1st Edition
How to spot it: 1st Edition stamp in the bottom-left of the artwork frame.
First print window; smaller run than Unlimited.
01Card Stats
Stage 1 (evolves from Pikachu)
HP
80
TypeLightning
RarityRare
IllustratorAtsuko Nishida
WeaknessFighting ×2
Retreat●
SetExpedition Base Set
Released2002
02Editions and Print Runs
Printed in the WotC era when 1st Edition and Unlimited distinctions still applied.
Unlimited
How to spot it: No 1st Edition stamp; standard print frame.
Most common version of this card.
04Variants and Foiling
- Rarity tiers
- Rare
- Foiling
- Non-holo standard finish. Reverse-holo parallel exists with the holo pattern applied to the background.
- Alt art / specials
- No full-art, secret rare, or alternate-art version documented for this print.
05Language and Regional Versions
- English
- Standard English release.
- Japanese
- Released in the equivalent Japanese set.
- European
- Localized European prints exist with translated text.
- Other
- No documented language-exclusive errors or major regional variants.
06Current Market Value
| Non Holo | ~$14 base raw (PriceCharting realized, May 2026) |
|---|---|
| Reverse Holo | ~$50 raw · PSA 10 ~$518 (PriceCharting realized, May 2026) |
Reverse-holo parallel is the chase; base ~$14.
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07Why Collectors Want It
- Early-2000s Expedition Base Set printing with vintage collector appeal.
- Final evolution of the Pichu → Pikachu → Raichu line — evolves from Pikachu with a Thunder Stone. Home to the line’s vintage Base Set holo and a long run of GX/V prints.
- Required for any complete Raichu master set across eras.
- Collectors of the Expedition Base Set set need this card to finish it.
08Competitive Playability
Tier: None
Stage 1 Raichu with 80 HP; top attack around 60 damage. Functions as an evolution-chain piece rather than a tournament attacker.
09Card Moves and Abilities
Plasma
If there are any Lightning Energy cards in your discard pile, flip a coin. If heads, attach 1 of them to Raichu.
Shock Bolt
Discard all Lightning Energy cards attached to Raichu or this attack does nothing.
- Weakness
- Fighting ×2
- Retreat cost
- 1
10Grading and Population
PSA 10 estimate: WotC-era Raichu PSA 10 populations vary; small numbers across most sets.
Graded copies command notable premiums over raw, especially for 1st Edition prints.
Other graders: BGS and CGC also grade vintage Pokemon; PSA dominates secondary-market liquidity.