May 9: Pokémon Card Market Trends

Another rollercoaster week in the Pokémon singles market as collectors eagerly await Destined Rivals. At least we avoided another bot massacre on the Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon Center preorders this time around.

The Market's Biggest Movers

The most dramatic plummet this week belongs to Greninja ex 214/167, losing nearly half its value since January. Meanwhile, Obsidian Flames and 151 sets are seeing welcome price corrections across the board. On the flip side, Evolving Skies' Dragonite V is making waves, nearly doubling in value since New Year's - and honestly, the stunning artwork always made this card criminally underpriced.

Charizard V Alt Art continues its slow but steady climb, capturing an epic battle moment against Venusaur. But the real high-flyer? Rayquazza VMAX Alt Art has skyrocketed by $100 since January. Let's breakdown this week's hottest gainers and steepest drops.

This Week's Biggest Losers

While Sword and Shield era cards finally see some upward movement, Scarlet and Violet prices are returning to earth after their initial hype.

Alakazam ex SIR from 151 is breathtaking, and at 34% cheaper than March prices, there's no excuse not to add Uri Geller's grandpa to your collection. As someone whose first starter was Bulbasaur back in Pokémon Blue days, this Bulbasaur IR hits different - and at 52% off since mid-March, it's an absolute steal.

Obsidian Flames' Ninetales IR has always been a standout - and now at 40% below February prices (~$18.17), it's prime time to grab this beauty.

$411.62 save 33%
$275.00 at TCG Player

$56.62 save 34%
$37.62 at TCG Player

Even Obsidian Flames haters can't deny Charizard ex SIR's stained-glass Tera form is jaw-dropping. While its price dip since March is modest ($5), every dollar counts.

The real sob story? Greninja ex SIR was poised to be Scarlet and Violet's most valuable chase card... until Prismatic Evolutions reset expectations. Still a gorgeous card holding strong at $275, but that's cold comfort for folks who paid $411 in February.

This Week's Top Performers

Rayquazza VMAX alt art continues its stratospheric climb, now commanding $649.99. As one of Sword and Shield's ultimate grails, this could legitimately hit four figures within a few years.

The Charizard V Alt Art battle scene against Venusaur captures explosive energy missing from many static card artworks (looking at you, WotC era). Up $40 since January, $200 by year's end seems inevitable.

$649.99 at TCG Player

Dragonite V Alt Art perfectly encapsulates why Evolving Skies remains legendary. Who knew this lovable dragon could look both adorable and terrifying? Having nearly doubled since January to $225, this might be your last chance before it flies completely out of reach.

Sealed Product Spotlight

For the thrill-seekers chasing pulls themselves, here's what's currently available at reasonable prices. Pro tip: check our full 2024 release schedule to plan your purchases - and remember, singles remain the most cost-effective way to collect.

$275.65 save 4%
$265.99 at Amazon

$142.92 at Amazon