TCG Card Investor  ·  Weekly Briefing

TCG Card Investor

Weekly market intelligence on the Pokemon TCG

Vol. 2026 · Issue No. 10  ·  June 20 – 27, 2026

Hey friend, welcome to the hobby.

The Big Story

A Legendary Collection reverse holo Gengar sold for $408,000 this week, up from $675 in 2017, a 60,345% return in 8.5 years. Pokemon has not pushed a single set reprint through distribution in six to eight weeks, and multiple channels believe the company is warehousing inventory for a coordinated 30th anniversary drop. Meanwhile, newer collectors who bought Destined Rivals, Mega Evolution, and Chaos Rising at all-time highs are already being offered only 80 cents on the dollar, and vendor buyback rates are quietly sliding from 80% toward 70%.

Key Market Trends

1.Pokemon is withholding distribution inventory ahead of the 30th anniversary. Multiple channels confirm that no booster box or ETB reprint has landed in traditional distribution for six to eight weeks, with Journey Together and Destined Rivals booster boxes still absent despite confirmed print runs. The leading theory from large-volume retailers is that the Pokemon Company is staging a coordinated product drop timed to the 30th anniversary to spread consumer spend and prevent price spikes. Destined Rivals packs have shipped to Europe in large volume but have not cleared US distribution.
AnonTCG 01:02  ·  AnonTCG 24:05  ·  Nostalgia Nomics 06:44
2.Scarlet and Violet era sealed is broadly outperforming Sword and Shield on percentage gains. Scarlet and Violet booster boxes have posted 20-200% gains since September 2024, with 151 ETBs up roughly 150% and Paldean Fates ETBs up roughly 170%, while most Sword and Shield boxes remain flat or below their September 2024 highs. PSA population data supports the thesis: Umbreon EX from Prismatic Evolutions has only 5,700 PSA 10s versus 21,000 for Umbreon VMAX, reflecting structurally lower supply despite higher hobby demand. Surging Sparks booster boxes crossed $300 for the first time in over a year, up 18% in three months, with 355 boxes sold on the secondary market in the past month.
Nostalgia Nomics 03:28  ·  Nostalgia Nomics 09:58  ·  It Was Never A Phase Cards 19:15  ·  Nostalgia Nomics 50:25
3.Black Bolt White Flare is the most-cited specialty-set sleeper across channels. Both The Poke Plumber and Alpha Investments independently flag Black Bolt White Flare as a top near-term opportunity, comparing it to Crown Zenith, Hidden Fates, Paldean Fates, and 151 as specialty sets that appreciated sharply after print runs ended. Ketchum All Collectibles corroborates tightening supply, noting he now has to pay 80-85% of market to source Black Bolt and White Flare packs, up from a prior 75% offer. Illustration rares from the set are already rising.
The Poke Plumber 06:39  ·  The Poke Plumber 10:54  ·  Alpha Investments 22:44  ·  Ketchum All Collectibles 15:52
4.Slab prices are softening and vendor buyback rates are sliding, raising liquidity concerns. Graded slab prices have dropped 10-30% over the past month, with auction results consistently coming in below comps from two weeks prior. Collect Pokemon warns that vendors are expected to lower buyback rates from 80% down to 75% and then 70%, potentially triggering a rapid B2B hot-potato effect that accelerates price declines on high-population slabs like Vending Series Pikachu and McDonald's Pikachu. Ketchum All Collectibles independently confirms he has already dropped his buy-list offer on XY and Sun and Moon boxes from 80% to 75% after exhausting a $250,000 credit line across seven six-figure collection purchases since December 2025.
The Poke Plumber 04:21  ·  Collect Pokemon 05:20  ·  Ketchum All Collectibles 14:42
5.Prismatic Evolutions product remains a consensus core holding despite market softness. Nostalgia Nomics projects the Prismatic Evolutions UPC at $300 will reach $600-$900 within two to three years, citing the Celebrations UPC's trajectory from $225 to $1,275 as a comparable. The Poke Plumber calls avoiding Prismatic Evolutions entirely the single dumbest move a collector can make, and Nostalgia Nomics separately recommends opportunistically adding Prismatic Evolutions product during the current summer slowdown. The Prismatic Evolutions Eevee promo is currently $30 raw and $400 in PSA 10 with a gem rate of only 20-22%.
Nostalgia Nomics 11:52  ·  The Poke Plumber 21:17  ·  Nostalgia Nomics 04:48  ·  Nostalgia Nomics 09:00

Consensus Calls

BUYPrismatic Evolutions sealed product and promos at current prices, with multiple channels citing low PSA 10 population, strong collector demand, and a historical UPC appreciation pattern pointing to 2-3x returns over the next few years.
BUYBlack Bolt White Flare booster boxes as the top specialty-set sleeper, with tightening supply confirmed by both creator recommendations and rising dealer buyback rates.
BUYEarly Scarlet and Violet era booster boxes (SV01 base, SV02 Paldea Evolved, SV03 Obsidian Flames) and Surging Sparks as the core sealed opportunity, with multiple channels citing superior percentage gains versus Sword and Shield and confirmed price momentum.
HOLDStay liquid for the next two months ahead of the Pokemon 30th anniversary release window, as a large coordinated product drop is expected to create a buying opportunity across multiple SKUs.
HOLDXY and Sun and Moon sealed booster boxes; both The Poke Plumber and Alpha Investments see no scenario where those eras crash and continue to accumulate or recommend holding at current prices.
AVOIDAvoid buying Ascended Heroes ETBs at current prices of $150-$200, as ongoing reprint and restock risk through 2026-2027 caps upside and newer collectors are already struggling to move recent sealed product at comp.

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

Quote of the Week

“Every sealed box purchased has appreciated over a 3-5 year horizon and sellers consistently report wishing they had held longer.”

— Nostalgia Nomics  ·  51:34

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

Vintage Magic and Sorcery Bring back Investors

Jun 22, 2026  ·  34m 57s

Investment Thesis

[Pokemon segment] In a primarily Magic-focused market update, Rudy notes that Pokemon continues to see steady money inflows and grading demand, while the broader market is in a calm consolidation phase. He reports that PCG grades 600-700 Pokemon cards per day across its locations, and flags upcoming Pokemon sealed product sales spanning the Scarlet and Violet, Sword and Shield, and early Scarlet and Violet eras.

Datapoints

  • Rudy observes that money is still visibly flowing into Pokemon alongside One Piece and Lorcana, while new Magic sets have stalled and are not seeing similar inflationary growth. 06:24
  • PCG grades approximately 600-700 Pokemon cards per day across all locations, on a daily throughput of roughly 7,800 to 12,300 total cards, making Pokemon by far the dominant TCG category for grading volume. 29:03
  • Rudy describes the Pokemon market as calm and consolidating, with activity limited to a few specialty and ancillary items rather than broad breakouts. 26:20

Recommendations

BUYScarlet and Violet era, Sword and Shield era, and early Scarlet and Violet sealed Pokemon product offered through Rudy's upcoming patron sales, which he says will be priced 10-15% below TCG Player market rates. 31:16

View Source  →  YouTube

THE SHOW GOES ON.

Jun 21, 2026  ·  32m 50s

Investment Thesis

[Pokemon segment] Rudy reports that Mega Charizard ETBs have roughly doubled in price faster than he expected, while cautioning against newer sets like Destined Rivals and Ascended Heroes ETBs at current prices. He continues to favor Black and White sealed, older Scarlet and Violet sets (SV01-SV04), Surging Sparks, and Journey Together, and urges caution around Pokemon 30th anniversary hype.

Datapoints

  • Mega Charizard ETBs sold to patrons around $120-129 have roughly doubled, now trading in the $250-$270 range (approaching $300 with tax), faster than Rudy anticipated. 02:20
  • Ascended Heroes ETBs are currently trading between $150 and $200, with Rudy expecting the range to stay there, punctuated by reprint/restock events pushing prices back down through 2026 and into 2027. 22:01
  • Pokemon Classic, previously dismissed by the market, has nearly tripled in price and is now approaching $600. 30:36

Recommendations

BUYBlack and White sealed, SV01 base, SV02 (Paldea Evolved), SV03 (Obsidian Flames), and Surging Sparks, which Rudy says represent the core money opportunity in Pokemon right now. 22:44
AVOIDAvoid buying Ascended Heroes ETBs at current prices near $150-$200, as Rudy sees limited upside and ongoing reprint/restock risk through 2026-2027. 21:23
AVOIDAvoid chasing Destined Rivals at current prices, as Rudy considers it too hyped, too expensive, and outside his risk tolerance. 23:29

View Source  →  YouTube

From Nostalgia Nomics

Pokemon Market Talk & State Of The Hobby!

Jun 26, 2026  ·  1h 3m

Investment Thesis

The hosts discuss Pokemon TCG as a long-term investment vehicle, arguing that buying one booster box of every set functions like an index fund and has historically outperformed the S&P 500. They highlight Obsidian Flames, Prismatic Evolutions, and Destined Rivals as standout Scarlet and Violet era sets, note that sealed boxes bought at retail have universally appreciated over a 3-5 year horizon, and debate whether Pokemon will ever introduce serialized or numbered cards.

Datapoints

  • Obsidian Flames booster boxes are described as a top-three box in the Scarlet and Violet era, with the Charizard card continuing to rise in value despite concerns the set would go to zero. 01:36
  • Brilliant Stars booster boxes that were available for $105 cash are now selling for approximately $625, and a Paldea-era set bought for $80-$90 is now at $500; Obsidian Flames is at $400 and 151 is up roughly 10x. 53:42
  • Surging Sparks booster boxes have returned to approximately $300, and Destined Rivals is characterized as the strongest set in the Scarlet and Violet era with reliable long-term appreciation. 50:25

Recommendations

BUYPrismatic Evolutions booster boxes as a top sealed investment pick in the Scarlet and Violet era. 49:34
BUYBooster boxes of sets featuring the most popular Pokemon (Charizard, Gengar, Pikachu, Mewtwo, Mew, Eevee evolutions) as a focused alternative to buying one of every set. 57:21
HOLDAny sealed Pokemon booster boxes already in your possession, as every sealed box purchased has appreciated over a 3-5 year horizon and sellers consistently report wishing they had held longer. 51:34

View Source  →  YouTube

BUY THESE Pokemon Investments! Don't Wait For MSRP!

Jun 24, 2026  ·  13m 15s

Investment Thesis

Nostalgia Nomics argues that waiting for MSRP is unnecessary for Pokemon premium collection investing, citing historical performance data across every Super Premium Collection and Ultra Premium Collection released. He highlights gains on products from Celebrations to Prismatic Evolutions and makes the case that the Prismatic Evolutions UPC at $300 and its Eevee promo are strong current buys, with Ascended Heroes and 30th Anniversary SPCs/UPCs flagged as future targets.

Datapoints

  • The Sword and Shield base Ultra Premium Collection was $180 one year ago and is now near $400, representing over 100% gain in a single year. 03:36
  • The Celebrations Ultra Premium Collection now sells for approximately $1,275; the creator paid $225 per unit in February 2022 (nearly double the $119.99 MSRP), representing roughly 4-5x returns in under four years. 10:06
  • The Prismatic Evolutions Eevee promo is currently selling for approximately $30 raw and around $400 in PSA 10, with a gem rate of roughly 20-22%. 09:00

Recommendations

BUYPrismatic Evolutions Ultra Premium Collection at current prices around $300, with the creator projecting a $600-$900 value within two to three years. 11:52
BUYPrismatic Evolutions Eevee promo, either raw at approximately $30 or as a PSA 10 copy at approximately $400, based on low gem rates and expected scarcity. 11:55
BUYAscended Heroes or 30th Anniversary Super Premium Collection or Ultra Premium Collection if released, regardless of whether the price is at or above MSRP. 12:17

View Source  →  YouTube

State Of The Pokemon Market June 2026

Jun 22, 2026  ·  19m 21s

Investment Thesis

Nostalgia Nomics delivers a June 2026 market state-of-the-union, attributing current softness to a seasonal summer slowdown compounded by three consecutive lackluster sets: Perfect Order, Chaos Rising, and Pitch Black. He remains broadly bullish, citing persistent product scarcity, a growing global customer base, and upcoming catalysts including the 30th anniversary set, a Rayquaza set, and a rumored Team Rocket set.

Datapoints

  • Chaos Rising was one of the best stream sets in the past year for its first 2-3 weeks, then fell off significantly after 3-4 weeks; the creator expects Pitch Black to follow the same pattern. 02:33
  • Crown Zenith (CN Sky) booster boxes were widely available at Costco and packs sold for $4 each at their floor; the Rayquaza holo from that set now fetches $10 raw and $400 in PSA 10. 13:09
  • Second-wave allocations of Chaos Rising and Perfect Order had not yet arrived as of the recording date, while Pitch Black was already releasing, creating concurrent supply pressure across multiple sets. 06:44

Recommendations

BUYOpportunistically add Prismatic Evolutions product when available at a good price through collection buys, even during the current slow period. 04:48
HOLDMaintain existing sealed and singles positions across sets rather than making large strategic buys or sells during the summer slowdown period. 04:14

View Source  →  YouTube

These Pokemon Investments ARE DEAD! BUY THESE INSTEAD!!

Jun 21, 2026  ·  13m 41s

Investment Thesis

Nostalgia Nomics argues that Scarlet Violet era products are decisively outperforming Sword and Shield era across booster boxes, specialty sets, and slabs on a percentage-gain basis. Using price data from September 2024 through June 2025, the creator contends that lower print runs combined with higher hobby engagement make Scarlet Violet the superior investment vehicle for the next 6 to 24 months.

Datapoints

  • Most Sword and Shield booster boxes have seen flat or negative growth since their September 2024 highs: Chilling Reign peaked in the high $500s and has not recrossed $500; Lost Origin peaked in the $800s and now lists well under $800; Evolving Skies peaked near $2,600 and remains around $2,400-$2,600 with no net gain; Fusion Strike peaked near $1,000 and is back around $1,000. Brilliant Stars is one of the few bright spots, up roughly 20%. 01:03
  • Scarlet Violet booster boxes have broadly outperformed Sword and Shield on percentage gains since September 2024: Scarlet Violet base set up from $240 to nearly $300 (roughly 20%); Obsidian Flames up from $330 to $400 (over 20%); Stellar Crown up from $280 to $350; Shrouded Fable doubled from $65 to $130; 151 ETB up from $240 to $600 (roughly 150-200%); Paldean Fates ETB up from $185 to nearly $500. 03:28
  • PSA population data shows Umbreon VMAX has approximately 30,000 copies and 21,000 PSA 10s, while the Umbreon EX from Prismatic Evolutions has only 19,000 copies and 5,700 PSA 10s, supporting the claim that Scarlet Violet era cards have lower supply despite higher hobby demand. The creator also notes Pokemon printed 11.9 billion cards during Sword and Shield versus lower numbers in Scarlet Violet era. 09:58

Recommendations

BUYScarlet Violet era booster boxes and specialty sets (including 151, Paldean Fates, Prismatic Evolutions, Black Bolt, and White Flare) over Sword and Shield equivalents, as the creator expects superior percentage returns over the next 6 to 24 months. 06:41
HOLDScarlet Violet era slabs such as Umbreon EX from Prismatic Evolutions, Magikarp from Paldea Evolved, and Terapagos from Stellar Crown, as the creator expects these to continue outpacing Sword and Shield era slabs like Umbreon VMAX on percentage gains. 07:54

View Source  →  YouTube

From AnonTCG

Where are all the Pokémon Restocks?

Jun 24, 2026  ·  7m 01s

Investment Thesis

AnonTCG's Don examines why Pokemon booster boxes and ETBs for Journey Together, Destined Rivals, Mega Evolution 1-3, and Phantasmal Flames have not appeared through traditional distribution, despite confirmed print runs. His leading theory, sourced from large-volume retailers, is that the Pokemon Company is holding inventory to release alongside 30th Anniversary product to spread consumer spend and prevent price spikes.

Datapoints

  • Journey Together and Destined Rivals ETBs and booster boxes have not appeared through traditional distribution; only pre-release kits (build-and-battle displays) and some MJ Holdings/Excel allocations have shipped to big-box stores. 01:02
  • Journey Together ETBs sat at $65 at launch and are now trading at $130-$135, illustrating how weaker SKUs in a strong market can double in price. 02:49
  • Mega Evolution 3 ETBs are currently priced at $70-$72, and Chaos Rising booster boxes are holding at $295 with no ETB or booster bundle reprints issued since the March 2025 set (Surging Sparks). 02:38

Recommendations

BUYMega Evolution 3 ETBs at current prices of $70-$72, which the creator calls the best buy on the market given the restock drought and the precedent set by Journey Together ETBs doubling from $65 to $130-$135. 02:43

View Source  →  YouTube

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

Jun 22, 2026  ·  26m 57s

Investment Thesis

[Pokemon segment] AnonTCG's weekly distribution update includes a substantial Pokemon segment covering current booster box prices, supply dynamics across several products, and speculation about a large product drop timed to the 30th anniversary. The creator argues the Pokemon market is strong despite Poketuber pessimism, flags a lighter print run on the Mega Greninja battle deck promo, and urges viewers to stay liquid ahead of anticipated anniversary releases.

Datapoints

  • Chaos Rising booster boxes are selling for approximately $235 while distributor cost is around $103, a margin the creator describes as strong despite widespread Poketuber negativity about the set. 21:14
  • Destined Rivals booster packs have been printed in large volume but have not yet reached distribution in the US; ETBs have appeared at Walmart and Target but not through distribution, and a significant quantity has shipped to Europe instead. 23:41
  • No reprint of any Pokemon set has landed in distribution since the Super Premium Collections and 151 mini tins approximately 6 to 8 weeks ago, suggesting Pokemon may be holding product back for a large coordinated drop around the 30th anniversary. 24:05

Recommendations

BUYMega Greninja battle deck promos, as the print run is lighter than standard EX boxes, making the promo card worth watching. 21:57
HOLDStay liquid for the next 2 months ahead of the Pokemon 30th anniversary release window, as a large volume of SKUs is likely to drop and create a buying opportunity. 26:25

View Source  →  YouTube

From Collect Pokemon

The near future of pokemon investing

Jun 23, 2026  ·  10m 09s

Investment Thesis

Clay from Collect Pokemon argues that the upcoming wave of high-demand sets in the second half of 2026, including the 30th Anniversary, a Requisition set, and a possible Team Rocket set, will create a cash crunch across the hobby. He outlines three scenarios: a slab sell-off driving prices down, holders sitting tight, or new money stabilizing the market. His personal plan is to liquidate slabs and sealed products now to build cash reserves.

Datapoints

  • Historically, weaker sets like Crimson Invasion and Rebel Clash caused the Pokemon market to slow down and effectively reset, but the recent release of Perfect Order and Chaos Rising did not produce the same cooldown effect. 00:31
  • The creator expects slabs with high population counts, such as Vending Series Pikachu and McDonald's Pikachu, to see the most downward price pressure as collectors liquidate to raise cash ahead of upcoming major sets. 04:19
  • Vendors are anticipated to lower slab buyback rates from around 80% down to 75% and then 70%, potentially triggering a rapid B2B hot-potato effect that accelerates price declines on popular slabs. 05:20

Recommendations

SELLLiquidate investment slabs and sealed products now to build cash reserves before the anticipated supply crunch and price pressure from back-to-back major 2026 set releases. 09:03

View Source  →  YouTube

From Ketchum All Collectibles

I Can't Keep Up Anymore

Jun 22, 2026  ·  22m 43s

Investment Thesis

Dan from Ketchum All Collectibles explains why he has lowered his buy-list percentages on most sealed Pokemon product, dropping from 80% to 75% on XY and Sun and Moon singles boxes and ETBs after buying seven six-figure collections since December 2025. Demand for his buy list has outpaced his available capital, and he notes the broader market continues to surprise him despite his year-long caution about frothy prices.

Datapoints

  • The creator bought his first six-figure Pokemon collection in December 2025 and has since purchased six more six-figure collections in the roughly six months through mid-June 2026, straining a $250,000 Chase line of credit. 03:00
  • Demand for his buy list at 80% exceeded his available capital, forcing him to drop his offer on XY and Sun and Moon single booster boxes and ETBs from 80% to 75% of market price. 14:42
  • Black Bolt and White Flare packs require him to pay 80-85% of market to source them, up from a prior 75% offer, reflecting tighter supply relative to demand in his segment of the market. 15:52

Recommendations

AVOIDthe creator warns against spending all available capital on good deals at current high prices, cautioning that if multiple large buyers simultaneously exhaust their buy lists it could be an early signal that the market is overheated. 17:02

View Source  →  YouTube

From The Poke Plumber

Is Pokémon Investing Really Dead?!

Jun 26, 2026  ·  26m 34s

Investment Thesis

The Poke Plumber argues that the current lull in the Pokemon market is a buying opportunity rather than a sign of collapse. He doubles down on Sword and Shield booster boxes as undervalued relative to their long-term potential, flags Black Bolt White Flare, Prismatic Evolutions, and Destined Rivals as near-term sleeper picks, and makes a generational thesis that XY-era products could surge as that generation reaches peak earning years.

Datapoints

  • Gengar Prime PSA 10 is currently around $40,000, up from roughly $900 when the creator could have bought one years ago; Gold Star Gyarados has run from $10,000 to $200,000 and some collectors still see further upside. 14:48
  • Japanese Sun and Moon-era booster boxes including Tag Bolt, Dream League, Remix Bout, Double Blaze, and Miracle Twin have all seen significant price appreciation recently. 21:03
  • Black and White era booster boxes are currently going 'through the roof' as that childhood generation reaches adulthood with disposable income, and the creator projects the same demand cycle will hit XY-era boxes within five years as those kids, now around 22, approach peak earning age. 24:37

Recommendations

BUYSword and Shield booster boxes across the era at current prices, as the creator sees the same long-term appreciation pattern that played out for XY and Sun and Moon sets. 09:30
BUYBlack Bolt White Flare booster boxes as the creator's top sleeper pick of the moment, citing the precedent of Paldean Fates and 151 as comparable sets that appreciated after print runs ended. 06:39
SELLTake some profits now ahead of the Pokemon 30th anniversary, as the creator warns many collectors are already positioning to sell into that potential peak. 18:27

View Source  →  YouTube

The Pokemon Market Is Making Me Nervous!

Jun 24, 2026  ·  29m 33s

Investment Thesis

The Poke Plumber shares a cautiously bearish read on the current Pokemon market, noting slabs are down 10-30%, newer collectors are struggling to move Scarlet and Violet and Mega Evolution product, and rip-and-ship demand is cooling. He remains confident in XY, Sun and Moon, and Sword and Shield sealed as safer holds, and warns that oversupply of Scarlet and Violet relative to prior eras could suppress long-term returns.

Datapoints

  • Graded slab prices have dropped 10-30% over the past month or so, with items selling at auction for less than they fetched two weeks prior. 04:21
  • Scarlet and Violet was printed more heavily than the Sword and Shield era, and far more collectors are holding Scarlet and Violet cases today than held Sword and Shield at the time, creating a larger supply overhang. 26:28
  • Newer collectors who bought Destined Rivals, Mega Evolution sets, Phantasmal Flames, Chaos Rising, and Pitch Black at all-time high prices are now struggling to sell, with buyers offering only around 80 cents on the dollar for recent sealed product. 05:00

Recommendations

BUYXY, Sun and Moon, and Sword and Shield sealed product, which the creator views as resilient even in a downturn and continues to accumulate daily. 24:57
HOLDPrismatic Evolutions; the creator calls avoiding it entirely the 'dumbest thing' a collector could do and considers it a core holding. 21:17
AVOIDAvoid paying above last-comp prices or chasing slabs at imaginary ask prices in the current volatile market; buy at 80-90% of comp to preserve downside cushion. 23:53

View Source  →  YouTube

The BEST Opportunity in Pokemon RIGHT NOW! + I OPENED A 10 Year Old TIN!

Jun 22, 2026  ·  30m 22s

Investment Thesis

The Poke Plumber argues that Sword and Shield era sealed products are the best current opportunity precisely because they are stagnant, drawing parallels to how Roaring Skies and other XY sets sat flat for years before surging. He urges diversification across eras, highlights Black Bolt White Flare as a specialty-set sleeper, and sees summer price softness as a buying window before potential fall momentum.

Datapoints

  • A PSA 10 Rayquaza from Roaring Skies recently sold for approximately $40,000, while sealed Roaring Skies booster boxes remain in the $4,000 range. 00:22
  • Sun and Moon boxes including Unbroken Bonds ($2,200), Unified Minds ($2,300), and Cosmic Eclipse ($4,000) are trading at roughly the same prices they were one year ago, showing little movement. 15:21
  • PSA is currently holding an estimated $8 billion worth of cards that will eventually be returned to the market, which the creator expects to pressure slab prices when released. 10:10

Recommendations

BUYSword and Shield sealed products such as Evolving Skies, Brilliant Stars, and Silver Tempest while prices are flat, treating stagnation as a long-term entry opportunity. 16:00
BUYBlack Bolt White Flare as a specialty set comparable to Crown Zenith, Hidden Fates, and Paldean Fates 151, with illustration rares already rising. 10:54
HOLDXY and Sun and Moon sealed boxes, as the creator sees no scenario where those eras crash and maintains high confidence in their long-term trajectory. 11:54

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

Where Is Wave 2 of Perfect Order Pokemon Cards?

Jun 24, 2026  ·  17m 24s

Investment Thesis

Danny Phantump investigates the missing Wave 2 of Perfect Order booster boxes, confirming via distributor contact that they are expected in the first week of July, roughly three months late. He reviews current price data across booster boxes, ETBs, and key singles, noting that additional supply from Wave 2 will likely push most Perfect Order singles lower, while the competitive Meowth special illustration rare has held up best.

Datapoints

  • Perfect Order booster boxes are up about 5% from their low point, currently sitting at $219.59 after briefly reaching $224.49, remaining relatively flat over 3 months since the March 27 release. 07:00
  • The Perfect Order Meowth special illustration rare started at roughly $135 on release day, climbed to a high of $201.35, and is now at $182.41, up about 35% since release, driven by competitive playability and collector demand. 10:19
  • The Mega Zygarde EX special illustration rare has fallen about 45% from its $126 release price to $68.88, with the creator expecting it could drop closer to $50 once Wave 2 booster boxes arrive. 11:54

Recommendations

BUYPerfect Order singles you need for your collection, but wait roughly another month for Wave 2 supply to fully hit the secondary market and push prices to their floor. 16:30

View Source  →  YouTube

Bulk Pokemon Cards That EXPLODED in Price

Jun 22, 2026  ·  22m 10s

Investment Thesis

Danny Phantump surveys a dozen VMAX and VSTAR singles from Sword and Shield era sets that have quietly appreciated 30–340% over the past year. Cards like Mimikyu VMAX, Mew VMAX, Surfing Pikachu VMAX, and Lugia VSTAR have moved from near-bulk pricing into the $5–$21 range, driven by collector nostalgia rather than competitive demand. The core thesis is that holders should audit their bulk boxes and use these cards as trade bait or store credit.

Datapoints

  • Mimikyu VMAX (Brilliant Stars) rose from $3.79 in July 2025 to $15.01 in mid-2026, a gain of roughly 296%, while sustaining 40–60 copies sold per week on TCGplayer. 05:09
  • Surfing Pikachu VMAX (Celebrations) climbed from $3.17 in June 2025 to $8.45, up approximately 167%, selling 100–200 copies per week; the Flying Pikachu VMAX from the same set is tracking similarly. 11:39
  • Lugia VSTAR (Silver Tempest) fell to $2.11 in June 2025 after rotating out of competitive Standard play, but has since recovered to roughly $6.02, up about 185%, selling around 80 copies per week, reflecting collector-market strength rather than competitive demand. 17:56

View Source  →  YouTube

From It Was Never A Phase Cards

Will These Pokemon Cards Break The Market?!

Jun 26, 2026  ·  21m 24s

Investment Thesis

TJ covers newly revealed Japanese illustration rare cards for Eevee, Sprigatito, and Zoroark releasing July 31st alongside Storm Emerald, a 76-card set featuring Mega Rayquaza EX. He tracks price performance on related singles, notes Storm Emerald booster boxes already pre-selling at $140-$150 on eBay, and flags that the wide Japanese-to-English gap (Delta Rain releases November 6th) could keep Japanese singles and sealed elevated for months.

Datapoints

  • Storm Emerald (Japanese) booster boxes are pre-selling on eBay at $140-$150, which TJ describes as pretty high for a Japanese pre-sale; the English version, Delta Rain, is not releasing until November 6th, creating an unusually large gap that is expected to keep Japanese singles and sealed prices elevated. 19:21
  • The Rayquaza V-Max from Evolving Skies recently broke the $1,000 mark, briefly dipped to around $1,035, but lowest current listings are $1,300 and up; a year ago the card was just under $700. The Rayquaza V (card 194) from the same set is up 130% on the year and recently broke the $500 mark, with lowest listings potentially pushing into the $550-$600 range. 17:14
  • The Sprigatito illustration rare from Paldea Evolved (card 196) has risen from $20 a year ago to around $65, a new one-year high, representing 225% annual growth and 84% growth over the past 3 months; the Japanese copy is available on TCG Player for around $18-$19. 12:51

Recommendations

BUYConsider picking up the Japanese copy of the Sprigatito illustration rare from Paldea Evolved at around $18-$19 on TCG Player if you want the art at a significantly lower cost than the $65 English version. 13:24
HOLDThe Eevee ETB promo (Pokemon Center stamped, Prismatic card 173) is expected to continue climbing long term; TJ believes it has more upside toward its prior high of $115. 10:04

View Source  →  YouTube

The Pokemon Cards Everyone's Hunting For + 40k GIVEAWAY!

Jun 25, 2026  ·  16m 48s

Investment Thesis

It Was Never A Phase Cards reviews price movements across several Pokemon promos and Japanese singles. First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 sits at an all-time low near $55, while Series 1 has pulled back to $73 from an $80 peak. Japanese cards including the Magikarp from Paldea Evolved, Detective Pikachu promo, Unagabas, and Sylveon from Teratal Festival are all posting strong multi-month gains.

Datapoints

  • First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 is at an all-time low on the secondary market, currently around $54-$55, while Series 1 has pulled back from an $80 peak to around $73. 01:07
  • The Japanese Magikarp from Paldea Evolved (card #80) is up 151% on the year, rising from roughly $70 a year ago to $176 currently, with a 36% gain over the past 3 months and approaching a potential $200 price point. 10:42
  • The Umbreon Unagabas card (#67) has a current market price of $199, up from around $90 a year ago, with lowest listings at $201-$205 and potential upside to $225-$250; the Espeon (#66) broke $100 in May and now sits around $104, up from $53 a year ago. 12:20
  • The Sylveon from Teratal Festival (S #212) is up 38% over the past 3 months and 18% over the past month, with a 73% gain over the past 6 months from a $99 low in January to current levels around $144. 14:12

Recommendations

AVOIDFor non-Gen 1 and Gen 2 First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 singles such as Snivy and Tepig, the creator advises waiting longer as prices are likely to continue declining. 07:23

View Source  →  YouTube

New All Time Highs and Lows! Pokemon Market Update

Jun 23, 2026  ·  23m 41s

Investment Thesis

This market update from It Was Never A Phase Cards covers the week's biggest movers in Pokemon TCG sealed product and singles. Highlights include Mega Greninja SIR from Chaos Rising hitting a new all-time low near $298 (down ~50%), the Paldean Fates ETB cooling off from its high but still up 160% year-over-year, and strong gains for Surging Sparks booster boxes (now over $300), the Persian from Shrouded Fable (up 82%), and the Blooming Waters box from 151 hitting a new all-time high near $386.

Datapoints

  • Mega Greninja SIR (number 116) from Chaos Rising has dropped roughly 50% from its launch price of ~$590 to a new all-time low of ~$298, with 215 copies currently listed on TCGPlayer. PSA 10 graded copies fell from ~$3,000 at launch to recent sales around $1,100-$1,200. 01:04
  • Surging Sparks booster boxes crossed $300 for the first time in over a year (now ~$306-$307, up 18% over 3 months), with 355 boxes sold on the secondary market in the past month. Surging Sparks ETBs are also up 81% over the past 6 months, now at ~$132 after spending much of late 2024 in the $70 range. 19:15
  • The Blooming Waters box from 151 hit a new all-time high at a current market price of ~$386 (up 12% in the past month), with only 53 copies available versus 92 sold in the past month. The listed median price on TCGPlayer sits at $500, which the creator notes has historically been a reliable indicator of where boxes trend during the current bull market. 15:10

Recommendations

AVOIDWait on buying Mega Greninja SIR from Chaos Rising at its current ~$298 all-time low, as the creator expects it to continue dropping before eventually bottoming out and recovering. 01:33

View Source  →  YouTube

Prismatic SPC Drop This Week! + Pokemon Market Update

Jun 22, 2026  ·  22m 25s

Investment Thesis

TJ covers a UK Costco drop for Prismatic Evolutions Super Premium Collections (capped at two per membership, priced at roughly 84 euros) and runs through price performance on a range of Ultra Premium Collections. Highlights include the Team Rocket's Moltres UPC up 107% in six months, the 151 UPC down 22% in one month from its peak, and the Celebrations UPC now listed at a median of $2,000 as the 30th anniversary approaches.

Datapoints

  • The Prismatic Evolutions SPC was a sub-$200 box a year ago; it ran to roughly $390 in March, dipped to around $290 in May, and now sits at a market price of approximately $311 with a listed median of $370. 01:40
  • The Team Rocket's Moltres UPC is up 107% over the past six months, rising from roughly $180 in December to a current market price of $370, with a listed median of $450. 03:10
  • The Pokemon 151 UPC dropped 22% in the past month alone, falling from roughly $1,250 to sub-$1,000, though it remains up 154% year-over-year from a $384 starting price; the listed median is back around $1,200. 11:05
  • The Celebrations UPC has risen 153% year-over-year, from $500 to roughly $1,300, with only 41 boxes listed on TCG Player and a listed median of $2,000; the metal base-set Charizard reprint promo from the same box is up 134%, now at $311. 13:45

View Source  →  YouTube

Which Pokemon Card Packs Are The Best Value In 2026?!

Jun 21, 2026  ·  20m 01s

Investment Thesis

[Pokemon segment] TJ ranks the top five Pokemon TCG sets by expected value versus secondary-market pack price in 2026, using data from Double Hollow. Crown Zenith leads at roughly $24 per pack with ~$18 expected value, up 152% year-over-year. Chaos Rising and Perfect Order booster boxes offer sub-loose-pack pricing. Astral Radiance and Ascended Heroes round out the list, with Ascended Heroes booster bundles flagged as the smarter buy over ETBs.

Datapoints

  • Crown Zenith loose packs are trading at approximately $24 on TCGPlayer, up 152% from under $10 a year ago, with an expected value of roughly $18 per pack. 12:01
  • Chaos Rising booster boxes are priced at $235 on the secondary market, equating to $6.50 per pack, which is cheaper than the current loose-pack market price of $6.60. 08:59
  • Astral Radiance loose packs are approximately $9.64 on TCGPlayer, up 42% over the past year, with an expected value of around $5.17 per pack. 01:05

Recommendations

BUYChaos Rising booster boxes at ~$235 ($6.50/pack) for the best rip value in the set, as the per-pack cost is below current loose-pack pricing and Pokemon is not reprinting booster boxes. 09:11
BUYAscended Heroes booster bundles at ~$95 (six packs at ~$15.80/pack) over ETBs, as bundle pricing is much closer to loose-pack secondary-market rates. 05:49

View Source  →  YouTube

From Top 10 Pokemon

Top 10 EXPENSIVE Legendary Collection Pokemon Cards! (2026)

Jun 24, 2026  ·  8m 35s

Investment Thesis

Top 10 Pokemon reviews the current most expensive PSA 10 cards from Legendary Collection, focusing on the reverse holo firework pattern cards that have surged to record prices. Highlights include the reverse holo Gengar selling for $408,000 (up 5,355% in three years), the reverse holo Pikachu at $204,000 (up 5,000%), and the Charizard holo at $102,000. The video is a market recap with no explicit buy or sell recommendations.

Datapoints

  • The Legendary Collection reverse holo Gengar (PSA 10) sold most recently for $408,000, up from $7,480 three years ago, a 5,355% increase. 07:51
  • The Legendary Collection reverse holo Pikachu (PSA 10) sold most recently for $204,000, up from $4,050 three years ago, a 5,000% increase. 06:24
  • The Legendary Collection reverse holo Challenge Trainer card (PSA 10, pop 6) sold last week for $57,600, up from roughly $500 in 2019, an increase of over 11,000%. 02:35

View Source  →  YouTube

These Are The CRAZIEST Pokemon Auctions Of The Week!

Jun 21, 2026  ·  12m 54s

Investment Thesis

Top 10 Pokemon recaps a week of standout auction results spanning modern illustration rares, vintage sealed product, e-series holos, and Legendary Collection reverse holos. Highlights include a Legendary Collection reverse holo Gengar selling for $408,000, an Expedition Mew holo at $121,595, a PSA 10 crystal Lugia at $90,233, and a Legendary Collection reverse holo Pikachu at $204,000, reflecting extraordinary price appreciation across vintage and near-vintage Pokemon cards.

Datapoints

  • The Legendary Collection reverse holo Gengar (pop 12) sold for $408,000 this week; the same card sold for $675 in late 2017, representing a 60,345% increase over approximately 8.5 years. 11:48
  • Multiple Legendary Collection reverse holos posted massive results at Fanatics Collect: Venusaur $20,400, Abra $28,800, Squirtle $32,400, Eevee $66,000, Charizard $120,000, and Pikachu $204,000, all PSA 10. 10:43
  • E-series holos from Expedition and Aquapolis dominated Alt auction block with numerous five-figure sales, including Expedition Charizard at $100,361, Expedition Skarmory at $113,250, and Expedition Mew at $121,595, all PSA 10. 09:25

View Source  →  YouTube

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Disclaimers

This week: 22 videos across 9 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 2026-06-27 13:10  ·  TCG Card Investor  ·  Editorial digest, not investment advice