Market outlook
Rising Outlook 7/10
The card benefits from enduring Blastoise popularity, limited ex-era supply, and strong nostalgia for early-2000s Pokémon collecting. Prices for high-grade copies tend to remain resilient, while raw copies are supported by collector demand and set completion interest. As more collectors seek iconic EX-era holos, pressure on supply may continue to support gradual appreciation.
Next months. Expect generally stable to mildly rising prices, with sharp movement possible if a few higher-grade copies trade publicly or if broader Pokémon demand strengthens.
Long term. Over 1-3 years, the card should likely trend upward gradually, especially in graded 9/10 and pristine raw condition, though gains may be uneven and dependent on overall vintage Pokémon market strength.
History
Blastoise is the final evolution of Squirtle, one of the original Kanto starter Pokémon introduced in Generation I. As the fully evolved Water-type starter, Blastoise is one of the most iconic and recognizable Pokémon in the franchise, known for the large water cannons mounted on its shell and its role as a heavyweight defensive powerhouse in both the games and the broader Pokémon brand. The ex-era Blastoise ex card from EX FireRed & LeafGreen reflects the nostalgia-driven return to Kanto Pokémon during the mid-2000s and is especially notable because Blastoise is a flagship starter with broad collector appeal across multiple eras.
First released in English in EX FireRed & LeafGreen in 2004, set number 104/112. The card was part of the main set release for the EX FireRed & LeafGreen expansion in the North American/English Pokémon TCG market.
- This is one of the most collectible Blastoise cards from the EX era because it combines a popular starter Pokémon with the ex mechanic and a holo rare Ultra Rare treatment.
- The card is from a nostalgia-heavy set that revisited the original Kanto region, which helped drive long-term collector interest.
- Market listings and price trackers show strong value retention, with raw and graded copies commanding significant premiums over typical EX-era holos.
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Ultra Rare
- Print run
- Low
- First printed in
- EX FireRed & LeafGreen
- Demand
- High
- Supply
- Low
- Holo Ultra Rare ex-era card from a popular set
- Strong collector demand for Blastoise as a flagship Kanto starter
- High-grade copies are harder to find due to surface scratching and centering sensitivity
- Nostalgia-driven demand from both Pokémon collectors and ex-era set completists
Collector notes
Condition. Check for edge whitening, corner wear, holo scratching, surface scuffs, print lines, and centering issues. EX-era holos are especially prone to visible scratches on the foil surface and whitening on the dark borders. Examine the card under strong angled light for dents or indents, and verify the holo layer is clean and not heavily abraded. graded 9/10 candidates usually need sharp corners, excellent centering, and a very clean holo surface.
Storage. Store the card in a soft inner sleeve and rigid top loader or semi-rigid holder for short-term protection. For long-term storage, keep it in an acid-free sleeve inside a binder with low-pressure pockets or a toploader box. Use desiccant-controlled storage if possible, avoid humidity and direct sunlight, and do not stack heavy items on the card. If grading is planned, handle only by edges with clean hands or gloves.
Authenticity. Authentic copies should have correct card text, set symbols, numbering, holo pattern, and font consistency for the EX era. Compare the holofoil shine and texture against known genuine copies, since counterfeit cards often have flat or incorrect holo patterns, muddy colors, or poor border alignment. Check the bottom copyright line, set logo placement, energy symbols, and the ex-style card frame. Because Blastoise ex is valuable, altered cards, rebacks, and fake holos are worth watching for; a high-resolution comparison to a verified copy is strongly recommended.
Sources: cardmarket.com, pricecharting.com, tcgplayer.com, cardtrader.com, pokedata.io
