History

Nidoking is a Poison/Ground-type Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Red and Green (1996), evolving from Nidorino with a Moon Stone. Team Rocket is the criminal organization led by Giovanni, who is depicted with several Pokémon in the Team Rocket-themed Scarlet & Violet expansion. This card portrays Team Rocket's Nidoking ex as a powerful Pokémon ex associated with the organization.

First Printed: The card was first released in the English-language Pokémon TCG expansion Destined Rivals (SV10), released May 30, 2025, as card 233/182. The supplied 2024 date is inconsistent with the documented release information, and the card is classified as a Special Illustration Rare rather than merely an Illustration Rare.[1][7][9]

• Card number 233/182 places it in the secret rare portion of Destined Rivals.[1][7]
• The card features Special Illustration Rare artwork by Uninori.[7]
• It is a holofoil card and is generally listed as having one standard collectible variant, without a reverse-holo or alternate pattern version.[7]
• The card is part of the Team Rocket-themed Special Illustration Rare subset in Destined Rivals.[7]

Print Data

Print Run: High

Collector's Notes

Condition Tips: Inspect centering, especially left-right and top-bottom alignment; whitening on blue or dark borders; edge chipping; scratches or dents in the holofoil; print lines; surface dimples; and corner sharpness. Special Illustration Rare cards are highly sensitive to surface scratches and factory print defects. For grading, examine the card under angled light and avoid touching the holo surface.

Storage: Use an archival-quality soft sleeve followed by a semi-rigid card holder or a snug top loader. Store upright in a cool, dry, dark environment with stable temperature and humidity. Avoid loose storage, excessive pressure, direct sunlight, PVC materials, and damp conditions. For valuable graded copies, retain the slab in a protective sleeve or case.

Authenticity: Confirm the correct 233/182 numbering, Special Illustration Rare symbol, holofoil treatment, official Pokémon typography, accurate German wording, correct HP and attack layout, and high-quality texture. Compare the card with verified scans or a known genuine copy under magnification. Warning signs include incorrect font weight, dull or missing texture, overly dark colors, blurred microtext, wrong borders, inaccurate holo patterns, and suspiciously low prices. For high-value copies, use a reputable seller or third-party grading service.

Notable Sales

• BGS 10 Pristine: reported $493.60 sale on November 22, 2025.[2]
• PSA 10: reported market values ranging from approximately $204 to $239 in recent tracker data.[6][8]
• Raw near-mint: reported sales and market values generally around $80-$100.[1][2][3][7]

Investment Outlook

The card combines a popular legacy character, Team Rocket branding, secret-rarity artwork, and strong collector recognition. However, it is from a modern mass-produced expansion, supply is likely to remain substantial, and available market data shows a decline from earlier highs, limiting near-term certainty.[1][3][4][7]

Rarity Analysis

• Numbered 233/182, placing it beyond the main set checklist.[1][7]
• Special Illustration Rare treatment with textured full-art artwork.[7][9]
• Team Rocket theme and Nidoking character appeal to both Pokémon collectors and competitive-era nostalgia collectors.
• High opening volume and modern print availability reduce absolute scarcity compared with older era chase cards.

Comparable: Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex Special Illustration Rare from Destined Rivals, Other Team Rocket Pokémon ex Special Illustration Rares from Destined Rivals, Modern Special Illustration Rare Pokémon ex cards from Scarlet & Violet expansions, Vintage Rocket's Scizor, Rocket's Mewtwo, and Dark Pokémon cards for thematic comparison

Market Forecast

Several trackers report the card below its release-era or prior-year levels, including a reported 28.8% decline since release and a 6% year-over-year decrease in near-mint pricing.[1][3]

• Large modern print supply and continued product availability
• Strength of Team Rocket and Nidoking collector demand
• Quality distribution and grading rates
• Future reprints, restocks, and Destined Rivals set availability
• Performance of high-grade examples and broader Pokémon market conditions

Short-term (3-6mo): Over the next 3-6 months, prices are more likely to remain volatile or soften modestly as supply enters the market. Raw near-mint copies may broadly trade around the current $80-$105 range, while pristine graded copies should command substantial premiums if demand remains strong.[1][6][7]

Long-term (1-3yr): Over 1-3 years, the card has reasonable appreciation potential if Team Rocket nostalgia and the Destined Rivals character subset remain popular. A stable-to-rising trajectory is plausible after supply dries up, but modern print volume makes a rapid return to extreme prices unlikely without strong Pokémon market growth.