Pokemon Card Price Analysis: 71,841 Cards Analyzed - Biggest Winners and Losers (Sept 2025 to Jan 2026)
A comprehensive data-driven analysis of Pokemon card price movements across ungraded and PSA 10 markets, revealing the top performers and biggest decliners for Singapore collectors
In the ever-evolving Pokemon card market, data is king. This week, we conducted an extensive analysis comparing price data from September 2025 to January 2026, examining a massive dataset to uncover the cards that have seen the most dramatic price movements.
The Scale of Our Analysis: 71,841 Cards Examined
This analysis examined 71,841 individual Pokemon card entries across the global market, making it one of the most comprehensive price movement studies available to Singapore collectors.
From this dataset:
- 19,951 ungraded cards had valid price data (minimum $5 USD / ~SGD $6.75 threshold)
- 21,535 PSA 10 graded cards had valid price data (minimum $50 USD / ~SGD $67.50 threshold)
The results reveal fascinating trends that Singapore collectors can use to inform their buying and selling decisions on platforms like Carousell, Facebook Marketplace, and when browsing shops at Peninsula Plaza and Bugis.
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Market Overview: Average Price Changes
Before diving into the extremes, let's look at the overall market direction:
| Category | Average Price Change |
|---|---|
| Ungraded Cards | +16.42% |
| PSA 10 Cards | +19.49% |
Key Insight for Singapore Collectors: The graded market (PSA 10) outperformed ungraded cards by approximately 3 percentage points. This suggests continued strong demand for professionally graded cards—a trend Singapore collectors should factor into their grading submission decisions.
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Ungraded Cards: Top 10 Price Increases
The ungraded market saw some extraordinary gains, particularly in vintage sealed products and rare promos.
The Winners
| Rank | Card Name | Set | Sept 2025 | Jan 2026 | Change % | Change SGD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Booster Box | Legend Maker | $52 | $13,472 | +25,808% | +SGD $18,117 |
| 2 | Gengar [Prerelease Staff] #SWSH241 | Pokemon Promo | $35 | $2,000 | +5,614% | +SGD $2,653 |
| 3 | Starter Gift Box | Base Set | $42 | $600 | +1,322% | +SGD $753 |
| 4 | Groudon #9 | Team Magma & Aqua | $5.48 | $58 | +958% | +SGD $71 |
| 5 | Booster Box | HeartGold SoulSilver | $843 | $7,857 | +832% | +SGD $9,468 |
| 6 | Build & Battle Box | Lost Origin | $54 | $481 | +791% | +SGD $576 |
| 7 | Mew [Gold Star World Champs] #101 | Dragon Frontiers | $37 | $318 | +757% | +SGD $379 |
| 8 | M Rayquaza EX #86 | Japanese Emerald Break | $94 | $794 | +742% | +SGD $945 |
| 9 | Horsea #16 | Japanese Battle Rainbow | $5.22 | $41 | +685% | +SGD $48 |
| 10 | Booster Box | BREAKthrough | $430 | $3,150 | +633% | +SGD $3,672 |
Analysis: What's Driving These Gains?
1. Vintage Sealed Product Explosion
Three of the top 10 gainers are sealed booster boxes: Legend Maker (+25,808%), HeartGold SoulSilver (+832%), and BREAKthrough (+633%). This confirms what many Singapore collectors have observed—sealed vintage product is becoming increasingly scarce and valuable.
Singapore Market Context: Sealed booster boxes from these eras are exceptionally rare in the local market. When they do appear on Carousell or at collector meetups, expect significant premiums over international prices due to shipping and import considerations.
2. Gengar Continues Its Reign
The Gengar Prerelease Staff promo's +5,614% increase demonstrates the "Gengar tax" in full effect. Staff promos are already rare, and Gengar's massive fanbase creates intense competition for these cards.
For Singapore Collectors: If you spot staff promos at local game stores or through trusted sellers in Singapore Pokemon Collectors groups, they may represent strong opportunities given global demand trends.
3. Gold Star and Special Variants
The Mew Gold Star World Championships variant (+757%) shows continued appetite for special tournament and promotional cards. These cards bridge competitive play history with collectibility.
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Ungraded Cards: Top 10 Price Drops
Not all cards maintained their value. Some experienced significant corrections that Singapore collectors should be aware of.
The Decliners
| Rank | Card Name | Set | Sept 2025 | Jan 2026 | Change % | Loss SGD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pikachu [Art Academy] #XY-P | Japanese Promo | $9,600 | $18 | -99.8% | -SGD $12,935 |
| 2 | Booster Box | Delta Species | $25,000 | $76 | -99.7% | -SGD $33,647 |
| 3 | Special Box [Lillie & Cosmog] | Japanese Promo | $5,113 | $106 | -97.9% | -SGD $6,759 |
| 4 | Salandit #9 | Japanese Ash vs Rockruff | $413 | $13 | -96.8% | -SGD $540 |
| 5 | Kyogre EX [1st Edition] #72 | Japanese Tidal Storm | $1,526 | $59 | -96.1% | -SGD $1,981 |
| 6 | Raikou [Neo Premium] #243 | Japanese Awakening Legends | $143 | $8.25 | -94.2% | -SGD $182 |
| 7 | Pichu [Prerelease Staff] #28 | HeartGold SoulSilver | $652 | $54 | -91.7% | -SGD $807 |
| 8 | Torterra LV.X Tin | Diamond & Pearl | $537 | $45 | -91.6% | -SGD $664 |
| 9 | Pikachu #5/SM-P | Korean Promo | $75 | $6.50 | -91.3% | -SGD $92 |
| 10 | Booster Box | Arceus | $2,903 | $261 | -91.0% | -SGD $3,567 |
Analysis: Understanding the Drops
Important Caveat: Some of these extreme drops likely reflect data anomalies rather than true market crashes. When a card has very low sales volume, a single outlier transaction can dramatically skew the reported price. The Pikachu Art Academy dropping from $9,600 to $18 is almost certainly a data quality issue.
Legitimate Market Corrections to Watch:
1. Japanese Promos Volatility: Several Japanese promos appear in the decline list. Singapore collectors with access to Japanese cards through proxy services should monitor these for potential buying opportunities if the drops are genuine corrections.
2. Korean Market Cards: The Korean Pikachu promo's decline (-91.3%) may indicate softer demand for Korean language cards in the global market—though in Singapore, proximity to Korea can make these interesting niche collectibles.
3. Older Sealed Product Uncertainty: The Arceus booster box decline (-91.0%) is concerning if accurate, though this may also reflect data issues given the rarity of this product.
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PSA 10 Graded Cards: Top 10 Price Increases
The graded market tells a different story, with Black & White era promos dominating the gains.
The Winners
| Rank | Card Name | Set | Sept 2025 | Jan 2026 | Change % | Change SGD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rayquaza EX #BW47 | Pokemon Promo | $129 | $4,059 | +3,047% | +SGD $5,306 |
| 2 | Eevee #BW94 | Pokemon Promo | $410 | $12,300 | +2,901% | +SGD $16,052 |
| 3 | Kyogre #XY51 | Pokemon Promo | $84 | $2,500 | +2,885% | +SGD $3,262 |
| 4 | Victini #XY117 | Pokemon Promo | $185 | $4,750 | +2,462% | +SGD $6,163 |
| 5 | Gengar #35 | Generations | $70 | $1,635 | +2,235% | +SGD $2,113 |
| 6 | Turtwig [Holo] #17 | POP Series 6 | $97 | $2,000 | +1,969% | +SGD $2,569 |
| 7 | Blastoise [No Rarity] #9 | Japanese Expansion Pack | $9,459 | $190,000 | +1,909% | +SGD $243,730 |
| 8 | Dialga #DP49 | Pokemon Promo | $204 | $3,634 | +1,678% | +SGD $4,631 |
| 9 | Charmander [Blue Back] #4 | Japanese Topsun | $1,375 | $22,500 | +1,536% | +SGD $28,519 |
| 10 | Mega Absol EX #XY63 | Pokemon Promo | $93 | $1,450 | +1,468% | +SGD $1,832 |
Analysis: The Promo Renaissance
1. Black & White Era Promos Dominate
Four of the top 10 PSA 10 gainers are BW-era promos: Rayquaza EX BW47, Eevee BW94, and others. This era is experiencing a collector renaissance as those who grew up with these cards enter their peak earning years.
Singapore Opportunity: BW-era promos in raw condition may still be found at reasonable prices in local markets. If you can acquire clean copies for PSA submission, the graded premiums are substantial.
2. Japanese Vintage Reaches New Heights
The Japanese No Rarity Blastoise reaching $190,000 PSA 10 (from $9,459) represents a staggering +1,909% gain. This card is one of the holy grails of Pokemon collecting.
Similarly, the Topsun Charmander Blue Back at $22,500 (+1,536%) shows continued appetite for pre-TCG Pokemon cards.
Singapore Context: Japanese vintage cards occasionally appear through local collectors with family connections to Japan. These represent significant opportunities given Singapore's position as a regional trading hub.
3. Generations Set Gaining Recognition
Gengar #35 from Generations jumping +2,235% to $1,635 PSA 10 shows this 20th anniversary set is gaining collector appreciation. Singapore collectors who have raw copies should consider grading submissions.
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PSA 10 Graded Cards: Top 10 Price Drops
The graded market also saw corrections, particularly affecting lower-demand vintage and specialty cards.
The Decliners
| Rank | Card Name | Set | Sept 2025 | Jan 2026 | Change % | Loss SGD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Voltorb #97 | Legendary Collection | $2,250 | $127 | -94.4% | -SGD $2,866 |
| 2 | Ninetales [Spectra] #38 | 2000 Topps Chrome | $2,170 | $144 | -93.4% | -SGD $2,735 |
| 3 | Fighting Energy #2003 | 25th Anniversary | $4,629 | $477 | -89.7% | -SGD $5,605 |
| 4 | Kabutops #27 | Legendary Collection | $614 | $66 | -89.2% | -SGD $740 |
| 5 | Victini #208 | Pokemon Promo | $860 | $99 | -88.5% | -SGD $1,027 |
| 6 | Politoed #30 | Japanese Split Earth | $488 | $65 | -86.7% | -SGD $571 |
| 7 | Carvanha #61 | Holon Phantoms | $400 | $58 | -85.5% | -SGD $462 |
| 8 | Kingdra [1st Edition] #41 | Japanese Wind from the Sea | $368 | $59 | -83.9% | -SGD $417 |
| 9 | Blaziken #14 | Furious Fists | $466 | $76 | -83.6% | -SGD $527 |
| 10 | Onix #95 | Japanese Red & Green | $789 | $130 | -83.5% | -SGD $890 |
Analysis: Where Graded Premiums Collapsed
1. Legendary Collection Corrections
Both Voltorb (-94.4%) and Kabutops (-89.2%) from Legendary Collection saw massive drops. This reverse holo set commanded significant premiums, but some non-chase cards may have been overvalued.
2. Non-TCG Products
The 2000 Topps Chrome Ninetales (-93.4%) shows that non-TCG Pokemon products can be volatile. These cards appeal to a niche collector base.
3. Energy Cards Normalize
The 25th Anniversary Fighting Energy dropping from $4,629 to $477 (-89.7%) suggests the initial hype for anniversary energy cards has subsided.
Singapore Collector Caution: If you're holding graded cards from these categories, monitor the market carefully. Some of these drops may represent buying opportunities, while others may indicate sustained lower demand.
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Actionable Recommendations for Singapore Collectors
Based on our analysis of 71,841 cards, here are strategic recommendations:
High Conviction Opportunities
1. BW-Era Promos (Raw for Grading)
- Cards like Rayquaza EX, Eevee, and Dialga promos showed 1,500-3,000% gains in PSA 10
- Hunt for clean raw copies on Carousell and local markets
- Estimated grading cost: SGD $30-50 per card (standard tier)
2. Sealed Vintage Booster Boxes
- Legend Maker, HeartGold SoulSilver, BREAKthrough all showed 600-25,000% gains
- Extremely rare in Singapore—act quickly when available
- Budget: SGD $3,000-15,000+ depending on set
3. Generations Set Singles (Raw)
- Gengar #35 PSA 10 jumped +2,235%
- This set may be undervalued in raw form
- Budget: SGD $20-50 raw for key cards
Exercise Caution
1. Legendary Collection Non-Chase Cards
- Several showed 85-95% drops in PSA 10
- Wait for stabilization before buying
2. Korean Language Cards
- May face softer global demand
- Focus on Japanese or English for liquidity
3. Non-TCG Pokemon Products (Topps, etc.)
- Volatile market with thinner buyer pool
- Only buy if genuinely passionate about these items
Grading Strategy for Singapore
Given the +19.49% average gain for PSA 10 cards versus +16.42% for ungraded:
- Submit for grading: BW-era promos, Generations holos, XY-era promos in mint condition
- Hold raw: Cards unlikely to grade PSA 10, or where graded supply is already high
- Consider CGC/BGS: For cards where PSA backlogs exceed 6 months
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Conclusion: Data-Driven Collecting in 2026
This analysis of 71,841 Pokemon cards reveals several key trends for Singapore collectors:
1. The market is up overall: Both ungraded (+16.42%) and PSA 10 (+19.49%) categories showed positive average growth
2. Sealed vintage is exploding: Booster boxes from 2005-2015 era showing extraordinary gains
3. BW-era promos are having a moment: Collectors who grew up with Black & White are driving demand
4. Graded premiums remain strong: The ~3% outperformance of PSA 10 over raw justifies grading costs for mint cards
5. Data anomalies exist: Some extreme drops likely reflect data quality issues rather than true market crashes
For Singapore collectors, the opportunity lies in leveraging our regional position—access to Japanese product, active local trading communities, and the ability to spot undervalued cards before global markets catch on.
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Data sourced from PriceCharting.com comparing September 23, 2025 to January 23, 2026 datasets. Analysis includes 71,841 card entries with minimum price thresholds applied to filter data noise. All SGD conversions based on 1 USD = 1.35 SGD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next week: Deep dive into which Pokemon sets are best positioned for 2026 growth.