I’ve been keeping a close eye on the Pokémon TCG market this month, and we’re seeing two very different stories unfold. On one side, Surging Sparks cards are going through a steep correction.
On the other hand, Crown Zenith cards are showing early signs of what could be a long-term value surge. The bottom line? If you're a collector or investor, now is the time to buy into both.
I’m picking up what I can from both sets. The current dip in Sparks is a glimmer of hope for long-suffering 2024-2025 collectors. And Crown Zenith is a train I want to be on before it leaves the station. Let's go into more detail:
Pokémon Card Crashers
Let’s start with Surging Sparks. A handful of top cards have taken noticeable hits in the last few weeks. Pikachu ex – 247/191, for example, has dropped a whopping 51% since early April, falling from $113.38 to just $56. That’s a steep decline, no doubt, but it's important to put it in context.
We’re seeing more sealed product become available every week, and as supply rises, prices are naturally correcting. Hydreigon ex – 240/191 has also taken a 34% hit, now sitting at $49.60, while Milotic ex – 237/191 is down 26% to $99. Even the alternate-art Pikachu ex – 238/191 is feeling the pressure, dropping 22% to $294.99, and Latias ex – 239/191 has slipped 23% to $193.99.
But this isn’t panic selling or lost interest in Surging Sparks, it’s the result of increased availability. Collectors and resellers aren’t willing to overpay for cards that are easier to find. If anything, that creates opportunity.
These aren’t bad cards; they’re just correcting from an inflated early market. For anyone who missed the initial wave or hesitated at launch prices, this correction is your window.
Pokémon Card Climbers
Crown Zenith is telling a very different story. Cards from this set, particularly the stunning Secret Rare VSTARs, are starting to heat up. Giratina VSTAR (Secret) GG69/GG70 has jumped 24% this month, climbing from $152.78 to $199.99.
Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR (Secret) shot up 22% in just a few days, now holding at $84.99. Its counterpart, Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR (Secret), surged 17% nearly overnight to $73.37. Even secondary stars like Mewtwo VSTAR – GG44/GG70 and Arceus VSTAR – GG70/GG70 are each up 11% from their recent lows.
We're at a pivotal moment in the Pokémon TCG timeline. The Scarlet and Violet era is drawing to a close, and with the Mega Evolution era moving in after Black Bolt and White Flare sets later this year, we’re about to enter the next generation.
That transition turns Sword and Shield-era sets like Crown Zenith into the odd category of not-so modern Pokémon cards. If historic price climbs tells us anything, cards become more valuable two generations out. We’ve seen this pattern with XY and early Sun & Moon sets, and I expect Sword and Shield to follow suit alongside old Mega Evolution Pokémon.
Sealed Product Price Comparison
Some of the pricing here by Amazon is insane, but there's some deals to be had when comparing these products to TCG Player. For example, Prismatic Evolutions Super-Premium Collection is a massive 56% below market value, so go with Amazon on that one.
On the other end of the scale, TCG Player has Cynthia’s Garchomp ex Premium Collection at a massive 48% below Amazon's current price, which is very close to MSRP. I've compared all the prices in the carousel above, but another pro tip is clicking through to eBay to see if there's any new bargains to be had.
Last Weeks Crashers and Climbers
As the Scarlet & Violet era winds down with the upcoming Black Bolt and White Flare sets, collectors are already looking backward in anticipation of what’s next—namely, the long-awaited return of Mega Evolutions. Following the reveal of Mega Symphonia and Mega Brave for Japan’s August launch, classic Mega cards are seeing renewed interest.
While Build & Battle promos like Ethan’s Typhlosion and Misty’s Gyarados stumbled, and Illustration Rares like Charizard ex (SIR) and Eevee ex (SIR) cooled off from post-launch highs, classic Mega EX cards soared. M Alakazam EX (Full Art) jumped over 400% since March, while M Rayquaza EX (Full Art), M Gengar EX, and both M Charizard EX – 12/83 and M Charizard EX (Full Art) – 101/108 are climbing as collectors prepared for a full-blown Mega revival.
Looking for more TCG discussion and market watch? Check out the full MTG release schedule for 2025, last week's MTG price movers and shakers, and the Pokemon side of things, the most expensive 151 cards going right now for Pokemon trainers.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
