over the next year. Long-term holders who genuinely stash product and never look back are advised to keep Ascended Heroes, which he sees as a future blue-chip set.

Datapoints

  • Ascended Heroes ETBs were available from distributors at approximately $35 each and are now trading around $160, representing a significant markup for store owners and early buyers. 01:24
  • The creator personally acquired 650 Prismatic Evolutions ETBs in recent months, including 500 ETBs purchased for roughly $80,000 (approximately $160 per ETB) via wire transfer, plus 10 sealed cases and 50 additional ETBs from a separate seller. 05:43
  • The creator predicts Prismatic Evolutions will reach a higher price point than Ascended Heroes within the next year, citing Prismatic's roughly eight months of price maturity as a structural advantage. 04:01

Recommendations

BUYPrismatic Evolutions ETBs with proceeds from Ascended Heroes sales and hold for approximately six months. 07:35
HOLDAscended Heroes if you are a true long-term investor who stores product and does not actively trade, as the creator views it as a future blue-chip set. 01:56
SELLAscended Heroes ETBs if you acquired them at MSRP or distro cost and are a short-term flipper, as current prices offer substantial realized gains. 01:28

View Source  →  YouTube

Ascended Heroes Hits MSRP (when we work together)

May 05, 2026  ·  6m 39s

Investment Thesis

The creator argues that collective boycotts to force Ascended Heroes prices back to MSRP are ineffective because the underlying supply-demand imbalance remains unchanged. Using a nuclear-deterrence analogy, he contends that as long as demand exceeds supply, some allocation mechanism (lottery, timer, or price) will always emerge. He also warns that heavy printing could eventually kill demand for Ascended Heroes, as happened with Prismatic Evolutions, 151, and Evolving Skies.

Datapoints

  • The Japanese Pokemon Center uses a lottery system to allocate product at MSRP, which the creator cites as proof that price-suppression strategies simply shift the allocation mechanism rather than solving the supply-demand gap. 03:34
  • The creator observes that Ascended Heroes demand currently exceeds supply, mirroring the pattern seen previously with Prismatic Evolutions, 151, and Evolving Skies, where each new set was briefly treated as the best ever before sentiment cooled. 06:10
  • The creator notes that if Pokemon prints Ascended Heroes to a sufficiently high quantity, consumer enthusiasm will collapse, though he states he does not know what that print threshold is. 05:55

View Source  →  YouTube

Pokemon Investing Nightmare- Everyone Selling at 80% in 10 Years

May 05, 2026  ·  18m 29s

Investment Thesis

The creator argues that the popular "sell at 80% of market" exit strategy is mathematically self-defeating: if many holders adopt it simultaneously, each successive seller undercuts the new lower price, driving values toward zero in a feedback loop. He uses Ascended Heroes ETBs and Twilight Masquerade booster boxes as examples, and compares the dynamic to crypto and NFT crashes.

Datapoints

  • Sun and Moon booster boxes illustrate long-term illiquidity: prices of $1,500, $3,500, and $11,000 are cited as realistic 5-to-10-year trajectories, but TCGPlayer charts show only roughly 10 sales listings in the past year at those levels. 00:57
  • Twilight Masquerade is expected to follow a price chart similar to Cosmic Eclipse in 10 years, with very few copies available at high prices and slow sales velocity. 03:07
  • Chaos Rising booster boxes are currently selling around $160, used as a live example of a set trading well above MSRP in the current market. 11:42

Recommendations

SELLConsider taking profits on sealed product earlier than the 5-to-10-year horizon rather than waiting for peak prices, because liquidity dries up significantly at high price levels and a guaranteed exit today beats an uncertain one later. 01:23

View Source  →  YouTube

Team Rocket Joey Called Me Out

May 04, 2026  ·  25m 51s

Investment Thesis

PokeNE responds to Team Rocket Joey's criticism of his 'sell everything' video, clarifying that his point was never that Pokemon cards are hard to sell today, but that liquidity will shrink as prices rise over the next decade. He uses Sun and Moon era booster box sales data on TCG Player to illustrate that high-value sets trade only a handful of times per year, and warns large holders to plan their exit strategy now.

Datapoints

  • Sun and Moon era booster boxes listed on TCG Player show extremely thin liquidity: popular sets like Team Up ($11,400), Unbroken Bonds, Unified Minds, and Cosmic Eclipse each recorded roughly 10 or fewer sales over a full year on the platform. 01:18
  • Cosmic Eclipse booster boxes were approximately $100 about 10 years ago and are now priced around $3,800, demonstrating long-term price appreciation but with sharply declining sales velocity as price rises. 16:40
  • Modern Scarlet and Violet booster boxes have achieved what historically took 5 to 10 years of price growth in just 1 to 2 years, compressing the traditional investment timeline significantly. 24:05

Recommendations

HOLDTwilight Masquerade booster boxes if you have the connections and sales infrastructure to exit; the creator believes they will reach $1,500 within 5 to 10 years. 09:30
SELLLarge Pokemon holdings now if you lack an established eBay or TCG Player sales history, social media reach, or dealer relationships, because current bull-market liquidity makes exiting far easier than it will be in a decade. 18:53

View Source  →  YouTube

Why It's time to Sell Your Pokemon Investments

May 03, 2026  ·  21m 26s

Investment Thesis

PokeNE's Brian argues that now is the time for serious Pokemon investors to consider selling large sealed holdings while liquidity is high. He warns that high-value sets like Paldea Evolved and Evolving Skies are already difficult to move at current prices, and that in a few years buyers with six-figure budgets will be far scarcer. He urges holders to convert gains into life-changing assets before the market slows.

Datapoints

  • Pokemon 151 booster packs are currently selling for approximately $30 each, with the creator projecting they could reach $60 within the next few years. 03:16
  • Evolving Skies booster boxes are listed at $2,600 each but move very slowly even for a seller with a large YouTube following, illustrating thin demand at high price points. 06:53
  • The creator reports completing a single collection buyout deal worth $178,000 two weeks prior, noting that buyers willing to pay six figures for collections are common right now but unlikely to remain so in one to three years. 04:38

Recommendations

SELLLarge sealed holdings of sets like Paldea Evolved, Obsidian Flames, and Silver Tempest while six-figure buyers are still active in the market. 09:01
SELLPokemon 151 packs if your cost basis is around $6 per pack and current market is $30, rather than waiting for a potential $45 price that may never materialize. 19:20
SELLPrismatic Evolutions ETBs or UPCs bought at $60-$80 at cost, converting gains into permanent financial improvements rather than holding for further upside. 19:39

View Source  →  YouTube

From The Poke Plumber

These Pokémon Sets Are About To Explode! DONT MISS OUT!

May 08, 2026  ·  28m 56s

Investment Thesis

The Poke Plumber surveys multiple Sword and Shield and Scarlet and Violet booster boxes he considers undervalued, flagging Astral Radiance near $380, Fusion Strike in the high $900s, Brilliant Stars at $600 with only 10 copies left on TCG Player, and Lost Origin around $750. He also highlights Paldea Evolved, Temporal Forces, and Surging Sparks as flat-chart buying opportunities, and calls out Sun and Moon sets including Unbroken Bonds and Cosmic Eclipse as underpriced relative to peers.

Datapoints

  • Fusion Strike booster boxes are currently available in the high $900s on TCG Player and recently had a buyout; the Gengar alt art is ticking up in price. 05:16
  • Brilliant Stars booster boxes are sitting at $600 on TCG Player with only 10 copies remaining; once those sell through, the next available listings are expected to push the price up by roughly $50. 08:14
  • Unbroken Bonds booster boxes recently sold for $2,100 on eBay with a current listing at $2,300, while Unified Minds has sold for $3,900 and Cosmic Eclipse is sitting in the $4,000s, suggesting Unbroken Bonds is underpriced relative to its tag-team peers. 25:22

Recommendations

BUYFusion Strike booster boxes now in the high $900s before the creator expects them to reach $1,200 and hold at that level. 05:24
BUYBrilliant Stars booster boxes at the current $600 price point before the remaining 10 TCG Player listings sell through and push prices higher. 08:30
BUYAncillary Sword and Shield sealed product (collection boxes, tins, blister cases) containing sets like Evolving Skies, Fusion Strike, Brilliant Stars, and Astral Radiance, as the creator expects per-pack prices to jump 20-50% as booster boxes skyrocket. 07:00

View Source  →  YouTube

The Pokémon Hobby Is A MESS! ARE YOU READY FOR WHATS NEXT?!

May 06, 2026  ·  30m 26s

Investment Thesis

The Poke Plumber covers the surging demand for Ascended Heroes packs, which have climbed from $11.50 to $14-15 and could hit $20 before the next restock wave. He also discusses the Mega Evolution era extending into 2027 with potentially 10 main sets, the stagnation pattern booster boxes show around the $500 price point, and why Sword and Shield sealed and early Scarlet and Violet boxes still look attractive.

Datapoints

  • Ascended Heroes loose packs on TCG Player rose from $11.50-$12.50 to $14-$15 over a single weekend; of roughly 12,000 packs listed, approximately 10,000 were from a single $22 seller, masking true available supply. 06:14
  • Distributors (DRO) are charging comic stores over $12 per Ascended Heroes pack at the wholesale level, making a retail price drop structurally unlikely in the near term. 26:00
  • Booster boxes across multiple eras tend to stagnate once they hit the $500 price point; examples cited include Brilliant Stars ($500-$600), Lost Origin ($700), Fusion Strike ($1,000), and Phantasmal Flames (stalled near $400-$440). 09:51

Recommendations

BUYSword and Shield era sealed product, as rising chase-card prices (PSA 10 Lugia up ~$300, Fusion Strike Gengar climbing) typically precede sealed price moves. 10:52
BUYEarly Scarlet and Violet booster boxes currently priced in the $200-$300 range, which the creator believes can reach $500 based on historical price patterns. 11:05
BUYPrismatic Evolutions SPCs at current prices, which the creator ranks as his top SPC pick and believes are being overlooked while collector attention is on Ascended Heroes. 22:40

View Source  →  YouTube

Section 02

Singles & Auction Prices

Latest singles and auction price changes from channels that track specific cards, eBay sales, and grading population shifts. Data-heavy by design; recommendations only where the creator made one.

From Danny Phantump

How To Collect Pokemon Cards in an IMPOSSIBLE MARKET

May 09, 2026  ·  26m 25s

Investment Thesis

Danny Phantump argues that new and returning collectors should sidestep the sealed-product craze and instead pursue alternative collecting strategies: building artist binders, completing Pokedex sets, hunting cameo and story cards, and mastering full sets via singles. He backs the thesis with price comparisons showing master sets often cost less than one or two booster boxes of the same set.

Datapoints

  • The Pokemon Go master set (every common, uncommon, reverse holo, holo, and secret rare) can be completed via singles on TCG Player for approximately $447.13, roughly equivalent to three Elite Trainer Boxes at current prices. 18:54
  • Obsidian Flames booster boxes are currently selling for $365, while the entire Obsidian Flames master set can be purchased for $512.51 on TCG Player. Key price drivers in the set include the Charizard Special Illustration Rare, the Clefairy, and the Ninetales, while other Special Illustration Rares like Revavroom, Gholdengo, Poppy, and Cryogonal remain around $45. 21:43
  • The XY Evolutions booster box is currently priced at $2,140, yet the entire Evolutions master set including the holographic Charizard, reverse holographic Charizard, full art Mega Charizard, and regular art Mega Charizard can be assembled for $879.90 via singles. 24:39

Recommendations

BUYSingles to master smaller, older sets like Pokemon Go ($447), Crimson Invasion ($464), or Evolutions ($879) rather than chasing sealed booster boxes, which cost more and yield incomplete sets. 18:51
AVOIDAvoid chasing booster packs or sealed product from newly released sets like Ascended Heroes at $11 per pack; wait for the current demand surge to subside before buying sealed. 03:08

View Source  →  YouTube

MORE POKEMON CARDS ARE COMING! (Examining Pokemon's Release Schedule)

May 07, 2026  ·  22m 42s

Investment Thesis

Danny Phantump walks through the Pokemon TCG release schedule from mid-May through late July, covering wave-two restocks of Perfect Order and Ascended Heroes, the Chaos Rising launch on May 22nd, and a string of tins, premium collections, and First Partner Series 2 packs. He advises collectors to pace spending, resist FOMO, and wait for wave-two product drops before buying singles.

Datapoints

  • Perfect Order booster boxes are currently sitting around $25 on the market; wave two of booster boxes has not yet shipped to distribution, while wave-two blisters, bundles, and Elite Trainer Boxes have already been delivered to LGS. 05:06
  • Mega Evolution block illustration rares have a pull rate of approximately 1 in 9 packs, compared to 1 in 12 packs during the Scarlet and Violet block; Chaos Rising contains only about 11 illustration rares, meaning pulling all of them requires roughly 88-99 packs. 12:34
  • Ascended Heroes booster bundles fell to a low of around $75 (roughly $12 per pack) before beginning to recover; the MSRP for the bundle is $26.94 for six packs. 07:26

Recommendations

AVOIDif you have not yet ordered Perfect Order booster boxes, wait, as wave two is imminent and will likely push the market price down, especially with buyer attention shifting to Chaos Rising. 05:33
AVOIDavoid chasing Chaos Rising singles at launch; wait until after the wave-two release on June 12th when more product has been opened and prices have softened. 13:13

View Source  →  YouTube

Pitch Black is Going To Be AMAZING!

May 03, 2026  ·  19m 24s

Investment Thesis

Danny Phantump previews Pitch Black, the English counterpart to Japan's Abyss Eye set (July 17 release), highlighting Mega Chandelure, Mega Darkrai, Mega Zeraora, and Mega Excadrill as key pulls. He notes the set will be small (around 120 cards including secret rares), improved illustration-rare pull rates, and flags that Japanese product supply is severely constrained ahead of Abyss Eye's May 22 Japan release.

Datapoints

  • Japanese product supply cannot keep up with demand; Abyss Eye booster boxes are already quoting at 12,500–13,000 yen before tariffs and shipping, making them expensive well above typical MSRP. 03:55
  • Pitch Black is slated for a July 17 US release with pre-releases July 4–12; it will be the last set legal for the World Championships in San Francisco in late August. 05:58
  • Since the Mega Evolution block launched, illustration-rare pull rates improved from roughly 1 in 12 packs to 1 in 9 packs, a roughly 33% easier pull, meaning a full illustration-rare set should be completable in under 100 packs without duplicates. 12:19

Recommendations

AVOIDDanny explicitly states he never recommends opening Japanese product above MSRP, so avoid purchasing Abyss Eye booster product at current inflated prices. 04:08

View Source  →  YouTube

From It Was Never A Phase Cards

Pokemon Card Prices Moved BIG This Month! Pokemon Market Update

May 09, 2026  ·  20m 20s

Investment Thesis

TJ covers a wide-ranging Pokemon market update spanning Sun and Moon through Sword and Shield and Scarlet and Violet. Highlights include the Cosmic Eclipse Pikachu approaching $200 raw on Pikachu hype from Ascended Heroes, the 151 standard ETB hitting a new all-time high near $684, Obsidian Flames ETBs up 247% year-over-year, Phantasmal Flames sealed products climbing toward $500, and Evolving Skies booster boxes at a new all-time high of $2,650 with $3,000 seen as inevitable.

Datapoints

  • The Cosmic Eclipse Pikachu (full art) is up nearly 65% over the past 3 months, rising from $118 to a current market price of $198. A year ago it was a $75 card. The most recent PSA 10 sale was $2,350, with roughly 15,000 copies graded and only 3,698 achieving a PSA 10. 00:19
  • The 151 standard Elite Trainer Box has set a new all-time high at a market price of approximately $684, up from $233 a year ago. The Ascended Heroes Pokemon Center ETB has also cracked $500 (current market $507), up around 50% to a new all-time high, and is up 31% even from its December pre-order peak of $386. 06:15
  • Obsidian Flames Elite Trainer Boxes are up 247% year-over-year (from roughly $94 to a current market price near $340), with a suspected buyout on May 6th seeing 76 boxes sold in a single day. Only 26 copies remain listed on TCG Player, with 191 sold over the past month. 08:28
  • Evolving Skies booster boxes are at a new all-time high of $2,650, up 62% year-over-year from $1,600. Only 14 boxes sold over the past month due to the high price point, but the listed median is $3,485, and the creator views $3,000 as an inevitability. 17:07
  • Phantasmal Flames Pokemon Center ETBs are up 68% over the past 3 months to a current market price of $365, with the most recent sale at $415 and lowest listings at $400 and above. The Phantasmal Flames booster box is also at a new all-time high near $471, approaching $500. 12:43

Recommendations

BUYSleeved packs for Sword and Shield era sets such as Evolving Skies, Fusion Strike, and Lost Origin offer an affordable entry point into sets the creator believes are due for a broader run-up. 16:26
AVOIDBe cautious buying Obsidian Flames ETBs immediately after the May 6th buyout spike, as a price dip is possible following the artificial volume surge. 08:56
AVOIDBe cautious buying Evolving Skies sleeved packs right after the May 8th buyout spike of 74 packs, as the price may pull back before any sustained move higher. 15:37

View Source  →  YouTube

These New Promo Pokemon Cards Look AMAZING!

May 08, 2026  ·  18m 33s

Investment Thesis

The creator previews First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 (Gen 2, 5, 6, and 8 starters; MSRP $15, releasing June 19) and reviews Series 1 price performance. A market update covers Mega Evolution promos including a Zekrom Pokemon Center stamp card up 162%, a Mega Charizard UPC promo bouncing 51% off lows, and a Haunter promo PSA 10 approaching $2,000 on low pop.

Datapoints

  • First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 Charmander promo (No. 038) is up 66% from its release price of ~$26, currently sitting just below its all-time high of ~$45, with PSA 10 copies selling in the $520-$617 range. 04:48
  • The Zekrom Pokemon Center stamp promo from Ascended Heroes is at a new all-time high, up 162% from its release price of $46 to ~$122, though lowest listings have pulled back to the $105-$110 range. 13:08
  • The Haunter Mega Evolution promo (No. 027) PSA 10 has surged 284%, from ~$500 on early sales to recent sales near $1,950-$2,000, driven by a very low pop report in PSA 10. 15:39

Recommendations

BUYPre-order Pitch Black Pokemon Center ETBs whenever the queue opens, particularly the Pokemon Center exclusive versions. 17:55
AVOIDWait on graded PSA 10 copies of First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 Kanto starter promos, as more submissions are likely backlogged at PSA and prices are expected to dip further. 08:27

View Source  →  YouTube

How Much Are Your Pokémon Cards Worth Right Now?

May 06, 2026  ·  20m 50s

Investment Thesis

It Was Never A Phase Cards surveys the current illustration rare boom, reporting massive price gains across Scarlet Violet Base, Temporal Forces, Paldea Evolved, and several other sets. The creator highlights organic movers alongside suspected buyouts, flagging the Phantasmal Flames Piplup and Stellar Crown Toedscruel as manipulation risks while celebrating standout performers like the Sawsbuck connected-art pair and the Mega Charizard SIR approaching all-time highs.

Datapoints

  • Slowpoke IR (Scarlet Violet Base, #204) is up approximately 82% over the past 3 months, rising from roughly $24 to nearly $45, and up 128% on the one-year chart. 00:28
  • Sawsbuck IR (Temporal Forces) is up 51% over 3 months to a market price of $53, with 147% growth year-over-year from a $21 base; its connected-art partner Deerling is up 72% over 3 months to $46-$47, representing 156% year-over-year growth. 02:28
  • Mega Charizard SIR (Phantasmal Flames) is up 42% over 3 months to a current market price of $878, sitting at its all-time high with the lowest listing at $840 and a handful of sales away from $900-plus. 17:30

Recommendations

AVOIDBe cautious buying the Phantasmal Flames Piplup IR after a textbook buyout of 297 copies in a single day on May 6th, with 167 copies still listed on TCG Player. 10:19
AVOIDAvoid chasing the Stellar Crown Toedscruel SIR at $80 after an obvious buyout; the creator expects the price to decline from current levels back toward its prior range. 14:01

View Source  →  YouTube

The Pokémon Market Just Did This! NEW ALL TIME HIGHS!

May 05, 2026  ·  19m 06s

Investment Thesis

It Was Never A Phase Cards reviews surging prices across Paldean Fates and 151 sealed and singles. The Bubble Mew raw card has hit a new all-time high of $868, up from $300 a year ago, while Paldean Fates ETBs are up 231% year-over-year to $454. The 151 Pokemon Center ETB sits near $1,400, and the overall Paldean Fates set value of $2,600 now exceeds 151's $2,400 set value.

Datapoints

  • Paldean Fates Bubble Mew raw card hit a new all-time high of $868, up from roughly $300 a year ago and a low of $460 in February; PSA 10 copies have risen from $1,800 to approximately $2,700 over the past 3 months, with a gem rate of only 35.1%. 00:35
  • Paldean Fates standard Elite Trainer Box reached a new all-time high of $454, up 231% year-over-year from $136; the Pokemon Center ETB sits at $595 with an all-time high of $622, while the 151 standard ETB is approaching a new all-time high of $645, up from $233 a year ago, and the 151 Pokemon Center ETB is near $1,400, up from $458 a year ago. 06:14
  • The overall set value of Paldean Fates is approximately $2,600, exceeding 151's set value of roughly $2,400, despite 151 containing more cards (361 vs. 326); the Bubble Mew alone carries more value than the combined price of the Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur from 151. 15:33

View Source  →  YouTube

Ascended Heroes ETBs Hit New All Time High!

May 04, 2026  ·  19m 35s

Investment Thesis

TJ reviews his May buying targets, led by Ascended Heroes ETBs now at a new all-time high of $182, up 34% over the past month. He also covers Prismatic Evolutions ETBs, the Pokemon Center stamped Eevee promo, Crown Zenith ETBs, and a Base Set Unlimited Gyarados PSA 10 he is actively acquiring, while flagging the upcoming Chaos Rising and Pitch Black releases.

Datapoints

  • Ascended Heroes ETBs hit a new all-time high: current market price is $177, most recent sales at $182, and the lowest listed copies start at $184, representing a 34% rise over the past month. The set previously dipped as low as $104. 00:21
  • Prismatic Evolutions standard ETBs are up roughly 10% over the past month and are currently priced at $182, putting them in direct competition with Ascended Heroes ETBs. The set previously traded above $210. 03:20
  • Base Set Unlimited Gyarados PSA 10 has risen from $1,400 to around $2,000 over the past 3 months, with the most recent sale at $2,900. Only 533 copies exist in PSA 10, reflecting a 2.4% gem rate. 10:04

Recommendations

BUYAscended Heroes ETBs at any price, with priority given to MSRP opportunities; TJ is dollar-cost averaging and adding as many boxes as possible given the set's high demand and continued price momentum. 01:06
BUYPrismatic Evolutions ETBs when opportunities arise, using a dollar-cost averaging approach given the set's age and continued strong pricing. 03:58
BUYCrown Zenith ETBs at current prices around $300, which TJ believes will look cheap in hindsight given the set's long-term strength. 08:06

View Source  →  YouTube

Ascended Heroes Restock Coming This Week! Pokemon Market Update

May 03, 2026  ·  20m 03s

Investment Thesis

Ascended Heroes collection boxes are hitting Costco shelves imminently at roughly $58 for three boxes (secondary market value around $150), while Prismatic Evolutions Super Premium Collections are coming to Sam's Club on May 26 at $70 retail versus a $312+ secondary market price. The creator also covers strong price momentum across Ascended Heroes ETBs, Prismatic sealed, and 151 singles and sealed, noting healthy retracement on 151 singles after their recent peaks.

Datapoints

  • Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Boxes hit a one-month high, up 33% from $131 to a current market price of $175. 05:08
  • Prismatic Evolutions Super Premium Collections dipped to $295 before bouncing back to a current market price of $312, with the most recent sale at $323 and lowest listings at $320 and above. 04:06
  • Pokemon 151 booster bundles are up 237% year-over-year, rising from $65 to a current market price of $220, with the most recent sale at $247. 10:09

Recommendations

BUYAscended Heroes three-box Costco bundle at roughly $58 retail, which represents approximately $150 in secondary market value for around one-third of the price. 01:14
BUYPrismatic Evolutions SPCs at Sam's Club on May 26 for $70 retail, well below the $312+ secondary market price, as the creator expects any post-restock dip to be bought up quickly. 04:50

View Source  →  YouTube

From Top 10 Pokemon

Pokemon Card Auctions Of The Week! The BULL MARKET Continues!!!

May 09, 2026  ·  14m 17s

Investment Thesis

Top 10 Pokemon's weekly auction recap highlights a broad bull market across vintage and modern Pokemon cards. Notable sales include a PSA 10 first edition Shining Charizard at $52,800, a PSA 10 Umbreon from Skyridge at $52,255, a black label Mega Dragonite EX SIR from Ascended Heroes at $51,240, and a record-breaking PSA 10 Latios GX Alt Art from Team Up at $13,300.

Datapoints

  • A PSA 10 Umbreon holo from Skyridge sold for $52,255 at auction this week, with a CGC 10 Pristine copy selling for $45,000 and a TAG 10 copy selling for $40,000, showing strong multi-grader demand. 06:38
  • A PSA 10 first edition Shining Charizard sold for $52,800, with the creator noting this card has been appearing at auction every single week. 11:32
  • A black label Mega Dragonite EX SIR from Ascended Heroes sold for $51,240, named auction of the week; a separate black label Mega Charizard EX SIR from Phantasmal Flames sold for $32,440 the same week. 13:55

View Source  →  YouTube

These Cards Are Making MASSIVE GAINS This Week!

May 05, 2026  ·  6m 51s

Investment Thesis

Top 10 Pokemon recaps ten Pokemon singles that have surged in recent weeks, focusing heavily on Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery cards and select Sword and Shield era singles. PSA 10 prices on cards like the Galarian Gallery Pikachu, Mew, and Mewtwo VSTAR have jumped 50 to 100 percent in a matter of weeks, with Shining Legends and Evolutions cards also posting strong gains.

Datapoints

  • Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery Pikachu PSA 10 roughly doubled in three weeks, rising from approximately $355-$369 to $780-$800. 05:41
  • Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery Mewtwo VSTAR PSA 10 climbed from $475-$490 last month to consistent sales above $600, with recent auctions at $650-$655. 04:38
  • Crown Zenith Darkrai VSTAR PSA 10 rose from $120-$135 in February to $405-$410 within two months, more than tripling in price. 06:11

View Source  →  YouTube

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Disclaimers

This week: 31 videos across 10 channels. Browse the public archive at tcgcardinvestor.com.

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Creation of this newsletter is assisted by AI and may contain mistakes. Always verify each claim against the source video before acting on any recommendation.

This report is editorial commentary based on publicly-available content from independent creators. It does not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security or collectible, or a recommendation of any particular allocation. Trading-card markets are speculative, illiquid, and subject to material price swings driven by reprint cycles, grading-population changes, and shifts in collector sentiment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Ratings (BUY / HOLD / SELL / AVOID) reflect the cited creator's view at the timestamp linked, not the publisher's view. Citation timestamps deep-link to the moment in the source video where the claim is made.

Compiled 2026-05-18 11:07  ·  TCG Card Investor  ·  Editorial digest, not investment advice