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 2 (evolves from Kadabra)
HP
80
TypePsychic
RarityRare Holo
IllustratorKen Sugimori
WeaknessPsychic ×2
Retreat●●●
SetBase Set
Released1999
02Editions and Print Runs
Printed in the WotC era when 1st Edition, Shadowless, and Unlimited distinctions still applied.
Shadowless
How to spot it: No drop shadow on the right and bottom of the artwork box; thinner, lighter frame.
Early Unlimited sub-print between 1st Edition and Unlimited; scarcer than standard Unlimited.
Unlimited
How to spot it: No 1st Edition stamp; standard print frame.
Most common version of this card.
04Variants and Foiling
- Rarity tiers
- Rare Holo
- Foiling
- Holo version with the holo pattern applied to the artwork.
- 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
| Holo | 1st Edition ~$625 · Shadowless ~$80 · Unlimited ~$32 raw (PriceCharting realized, May 2026) |
|---|
Vintage WotC holo with edition variants; the 1st Edition print is the chase.
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07Why Collectors Want It
- Card #1 of the original 1999 Base Set — the iconic opener of English Pokémon TCG history.
- Full vintage edition spread: 1st Edition (~$625, the chase), Shadowless (~$80), Unlimited (~$32).
- 1st-Edition PSA 10 copies realize ~$10,000+ — a blue-chip vintage grail.
- Essential to any Base Set or Alakazam master set.
08Competitive Playability
Tier: None
Stage 2 Alakazam with 80 HP; top attack around 30 damage. Functions as an evolution-chain piece rather than a tournament attacker.
09Card Moves and Abilities
Ability: Damage Swap
As often as you like during your turn (before your attack), you may move 1 damage counter from 1 of your Pokémon to another as long as you don't Knock Out that Pokémon. This power can't be used if Alakazam is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed.
Confuse Ray
Flip a coin. If heads, the Defending Pokémon is now Confused.
- Weakness
- Psychic ×2
- Retreat cost
- 3
10Grading and Population
PSA 10 estimate: 1st Edition PSA 10 ~$10,443 (PriceCharting realized, May 2026).
Base Set holos are notorious for print lines, holo scratching, and centering problems, so 1st-Edition PSA 10s are genuinely scarce and trade at a steep premium over raw.
Other graders: BGS and CGC grade vintage Base Set; PSA remains the resale standard.