Collector’s Watchlist: Big Movers & Market Trends
Welcome back, trainers! The Pokémon TCG market is buzzing this week, with some cards rocketing in value and a few surprise risers making headlines. Whether you’re a set chaser, binder collector, or just love the thrill of the hunt, here are the top movers you need on your radar right now.
1. Mewtwo VSTAR (GG44, Crown Zenith)
- Current Market Price: $181.31
- Weekly Price Change: +$21.31 (+13.3%)
Image: Mewtwo VSTAR – Crown Zenith
Why the Surge?
Mewtwo VSTAR (GG44) has surged in value thanks to a perfect storm of limited supply, collector hype, and its now-recognized status as one of Crown Zenith’s top chases. While the gold Giratina VSTAR was originally the set’s premier card, Mewtwo’s dramatic, full-art illustration and the card’s difficulty to grade in gem-mint condition have quickly pushed it into the same elite bracket for collectors. As Crown Zenith is now out of print, demand for standout Galarian Gallery cards like Mewtwo VSTAR has intensified, with collectors and investors alike seeking out high-grade copies. This card is not legal in Standard tournament play, so its price movement is purely driven by collector and grading market dynamics.
2. Gengar VMAX (Fusion Strike #271, Alternate Art)
- Current Market Price: $702.88
- Weekly Price Change: +$7.88 (+1.1%)
Image: Gengar VMAX – Fusion Strike #271
Why the Surge?
Gengar VMAX (Alternate Art) from Fusion Strike is experiencing a notable price surge this week, driven by a combination of set scarcity and its status as one of the most iconic alternate arts in the Sword & Shield era. As sealed Fusion Strike becomes harder to find, collectors are zeroing in on the set’s top hits especially Gengar VMAX, which features incredible artwork and remains a grail for many. Notably, while the market price for raw cards has climbed steadily, graded versions are seeing even sharper jumps, a Grade 8, for example, spiked by $65.71 this week. The card’s popularity is also fueled by its playability in Expanded and collector demand for mint copies, leading to strong values—especially in high grades. Or who knows, maybe it’s just trainers getting ready for Halloween hype and working on those Gengar master sets! 👻
3. Mew V (Alternate Full Art, #251, Fusion Strike)
- Current Market Price: $125.08
- Weekly Price Change: +$12.08 (+10.7%)
Image: Mew V (Alternate Full Art) – Fusion Strike
Why the Surge?
The Mew V Alternate Full Art from Fusion Strike is experiencing a significant price jump as collectors double down on one of the Sword & Shield era’s most visually striking chase cards. This card stands out for its vibrant, whimsical artwork that perfectly captures Mew’s playful spirit, making it a centerpiece for any collection. As Fusion Strike sealed product becomes harder to find, demand for the set’s top hits especially alternate arts has intensified. Additionally, many collectors are targeting high-grade copies, driving up prices for cards in near-mint or better condition. While this card is no longer legal in Standard tournament play, its surge is a pure reflection of collector enthusiasm and the ongoing trend of alternate art cards commanding premium values.
4. Iron Valiant ex (Paradox Rift #249, Special Illustration Rare)
- Current Market Price: $22.80
- Weekly Price Change: +$2.39 (+11.7%)
Image: Iron Valiant ex – Paradox Rift #249
Why the Surge?
Iron Valiant ex (Special Illustration Rare) is catching the attention of collectors this week, thanks to its striking futuristic artwork and its rising status as one of Paradox Rift’s standout illustration rares. The card’s unique design and lower pull rate make it a hot target, especially for those looking to complete high-end Scarlet & Violet collections. The recent double-digit price jump is fueled by collector demand for special illustration rares and the ongoing chase for pristine, gradable copies as the set matures.
Gardevoir ex (Scarlet & Violet #245, Special Illustration Rare)
- Current Market Price: $50.88
- Weekly Price Change: +$1.88 (+3.8%)
Image: Gardevoir ex – Scarlet & Violet #245
Why the Surge?
Gardevoir ex (Special Illustration Rare) is not just a collector’s centerpiece—it’s also one of the most playable and meta-relevant cards in the Standard format. Its “Psychic Embrace” Ability enables players to accelerate unlimited basic Psychic Energy from their discard pile onto their Psychic Pokémon, enabling powerful late-game attacks and creative combos. This engine is the backbone of the highly successful “Gardevoir ex Toolbox” deck, which features a mix of Psychic attackers like Zacian V, Cresselia, and Scream Tail to adapt to different matchups. The deck’s flexibility and strong recovery options have made it a consistent top performer at regional and international tournaments. As competitive players continue to refine and win with Gardevoir ex decks, and collectors chase the premium illustration rare, demand for this card remains high.
Sources:
- PriceCharting Pokémon Big Movers
- Individual card PriceCharting links above
- Ebay Most Recent Sales
Community Poll:
Which card are you chasing this week? Drop your pick in the comments or vote in our Instagram poll—let’s see which card the LeagueHQ community thinks will be next week’s #1 mover!
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