Base Set Blastoise: The Original Water Tank

Blastoise in the Original 1999 Base Set

When the Pokemon Trading Card Game launched in North America in January 1999, Blastoise was one of the sixteen holographic rare cards that every kid wanted to pull from a booster pack. As card #2 in the Base Set, the massive Water-type turtle with twin cannons on its shell quickly became one of the most recognizable cards of the era. For children across Sacramento, San Jose, and beyond, pulling a holo Blastoise was a playground-defining moment.

While Charizard may have claimed the top spot in the cultural hierarchy, Blastoise held its own as a fan favorite. Its striking blue artwork, illustrated by Ken Sugimori, depicted the evolved Squirtle in an iconic battle-ready pose that captured the imagination of millions of young collectors.

The Rain Dance Strategy

Blastoise wasn't just a collectible — it was a competitive powerhouse. Its Rain Dance Pokemon Power allowed players to attach as many Water energy cards as they wanted to their Water-type Pokemon each turn, circumventing the normal one-energy-per-turn rule. This ability defined an entire deck archetype:

• Rain Dance Decks: Built entirely around Blastoise's energy acceleration
• Hydro Pump: Dealt 40+ damage depending on attached energy, making it a formidable attacker
• Tournament Staple: Rain Dance was one of the "Big Three" deck archetypes alongside Haymaker and Damage Swap
• Strategic Depth: The ability to flood the board with energy created complex decision trees for players

Local Pokemon leagues in the Bay Area and Stockton saw Rain Dance decks dominate casual and competitive play throughout 1999 and 2000.

Print Variants and Editions

Base Set Blastoise exists in several notable variants. The 1st Edition shadowless print is the most valuable, identifiable by the "Edition 1" stamp on the left side and the absence of a shadow on the card's right border. The Shadowless unlimited version (no 1st Edition stamp, no shadow) is the next most desirable, followed by the standard Unlimited print with the characteristic drop shadow on the right border.

Each variant carries a different price tier, with 1st Edition copies commanding significant premiums. Check out the Base Set Blastoise card page in our database for current pricing across all variants.

Current Market Value

Base Set Blastoise has maintained strong value over the decades. Unlimited holo copies in played condition typically sell for $30 to $80, while near-mint ungraded copies range from $100 to $250. PSA 9 graded copies of the unlimited version commonly sell for $300 to $500, and PSA 10 copies can reach $2,000 or more. First Edition copies in high grades are worth substantially more, with PSA 9 examples exceeding $5,000.

Collectors in Folsom, Roseville, and across Northern California who have held onto their childhood Blastoise cards may be sitting on a valuable asset. Get a free quote at PokemonBuySell.com to find out what your card is worth.

Blastoise's Enduring Legacy

Base Set Blastoise remains a cornerstone card for any vintage Pokemon collection. It represents the golden age of the TCG — a time when the game was exploding in popularity and every pack opening was filled with genuine excitement. Whether you're a collector in Oakland or San Francisco looking to add one to your binder, or you've found one in an old collection and want to sell, Blastoise is a card that continues to hold both sentimental and financial value. Explore our full Base Set collection to see all the classic holos from 1999.