Blastoise

Market outlook

Rising Outlook 8/10

9.2% price gain in last 30 days amid ongoing Pokémon TCG vintage boom and starter card popularity.

Next months. Stable to +10% in next 3-6 months with steady sales volume.

Long term. Continued appreciation 20-30% over 1-3 years as supply grades out.

History

Blastoise is the final evolution of Squirtle, a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. As the powerhouse of the starter trio (with Bulbasaur and Charmander), it is renowned for its massive cannons on its shell that fire high-pressure water blasts, symbolizing ultimate defensive and offensive water power in the Pokémon universe.

First released in the Pokémon Base Set in January 1999 in the United States by Wizards of the Coast, as part of the inaugural English-language Pokémon TCG expansion.

• Iconic as the third starter Pokémon in the original games Pokémon Red and Blue.
• Base Set Blastoise #2/102 features 120 HP, Hydro Pump attack, and Rain Dance support ability.
• Shadowless variant lacks drop shadow on artwork frame, making it scarcer than Unlimited prints.

Rarity and print run

Tier

Rare

Print run

Medium

First printed in

Base Set

Demand

High

Supply

Medium

• Shadowless printing lacks frame shadow, shorter run than Unlimited.
• Part of original Base Set with heavy collector hoarding.
• Holo foil prone to condition degradation over time.

Collector notes

Condition. Inspect centering (especially top/bottom due to print pulls), edge wear, surface scratches on holo pattern, and print lines; common flaws include whitening on edges, centering issues over 60/40, and roller marks from 1999 printing presses.

Storage. Use penny sleeves and semi-rigid top loaders for daily storage; for long-term, acid-free card savers in cool, dry, UV-free environment; avoid stacking without dividers.

Authenticity. Check for correct WOTC copyright '1995, 96, 98, 99 Nintendo' on back, crisp holo pattern without pixelation, accurate font weights, and black market stamp position; fakes often have blurry art, wrong back colors, or misaligned text; use blacklight for paper fluorescence.