Home News Pokémon Card Market: May's Top Winners & Losers

Pokémon Card Market: May's Top Winners & Losers

Author : Jacob Jan 14,2026

Another week brings fresh turbulence to the Pokémon single card market as collectors anticipate Destined Rivals' release. Thankfully, Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon Center preorders escaped another bot invasion this round.

Greninja ex 214/167 leads this week's steepest declines, plummeting nearly 50% since January. Obsidian Flames and the rare 151 sets show promising price dips, while Evolving Skies' Dragonite V defies trends – its artwork-justified value has nearly doubled year-to-date.

Charizard V Alt Art continues its steady ascent, capturing an epic Venusaur showdown, but Rayquaza VMAX Alt Art truly dominates with a $100 surge since January. Let's examine this week's most significant Pokémon TCG market movers.

Market Downturns: Pokémon Cards Losing Value

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

While Sword and Shield era cards gain traction, Scarlet and Violet series prices largely return to realistic levels.

151's Alakazam ex SIR remains breathtaking despite a 34% March-to-present drop. Uri Geller's enigmatic ancestor deserves binder real estate at these prices.

As a Bulbasaur starter from Pokémon Blue, this Illustration Rare holds sentimental value – now 52% cheaper since mid-March, making it irresistible.

Obsidian Flames' standout Ninetales IR becomes accessible after a 40% February plunge, currently priced at $18.17.

Despite Obsidian Flames' critics, Charizard ex SIR's striking Tera-form stained glass design justifies attention. Though its $5 March reduction seems modest, every dollar counts.

The month's most dramatic correction belongs to Greninja ex SIR – once poised to become Scarlet and Violet's priciest card until Prismatic Evolutions shifted collector priorities. Despite holding at $275, February buyers paying $411.62 must feel the sting.

Market Risers: Pokémon Cards Gaining Value

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Sword and Shield's Rayquaza VMAX alt art – already a $500+ grail – climbs to $649.99 with potential to breach $1,000 within years.

Charizard V Alt Art's dynamic Venusaur battle scene transcends typical static poses (a common WotC-era flaw), gaining $40 since January with $200+ potential by year's end.

Evolving Skies' Dragonite V Alt Art showcases the fan favorite's dual nature – adorable yet formidable – with artwork that fueled its January-to-present value doubling. At $225, acquisition becomes urgent.

Last week's featured cards still offer excellent opportunities – don't overlook them.

Sealed Product Spotlight

For dedicated pack hunters, current inventory warrants caution – avoid inflated prices during this unusual market phase.

Consult our Pokémon TCG 2024 Release Schedule to stay current. While singles prove most cost-effective, remember: collecting should bring joy, not obligation.