Flareon SWSH041 Cosmos Holo Sword & Shield Promo (Near Mint) – Full Collector & TCG Guide
If you collect Eeveelutions, love Fire-type decks, or simply want an affordable yet eye-catching promo, the Flareon SWSH041 Cosmos Holo Sword & Shield Black Star Promo is one of the nicest mid-era promos you can add to your binder.
This article breaks down everything you should know about this specific card and listing: what the card is, how it ties into the Pokémon anime and Eevee’s popularity, its value for collectors, and how it plays in actual Pokémon TCG decks.
Quick Card Information – Flareon SWSH041 Promo
| Card Name | Flareon |
|---|---|
| Set | Sword & Shield Black Star Promos (SWSH) |
| Card Number | SWSH041 |
| Rarity | Black Star Promo – Holofoil |
| Foil Style | Cosmos holo pattern (appears to be the Cosmos version in this listing) |
| Type / Stage / HP | Fire / Stage 1 / 110 HP |
| Attacks | Singe, Kindle |
| Condition (seller) | Near Mint (Ungraded) |
Note: Details like HP and attacks are based on the official SWSH041 promo entry in the Pokémon TCG database; always confirm with listing photos if you’re buying.
What Is the Flareon SWSH041 Cosmos Holo Promo?
The Flareon SWSH041 is a Sword & Shield Black Star Promo released during the Sword & Shield era. It’s a Stage 1 Fire-type that evolves from Eevee and features a distinctive cosmos holofoil pattern in some printings.
This particular eBay listing appears to offer the Cosmos Holo Near Mint version, which collectors often prefer over the standard flat holo due to the nostalgic swirl-and-star foil look that calls back to older promo cards.
Because it’s a Black Star Promo, Flareon SWSH041 wasn’t pulled from regular booster packs. Instead, it came in specific promo products (like boxes or special packs), which usually keeps supply a bit more limited compared to mass-opened main sets.
Card Text & Effects (Overview)
According to the official Pokémon TCG card database and major marketplaces, Flareon SWSH041 has:
- Singe – For [R] (one Fire Energy), this attack Burns your opponent’s Active Pokémon.
- Kindle – For [1RR] (one Colorless, two Fire), this attack does 120 damage. You must discard an Energy from Flareon. If you do, you also discard an Energy from your opponent’s Active Pokémon.
These attacks make Flareon a midrange Fire-type attacker that also provides disruption by stripping Energy off your opponent’s Pokémon.
Cosmos Holo vs Regular Holo – Why It Matters
The listing title specifically mentions “COSMO HOLO”. In Pokémon TCG hobby terms, this usually refers to the cosmos holofoil pattern: the starburst, swirling circles, and sparkles that were heavily used on older promo cards.
Not every copy of SWSH041 in the wild will be cosmos holo; some print runs have a more modern, smoother holofoil. Collectors often chase the cosmos version because:
- It feels more nostalgic and reminiscent of older WotC-era promos.
- The swirl patterns and starbursts look excellent in binder pages and slab displays.
- Some people specifically build side collections of cosmos holo promos.
This eBay listing appears to show the cosmos holo variant in the photos, but as always, zoom in on the product images to confirm the exact foil pattern, centering, and any edge wear before you purchase.
Near Mint Condition (Ungraded) – What to Expect
The parsed info indicates the card is listed as Near Mint (NM) and Ungraded. In typical Pokémon TCG condition standards, Near Mint usually means:
- Very light to almost no whitening on edges and corners.
- No major scratches or scuffs on the holo; micro-scratches may be present on close inspection.
- No creases, bends, or heavy play wear.
Because condition grading is subjective from seller to seller, carefully examine all provided photos and description. If you’re considering grading the card with PSA, CGC, or BGS, ask for extra pictures if something is unclear.
Flareon in the Pokémon Anime & Eevee-Lution Popularity
One major reason cards like Flareon SWSH041 stay in demand is their connection to the broader franchise—especially the anime and the long-running appeal of Eevee evolutions.
Flareon’s Anime Presence
While this specific artwork is a TCG original and not pulled from a particular anime screenshot, Flareon as a character has appeared in multiple parts of the Pokémon anime across generations. Examples include:
- Appearances in episodes featuring Eevee and the Eeveelutions, usually alongside Vaporeon, Jolteon, and later evolutions like Espeon and Umbreon.
- Cameos with Kimono Sisters and other Trainers known for showcasing multiple Eevee forms.
- Background roles in crowds, contests, and various specials where Eevee-lutions are highlighted.
For anime fans, owning a Fire-type Eevee-lution such as this Flareon promo is a way to connect your binder to your favorite episodes and moments.
Why Eeveelution Promos Are So Collectible
Eevee and its evolutions are one of the most beloved mini-families in all of Pokémon. From a collecting standpoint, this has several consequences:
- Many collectors build entire binders dedicated to Eevee-lutions across generations.
- Promo cards, especially Black Star Promos, often retain collector interest even when they aren’t ultra-competitive in the TCG.
- Flareon, Vaporeon, and Jolteon SWSH promos are frequently collected as a group or trio.
This means that even if meta playability shifts over time, Eevee-lution promos tend to hold a baseline level of demand simply because people love the characters and the artwork.
Collector Value & Market Perspective
When evaluating whether to buy a Flareon SWSH041 Cosmos Holo in Near Mint condition, there are a few angles to consider: price, rarity, condition, and long-term appeal.
Price & Availability Snapshot
Based on the product info provided, this particular listing is priced at around $10.49 USD (subject to change as the seller updates their listing). Checking sites like TCGplayer, PriceCharting, and other market aggregators, raw Near Mint copies of this card often hover in the low- to mid-single digits, sometimes higher for particularly clean cosmos holo versions.
What that suggests:
- This listing is priced in the range you’d expect for a Near Mint cosmos holo promo, especially if the condition is strong and the foil pattern is attractive.
- Prices can fluctuate based on demand for collectible Pokémon cards and Eevee-lution focused sets, so always compare a few recent sold listings if you’re very price-conscious.
If you’re hunting for other near mint Pokémon cards or want to check similar promos, you can browse the seller’s store section for Pokémon TCG singles to compare conditions and prices across their inventory.
Rarity & Print Context
Flareon SWSH041 is a Black Star Promo, which generally means:
- It was included in specific SWSH promo products, not regular boosters.
- Print runs can vary, but promos often have limited reprints compared to main sets.
- Cosmos holo variants may be tied to particular box releases or waves, making them slightly more niche than the default holo style.
While this card isn’t “rare” in the sense of a low-print vintage holo from the 1990s, it is still a targeted promo with defined supply. Combined with Flareon’s fan-favorite status, that gives it solid long-term casual collector appeal.
Is Flareon SWSH041 Worth Grading?
Whether you should grade this card depends on your goals:
- For casual collecting: A clean Near Mint copy in a toploader or binder is usually enough. The cost of grading might exceed the current market value.
- For long-term Eevee-lution or promo collections: If the card looks exceptionally clean (sharp corners, strong centering, flawless foil), grading could make sense as a presentation piece.
- For investment-focused collectors: Graded 9 or 10 cosmos holo promos will always be a smaller population than raw copies. However, you’ll want to carefully compare grading fees to realistic resale prices before sending it in.
Look closely for any surface scratches on the cosmos holo. That foil style can sometimes hide or highlight imperfections depending on lighting, so tilt the card under bright light when you receive it.
Gameplay: How Good Is Flareon SWSH041 in the Pokémon TCG?
From a competitive standpoint, Flareon SWSH041 isn’t a tier-1 meta centerpiece, but it has a few notable strengths that make it interesting in casual or budget decks, especially those that love Fire-type synergy.
Stats & Typing
Key gameplay stats from the official data:
- Type: Fire
- HP: 110
- Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Eevee)
- Weakness: Water ×2
- Retreat Cost: 2 Colorless
110 HP is modest by Sword & Shield standards but not terrible for a single-Prize Stage 1. Being a Fire-type synergizes well with cards that accelerate Fire Energy or punish Grass and Metal Pokémon.
Attack Breakdown
Singe – [R]
- Effect: Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Burned.
- Role: Status inflictor and chip damage over time.
Burn can be annoying for opponents because:
- It forces them to consider retreating, evolving, or healing sooner than planned.
- Between turns damage can add up, especially when combined with other spread or chip effects.
While Singe alone doesn’t win games, it’s a decent early-game move if you’re building toward stronger attackers or waiting for Energy acceleration.
Kindle – [1RR] – 120 Damage
- Base Damage: 120
- Effect: Discard an Energy from Flareon. If you do, discard an Energy from your opponent’s Active Pokémon.
This is where Flareon becomes more interesting:
- 120 damage is respectable for a non-Rule Box Stage 1.
- You disrupt your opponent’s board by forcing an Energy discard, which can slow down multi-Energy attackers significantly.
- It synergizes with Fire decks that already like discarding and recycling Fire Energy from the discard pile.
The downside is that you need a steady stream of Energy acceleration or recursion to keep Kindle going every turn.
Deck Ideas & Synergies
While specific meta card pairings change as formats rotate, some general strategic uses for Flareon SWSH041 include:
- Budget Fire-type decks: Use Flareon as a single-Prize attacker that can both deal damage and strip Energy from big opposing threats.
- Eevee-lution themed decks: Run this promo alongside other Eevee evolutionary lines for a fun, character-driven deck where each evolution has a different niche.
- Energy denial strategies: Pair with Trainers and Supporters that discard or tax Energy attachments, adding Kindle as another way to keep your opponent starved for resources.
Because it discards its own Energy, you’ll want cards in your list that either:
- Attach extra Fire Energy per turn, or
- Recover discarded Fire Energy from discard to hand or into play.
This isn’t a staple in high-level tournament lists, but it’s perfect for casual play, kitchen-table decks, and thematic Eevee builds, especially if you want your deck to look as good as it plays.
Why This Flareon Promo Appeals to Different Types of Fans
The beauty of Flareon SWSH041 is that it hits three major audiences at once: collectors, anime fans, and TCG players.
For Collectors
Collectors are drawn to this card because:
- It’s a Black Star Promo, a line that many people specifically chase.
- The cosmos holo pattern is visually striking and nostalgic.
- Flareon is a mainstay Eevee-lution with strong long-term popularity.
If you’re working on a binder of collectible Pokémon cards centered around Eevee and its evolutions, this is a must-include promo.
For Anime & Casual Fans
Even if you don’t actively play the TCG, this card is a great way to celebrate your love of Flareon and the broader anime:
- The art captures Flareon’s fiery, loyal personality.
- The holofoil adds that special, premium feel compared to non-holo cards.
- It’s significantly more affordable than chasing vintage first-generation Flareon holos.
You can display it in a 4-pocket binder spread alongside other Eevee-lutions or frame it as part of a small anime-themed Pokémon display.
For Players
For TCG players, Flareon SWSH041 offers:
- A flexible single-Prize attacker in casual formats.
- Built-in Energy disruption via Kindle.
- A stylish addition to Eevee-focused or Fire-type theme decks.
If you enjoy playing decks that reflect your favorite anime Pokémon or your card collection themes, this promo lets you run Flareon in a way that feels both flavorful and functional.
Buying Tips for Flareon SWSH041 Cosmos Holo (Near Mint)
Before you click “buy,” here are some practical tips specifically for this kind of card:
1. Check the Foil Pattern Carefully
Because the title mentions “COSMO HOLO,” you’ll want to verify that the pictures actually show:
- The starburst/circle-style cosmos holo pattern.
- No major holo scratching, clouding, or silvering along the holo borders.
Cosmos holo can show scratches more visibly in certain lighting, so if the listing photos are dark or low-resolution, consider asking the seller for clearer images if you are picky about cosmetic condition.
2. Inspect Edges, Corners & Centering
For Near Mint, look for:
- Minimal or no whitening along edges.
- Corners that are still sharp, not frayed or visibly dinged.
- Centering that doesn’t look drastically off (for potential grading down the line).
Minor imperfections are normal in Near Mint, but you should not see deep creases, heavy whitening, or big dents.
3. Compare Similar Listings
If you want to be sure you’re getting a fair price, compare this listing against:
- Sold listings of Flareon SWSH041 cosmos holo Near Mint on various platforms.
- Other Near Mint promos in the same seller’s store.
Browsing additional near mint Pokémon cards in the same store can also give you a feel for how strictly the seller grades condition.
4. Factor in Shipping & Protection
For promo holos, it’s worth checking if the seller:
- Ships in a sleeve + toploader or semi-rigid holder.
- Uses bubble mailers and proper protection to avoid corner dings in transit.
This might not always be spelled out on the listing, but many established Pokémon sellers have shipping standards in place. When you order from a dedicated Pokémon TCG–focused store like Pokeferh on eBay, you’re generally dealing with someone used to packing cards safely.
Who Should Buy This Flareon Promo?
To summarize, this Flareon SWSH041 Cosmos Holo Sword & Shield Promo (Near Mint) is especially ideal for:
- Eevee & Eevee-lution collectors who want to fill in their Black Star Promo pages.
- Anime fans who love Flareon and want a premium-looking yet affordable card representation.
- Casual TCG players who like Fire-type attackers and enjoy energy disruption.
- Promo specialists who seek cosmos holo variants for binder displays or grading projects.
If you fall into any of these groups, this listing offers a nice balance of visual appeal, character popularity, and reasonable price.
FAQ – Flareon SWSH041 Cosmos Holo Sword & Shield Promo
Is Flareon SWSH041 a rare card?
It’s not “rare” in the sense of a vintage base set holo, but it is a Black Star Promo with a defined print run. The cosmos holo variant adds extra collector interest. It’s reasonably available on the secondary market, but it’s popular enough that clean Near Mint copies still hold value.
What’s the difference between cosmos holo and regular holo for this card?
Cosmos holo uses the older-style swirling starburst pattern on the foil, while regular holo versions may have a smoother, more uniform shine. The listing you’re looking at appears to be the cosmos holo version, which many collectors prefer for its nostalgic look.
Is Flareon SWSH041 legal in current Standard format?
Format legality changes over time as sets rotate. At the time of writing, Sword & Shield promos have been rotating out of Standard in many official play environments. However, Flareon SWSH041 remains perfectly usable in Expanded, casual, and homebrew formats. Check the official Pokémon TCG format rotation page for the most current legality status.
Is this card good for competitive play?
Flareon SWSH041 is generally more of a casual or budget option. Its 120-damage Kindle attack plus Energy discard effect can be annoying and useful in certain matchups, but it hasn’t been a staple of top-tier competitive decks. It’s great in Eevee-themed builds, Fire-type fun decks, or for newer players learning the game.
Should I grade my Flareon SWSH041 cosmos holo?
Grade it if:
- You love Flareon and want a premium, slabbed display piece.
- Your copy looks extremely clean with strong centering and minimal surface flaws.
If you’re mainly a casual collector or player, keeping it in a sleeve and toploader is usually enough, especially given grading fees.
How can I verify the Near Mint condition of the listing?
Study the listing photos carefully:
- Zoom in on edges and corners.
- Check the holo area for visible scratches.
- Look for any bends or creases in angled shots.
If anything looks unclear, message the seller and ask for additional photos. Reputable Pokémon sellers are normally happy to help.
Where can I find more promos and Pokémon TCG singles like this?
You can explore more Pokémon TCG singles, promos, and Eevee-lution cards in the same eBay store that’s offering this Flareon. Browse their selection at:
https://www.ebay.com/str/pokeferh
Whether you’re completing a Flareon page, building a fiery kitchen-table deck, or just want a beautiful cosmos holo for your collection, Flareon SWSH041 is a strong pick that blends nostalgia, character appeal, and solid TCG design into one promo card.


