Pikachu ex STANDARD PSA 10
Scarlet & Violet Starter Set · Japanese Print · Card #038
Currently Sourcing from Japan
All slabs cert-verified. Payment held until we confirm your slab. SF Express 1-2 days (HK) · DHL Express 3-5 days international.
Japanese version
PrimaryNo Japanese slabs in stock yet
We source Japanese PSA 10 copies separately — typical turnaround 7–14 days once someone requests this language.
Card Background & Set Context
The SV Starter Set (svm) was distributed in late 2022 / early 2023 as the official Scarlet & Violet era introduction product, paired with the era launch of the s-v base set. Pokemon Card Lab's starter strategy provides ready-to-play decks for new players, with svm-038 Pikachu ex serving as the deck's flagship card. Pikachu has been the franchise mascot since 1996 and consistently receives ex / V / VMAX / VSTAR slots in every era. The svm starter distribution model differs from booster expansions — units are sold complete with deck list and rule-card insert rather than randomized booster slots.
Investment Analysis
Starter-set ex cards occupy a specific market tier: cheap and abundant due to wide distribution, but with persistent collector demand from completionists and Pikachu-mascot collectors. Expected Japanese market floor for svm-038 sits at ¥500-1,500 NM (estimated, no current market data in input row). PSA 10 gem rate is typically high on starter-set prints (75-85% estimated) since starters use careful packaging without booster-pack pressure damage. PSA 10 lift consequently is modest — 2-4× over raw NM. Investment thesis is bulk-Pikachu portfolio: collectors hold svm-038 as part of full SV-era Pikachu coverage, paired with sv-p promo Pikachu prints and various ex / SAR Pikachu variants from main-set boosters. Standalone speculative upside is limited; cross-set Pikachu portfolio appreciation is the realistic angle.
Risks to Watch
Wide distribution of starter-set products limits per-card scarcity — Pokemon Card Lab issues new starters annually, each diluting the previous generation's starter cards. Reprint risk is moderate (Pokemon may reissue Pikachu ex art in future starter sets). Format-rotation impact is minimal on starter-set cards since competitive utility is limited. JPY/HKD FX 3-7% per quarter.
Global Market Comparison
No sold-comp history yet for this card. Our price above reflects our own sourcing + margin; region benchmarks will populate as we ingest more data.
Card Background & Set Context
The SV Starter Set (svm) was distributed in late 2022 / early 2023 as the official Scarlet & Violet era introduction product, paired with the era launch of the s-v base set. Pokemon Card Lab's starter strategy provides ready-to-play decks for new players, with svm-038 Pikachu ex serving as the deck's flagship card. Pikachu has been the franchise mascot since 1996 and consistently receives ex / V / VMAX / VSTAR slots in every era. The svm starter distribution model differs from booster expansions — units are sold complete with deck list and rule-card insert rather than randomized booster slots.
Investment Analysis
Starter-set ex cards occupy a specific market tier: cheap and abundant due to wide distribution, but with persistent collector demand from completionists and Pikachu-mascot collectors. Expected Japanese market floor for svm-038 sits at ¥500-1,500 NM (estimated, no current market data in input row). PSA 10 gem rate is typically high on starter-set prints (75-85% estimated) since starters use careful packaging without booster-pack pressure damage. PSA 10 lift consequently is modest — 2-4× over raw NM. Investment thesis is bulk-Pikachu portfolio: collectors hold svm-038 as part of full SV-era Pikachu coverage, paired with sv-p promo Pikachu prints and various ex / SAR Pikachu variants from main-set boosters. Standalone speculative upside is limited; cross-set Pikachu portfolio appreciation is the realistic angle.
Japanese vs English & Variants
Within the svm Starter Set, Pikachu ex is the single ex slot — there is no SAR / SR alternative. Cross-set Pikachu ex variants include Surging Sparks Pikachu ex (sv8) which reached chase-card status, Special Set ex variants, and event-distribution Pikachu ex promos. svm-038 sits at the entry tier of the SV-era Pikachu ex roster, with Surging Sparks and event-promo variants commanding 5-15× the svm-038 price.
Authentication & Cert Verification
svm Starter Set cards bear the distinctive svm set symbol and follow standard SV-era print quality. Genuine svm-038 shows sharp Pikachu illustration, even holographic foil on the ex card border, and standard Pokemon back-print. Counterfeits target Pikachu ex variants generally but rarely the starter-set print due to low resale value. Authenticate via UV back-print fluorescence and edge-bevel inspection.
Risks to Watch
Wide distribution of starter-set products limits per-card scarcity — Pokemon Card Lab issues new starters annually, each diluting the previous generation's starter cards. Reprint risk is moderate (Pokemon may reissue Pikachu ex art in future starter sets). Format-rotation impact is minimal on starter-set cards since competitive utility is limited. JPY/HKD FX 3-7% per quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Background reading: general FAQ · how Poke10 sources · shipping & duties · all sets
How was svm-038 distributed?
Through the official Scarlet & Violet Starter Set, sold complete with pre-built deck for new players entering the SV era.
Is svm-038 the rarest SV Pikachu ex?
No. Surging Sparks Pikachu ex (sv8) and various event-promo Pikachu ex prints command higher premiums than the starter-set svm-038.
Should I grade svm-038?
Generally not worth it — starter-set print has high gem rate (75-85%) and modest 2-4× PSA 10 lift, with grading fees often exceeding net upside.
Is the svm starter still in print?
No. Pokemon Card Lab issues new starter sets annually; svm was superseded by subsequent SV-era starter products.
Does svm-038 have an Art Rare version?
No. Within the svm Starter Set, Pikachu ex is a single standard print without SAR or SR variants.
More from Scarlet & Violet Starter Set
Data Sources & References
- PSA grade & population: psacard.com/pop — authoritative PSA population report
- Japan market reference: snkrdunk.com
- US market reference: pricecharting.com
- Card image & metadata: Pokemon TCG API
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