Market outlook
Stable Outlook 7/10
The card already has a strong established premium, and modern chase cards often cool after initial hype before settling into a collector-driven plateau. Continued demand for Gengar and alternate arts should support prices, but supply from graded population and raw availability may limit rapid appreciation.[1][2]
Next months. Likely to trade in a relatively tight range, with occasional spikes for higher-grade copies if population growth slows.
Long term. Expected to remain a core modern chase card with gradual appreciation potential, especially in gem-mint grades, but not likely to behave like an ultra-scarce vintage key.
History
Gengar is a long-running Ghost-type Pokémon introduced in the original 1996 Pokémon games and anime era, known for its mischievous, shadowy nature and popularity as one of the franchise’s classic fan-favorite monsters. The Fusion Strike alternate art depicts Gengar in a stylized, character-driven scene that emphasizes its eerie personality and collectible appeal.[6]
This card was first released in the English-language Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike expansion on November 12, 2021.[4][6] It was issued as card 271/264, a secret rare alternate art version within the set.[5][6]
- It is the alternate art secret rare version of Gengar VMAX from Fusion Strike, numbered 271/264.[5][6]
- The card is one of the most sought-after modern Pokémon chase cards, with graded 10 sales recorded at $805 in November 2024 and a graded 10 sale at $2,040 in July 2025.[1][2]
- PriceCharting tracks the card separately from the standard Gengar VMAX 157/264, underscoring its premium collector status and distinct market.[4][5]
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Secret Rare
- Print run
- Low
- First printed in
- Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike
- Demand
- Very High
- Supply
- Medium
- Alternate art secret rare chase card
- Highly desirable Gengar character demand
- Top-end condition premiums create effective scarcity in graded 10/graded 10
- Modern set supply exists, but elite copies are comparatively limited
Collector notes
Condition. Check the usual high-value modern alt-art issues: centering, corner whitening, edge wear, surface scratches, print lines, and holo/foil marks. Because this is a large VMAX card with a full-art illustration, surface imperfections and edge chipping are especially important to inspect under angled light.
Storage. Store in a penny sleeve and rigid top loader or semi-rigid card holder immediately after inspection. For graded-submission candidates, keep it in a clean sleeve, avoid repeated handling, and protect it from bending, humidity, and sleeve scuffing.
Authenticity. Verify the textured secret-rare full-art finish, correct 271/264 numbering, English typography, and authentic Pokémon card stock. Counterfeits often show flat or wrong texture, off-color printing, blurry text, incorrect back coloration, or poor alignment of the Fusion Strike set symbols and fonts.
Sources: cardladder.com, alt.xyz, fanaticsauthentic.com, pricecharting.com, tcgplayer.com
