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Collector’s Guide: Ordinary Rod (Sword Shield #171)
Ordinary Rod (Sword & Shield 171) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Ordinary Rod is an Uncommon Trainer Item from the Sword & Shield set, numbered 171. A straightforward, flexible recovery tool, it slots into many decks thanks to its reliable, no-frills utility.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Sword Shield 171 Uncommon 5ban Graphics
- Card Number: 171
- Set: Sword & Shield (swsh1)
- Type: Item
- Stage: Item
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: D
- Illustrator: 5ban Graphics
- Image:
Key Printings

Appearing exclusively in the Sword & Shield base set (swsh1), this Ordinary Rod has no attacks or abilities and does not evolve from any Pokémon—its value is purely as an Item card.

Variants & Identifiers

No known print variants exist for this card. Key identifiers: set code “swsh1,” card number 171, and Regulation Mark “D” for tournament categorization.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
Rules Text:
Choose 1 or both:
• Shuffle up to 2 Pokémon from your discard pile into your deck.
• Shuffle up to 2 basic Energy cards from your discard pile into your deck.
You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the card’s uncommon value and 5ban Graphics artwork, store it in a protective sleeve away from sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface to maintain condition for play and collection.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Sword & Shield (swsh1): Ordinary Rod debuts as a versatile Item that recycles Pokémon and basic Energy from the discard pile, supporting deck sustainability. Its simplicity and utility appeal to both players and collectors.
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September 30, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Metal Saucer (Sword Shield #170)
Metal Saucer Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Metal Saucer is an uncommon Trainer card from the Sword Shield set, numbered 170. Its sleek design complements the metallic theme of many decks. It’s a practical inclusion for players focused on efficient resource management.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Sword Shield 170 Uncommon Toyste Beach
- Card Number: 170
- Card Name: Metal Saucer
- Set: Sword Shield (swsh1)
- Type: Item
- Stage: Item
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: D
- Illustrator: Toyste Beach
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Evolves From: None
- Abilities: None
- Attacks: None
- Weaknesses/Resistances: None
- Flavor Text: Unknown
Key Printings

This guide focuses on the original printing of Metal Saucer from the Sword Shield base set (swsh1). No alternate printings or reprints are documented for this exact card.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for Metal Saucer in this set. Identify it by the set code “swsh1-170,” the Toyste Beach illustration, and the regulation mark “D,” which places it in the Sword Shield era.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown

Metal Saucer’s effect allows players to attach a Metal Energy card from their discard pile to one of their Benched Metal Pokémon and permits playing any number of Item cards during a turn. This makes it a strategic asset in Metal-type decks, though its current tournament legality is unknown.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve condition, store Metal Saucer in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity, maintaining crisp edges and the vibrant Toyste Beach illustration supports long-term collector appeal.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Sword Shield (swsh1): Metal Saucer debuted as an Uncommon Item card supporting Metal-type Pokémon with energy acceleration. It features a clean design and practical gameplay effect, fitting well into the Sword Shield environment.
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September 30, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Blipbug (Sword Shield #17)
Blipbug Collector’s Guide: Sword & Shield #17

Character Intro

Blipbug (Sword & Shield #17) is a Common Basic with 40 HP and the attack Call for Family. It’s a straightforward addition for collections focused on early-stage Pokémon.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Sword Shield 17 Common 40 Mina Nakai
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless
- Weakness: Fire ×2
- Resistance: None
- Regulation Mark: D
Key Printings
- Set: Sword & Shield base set (swsh1), card number 17
- Attack: Call for Family — search your deck for a Basic Pokémon and put it onto your Bench, then shuffle your deck
- Abilities: None
Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Blipbug card. It is a Common rarity card with no special holo or alternate art versions documented. The illustrator credited is Mina Nakai, whose artwork captures the Pokémon’s intelligent yet fragile character.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
- Its simple attack and low HP make it more of a supportive or early-game bench Pokémon rather than a competitive staple.
Care & Storage Tips

As a Common card, Blipbug should be stored in a protective sleeve to prevent wear. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve the vibrant artwork by Mina Nakai.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Sword & Shield (swsh1): Blipbug debuts as a Basic Grass-type Pokémon with a helpful bench-searching attack. It fits the early-game strategy of building a bench quickly, reflecting its lore as a smart information gatherer. This set introduced many new Pokémon and mechanics, with Blipbug serving as a modest but useful addition.
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September 30, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Switch (Sword Shield #183)
Collectors Guide: Switch (Sword Shield #183)

Character Intro

Switch is an Uncommon Trainer card from the Sword Shield set, numbered 183. Its straightforward design supports strategic gameplay by allowing players to change their Active Pokémon. This card is a practical addition for collectors focusing on the Sword Shield series.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Sword Shield 183 Uncommon Studio Bora Inc.
- Card ID: swsh1-183
- Stage: Item
- Subtype: Item
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: D
- Rules Text: Switch your Active Pokémon with 1 of your Benched Pokémon. | You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.
- Abilities: None
- Attacks: None
- Evolves From: None
- Flavor Text: Unknown
- Weaknesses/Resistances: None
Key Printings

This exact printing is from the Sword Shield set, numbered 183, featuring artwork by Studio Bora Inc. It is classified as an Uncommon Item card and serves a straightforward functional role in gameplay.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its set code “swsh1” and number “183.” The regulation mark “D” places it within the Sword Shield block era.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
According to the provided data, this card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It functions as a Switch Item card, allowing players to swap their Active Pokémon with a Benched Pokémon and play any number of Item cards during their turn.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store this card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it flat and avoid bending to retain its collectible value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Sword Shield: A practical, essential Item card with a simple, effective effect. Its Uncommon rarity and clean design make it a staple for collectors focusing on this era.
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September 30, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Sitrus Berry (Sword Shield #182)
Sitrus Berry Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Sitrus Berry is an Uncommon Item card from the Sword Shield set, numbered 182. Its straightforward design mirrors its practical role in battle, offering strategic value for both collectors and players.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Sword Shield unknown 182 Uncommon Yoshinobu Saito
- Card ID: swsh1-182
- Stage: Pokémon Tool
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: D
- Series: Sword Shield
- Subtypes: Pokémon Tool
- Weaknesses: None
- Resistances: None
- Abilities: None
- Attacks: None
Key Printings

This exact printing of Sitrus Berry appears in the Sword Shield set as card number 182. It is classified as an Uncommon rarity card and features artwork by Yoshinobu Saito. No alternate printings or reprints are documented for this card.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward via set code “swsh1,” card number “182,” and regulation mark “D” within the Sword Shield series.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown

Rules text:
– Attach a Pokémon Tool to 1 of your Pokémon that doesn’t already have a Pokémon Tool attached.
– At the end of each turn, if the Pokémon this card is attached to has 3 or more damage counters on it, heal 30 damage from it and discard this card.
– You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.

Care & Storage Tips

Store the card in a protective sleeve away from sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface, as the artwork and text are essential for identification and value. A temperature-controlled environment helps preserve the card’s integrity over time.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Sword Shield (swsh1): Introduced as part of the Sword Shield base set, Sitrus Berry serves as a reliable healing Pokémon Tool with a simple but effective effect. It complements many decks by providing incremental healing and tactical flexibility.
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September 30, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Rotom Bike (Sword Shield #181)
Rotom Bike Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Rotom Bike is an Uncommon card from the Sword Shield set, numbered 181. Its distinctive design stands out within the set, and its effect offers a unique draw option that can shape gameplay and deck-building strategies.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Sword Shield 181 Uncommon 5ban Graphics
- Card ID: swsh1-181
- Pokémon: Rotom Bike
- Stage: Item
- Subtypes: Item
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: D
- Rules Text: Draw cards until you have 6 cards in your hand. Your turn ends. | You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.
- Image URL: /images/swsh1/swsh1-181.jpg
Key Printings

The only known printing of Rotom Bike is from the Sword Shield base set, numbered 181. It is an uncommon rarity card, making it moderately accessible but still a valuable addition for collectors focusing on Sword Shield items.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward via its set code “swsh1” and card number 181. The illustrator credit to 5ban Graphics also helps confirm authenticity.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data. Its effect is strategic—allowing card draw but ending the turn—which can influence deck-building and gameplay tactics.

Care & Storage Tips

Store the card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity and unique artwork, protecting the surface and edges helps preserve collector value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Sword Shield (swsh1): The debut set for Rotom Bike, featuring it as a functional Item card with a distinctive draw mechanic. No additional printings or variants are known beyond this set.
This card is a solid collectible for those interested in Sword Shield’s strategic Item cards and the artistic style of 5ban Graphics.

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September 30, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Rare Candy (Sword Shield #180)
Rare Candy (Sword Shield 180) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Rare Candy from the Sword Shield set is an uncommon Trainer card numbered 180. It offers a straightforward yet strategic way to accelerate evolutions by moving a Basic Pokémon directly to Stage 2. Its inclusion can streamline gameplay by speeding up evolution lines, and collectors appreciate its role in many competitive builds.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Sword Shield unknown 180 Uncommon Yoshinobu Saito
- Card ID: swsh1-180
- Stage: Item
- Subtypes: Item
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: D
- Illustrator: Yoshinobu Saito
- Image URL: /images/swsh1/swsh1-180.jpg
Key Printings

This exact printing of Rare Candy appears in the Sword Shield base set as card number 180. It is an uncommon rarity card, making it moderately accessible to collectors and players alike. No alternate printings or promotional versions are noted for this specific card.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Rare Candy card. Its unique identifiers include the set code “swsh1” and the regulation mark “D,” which helps distinguish it within the Sword Shield series.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
- Effect: Evolve a Basic Pokémon directly into a Stage 2 Pokémon, skipping the Stage 1 evolution.
- Restrictions: Cannot be used during your first turn or on a Basic Pokémon that was just put into play.
- Usage: You may play any number of Item cards during your turn, making Rare Candy a flexible and strategic choice.
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity and clean artwork by Yoshinobu Saito, maintaining its surface and edges will help retain its collectible value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Sword Shield (swsh1): Rare Candy appears as card number 180, serving as a vital Item card for evolving Pokémon quickly. It features no attacks or abilities but is prized for its gameplay utility and straightforward design. No additional printings or variants are documented for this set.
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September 30, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Dottler (Sword Shield #18)
Dottler (Sword Shield 18) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Dottler is an Uncommon Pokémon card from the Sword Shield set, numbered 18. It has 70 HP and features the straightforward attack Ram. Cleanly illustrated by Misa Tsutsui, it’s a solid add for collectors focused on the Sword Shield series.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Sword Shield 18 Uncommon 70 Misa Tsutsui
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Blipbug)
- Weakness: Fire ×2
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Regulation Mark: D
- Flavor Text: “As it grows inside its shell, it uses its psychic abilities to monitor the outside world and prepare for evolution.”
- Image URL: /images/swsh1/swsh1-18.jpg
Key Printings

The key printing of Dottler is from the Sword Shield set, numbered 18, with an Uncommon rarity. This printing is notable for its clean design and faithful representation of the Pokémon’s traits.

Variants & Identifiers
- No known print variants
- Set code: “swsh1-18”
- Regulation mark: “D”
- Illustrator: Misa Tsutsui
Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, according to the provided data.
Care & Storage Tips

Store in a protective sleeve, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity and unknown release date, maintaining the illustration’s vibrancy and overall card integrity is key for long-term value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Sword Shield: Introduced Dottler as a Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon with a unique combination of defensive and offensive attacks, reflecting its psychic monitoring abilities. This set established Dottler’s role in the evolving metagame and collector interest.
This guide covers the exact printing of Dottler from the Sword Shield set, providing collectors with essential information for identification and care.

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September 30, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Quick Ball (Sword Shield #179)
Quick Ball (Sword Shield 179) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Quick Ball is an Uncommon Trainer card from the Sword Shield set, numbered 179. Celebrated for its straightforward utility, it supports many decks and features vibrant artwork that reflects the energetic spirit of the Sword Shield era.

Quick Facts
- Card Name: Quick Ball
- Card Number: 179
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Illustrator: sadaji
- Stage: Item
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: D
- Series: Sword Shield
- Set Code: swsh1
- Legal Status: unknown
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Sword Shield 179 Uncommon sadaji

Key Printings

The only known printing of Quick Ball with this exact card ID (swsh1-179) is from the Sword Shield base set. It is a core Item card widely recognized for its utility in gameplay.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include its card number 179, rarity as Uncommon, and the illustrator sadaji. The regulation mark D helps collectors verify its edition within the Sword Shield series.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown

Rules: You can play this card only if you discard another card from your hand. Search your deck for a Basic Pokémon, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck. You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.

Care & Storage Tips

Store the card in a protective sleeve, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface, as the artwork and text are essential for identification and play.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Sword Shield (swsh1): Quick Ball appears as a fundamental Item card, supporting deck consistency by enabling quick access to Basic Pokémon. Its straightforward design and utility make it a valuable addition to many decks within this set.
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September 30, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Professor’s Research (Professor Magnolia) (Sword Shield #178)
Professor’s Research (Professor Magnolia) – Sword Shield 178 Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Professor’s Research (Professor Magnolia) is a Rare Holo from the Sword Shield set, numbered 178. Featuring the knowledgeable Professor Magnolia, its holographic finish adds striking visual appeal for collectors.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Sword Shield 178 Rare Holo Yusuke Ohmura
- Card ID: swsh1-178
- Stage: Supporter
- Subtypes: Supporter
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: D
- Rules: Discard your hand and draw 7 cards. You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
- Types, HP, weaknesses, resistances, abilities, and attacks: unknown
Key Printings

Printed solely in the Sword Shield set as card number 178. It is a Rare Holo variant, appealing to collectors focused on holofoil cards from this series.

Variants & Identifiers

No known print variants. Identification is straightforward via set code “swsh1” and number “178.” The illustrator Yusuke Ohmura’s style further distinguishes this printing.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This Supporter’s effect lets you discard your hand and draw seven cards—a powerful draw engine. Remember, only one Supporter card can be played per turn.

Care & Storage Tips

Protect the holofoil by sleeving immediately and keeping the card away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use rigid top loaders or binders with individual pockets to prevent bending and surface scratches.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Sword Shield (swsh1): Introduced as part of the Sword Shield base set, this card represents a key Supporter with a strong draw effect. It is a Rare Holo and features artwork by Yusuke Ohmura, contributing to the set’s diverse and vibrant card pool.
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September 30, 2025