Latest PSA Updates – November 2025

If you’ve been anywhere near the hobby this week, you’ve felt it: PSA just dropped a fresh round of updates, and collectors everywhere are adjusting their grading strategies on the fly. Whether you’re sending in bulk subs, flipping slabs, or prepping inventory for shows around Memphis, these changes matter.

Here’s everything that actually happened in the PSA world this week — broken down in a way that makes sense, without the corporate speak.

PSA Updates Turnaround Times AGAIN — And Yes, They’re Longer

The biggest move PSA made this week was pushing out new Estimated Turnaround Times (ETTs) across their grading services. And the trend is the same across the board: longer waits.

Some highlights from PSA’s update:

• Bulk services increased from around 65 business days → 95 business days
• Value services jumped from about 45 business days → 75 business days
• Express services moved from 10 business days → 15 business days
• Pack grading jumped as high as 90 → 125 business days

But the biggest shift isn’t even the number — it’s how PSA measures the clock.

New Rule: Turnaround time now starts the second your submission arrives at PSA

Not when the order enters grading. Not when the status changes.
This might seem small, but it changes how expectations work across the whole hobby.

Why PSA Updates Are Being Made Right Now

Volume. Pure volume.

PSA said that submissions over the last few months have been surging — the kind of surge we haven’t seen since the post-COVID card boom. Between modern sports heating up, Pokémon continuing to smash, and collectors sending everything from grails to childhood binders, PSA is drowning in cardboard.

So they’re adjusting to keep expectations realistic. A few reasons behind the move:

• Submission volume is at “unprecedented” levels
• More graders are being trained, but training takes time
• PSA is expanding facilities, but intake is outpacing capacity
• The hobby is more active now than any time since 2021

This isn’t PSA slowing down — it’s PSA admitting that demand is insane again.

How These PSA Changes Affect Collectors and Sellers

This week’s updates ripple out in every direction. Whether you’re grading for your PC, flipping slabs, or running a business like Mellenade, here’s what the changes actually mean:

1. Grading isn’t a quick turnaround play anymore

• Expect bulk subs to sit for 3–4 months (or longer)
• Timing flips becomes trickier
• Card values shift faster than turnaround times

2. People will grade more selectively

• Fewer base rookies going in
• More focus on SPs, numbered cards, and clean rookies
• Condition-sensitive cards may stay raw

3. Grading standards feel tighter lately

• PSA is giving fewer easy 10s
• Centering, print lines, and surface marks matter more
• You’ll see more 9s than usual

4. Slabbed inventory becomes more valuable

• Harder to get = easier to sell
• PSA 10s hold or rise in value
• PSA 9s for key players look more attractive

5. Competing graders might see a temporary boost

• SGC for quick flips
• Beckett for thick-card autos
• PSA still holds strongest resale value, but timing matters

What You Should Do Right Now

This part matters. With PSA shifting the landscape, you need to adjust your strategy today — not three months from now. Here’s how to stay ahead:

Grade Smart

• Submit top rookies
• Submit serial-numbered hits
• Submit clean Pokémon pulls
• Submit on-card autos
• Do NOT submit borderline or damaged cards right now

Plan Submissions Way Earlier

• If you’re prepping for a show, submit months in advance
• Don’t rely on PSA to help you hit a hype window

Lean Into Already-Graded Inventory

• With slower turnarounds, PSA slabs become premium
• Show off your stock — the market will reward it

Communicate With Your Buyers

If you’re breaking, selling, or running community events at Mellenade:

• Be upfront that grading takes longer
• Tell people what’s worth grading and what’s not
• Set realistic expectations so nobody feels blindsided

Track the Market

• Prices shift fast when grading slows down
• Monitor comps for PSA 9s and PSA 10s
• Make sure you’re grading cards that actually reward the wait

Why This Matters More Than You Think

This week’s PSA updates aren’t just some behind-the-scenes tweak — they’re a direct reflection of a hobby that’s heating up again. More collectors. More submissions. More demand. PSA is adjusting because we’re in another growth cycle.

And if you play it right?
You can use this moment to build smarter inventory, make better grading decisions, and stay ahead of competitors who haven’t adapted yet.