Blastoise ex
Quick take
- Original Kanto Water starter final evolution
- Special Illustration Rare with full artwork treatment
- Iconic cannon design since 1996
- Part of original starter trio collection
Collector's readWhat it means for your master set
Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Scarlet & Violet 151
VariantsCard variants
Holofoil 200/165 · $121.03 — the only variant this card was printed in (no reverse holo or special pattern), so a master set needs just this one copy.
The storyThe Original Water Starter
Blastoise defined what a final evolution could be. Squirtle was cute. Wartortle was cool. Blastoise was a tank with cannons. That progression set the template for starter evolutions.
“Original Kanto Water starter final evolution”
In Generation I, picking Squirtle meant you'd face a harder early game but have type advantage against Brock. That choice mattered. Players remember their first starter.
Pokemon 151 gives all original starters SIR treatment. Blastoise represents Water among the original trio. Collectors aiming for starter completion need this card.
By the numbersMarket analysis
Strong position among Pokemon 151 SIRs. Original starter status commands respect. Water-type popularity supports demand.
Original starters have proven staying power. Blastoise nostalgia is real. Should maintain position based on 25+ years of fan attachment.
Blastoise will always be relevant. Original starters don't lose significance. Strong long-term fundamentals.
PSA 10 copies command solid premiums. Original starters grade well. Check centering before submitting.
SIRs in Pokemon 151 have low pull rates. Original starters are particularly sought after.
Top tier among Pokemon 151 SIRs. Original starter status adds collector significance.
ArtworkWhy the art matters
Mitsuhiro Arita is a legendary Pokemon TCG artist who created the original Base Set Blastoise artwork. His involvement in the 151 set connects to Pokemon TCG history.
Blastoise depicted with its signature water cannons prominent. The SIR treatment captures the power and presence that defined this Pokemon. Blue tones throughout with water elements.
Special Illustration Rare with textured holofoil. The blue colour palette interacts with the premium finish. The cannon details are crisp and detailed.
Blastoise looks like it could win wars. Those cannons aren't decoration. The artwork captures the power fantasy that made choosing Squirtle feel consequential.
BackgroundAbout Blastoise ex
Blastoise appeared in Generation I with Red and Blue (1996). Final evolution of Squirtle. Featured on Pokemon Blue's box art in Japan. Has remained a mascot-level Pokemon for nearly three decades.
- ›Original starter final evolution
- ›Iconic cannon design
- ›Pokemon Blue box art in Japan
- ›Mega Evolution added later
- ›Consistent presence across all media
- ›Original Kanto starter
- ›Pokemon Blue box art (Japan)
- ›Featured throughout anime
- ›Mega Blastoise in X/Y
- ›Gigantamax form in Sword/Shield
Blastoise has seen competitive use across generations. Mega Blastoise with Mega Launcher was notable. The SIR is typically collected rather than played.
Own it wellCollector guide
Blue tones should be vibrant and consistent. Check centering on both axes. The cannon details should be crisp.
Value supports grading for clean copies. Original starters command grading premiums. Verify centering before submitting. Read the grading guide →
Sleeve immediately in perfect fit. Use rigid protection. Display alongside starter trio collection. See the storage guide →
TCGPlayer and eBay have listings. Often purchased alongside Charizard and Venusaur. Starter trio completionists drive demand. See the singles buying guide →
At this price point, verify authenticity. Check texture patterns and holofoil consistency.
Protect your card
High Chase Score — protect and consider grading. · Amazon affiliate links · Storage guideWord on the streetCommunity sentiment
Original starter nostalgia is powerful. Blastoise fans are loyal. Part of starter trio discussions.
- ›Consistent demand from starter collectors
- ›Water-type collector interest adds demand
Featured in Pokemon 151 starter content. Starter trio comparison discussions. Nostalgia posts reference choosing Squirtle.
Good to knowFrequently asked questions
Keep collectingRelated cards
Plan your Scarlet & Violet Scarlet & Violet 151 master set
Track every card, see what you're missing, and lay out your binder page by page.
