If you’ve been tracking the Pokémon market over the last few months, you’ll have noticed a trend that’s hard to ignore — card prices are falling.
Whether it’s reprints, overhyped sets, or collectors simply getting smarter, we’re seeing sharp declines across some of the most talked-about cards from the Scarlet & Violet era. But is this the beginning of a crash? Or just a healthy correction after years of hype?
Let’s take a look.
From Bubble Mew to Market Cooldown
When Bubble Mew dropped, it quickly became one of the most sought-after cards of the Scarlet & Violet generation. At its peak, it hit £331, driven by massive demand and fan admiration. But fast forward to spring 2025, and that price has dipped to £233 — and it’s still trending down.
Despite its popularity, reprints of Paldean Fates are beginning to apply pressure. The market’s starting to correct. And while the card is still way above its original £68 value, it’s clear that the hype cycle is starting to wear off.
Key takeaway? Even beloved cards can lose momentum — especially when supply increases.
Paldean Fates
The “Moonbreon Effect” and Overhyped Chase Cards
Another major talking point is the Umbreon Special Illustration Rare from Prismatic Evolutions. At first glance, it had all the makings of a grail card: strong artwork, low pull rate, fan-favourite Pokémon. At its peak, it sold for £1,264 — but it’s now down to £847 and likely to fall further.
But here’s the thing: this card’s price may be inflated by nostalgia for Moonbreon. Collectors are treating it like the next big Umbreon, but without the years of hype-building that Moonbreon had to earn its status.
If Moonbreon didn’t exist, this card wouldn’t be priced anywhere near this level.
That’s the reality of hype-driven pricing. When the comparisons start to fade and reprints flood the market, inflated values struggle to hold.
Prismatic Evolutions
Flareon, Clefairy, and the Illusion of Scarcity
The Flareon SIR from Prismatic Evolutions also saw a steep dip — down from £319 to £160 in just a few months. And Lillie’s Clefairy, once hyped to reach over £257 pre-release, is now hovering at £125.
In both cases, we’re seeing the same pattern: short-term FOMO followed by fast corrections once reprint waves or realistic pull rates settle in.
What’s driving this?
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Reprint transparency from Pokémon
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Smarter collectors who recognise overhype
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Expensive price points that push cards out of reach of casual buyers
These are healthy signs for the market — even if they sting in the short term.
Journey Together
Journey Together: Victim of Timing or True Value?
Journey Together followed Prismatic Evolutions and TCG Pocket, landing at a time when interest in the hobby was already peaking.
It had decent artwork, fun chase cards like Salamence SIR, and solid pull rates. But looking back, many feel it didn’t deserve the “Evolving Skies-level” hype it briefly enjoyed.
Salamence, for instance, was expected to hold closer to Greninja’s value — but has dropped from £188 to £72.
If Journey Together launched last year, I doubt it would’ve made half the noise.
Timing made the set look better than it was. Now that dust has settled, its real value is starting to show.
151 Singles Hit Hard by Blooming Waters
The hype around 151 was monumental — and early prices reflected that. But Blooming Waters has had a knock-on effect, driving prices down across multiple cards.
Here’s a snapshot:
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Squirtle 151: £44 → £34
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Blastoise SIR: £70 → £51
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Venusaur SIR: £69 → £47
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Charizard 151: £231 → £147
Why the drop?
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More stock from reprints
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Pull rates that aren’t as punishing as other sets
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Natural market fatigue as collectors weigh up where to put their money
And it’s not just 151. Across the board, we’re seeing price adjustments — not necessarily crashes, but corrections as the reality of supply catches up with the hype.
151
What’s the Right Move for Collectors Now?
This is where mindset matters. If you’re investing, it’s worth waiting for the bottom on certain cards — especially if reprints are confirmed.
But if you’re collecting for enjoyment?
Now might be a great time to pick up cards you’ve been eyeing for a while. Plenty of SIRs, alt arts, and set favourites are much more affordable than they were a few months ago — and that’s a win for long-term hobbyists.
One to Watch: Pikachu SIR’s Temporary Fall
One of the most fan-loved cards of the Scarlet & Violet era — the Pikachu Special Illustration Rare — has also seen a sharp decline. Once priced at £382, it’s now around £220.
That’s a steep drop, but don’t count it out. It’s still Pikachu, and still holds long-term appeal for collectors.
It only held the top chase card spot briefly — but its demand could return.
Surging Sparks
Final Word from Clive
Card prices are shifting. Not crashing — just settling.
If you’re here for the long run like I am, these are the moments where you can build a collection with real value — not just in pounds, but in meaning. Some cards might drop further. Some might bounce back. But the joy of collecting? That’s staying strong.
