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 Wartortle)
HP
100
TypeWater
RarityRare Holo
IllustratorKen Sugimori
WeaknessLightning ×2
Retreat●●●
SetBase Set 2
Released2000
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 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 | ~$100 raw/ungraded — verified against PriceCharting eBay-sold prices (May 2026). PSA 10 gem-mint copies ~$2,500. |
|---|
Verified May 2026 from PriceCharting realized (eBay-sold) data; raw/ungraded headline, graded copies higher. Holo reprint of the Base Set Blastoise.
Looking to buy this card?
These links may earn HoloHaul a small commission at no extra cost to you.
07Why Collectors Want It
- Original WotC-era printing from the Base Set 2 set — foundational vintage Blastoise.
- Final evolution of the Kanto Water starter; its 1999 Base Set holo is one of the original chase cards alongside Charizard and Venusaur.
- Required for any complete Blastoise master set across eras.
- Collectors of the Base Set 2 set need this card to finish it.
08Competitive Playability
Tier: None
Stage 2 Blastoise with 100 HP; top attack around 40 damage. Functions as an evolution-chain piece rather than a tournament attacker.
09Card Moves and Abilities
Ability: Rain Dance
As often as you like during your turn (before your attack), you may attach 1 Water Energy card to 1 of your Water Pokémon. (This doesn't use up your 1 Energy card attachment for the turn.) This power can't be used if Blastoise is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed.
Hydro Pump
Does 40 damage plus 10 more damage for each Water Energy attached to Blastoise but not used to pay for this attack's Energy cost. You can't add more than 20 damage in this way.
- Weakness
- Lightning ×2
- Retreat cost
- 3
10Grading and Population
PSA 10 estimate: WotC-era Blastoise 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.