💡 Blastoise is one of the Water-type final-evolution "big three" from the 1999 Pokémon Base Set. The standard Rare Holo trades around $226 as of June 2026, while 1st Edition and Shadowless copies go far higher. Alongside Charizard and Venusaur, it's an eternal classic for collectors.
Card Basics
Name: Blastoise
Set / Number: Base Set · 2/102
Rarity: Rare Holo
Type: Water · HP 100
Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
Release: January 9, 1999
Stats & Features
Blastoise pairs a powerful Pokémon Power with heavy hitting, making it a centerpiece of the early game.
Pokémon Power [Rain Dance]: As often as you like during your turn, attach extra Water Energy to your Water Pokémon (ignoring the once-per-turn attachment limit). Can't be used while Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed.
Attack [Hydro Pump] (Water·Water·Water) 40+: 40 damage plus 10 more for each extra Water Energy not used for cost (up to 2 extra count).
Weakness: Lightning ×2 · Retreat Cost: 3
The "Rain Dance deck" — accelerating energy with Rain Dance and then swinging with Hydro Pump — was one of the defining strategies of the early Pokémon TCG.
Price & Where to Buy
As of June 2026 on TCGPlayer, the standard Unlimited holofoil Blastoise has a market price of about $226.28. The same artwork in 1st Edition (left-side stamp) or Shadowless (no drop shadow on the art box) is far scarcer and can trade for thousands of dollars.
Note: prices swing widely by grade, print, and timing. This article is for information only and is not investment advice.
Buying tip: first check whether the copy is 1st Edition, Shadowless, or Unlimited — the value gap is huge.
High-value trades are mostly graded slabs (PSA/BGS). Raw cards carry condition risk, so buy carefully.
Why This Card Is Famous
Blastoise is the Water starter's final evolution from the original Game Boy games and, with Charizard (Fire) and Venusaur (Grass), forms the Base Set "big three." As an icon of Gen 1, it's a must-have for anyone completing a Base Set collection, keeping demand steady.
FAQ
Q. What's the current price of Base Set Blastoise?
A. About $226 for the standard Unlimited holo as of June 2026 (TCGPlayer). 1st Edition, Shadowless, or high PSA grades cost considerably more.
Q. What are 1st Edition and Shadowless, and why pricier?
A. 1st Edition has a '1st Edition' stamp on the left and was the very first print run; Shadowless lacks the drop shadow beside the art box. Both had low print runs and command far higher prices than Unlimited.
Q. Where can I buy it?
A. TCGPlayer and eBay internationally, plus specialty card shops and resale platforms locally. For expensive copies, graded slabs (PSA/BGS) are the safer route.
Q. Is it worth getting graded?
A. A clean 1st Edition or Shadowless is well worth grading. For an average Unlimited copy, grading fees and shipping may outweigh the upside, so judge the condition honestly first.
Card images and data are copyright Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK / The Pokémon Company.