The PSA 10 Effect: How JPY 1,000 Pokémon Cards Can Skyrocket in Value

The Pokémon TCG boom isn’t just a trend anymore; it’s a permanent fixture in the collector’s world. And right now, the single most important factor driving the market is the added value from professional grading.

There’s a massive price gap between a “Condition A (Near Mint)” single card sold on many marketplaces and the same card that’s earned a “PSA 10” Gem Mint rating. This isn’t just about the card’s popularity; it’s about the premium value that comes from that rare, certified proof of perfection.Using massive transaction data from the Japanese marketplace SNKRDUNK, we’re revealing the cards with the biggest price jump between a PSA 10 and a standard Condition A card. If you’ve been thinking about getting into PSA grading, use this as your guide.

The Cards Skyrocketing in Value with PSA

It’s not uncommon for a “Condition A” card worth around JPY 1,000 to jump to tens of thousands of yen once it’s graded PSA 10.

Many of the cards seeing the biggest gains are player-focused cards like “RR (Double Rare)” or inexpensive “AR (Art Rare)” cards, such as Mega Gengar ex or Marshadow AR. This suggests the character’s own popularity is a huge factor. Here are the top 5 cards that showed a massive value increase, with some jumping over 19x their original price.

1.MEGA Gengar ex 

Average “Condition A” price: JPY 1,318 / Average “PSA 10” price: JPY 25,400

▶︎19.27x

2. MEGA Gardevoir ex SR

Average “Condition A” price: JPY 1,223 / Average “PSA 10” price: JPY 15,000

▶︎12.26x

3. Marshadow AR

Average “Condition A” price: JPY 1,186 / Average “PSA 10” price: JPY 13,911

▶︎11.73x

4. Riolu P

Average “Condition A” price: JPY 1,085 / Average “PSA 10” price: JPY 12,500

▶︎11.52x

5. Cassiopeia SR

Average “Condition A” price: JPY 1,000 / Average “PSA 10” price: JPY 11,111

▶︎11.11x

Ranking: The Biggest Price Jumps from Condition A (Near Mint) to PSA 10

*Based on SNKRDUNK transaction data from January–September 2025.

*Cards with an average “Condition A” price between JPY 1,000~JPY 1,999 are highlighted.

6. Team Rocket’s Giovanni P [SV-P 270]

Condition A (Near Mint) JPY 1660/ PSA 10 price: JPY 18,050

▶︎10.87x

7. Ralts P [M-P 021]

Condition A (Near Mint) JPY 1,067/ PSA 10 price: JPY 11,500

▶︎10.78x

8. Excadrill ex SAR [SV11B 171/086]

Condition A (Near Mint) JPY 1,288/ PSA 10 price: JPY 12,222

▶︎9.49x

9. Haunter [MBG 022/021]

Condition A (Near Mint) JPY 2,724/ PSA 10 price: JPY 23,974

▶︎8.80x

10. Pikachu P [SV-P 197]

Condition A (Near Mint) JPY 1,662/ PSA 10 price: JPY 12,308

▶︎7.41x

How “Clean” JPY 1,000-Range Cards Unlock Massive Value

So, why can a card worth around JPY 1,000 suddenly be worth tens of thousands of yen just from grading? It all comes down to a core market mechanic: scarcity. The number of cards that can actually meet PSA’s highest standard is incredibly low. There are three main reasons:

1. A PSA 10 is extremely rare. Even fresh from the pack, tiny initial scratches or centering issues (common in manufacturing) mean very few “mint” cards can physically achieve a PSA 10.
2. Cheaper cards are handled more poorly. When a card is only worth around JPY 1,000, there’s a psychological effect. Collectors are less strict about its condition. They might not be sleeved immediately.
3. The scarcity of perfect copies creates a premium. Because so few “perfect” copies of these common cards exist, getting one graded creates a massive premium.

This “re-definition of scarcity” is what gives an otherwise common card its ultimate added value. The “condition” itself becomes the new source of rarity, causing the price to skyrocket.

Find Your Next Collector’s Card, Authenticated by SNKRDUNK

SNKRDUNK conducts authenticity and condition checks on every single transaction. This helps you avoid post-purchase drama, like finding hidden scratches or undisclosed damage.

Once you get your hands on that perfect card for your collection, why not try submitting it for PSA grading?

▶︎Learn More About TCG Authenticatio

*Please note: The SNKRDUNK authentication and condition check does not guarantee a PSA 10 grade.

World’s First In-Person PSA Submissions: SNKRDUNK x PSA

SNKRDUNK has partnered with PSA, the leader in TCG grading, to open the world’s first PSA flagship store: “PSA Lounge Tokyo,” launching Friday, 19th September 2025. The lounge is located on the 5th floor of the SNKRDUNK TCG Akihabara store, where they have begun accepting in-person PSA submissions. Maximize your card’s value at “PSA Lounge Tokyo.” Even if you’ve hesitated to submit cards before, this is the perfect opportunity.

PSA Lounge Tokyo: Access Information

• Store Name: PSA Lounge Tokyo
• Address: 1-14-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021 (Inside SNKRDUNK TCG Akihabara, 5F)
• Access: Less than a 1-minute walk from Akihabara Electric Town South Exit
• Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM / 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Socials (X): PSA Lounge Tokyo (@PSALoungeTokyo)

Floors 1-3 of the “SNKRDUNK TCG Akihabara” store sell Pokémon and other trading cards. The 5th floor handles buybacks for single cards and graded slabs. The “PSA Lounge Tokyo,” also on the 5th floor, is where you can officially submit your cards for PSA grading.

*”PSA Lounge Tokyo” is operated by PSA Japan.

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