Dark raticate – Team Rocket Returns (#17)

Dark raticate Pokémon card — Team Rocket Returns #17, Rare
Rare artwork from Team Rocket Returns.

Price Overview & Key Facts

Dark raticate (#17) is a Rare card from EX - Team Rocket Returns released in 2004. It showcases artwork by Kouki Saitou and the Dark Seed attack, The Defending Pokémon can't retreat during your opponent's next turn. Put 5 damage counters on the Defending Pokémon at the end of your opponent's next turn.. TCGplayer market price sits around $3.29, Cardmarket average sale is €3.67, Floor listings start near €1.15.

  • TCGplayer market price: $3.29
  • Cardmarket trend price: €3.38
  • Recent low listing: €1.15
Current Prices: €3.38 (CM) $3.29 (TCG)

Card Details

Set
Team Rocket Returns
Card Number
17
Rarity
✨ Rare
Illustrator
🎨 Kouki Saitou
HP
70
Type
🌙 Darkness
Weaknesses
Fighting ×2

Attacks & Strategy

  • Dark Seed [Darkness]
    The Defending Pokémon can't retreat during your opponent's next turn. Put 5 damage counters on the Defending Pokémon at the end of your opponent's next turn.
  • Spread Poison [Colorless, Colorless] — 10
    The Defending Pokémon is now Poisoned. This attack does 20 damage to 1 of your opponent's Benched Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential

Dark raticate from Team Rocket Returns (Rare) represents a solid addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2004, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator Kouki Saitou.

Market Trends: Current market conditions show moderate interest in this card.

Investment Considerations: Vintage cards from this era have shown strong long-term appreciation potential.

⚔️ Competitive Play & Tournament Viability

This Dark raticate 17 is legal for tournament play in Unlimited format.

Key Attack: Dark raticate's Dark Seed for Darkness energy. Special effect: The Defending Pokémon can't retreat during your opponent's next turn. Put 5 damage counters on the D...

Stats Overview: 70 HP • Darkness Type • Weak to Fighting ×2

Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.

� Compare Dark raticate Cards

Looking for other Dark raticate cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.

Set HP Attacks Rarity Avg Price
Team Rocket Returns #17 ← Current 70 2 attacks Rare $3.29

Browse all Dark raticate cards →

�📦 Team Rocket Returns Set Context

This Dark raticate is part of the Team Rocket Returns expansion , released as part of the EX series in 2004.

Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by Kouki Saitou, whose distinctive illustration style has made their cards highly collectible. Explore more cards illustrated by this artist to discover similar art styles and collecting themes.

View all chase cards from Team Rocket Returns →

💎 Professional Grading Guide

Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Dark raticate card. Here's what you need to know:

🥇 PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

Industry standard • Value multiplier: 2-4x

Best for: High-value cards, modern sets

🥈 BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 2-3x

Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering

🥉 CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

Fast turnaround • Value multiplier: 1.5-3x

Best for: Budget-friendly option, bulk

💡 Should You Grade This Card?

  • Yes, consider grading if: Card value exceeds $20 and is in excellent condition
  • Grading cost: $20-100+ per card (depending on service level)
  • Break-even point: Card should be worth $50+ raw to justify grading costs
  • Turnaround time: 2 weeks to 6 months depending on service

Collector Notes

  • Rare cards from Team Rocket Returns are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
  • The illustration by Kouki Saitou resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
  • Darkness typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.

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Rocket's Snorlax ex – #104
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Rocket's Articuno ex – #96
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Treecko ★ – #109
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Rocket's Sneasel ex – #103
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Rocket's Zapdos ex – #106
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Rocket's Scyther ex – #102
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Rocket's Suicune ex – #105
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Here Comes Team Rocket! – #111
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📚 Card History & Trivia

Release Information: Dark raticate 17 was released in 2004 in the Team Rocket Returns expansion. This set is part of the EX series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.

Artist Background: The artwork for this card was created by Kouki Saitou. This artist is known for creating premium illustration rare and special rare artwork that collectors highly value. View complete portfolio →

Set Popularity: Team Rocket Returns is a vintage set that has gained significant collector interest over time, with sealed product and individual cards showing strong appreciation.

Competitive History: Darkness type Pokémon like Dark raticate with versatile attack options provide flexibility in deck building and can adapt to different matchups. Currently legal in Unlimited format.

🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building

Maximize the value and playability of your Dark raticate card with these essential products:

🎴 Card Protection
  • Penny sleeves: Basic protection
  • Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
  • Top loaders: Display & storage
📦 Storage Solutions
  • Binders with side-loading pages
  • Storage boxes (800-count)
  • ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
  • Premium display cases
⚔️ Deck Building
  • Pair with Darkness energy cards
  • Energy acceleration trainers
  • Draw support & consistency cards

💡 Deck Building Tip: Dark raticate works best in Darkness type decks. Low energy cost attacks make this card great for aggressive early-game strategies.

🛒 Where to Buy Dark raticate & Explore More

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