Tag: Pokemon TCG

  • Collector’s Guide: Giratina VSTAR (Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery #GG69)

    Giratina VSTAR Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Giratina VSTAR (GG69) from the Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery is a Rare Secret card boasting 280 HP. Its signature attack, Lost Impact, adds a dynamic edge to gameplay and makes this card a standout for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery GG69 Rare Secret 280 AKIRA EGAWA
    • Type: Dragon
    • Stage: VSTAR
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Evolves From: Giratina V
    • Attacks:
    • Lost Impact: Deals 280 damage and sends 2 Energy attached to your Pokémon to the Lost Zone.
    • Star Requiem: Can be used only if you have 10 or more cards in the Lost Zone; it instantly knocks out your opponent’s Active Pokémon.
    • VSTAR Rule: When Giratina VSTAR is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Giratina VSTAR is from the Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery set, identified by card number GG69. This Rare Secret card is notable for its high HP and impactful attacks that focus on energy manipulation and powerful knockout potential.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact printing of Giratina VSTAR. It is uniquely identified by its set code swsh12pt5gg and card number GG69. The illustrator credited is AKIRA EGAWA, whose artwork distinctly marks this card.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. The VSTAR rule applies, meaning if Giratina VSTAR is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards, which is a critical strategic consideration.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store Giratina VSTAR in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity as a secret rare, consider using a top loader or a binder with individual pockets for added protection.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery: This set includes the Giratina VSTAR card GG69, featuring high-impact attacks and a rare secret rarity status. It emphasizes energy manipulation with the Lost Zone mechanic and introduces a powerful VSTAR ability that can decisively influence battles.

    Giratina VSTAR

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    Giratina VSTAR (Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery) #GG69

  • Collector’s Guide: Arceus VSTAR (Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery #GG70)

    Arceus VSTAR Collector’s Guide (Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery GG70)

    Character Intro

    Arceus VSTAR from the Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery set is a Rare Secret card numbered GG70. It boasts a robust 280 HP and features the ability Starbirth. Its striking attack, Trinity Nova, adds to its dynamic presence in any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery GG70 Rare Secret 280 AKIRA EGAWA
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: VSTAR
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Ability: Starbirth (search up to 2 cards from deck once per game)
    • Attack: Trinity Nova (200 damage; attach up to 3 basic Energy from deck)
    • Rules: VSTAR rule applies—opponent takes 2 Prize cards if knocked out
    • Evolves From: Arceus V
    • Set Code: swsh12pt5gg
    • Series: Sword & Shield
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery set, identified by the code swsh12pt5gg and card number GG70. It is a Rare Secret variant, notable for its high HP and the unique VSTAR ability Starbirth.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No print variants are listed for this card. It can be identified by its Rare Secret rarity, regulation mark F, and the illustrator AKIRA EGAWA’s distinctive artwork. The card’s subtype is VSTAR, and it is part of the Sword & Shield series.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card follows the VSTAR rule, meaning when Arceus VSTAR is knocked out, the opponent takes 2 Prize cards. Its powerful ability and attack make it a strategic choice, but official tournament legality is unknown.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve this Rare Secret card’s condition, store it 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 or surface scratches. Handle with clean hands to avoid oils or dirt.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery: This set includes the Arceus VSTAR card GG70, featuring a Rare Secret rarity and the powerful Starbirth ability. The set focuses on Galarian forms and VSTAR mechanics, with this card standing out due to its high HP and impactful attack. Release date is unknown.

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    Arceus VSTAR (Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery) #GG70

  • Collector’s Guide: Carvanha (Champion s Path #11)

    Carvanha (Champion’s Path 11) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Carvanha from the Champion’s Path set is a common card numbered 11. It features 60 HP and a straightforward attack called Bite. This card offers a simple yet striking addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Champion s Path 11 Common 60 Shigenori Negishi
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Attack: Bite (10 damage, costs 1 Water energy)
    • Flavor Text: “With its sturdy jaws and fangs, it can easily chomp wooden boats to splinters. It fights with Basculin over food.”
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Evolves From: None

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Sword & Shield series, set Champion’s Path, card number 11. It is a Common rarity card illustrated by Shigenori Negishi. The card features a single Water energy attack, Bite, making it straightforward for early gameplay or collection.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include the set code “swsh35” and the regulation mark “D.” The card is a Basic Pokémon with the subtype “Basic” and has no abilities.

    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 suitable for casual play or collectors rather than competitive decks.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant artwork and card condition, store this Carvanha card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface, especially since it is a Common card that may be more widely available but still valuable to collectors of the Champion’s Path set.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Champion’s Path (swsh35): This set features Carvanha as a Basic Water-type Pokémon with a straightforward attack and a fierce flavor text highlighting its aggressive feeding habits. It fits well into collections focusing on Sword & Shield era Water Pokémon or those illustrated by Shigenori Negishi.

    Carvanha Champion’s Path 11

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    Carvanha (Champion s Path) #11

  • Collector’s Guide: Frosmoth (Shining Fates #30)

    Frosmoth Collector’s Guide: Shining Fates #30

    Character Intro

    Frosmoth from the Shining Fates set is a Rare Holo card numbered 30. This graceful Pokémon has 90 HP, the ability Ice Dance, and the attack Aurora Beam. Its shimmering artwork captures the delicate elegance of this icy creature.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Shining Fates 30 Rare Holo 90 Kagemaru Himeno
    • HP: 90
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Snom)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Metal ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Ability: Ice Dance — Attach Water Energy from your hand to your Benched Water Pokémon as often as you like during your turn.
    • Attack: Aurora Beam — Deals 30 damage; costs 1 Water and 1 Colorless Energy.
    • Flavor Text: It shows no mercy to any who desecrate fields and mountains. It will fly around on its icy wings, causing a blizzard to chase offenders away.
    • Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
    • Set: Shining Fates (swsh45)
    • Card Number: 30
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in Shining Fates as card number 30. It is a Rare Holo with artwork by Kagemaru Himeno.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No alternate print variants are documented for this card. Identifiers include set code swsh45, regulation mark D, and card number 30 within Shining Fates.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
      Ice Dance enables flexible Water Energy attachment to Benched Water Pokémon, which can be strategically valuable in casual play.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holo finish and artwork, store the card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface to maintain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Shining Fates (swsh45): A set featuring shiny and rare Pokémon cards, with Frosmoth #30 standing out for its unique ability and elegant holo art. The set includes dynamic Water-type Pokémon among other types.
    • Other Sets: No other printings or reprints of this exact Frosmoth card are known.

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    Frosmoth (Shining Fates) #30

  • Collector’s Guide: Shinx (Shining Fates #31)

    Collector’s Guide: Shinx (Shining Fates #31)

    Shinx Collector’s Guide: Shining Fates #31

    Character Intro

    Shinx from the Shining Fates set is a Common Pokémon card numbered 31. It has 60 HP and features the attack Under Pressure. This card offers a straightforward addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Shining Fates 31 Common 60 Uta
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting (×2)
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Flavor Text: All of its fur dazzles if danger is sensed. It flees while the foe is momentarily blinded.

    Key Printings

    • Shining Fates #31 (Common): Features the attack Under Pressure, which deals 10+ damage and does 50 more damage if the opponent has 3 or fewer Prize cards remaining. The card has no abilities.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • Print variants: None known
    • Set code: swsh45
    • Card number: 31
    • Illustrator: Uta
    • Image: /images/swsh45/swsh45-31.jpg

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. No additional tournament or play notes are available.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a Common card with a single retreat cost and no special abilities, preserving the card’s surface and edges is key to maintaining its collector value. Store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the vibrant illustration by Uta.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Shining Fates: Shinx appears as a Basic Lightning-type with an attack that gains power late in the game. The dazzling-fur flavor text and nimble retreat make it a visually appealing, tactically interesting pickup for Lightning-focused collections.

    Shinx (Shining Fates) #31

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    Shinx (Shining Fates) #31

  • Collector’s Guide: Luxio (Shining Fates #32)

    Luxio (Shining Fates 32) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Luxio from the Shining Fates set is an Uncommon card numbered 32 with 90 HP, the Top Entry ability, and the Zap Kick attack.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Shining Fates 32 Uncommon 90 NC Empire
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Shinx)
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: D

    Key Printings

    • This exact printing of Luxio appears in the Shining Fates set with the card number 32.
    • Ability — Top Entry: allows you to bench Luxio if drawn at the start of your turn and your bench isn’t full.
    • Attack — Zap Kick: deals 30 damage for one Lightning energy.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • Print variants: none known
    • Set code: “swsh45”
    • Card ID: “swsh45-32”
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Regulation mark: D
    • Official market reference query: “Luxio Shining Fates 32”

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the artwork and maintain condition, store this Luxio card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity, keeping it in a binder or top-loader is recommended to avoid edge wear and surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Shining Fates: Includes Luxio with the “Top Entry” ability and 30-damage “Zap Kick” attack. The artwork by NC Empire highlights its sharp claws and electric energy, appealing to collectors of Lightning-type Pokémon.

    Luxio

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    Luxio (Shining Fates) #32

  • Collector’s Guide: Luxray (Shining Fates #33)

    Luxray Collector’s Guide: Shining Fates #33

    Character Intro

    Luxray from the Shining Fates set is a Rare Holo card numbered 33. This striking Pokémon boasts 160 HP and features the powerful attack Head Bolt. Its vivid design captures Luxray’s intense presence in battle.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Shining Fates 33 Rare Holo 160 Hasuno
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Luxio)
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistances: None
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Flavor Text: “Luxray’s ability to see through objects comes in handy when it’s scouting for danger.”

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Luxray appears in the Sword & Shield expansion “Shining Fates” as card number 33.

    Attacks

    • Raid — 60+ damage; deals an additional 100 damage if Luxray evolved from Luxio during the turn.
    • Head Bolt — 120 damage.

    The card does not have any abilities.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the set code “swsh45” and the card number 33. The card’s artwork by Hasuno and its Rare Holo rarity help distinguish it within the Shining Fates set.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
    • No specific tournament play notes are available.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve this Rare Holo card’s condition and holographic finish, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface to maintain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Shining Fates (swsh45): This set includes the featured Luxray card, showcasing a powerful Lightning-type Pokémon with a unique damage-boosting attack mechanic. The set is known for its shiny and holo variants, with this Luxray standing out as a Rare Holo collectible.

    Luxray Shining Fates 33

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    Luxray (Shining Fates) #33

  • Collector’s Guide: Rotom (Shining Fates #34)

    Rotom Collector’s Guide: Shining Fates #34

    Character Intro

    Rotom from the Shining Fates set is an Uncommon Basic Lightning-type Pokémon card numbered 34. It has 80 HP, the Roto Choice Ability, and the Thunder Shock attack. The card blends straightforward utility with the set’s vibrant aesthetic.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Shining Fates unknown 34 Uncommon 80 ryoma uratsuka
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Ability: Roto Choice — When played onto your Bench, you may search your deck for up to 2 Item cards with “Rotom” in their name and add them to your hand.
    • Attack: Thunder Shock — Deals 30 damage and may Paralyze the opponent’s Active Pokémon on a coin flip.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Shining Fates set, card number 34. It is an Uncommon rarity card featuring the regulation mark D. The card’s artwork by ryoma uratsuka is distinctive for its vibrant depiction of Rotom.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include the set code “swsh45,” the card number 34, and the regulation mark D. The card is a Basic Pokémon with the Lightning type and the subtype “Basic.”

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its ability to search for Rotom-specific Item cards can provide strategic deck-thinning and resource acquisition, making it a potentially useful card in casual or themed decks.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve condition, store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity and detailed artwork, handle with clean hands and keep it in a rigid top-loader or binder.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Shining Fates: Introduced Rotom #34 as an Uncommon Basic Lightning-type with a unique ability to fetch Rotom-related Items, enhancing thematic deck-building options. The regulation mark D places it within the Sword & Shield era’s mid-cycle releases.

    Rotom Shining Fates 34

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    Rotom (Shining Fates) #34

  • Collector’s Guide: Morpeko (Shining Fates #35)

    Morpeko (Shining Fates 35) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Morpeko from the Shining Fates set is a Common card numbered 35. It has 80 HP and features the attack Thunder Shock. This energetic Pokémon adds a lively spark to any deck.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Shining Fates 35 Common 80 Saya Tsuruta
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: D

    Key Printings

    This Morpeko card is from the Shining Fates set, identified by set code swsh45 and card number 35. It is a common rarity card with no evolutions or abilities listed.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact Morpeko printing. It can be identified by its card number (35), set code (swsh45), and illustrator Saya Tsuruta.

    Attacks

    • Famished: Allows you to draw a card.
    • Thunder Shock: Deals 40 damage with a chance to paralyze the opponent’s Active Pokémon.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data. No additional tournament or play notes are available.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant artwork and condition of this common card, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface to maintain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Shining Fates: This set includes Morpeko as a Basic Lightning-type Pokémon with a unique flavor text highlighting its hunger and electricity generation. The card is common and illustrated by Saya Tsuruta, fitting well into collections focusing on energetic and electric-themed Pokémon.

    Morpeko

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    Morpeko (Shining Fates) #35

  • Collector’s Guide: Morpeko (Shining Fates #36)

    Collector’s Guide: Morpeko (Shining Fates #36)

    Morpeko (Shining Fates 36) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Morpeko is a Common Pokémon card from the Shining Fates set, numbered 36. It has 80 HP and features the attack Thunder Shock. This card offers a straightforward addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Shining Fates unknown 36 Common 80 Hideki Ishikawa
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: D

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Morpeko appears in the Shining Fates set as card number 36. It is a Common rarity card with no evolutions or special abilities.

    Attacks

    • Famished: Allows you to draw a card.
    • Thunder Shock: Deals 40 damage and may paralyze the opponent’s Active Pokémon on a coin flip.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Morpeko card. It is identified by the set code “swsh45” and card ID “swsh45-36.” The illustrator credited is Hideki Ishikawa. The card’s image can be referenced at /images/swsh45/swsh45-36.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. No additional tournament or play notes are available.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a Common card, Morpeko from Shining Fates should be stored in protective sleeves to preserve its condition. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and moisture to maintain the vibrant artwork by Hideki Ishikawa. Proper storage in a binder or card box will help retain its value and appearance.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Shining Fates: This set includes Morpeko as a Basic Lightning-type Pokémon with simple but effective attacks. It fits well into casual decks focusing on quick energy use and disruption through paralysis. The card’s flavor text highlights Morpeko’s unique feeding and electricity generation traits, adding character depth to the set’s lineup.

    Morpeko (Shining Fates) #36

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    Morpeko (Shining Fates) #36