TCGAI.PRO Darkrai VSTAR (ダークライ VSTAR) 2022 · VSTAR Universe · #228/172
9.5 Gem Mint
Cen
9.5
Cor
10
Edg
9
Sur
10
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Darkrai VSTAR (ダークライ VSTAR) card, TCGAI Score 9.5

Certificate #BCCDEE4905AE · Pokémon

Darkrai VSTAR (ダークライ VSTAR)

VSTAR Universe · #228/172 · 2022

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Condition report

Each check is scored out of 10 on both sides. The lowest one caps the TCGAI Score.

Front No flaws
Back No flaws
Sub-grades out of 10, front and back
Check Front Back
Centering 9.5 10
Corners 10 10
Edges 10 9
Surface 10 10
Whitening 10 9.5
Holo / foil 10 10

What the AI found

Flaws visible at the photo's resolution. A grader under magnification may find more. Marks on the photos show the area named, not an exact spot.

No defects listed at this photo resolution.

What this card sells for

An estimate from recent listings, not an appraisal. Prices in USD.

No comparable sales found for this card yet.

About this card

Background compiled from public web sources. Check it before you buy or sell.

Market outlook

Rising Outlook 6/10

25.7% increase in last 30 days and 53.9% longer-term gain driven by Legendary VSTAR hype[1]

Next months. Continued modest gains next 3-6 months with stable NM pricing $25-40

Long term. Stable to rising over 1-3 years if VSTAR reprints are minimal, potential for graded 10 appreciation

History

Darkrai is a Legendary Dark-type Pokémon from Generation IV, known as the 'Pitch-Black Pokémon' that induces nightmares and endless sleep using its ability Bad Dreams. It originates from Newmoon Island and is infamous for terrorizing the world with its nightmare-inducing powers, featured prominently in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and the movie The Rise of Darkrai.

First released in the Japanese VSTAR Universe set on December 2, 2022[2][1]

  • This Special Art Rare features unique artwork by an artist associated with the VSTAR Universe subset[1][4]
  • Darkrai VSTAR card design first appeared in earlier sets like Astral Radiance and Darkrai VSTAR Starter Set before this SAR printing[3]
  • VSTAR mechanic allows a powerful once-per-game ability: put up to 2 Item cards from discard into hand[3]

Rarity and print run

Tier
Secret Rare
Print run
Medium
First printed in
VSTAR Universe (S12a)
Demand
Medium
Supply
Medium
  • Special Art Rare pull rate in Japanese sets (1 in 100+ packs)
  • Japanese-exclusive variant not reprinted widely
  • High collector appeal due to Darkrai popularity

Collector notes

Condition. Check for edge whitening, surface scratches on the expansive dark artwork, centering issues common in Japanese foils, print lines on holo pattern, and corner dings; common flaws include fingerprint oils on glossy SAR surface and minor whitening from sleeves.

Storage. Use high-quality semi-rigid holders or Dragon Shield sleeves with top loaders; store in cool, dry environment away from sunlight to prevent holo oxidation; avoid stacking without dividers.

Authenticity. Verify kanji text alignment, holo pattern consistency (star bursts should be crisp), font matching official scans; check for thin card stock or blurry attacks in fakes; use UV light for foil authenticity; cross-reference with graded population reports[5][6]

Sources: sportscardinvestor.com, pricecharting.com, bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net, tcgplayer.com, psacard.com

Card details

Name
Darkrai VSTAR (ダークライ VSTAR)
Game
Pokémon
Set
VSTAR Universe (S12a)
Number
228/172
Year
2022
Rarity
Special Art Rare
Variant
Sar
Special stamps
VSTAR
Language
Japanese
Manufacturer
Pokemon Company
Illustrator
Pani Kobayashi
Identification
Not matched in a catalog
Certificate
#BCCDEE4905AE
Graded on
Apr 22, 2026
Views
5

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The TCGAI Score is an AI estimate made from photos. It is not an official grade and third-party grades may differ. Not affiliated with any grading company. Read the AI disclaimer.