Exploring Paras Price Differences Across Pokémon TCG Markets

In TCG ·

Paras card art from Journey Together set illustrated by Ayako Ozaki

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Regional Price Differences for Paras in Pokémon TCG Markets

Paras, a tiny Grass-type Basic that many players first met in Journey Together, embodies the charm of early-stage creatures in the Pokémon TCG. With 70 HP and a simple but sneaky attack—Leech Life, dealing 10 damage and healing the same amount from Paras—the card invites budget-friendly decks and nostalgic collections alike. But as any longtime fan knows, the value you see on one market often diverges from another. The Paras sv09-004 variant offers a clear snapshot of how regional markets diverge in price, even for a common Pokémon with broad appeal. ⚡

What drives these regional differences? A few forces are consistently at work across the hobby: market liquidity, distribution patterns, and the evolving appetite of local players. In markets with robust paper card communities and active trading hubs, non-holo Paras tends to anchor around a few euro cent values, while holo versions can command a noticeably higher premium when demand aligns with the collector pulse. Language editions and local printing cycles also matter—some regions receive different print runs or card counts within a set, affecting supply and thus price. And of course, shipping costs, taxes, and import fees subtly nudge price comparisons between near neighbors and distant markets. 🔎💬

Paras sv09-004: a price snapshot and what it signals

  • Non-holo Paras (Grass, Common) in CardMarket: average around €0.04, with a low near €0.02. That’s a budget-baseline that many players and new collectors monitor as a gateway into competitive or themed decks.
  • Holo Paras variants, where the rarity is still common but the sparkle pulls a premium: average around €0.10, with a low near €0.02 and notable volatility depending on region and listing quality. The holo market tends to swing more as collectors chase shiny copies to display alongside the card’s simple art. 🪙
  • show modest upward movement in both non-holo and holo spaces, with holo prices often outpacing non-holo as demand for rarity grows. The data indicates a 1–7–30 day pattern where long-tail interest sustains momentum even for a commonly printed card. As of mid-2025, CardMarket’s latest updates reflect ongoing activity around Paras sv09-004, reinforcing that even “commons” aren’t immune to regional price dynamics. 🎯
  • —Journey Together (SV09) keeps Paras in a broad circulation window, with 159 official cards in the set and 190 total. Its position in modern play Armor and supporting lines means Paras remains a recognizable, cheap entry point for players building Grass-type buffers or themed decks. The card’s regulation mark is I, and it remains legal in both Standard and Expanded formats, ensuring ongoing relevance for collectors and players alike. 🎴
  • —condition plays a big role. A well-preserved holo Paras in mint condition can fetch noticeably more in a region with aggressive holo demand, while a worn non-holo might linger closer to the base price. This is where smart shopping—checking multiple marketplaces and watching for graded vs. raw copies—helps gauge when a price dip hides a strong long-term hold. 💎

For players aiming to optimize a Paras-based deck, the price dynamics offer actionable guidance. If you’re budgeting, targeting non-holo Paras sv09-004 across markets tends to be a reliable path, especially when you can snag them in bulk or during market dips. If you’re chasing a little more shine for a display-worthy collection or a competitive holo lineup, tracking holo listings and their regional spikes can yield satisfying returns—though you may pay a premium for the glow. 🎮

Gameplay, collection sense, and the Paras edge

Paras brings an uncomplicated but useful toolkit to the table. Its Leech Life attack requires a Grass energy and delivers a modest 10 damage while healing Paras for the same amount. In practice, this creates a tiny sustainable loop when your opponent’s Active is trading in short bursts, enabling Paras to hold the board longer in minimalist stall-y builds or as a stealth pivot in broader Grass-type strategies. The card’s 70 HP is average for Basic Pokémon of its era, and a retreat cost of 1 gives it respectable resilience in standard matches. For collectors, the common status doesn’t diminish the card’s charm—Ayako Ozaki’s cheerful art helps Paras stand out in binder pages and on display shelves. The Journey Together symbol and the familiar grass motif make Paras a familiar, friendly face in the growing SV09 era. 🎨

When evaluating price differences across markets, a few practical tips help bridge theory and reality. First, compare holo versus non-holo pricing in the same market to understand rarity-driven premiums. Second, watch for market-specific promotions or bundles that might temporarily shift prices. Third, consider language-specific editions; some regions favor certain print runs that can influence supply in local shops and online listings. And finally, don’t overlook condition grading—an excellent condition Paras can beat a slightly pricier listing with minor wear in some markets, simply because collectors chase pristine copies. 💎

For readers who love tying market trends to their TCG journeys, Paras is a perfect case study: a humble, budget-friendly card that reveals much about how and why prices diverge. The combination of a clean illustration by Ayako Ozaki, a stable but evolving demand profile, and the evergreen appeal of Grass-type staples makes Paras sv09-004 a dependable reference point for both casual collectors and serious traders alike. ⚡

Phone Grip Click-On Adjustable Mobile Holder Kickstand

More from our network