Market outlook
Stable Outlook 7/10
Collector guides show Slowbro trading in a fairly narrow value band relative to the set’s biggest chase cards, which suggests a mature but not explosive market. Its appeal is supported by character nostalgia, but its abundance relative to true top-tier hits should keep appreciation gradual rather than sharp.[2][3][5][13]
Next months. Over the next 3-6 months, the card is likely to remain in a stable-to-slightly-soft range unless grading demand or sealed-product scarcity increases noticeably.[2][3][5]
Long term. Over 1-3 years, the card has a reasonable chance of gradual appreciation in graded 10 and strong raw condition copies, but growth is likely to be incremental rather than dramatic unless Slowbro becomes a renewed spotlight character or Pitch Black sealed supply tightens further.[5][13]
History
Slowbro is a Generation I Pokémon introduced in the original Pokémon games and anime era as the evolved form of Slowpoke. It is one of the franchise’s long-running fan-favorite Kanto Pokémon, known for its sleepy, comedic personality and its association with Psychic- and Water-type themes in the broader brand. In trading cards, Slowbro has repeatedly appeared across multiple eras as a nostalgic character that appeals to both collectors and players, and its popularity is a key reason newer illustration-style prints can hold value better than many lower-rarity cards.[2][3][15][16]
This specific card, Slowbro 090/084 from Pitch Black, was first released in the English-language Pitch Black set on July 17, 2026.[5][6][13][16] The card is identified by collectors as ME05-090 and is listed as an Illustration Rare / secret rare-style chase card depending on the source’s naming convention.[2][5][16]
- The card is consistently listed as part of Pitch Black’s secret-rare/chase-card segment, even though some sources label it Illustration Rare rather than Secret Rare.[2][3][5][16]
- Multiple collectors’ guides place Slowbro’s market price in the low-to-mid $20 range for raw copies soon after release, making it one of the more affordable illustrated chase cards in the set.[2][3][5]
- Pitch Black was released as a large 2026 special set with a substantial secret-rare pool, which helps explain why even popular characters like Slowbro remain relatively accessible compared with top-tier chase cards.[4][6][13]
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Secret Rare
- Print run
- Medium
- First printed in
- Pitch Black
- Demand
- Medium
- Supply
- Medium
- It is part of the chase-card section of a 2026 special set rather than the main bulk commons/uncommons.[2][4][6]
- Illustration-style textured/foil cards are typically pulled less often than standard cards and are more condition-sensitive.[8][13]
- Collector demand is boosted by Slowbro’s long-standing popularity as a Kanto-era fan favorite.[2][3]
Collector notes
Condition. Check centering carefully, especially on the thicker borders and full-art framing; inspect corners, edges, and surface for whitening, edge wear, print lines, and scratches from pack opening or binder friction. Because the card is a holofoil/illustrated chase card, surface blemishes and texture issues are often the most visible defects under angled light.[5][8]
Storage. Sleeve the card immediately after opening, then place it in a top loader, card saver, or graded submission sleeve if it is intended for grading. Store it upright in a cool, dry, low-humidity environment away from direct light, and avoid repeated handling because illustrated foil surfaces can pick up micro-scratches quickly.[8]
Authenticity. Verify the card number, set code, texture pattern, and print quality against known Pitch Black originals. Genuine copies should match the English Pitch Black release details and collector listings for ME05-090 / 090/084; counterfeit copies often show poor color fidelity, incorrect holo texture, blurry text, or inconsistent font spacing. Because the card has appeared in multiple collector databases under slightly different rarity labels, buyers should confirm the exact card number and English set identity rather than relying on rarity wording alone.[5][6][16][18]
Sources: youtube.com, billsarchive.com, pokemonwizard.com, tcgwatchtower.com, chasesociety.com
