History

Gengar is a Ghost/Poison Pokémon introduced in the first-generation Pokémon games. It is the final evolutionary stage of Gastly and Haunter and is known for hiding in shadows, frightening people, and mischievous behavior. This card depicts Gengar in its VMAX form, a Gigantamax transformation associated with Pokémon Sword and Shield. The artwork shows Gengar opening its enormous mouth as a dark, dramatic alternate-art scene.

First Printed: Gengar VMAX 271/264 was first released in the international Pokémon TCG Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike expansion in November 2021. The German-language version was released in the German localization, Fusionsangriff, in 2021. The card is an alternate-art Secret Rare illustrated by sowsow and has 320 HP.

• It is card 271/264, making it a Secret Rare printed beyond the set's stated 264-card numbering.
• It is one of the most recognized and heavily collected alternate-art cards from the Sword & Shield era.
• The card is a Darkness-type VMAX that evolves from Gengar V and has the attacks Panicking Strike and Giga Impact.
• Market databases report tens of thousands of graded English copies, indicating strong demand but substantially more supply than many older chase cards.
• German copies generally sell for less than equivalent English copies, while language, condition, centering, and grading have a major effect on value.

Print Data

Print Run: Very High

Collector's Notes

Condition Tips: Inspect the front for whitening, edge chipping, scratches in the holo layer, print lines, surface dents, roller marks, corner wear, off-centering, and texture damage. Gengar VMAX 271/264 is particularly sensitive to centering and surface flaws because PSA 10 demand is strong. Examine the back corners and borders under angled light, and distinguish factory print defects from post-opening damage. For German copies, confirm that the language is German and that the card number, expansion symbol, holographic texture, and typography match an authentic Fusionsangriff printing.

Storage: Place the card in a clean inner sleeve followed by a rigid semi-rigid holder or quality toploader. Use archival, PVC-free materials, keep the card upright in a dry temperature-stable environment, and avoid direct sunlight, heat, humidity, pressure, and frequent handling. For valuable copies, use a reputable grading service and store the slab in a protective sleeve or case.

Authenticity: Check for accurate holofoil texture, crisp microprinting, correct Pokémon and set symbols, proper German text, consistent borders, and the expected card thickness and blue-backed Pokémon TCG pattern. Compare the card with verified scans from the same language and set. Warning signs include overly smooth or incorrect texture, blurry text, incorrect fonts, washed-out colors, irregular borders, wrong gloss, unusual light transmission, or a card that feels too thin or flexible. For high-value purchases, obtain clear front-and-back photographs, verify seller history, and consider third-party authentication or grading.

Notable Sales

• English PSA 10 examples were reported at $2,150 and $2,130 on September 25, 2026.
• An English PSA 10 example was reported at $2,389 on October 6, 2026.
• Recent German raw examples were reported around €270, €329, €395, and €410 on October 4, 2026.
• A reported English PSA 8 sale reached $770 on June 1, 2026.

Investment Outlook

The card combines a highly popular Pokémon, iconic alternate-art presentation, Secret Rare status, and strong collector recognition. Its rating is moderated by the very large modern print supply, high graded population, substantial price volatility, language discount for German copies, and dependence on achieving a top grade.

Rarity Analysis

• The card is numbered beyond the regular set total at 271/264.
• It is an alternate-art VMAX chase card featuring one of the franchise's most popular Pokémon.
• High-grade copies require strong centering and clean surfaces, creating scarcity at the PSA 10 level.
• German-language copies are less frequently listed internationally than English copies, although their buyer pool is also smaller.
• Modern booster-box production was substantial, so the card is scarce relative to ordinary cards but not scarce in absolute terms compared with vintage or low-population cards.

Comparable: Gengar VMAX 271/264 English, Moonbreon: Umbreon VMAX 215/203 from Evolving Skies, Espeon VMAX 270/264 from Fusion Strike, Mew VMAX 269/264 from Fusion Strike, Rayquaza VMAX 218/203 from Evolving Skies

Market Forecast

The card remains one of the strongest modern Pokémon chase cards, with frequent sales and sustained collector interest. However, the large graded population and substantial available supply limit scarcity-driven appreciation. German copies may show more uneven pricing because fewer transactions and a smaller buyer base make individual sales less representative.

• Continued popularity of Gengar and alternate-art Pokémon cards
• Large modern print run and expanding graded population
• PSA 10 population and gem-rate growth
• Difference in demand between English and German-language copies
• Overall Pokémon market strength and collector liquidity
• Condition, centering, grading company, and certification reputation

Short-term (3-6mo): Over the next 3-6 months, prices are likely to remain volatile but broadly stable, with strong English PSA 10 copies potentially holding around the low-thousands-of-dollars range and German copies continuing to trade at a meaningful discount. Exceptional German copies may outperform ordinary raw copies if graded and marketed to European collectors.

Long-term (1-3yr): Over 1-3 years, the card has favorable long-term collector prospects because of its artwork, character popularity, and status as a premier Sword & Shield chase card. Moderate appreciation is plausible if the Pokémon market strengthens, but returns are unlikely to be linear because supply is high. English top-grade copies have the strongest liquidity; German copies should be treated as a more specialized, less liquid collectible.