Corviknight V - SWSH200 - SWSH: Sword & Shield Promo NM Pokemon Card

Black Star Promos are one of the most iconic categories of Pokémon TCG promo cards.

What are Black Star Promos?

They’re official promotional cards released outside regular expansion sets and identified by a black star symbol (★) next to the word “PROMO.” Each card has its own promo number (for example: WB Kids Promo 1, SM158, SWSH020).

Key features

• ⭐ Black star + PROMO label on the card

• 🔢 Unique numbering system separate from normal sets

• 🎨 Often exclusive artwork, alternate holo patterns, or early previews of Pokémon

• 📦 Not found in booster packs

How they were distributed

• Movies & media (e.g., Ancient Mew from Pokémon: The Movie 2000)

• Tournaments & leagues

• Retail promotions (Toys “R” Us, GameStop, Pokémon Center)

• Boxed products (tins, ETBs, collection boxes)

• Pre-release or special events

Why collectors love them

• Some promos are extremely rare or nostalgic

• Many feature fan-favorite Pokémon (Pikachu dominates this category)

• Early-era Black Star Promos (Wizards of the Coast era, 1999–2003) can be very valuable, especially in graded condition

• They represent Pokémon history outside main sets

Notable examples

• Pikachu #1–#4 (early WB Kids promos)

• Ancient Mew

• Mewtwo #3

• Lucky Stadium (event-exclusive)

• Pokémon Center promos