Market outlook
Stable Outlook 7/10
The market is stable with consistent demand for 1st Edition Japanese Umbreon cards, especially from BW8: Thunder Knuckle. Prices remain steady due to limited supply and high collector interest[1][2][4]
Next months. Prices will remain stable over the next 3–6 months, with slight growth for high-grade copies like graded 9.5 or graded 10[2][4]
Long term. In 1–3 years, demand may increase as more collectors seek niche Japanese variants, potentially pushing prices higher for top-grade copies, especially graded 10 or graded 10[2][4]
History
Umbreon is a Dark-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II (Pokémon Gold and Silver, 1999), known as the evolutionary form of Eevee when exposed to high moonlight at night. It is part of Team Plasma in this card, depicted with its signature yellow rings and crescent moon pattern, symbolizing its mystic and nocturnal nature[1][2].
This card was first released in Japan in the BW8: Thunder Knuckle set in 2012 (not 2013 as stated), distributed by Pokémon Japan. It is the 1st Edition variant of Umbreon (031/051), with the set officially titled 'Thunder Knuckle' in Japanese, though sometimes mislabeled as 'Spiral Force' due to regional naming differences[1][2].
- This is a 1st Edition Japanese Umbreon from the BW8: Thunder Knuckle set, part of Team Plasma, making it a sought-after collector's item[1][2]
- The card has a holofoil finish and depicts Umbreon as a Darkness-type Pokémon with 100 HP and Stage. evolution[1][2]
- Common fakes exist, especially from AliExpress, which are thinner and have excessive whitening, unlike genuine copies[2][3]
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Rare
- Print run
- Low
- First printed in
- BW8: Thunder Knuckle
- Demand
- High
- Supply
- Scarce
- 1st Edition Japanese variant with low print run
- Part of the BW8: Thunder Knuckle set, which is a niche entry in the Pokémon TCG Japanese line
- Team Plasma affiliation and Darkness-type classification add to its uniqueness[1][2]
Collector notes
Condition. Check for centering, edge wear, and surface scratches. Common flaws include whitening on the corners, especially on lower-grade copies. The card's thickness and texture should match genuine 1st Edition Japanese prints; fakes are often thinner and have excessive whiteness[2][3].
Storage. Store in a rigid top loader or sleeve, kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a card protector box with UV filtering to prevent fading and warping over time[2].
Authenticity. Genuine copies have the correct thickness and texture, with clear 'Nintendo' branding. Fakes from AliExpress or AliExpress proxies often have excessive thickness and whitening. Verify the set name as 'Thunder Knuckle' and not 'Terastal Festival' or 'Spiral Force' to avoid mislabeled reprints[2][3].
Sources: tcgplayer.com, pricecharting.com, reddit.com, tcgrepublic.com, youtube.com
