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Collector’s Guide: Professor Birch’s Observations (Primal Clash #159)
Professor Birch’s Observations Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Professor Birch’s Observations is a Rare Ultra Supporter card from the Primal Clash set, numbered 159. It captures the essence of Professor Birch’s scientific curiosity, and its detailed artwork and rarity make it a notable piece for collectors.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Primal Clash 159 Rare Ultra Hitoshi Ariga
- Card Name: Professor Birch’s Observations
- Set: Primal Clash (xy5)
- Card Number: 159
- Type: Supporter
- Stage: Supporter
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Rules: Shuffle your hand into your deck and flip a coin. If heads, draw 7 cards. If tails, draw 4 cards. You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn (before your attack).
- Image:
Key Printings

Only printed in Primal Clash. It does not evolve from or into any other cards and has no attacks or abilities listed, focusing purely on its Supporter effect.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants or alternate versions of this card. Its rarity is classified as Rare Ultra, making it a notable find for collectors focusing on the Primal Clash set.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
Play Notes: Its unique Supporter effect offers a flexible draw mechanic that can influence hand size based on a coin flip, adding an element of chance to deck strategy.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the vibrant artwork and maintain condition, store this card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity, consider a top-loader or a binder with individual pockets to prevent edge wear and bending.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Primal Clash (xy5): Introduced as a Rare Ultra Supporter card, Professor Birch’s Observations adds a strategic hand-refresh option to the XY series. Its unique draw mechanic and striking illustration by Hitoshi Ariga make it a memorable piece within this set.
This card remains a fascinating collectible for fans of the XY series and those interested in Supporter cards with tactical gameplay effects.

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October 13, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Maxie’s Hidden Ball Trick (Primal Clash #158)
Maxie’s Hidden Ball Trick Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Maxie’s Hidden Ball Trick is a Rare Ultra card from the Primal Clash set, numbered 158. The card’s striking design reflects Maxie’s strategic playstyle, making it a notable target for Primal Clash collectors.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Primal Clash unknown 158 Rare Ultra Hitoshi Ariga
- Card ID: xy5-158
- Stage: Supporter
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Subtypes: Supporter
- Evolves From: None
- Types: None
- Weaknesses/Resistances: None
Key Printings

Only printed in the original Primal Clash expansion of the XY series. As a Rare Ultra, it’s a sought-after piece for collectors targeting this set or the Supporter subtype.

Variants & Identifiers

No known print variants. Its unique identifier is xy5-158, with artwork by Hitoshi Ariga and no regulation mark.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown

Rules text:
– You can play this card only when it is the last card in your hand.
– Put a Fighting Pokémon from your discard pile onto your Bench. Then, draw 5 cards.
– You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn (before your attack).

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain condition, store Maxie’s Hidden Ball Trick in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use rigid top loaders or binders with individual pockets to prevent bending or surface wear.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Primal Clash (XY5): Introduced as a Rare Ultra Supporter, enabling recovery of Fighting-type Pokémon from the discard while refreshing your hand. It stands out for its unique play condition and dynamic artwork.
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October 13, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Switch (Primal Clash #163)
Switch (Primal Clash 163) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Switch is a Rare Secret card from the Primal Clash set, numbered 163. Its sleek design stands out and appeals to dedicated collectors. This card’s rarity makes it a notable addition for those seeking unique treasures within the set.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Primal Clash unknown 163 Rare Secret 5ban Graphics
- Card Name: Switch
- Set: Primal Clash (XY5)
- Card Number: 163
- Rarity: Rare Secret
- Stage: Item
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Illustrator: 5ban Graphics
- Image:
Key Printings

This exact printing of Switch is from the Primal Clash expansion, identified by set code XY5 and card number 163. It is a rare secret variant, making it a sought-after piece for collectors focusing on rare and secret cards within the XY series.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is uniquely identified by its set code (XY5), card number (163), and rarity (Rare Secret). The illustrator 5ban Graphics is a consistent identifier for this printing.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
Switch allows you to switch your Active Pokémon with one of your Benched Pokémon and permits playing any number of Item cards during your turn before attacking. This effect is straightforward and widely useful in gameplay, although its tournament legality status is unknown.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the vibrant artwork and maintain the card’s condition, store Switch in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rare secret rarity, consider using a top-loader or a binder with rigid pages to prevent bending and edge wear.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Primal Clash (XY5): Switch appears as a rare secret card, emphasizing utility and strategic flexibility. Its clean design and zero retreat cost make it a valuable asset in many decks, while its rarity adds collector appeal.
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October 13, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Enhanced Hammer (Primal Clash #162)
Enhanced Hammer (Primal Clash 162) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Enhanced Hammer is a Rare Secret card from the Primal Clash set, numbered 162. Its striking design and scarcity make it a notable pickup for collectors focused on this vibrant XY-era expansion.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Primal Clash 162 Rare Secret Ryo Ueda
- Card Name: Enhanced Hammer
- Set: Primal Clash (xy5)
- Card Number: 162
- Rarity: Rare Secret
- Type: Item
- Stage: Item
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Illustrator: Ryo Ueda
- Image:
Key Printings

This exact printing of Enhanced Hammer appears in the Primal Clash set (xy5) as card 162. Its Rare Secret status makes it a sought-after piece for collectors of XY-era secret rares.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is uniquely identified by its set code (xy5), card number (162), and rarity (Rare Secret). As an Item card, it has no evolutions, abilities, or attacks.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
Rules text: “Discard a Special Energy attached to 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon. | You may play as many Item cards as you like during your turn (before your attack).”

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve condition, store the card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity, maintaining mint or near-mint condition helps retain collectible value. Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets for added protection.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Primal Clash (xy5): Enhanced Hammer is featured as a Rare Secret Item card, emphasizing disruption of Special Energy attachments. Its clean design and practical gameplay effect make it a memorable inclusion in this set.
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October 13, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Dive Ball (Primal Clash #161)
Dive Ball (Primal Clash 161) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Dive Ball is a Rare Secret card from the Primal Clash set, numbered 161. Its underwater-themed design and scarcity make it a distinctive piece for collectors, especially those focused on the Primal Clash series.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Primal Clash 161 Rare Secret Toyste Beach
- Card Name: Dive Ball
- Set: Primal Clash (XY series)
- Card Number: 161
- Rarity: Rare Secret
- Type: Item
- Stage: Item
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Illustrator: Toyste Beach
- Rules Text: Search your deck for a Water Pokémon, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Shuffle your deck afterward. You may play as many Item cards as you like during your turn (before your attack).
- Legal Status: unknown
Key Printings

This exact printing of Dive Ball appears only in the Primal Clash set, identified by the set code XY5-161. It is a Rare Secret card, making it a sought-after piece for collectors focusing on rare and secret cards within the XY series.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. The card can be identified by its unique number 161 in the Primal Clash set and the illustrator credit to Toyste Beach. The card’s image features the distinctive Dive Ball design and is cataloged under the set code xy5.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
Dive Ball’s effect allows players to search their deck for a Water-type Pokémon and add it to their hand, providing strategic deck thinning and setup. The card’s rules also clarify that multiple Item cards can be played during a turn before attacking, emphasizing its role in flexible gameplay.

Care & Storage Tips

As a Rare Secret card, Dive Ball should be stored in a protective sleeve and kept away from direct sunlight to preserve its condition. Avoid bending or exposure to moisture, and consider a top-loader or binder with rigid pages for long-term protection.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Primal Clash: Dive Ball appears as a Rare Secret Item card, enhancing Water-type deck strategies with its search ability. It stands out for collectors due to its rarity and clean artwork by Toyste Beach.
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October 13, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Trevenant-EX (Primal Clash #19)
Trevenant-EX Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Trevenant-EX from the Primal Clash set is a Rare Holo EX card numbered 19. A Basic Grass-type EX with 180 HP, it features the powerful Wood Blast attack and artwork that captures Trevenant’s eerie presence in battle.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Primal Clash 19 Rare Holo EX 180 Eske Yoshinob
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Basic, EX
- Retreat Cost: 3
- Weakness: Fire ×2
- Attacks:
- Dark Forest: Prevents the Defending Pokémon from retreating during your opponent’s next turn, dealing 20 damage for a low Grass Energy cost.
- Wood Blast: Deals 50+ damage, increasing by 20 for each Grass Energy attached to Trevenant-EX, requiring three Colorless Energy.
- Pokémon-EX Rule: When knocked out, the opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Key Printings

The key printing of Trevenant-EX is from the Primal Clash set, numbered 19. This Rare Holo EX card is notable for its high HP and versatile attacks, making it a valuable piece for collectors focused on the XY series.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this exact printing of Trevenant-EX. The card can be identified by its set code “xy5-19” and the illustrator credit to Eske Yoshinob. The card’s image is available at /images/xy5/xy5-19.jpg.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
- Its EX status means it follows the Pokémon-EX rule, where knocking it out awards the opponent two Prize cards, a critical factor in gameplay strategy.
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the vivid artwork and holofoil finish, store Trevenant-EX in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets to prevent bending and surface scratches.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Primal Clash (xy5): Introduced Trevenant-EX as a powerful Grass-type Basic EX Pokémon with disruptive and scalable attacks. The set is known for its dynamic EX cards and strong visual presentation, with this card standing out due to its high HP and tactical versatility.
For collectors and players alike, Trevenant-EX from Primal Clash remains a fascinating card with strategic depth and striking artwork, despite its unknown release date and current legality status.

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October 13, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Illumise (Primal Clash #18)
Illumise (Primal Clash 18) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Illumise from the Primal Clash set is a common Pokémon card numbered 18. It features 70 HP. This card offers a straightforward addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Primal Clash 18 Common 70 Tomokazu Komiya
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Fire ×2
- Abilities: None
- Attacks:
- Helping Hand: Attach a basic Energy from deck to a Benched Pokémon.
- Twirling Sign: Deals 10 damage and Confuses the opponent’s Active Pokémon.
- Flavor Text: “With its sweet aroma, it guides Volbeat to draw signs with light in the night sky.”
- Regulation Mark: Unknown
- Release Date: Unknown
- Legal Status: unknown
- Image:
Key Printings

This exact printing of Illumise appears in the Primal Clash set (set code xy5), numbered 18. It is a Common rarity card with no evolutions or alternate forms in this printing.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Illumise card. It is identified by its set code xy5-18 and the illustrator Tomokazu Komiya’s artwork.

Legality & Play Notes

The legality of this card is unknown. It is not currently listed as legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

Care & Storage Tips

To maintain the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is ideal for both casual play and collection but should still be handled with care to preserve the detailed illustration.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Primal Clash (xy5): Illumise appears as a Basic Grass-type Pokémon with supportive and disruptive attacks, fitting well into decks that benefit from energy acceleration and status effects. This set focuses on primal-themed Pokémon and their abilities, with Illumise adding a gentle but strategic presence.
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October 13, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Volbeat (Primal Clash #17)
Volbeat (Primal Clash 17) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Volbeat from the Primal Clash set is a Common Pokémon card numbered 17. It has 70 HP and features the attack Pester. A straightforward addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Primal Clash 17 Common 70 Tomokazu Komiya
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Basic
- Weakness: Fire ×2
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Flavor Text: It lives around clean ponds. At night, its rear lights up. It converses with others by flashing its light.
- Image:
Key Printings

This printing is from the XY series Primal Clash set, card number 17. It is a Common rarity card with no evolutions or abilities.

Attacks
- Acrobatics — can increase damage based on coin flips.
- Pester — deals extra damage if the opponent’s Active Pokémon is affected by a Special Condition.
Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the set code “xy5” and card number “17.” The illustrator is Tomokazu Komiya, a notable artist for the XY series.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
- Its simple attack mechanics and low HP suggest it is best suited for casual play or collectors rather than competitive decks.
Care & Storage Tips

As a Common card with no special variants, standard protective sleeves and storage in a binder or card box are recommended to preserve its condition. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to maintain the vibrant illustration by Tomokazu Komiya.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Primal Clash (XY5): Introduced Volbeat as a Basic Grass-type Pokémon with straightforward attacks and a charming flavor text. It fits well into thematic collections focusing on the XY series or insect-themed Pokémon.
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October 13, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Weakness Policy (Primal Clash #164)
Weakness Policy (Primal Clash 164) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Weakness Policy is a Rare Secret card from the Primal Clash set, numbered 164. Its distinct rarity makes it a notable piece for collectors focusing on this vibrant expansion. The card’s design and classification highlight its unique place within the set.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Primal Clash 164 Rare Secret Ayaka Yoshida
- Card Type: Pokémon Tool
- Stage: Pokémon Tool
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Weaknesses: None
- Resistances: None
- Rules: Attach to a Pokémon without a Tool; the Pokémon gains no Weakness; unlimited Item cards can be played before attack.
Key Printings

This exact printing of Weakness Policy appears in the Primal Clash expansion of the XY series. It is identified as card number 164 and classified as a Rare Secret, making it a coveted card for collectors focusing on rare tools and secret rares.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is uniquely identified by its set code “xy5-164” and the illustrator Ayaka Yoshida. The card’s rarity and secret status further distinguish it from other Pokémon Tool cards.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its rules allow it to be attached to any Pokémon without an existing Tool, granting that Pokémon immunity to Weakness. Players may play multiple Item cards during their turn before attacking when using this Tool.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition of this rare secret card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, and consider using a top loader or binder with rigid pages for long-term storage.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Primal Clash (XY5): Introduced as a Rare Secret Pokémon Tool, Weakness Policy enhances strategic play by negating Weakness on the equipped Pokémon. It stands out in the set for its utility and rarity, complemented by Ayaka Yoshida’s detailed illustration.
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October 13, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Slugma (Primal Clash #22)
Slugma Collector’s Guide: Primal Clash (xy5-22)

Character Intro

Slugma is a Common Pokémon card from the Primal Clash set, numbered 22. It has 70 HP and two straightforward attacks—Grass Fire and Ram—making it a solid, no-frills option for collectors and casual players alike.

Quick Facts
- HP: 70
- Type: Fire
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 3
- Weakness: Water ×2
- Attacks:
- Grass Fire: Discards a Grass Energy from the opponent’s Active Pokémon (cost: 1 Fire)
- Ram: Deals 30 damage (cost: 1 Fire, 2 Colorless)
- Flavor Text: “Its body is made of magma. If it doesn’t keep moving, its body will cool and harden.”
- Illustrator: Miki Tanaka
- Rarity: Common
- Set: Primal Clash (xy5)
- Regulation Mark: Unknown
- Legality: unknown
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Primal Clash 22 Common 70 Miki Tanaka

Key Printings

This guide focuses on the exact printing of Slugma from the Primal Clash set, card number 22. It is a Common rarity card featuring no evolutions or special abilities, emphasizing straightforward gameplay with its two attacks.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include the set code “xy5,” the card number “22,” and the illustrator credit to Miki Tanaka. The card’s image can be referenced at /images/xy5/xy5-22.jpg.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its simple attack set and moderate HP make it a basic choice for casual play rather than competitive decks.
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the card’s vibrant artwork and condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is accessible but still benefits from careful handling to maintain collector value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Primal Clash (xy5): Introduced Slugma as a Basic Fire-type with straightforward attacks and a unique flavor text highlighting its magma body. This set is known for its dynamic artwork and thematic focus on primal Pokémon.
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October 13, 2025