Pikachu V: Why the Price Varies So Much Right Now

Pikachu V: Why the Price Varies So Much Right Now

You just pulled a Pikachu V. Maybe you found it in a dusty tin from a few years ago, or maybe you just bought a loose pack at the shop. Your first instinct? Check the price. You head to eBay or TCGplayer and see numbers ranging from $1 to $100. It’s confusing.

Honestly, the "Pikachu V" name covers a massive range of cards from the Sword & Shield era. Some are basically bulk. Others are legitimate trophies. If you're asking how much is Pikachu V worth, the answer depends entirely on a tiny little number in the bottom corner of the card.

Let's break down the actual market values as of early 2026.

The Common Pikachu V Cards (The $1 to $5 Group)

Most people have the "Standard" or "Half-Art" versions. These were printed into oblivion. If your card has a blue/yellow border and the artwork stays inside the frame, it’s likely one of these.

  1. Vivid Voltage #043/185: This is the most common one. In Near Mint (NM) condition, it's currently sitting around $2.00 to $3.00. You might get $5 if someone is in a rush, but don't expect a windfall.
  2. Sword & Shield Promo #SWSH061: This came in the Pikachu V Box. Because everyone who bought the box got the same card, the market is flooded. It's worth about $1.00.
  3. Crown Zenith #043/159: Similar story here. It's a beautiful card, but very easy to find. Expect $1.50 to $2.50.

Value is driven by scarcity. These cards aren't scarce. They are great for playing the game, but as an investment? Not really.

The Full Art and Special Versions

This is where things get interesting. "Full Art" means the artwork covers the entire card, and the surface usually has a distinct etched texture you can feel with your thumb.

Pikachu V Full Art (Vivid Voltage #170/185)

This card has seen a bit of a localized spike lately. While it used to hover around $15, the current market price for a Near Mint copy is roughly $28.00. If you manage to have one graded as a PSA 10, collectors are currently paying upwards of $55.00.

Pikachu V Full Art (Brilliant Stars #157/172)

Brilliant Stars was a massive set, and this Pikachu is a fan favorite. Raw copies (ungraded) are trading for about $12.00 to $15.00. It’s a solid mid-tier card. If you're looking at a PSA 10, the price jumps to about $75.00 to $85.00.

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The "Big" One: Pikachu V SWSH145 (Celebrations Promo)

If you have the Pikachu V from the Celebrations era (specifically the one where he’s mimicking the original base set pose), you're looking at a much better payday.

This specific promo, SWSH145, has become surprisingly resilient. While many modern promos tanked, this one stayed strong. Right now, a Near Mint copy is worth about $62.00.

Why is it so high? It’s nostalgia. It’s the "Fat Pikachu" look that reminds everyone of 1999. Collectors love that.

Grading: Is it Worth the Gamble?

You’ve probably seen those plastic-slabbed cards. People ask if they should grade their Pikachu V to make it worth more.

Here is the cold truth: Grading a $2 card is usually a waste of money. Unless the card is a high-end Full Art or a rare promo, the $15–$25 grading fee plus shipping will be more than the card's value. However, if you have a Pikachu V SWSH145 that looks absolutely perfect—centered perfectly with no white dots on the back—a PSA 10 grade can double or triple the price.

Why Your Card Might Be Worth Less Than You Think

I see this constantly. Someone sees a listing for $500 and thinks they’re rich.

Check the "Sold" listings, not the "Active" ones. Anyone can ask for $500 for a $2 card. That doesn't mean it sells. Also, condition is everything.

  • Near Mint (NM): Looks like it just came out of the pack.
  • Lightly Played (LP): Small white nicks on the edges. Drops the price by 20-30%.
  • Moderately Played (MP): Visible scratches or dulling. Value drops by 50%.
  • Damaged: Creases or peeling. It’s basically worth cents at that point.

Actionable Steps for Your Collection

If you’re trying to move your Pikachu V cards or just want to track their value properly, do this:

Identify the set number in the bottom left or right corner (e.g., 043/185). Use a site like PriceCharting or TCGplayer to see the "Market Price" from the last 24 hours. If you're selling, list it on local platforms like Facebook Marketplace to avoid the 13% eBay fees, but only for cards worth over $20. For the cheap ones, it's better to trade them toward a "grail" card at your local hobby shop.

The market moves fast. What's worth $20 today might be $30 in six months if a new Pikachu-centric set is announced, or it could drop if a better version is printed. Keep your cards in sleeves; even a single fingerprint can turn a potential PSA 10 into a PSA 9, and in this market, that's a expensive mistake.