Blastoise – SM Black Star Promos (#SM189)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Blastoise (#SM189) is a Promo card from Sun & Moon - SM Black Star Promos released in 2017. It showcases artwork by sadaji and the Rocket Splash attack (60× damage), Shuffle any amount of Water Energy from your Pokémon into your deck. This attack does 60 damage for each card you shuffled into your deck in this way.. TCGplayer market price sits around $12.52, Cardmarket average sale is €11.89, Floor listings start near €3.99.
- TCGplayer market price: $12.52
- Cardmarket trend price: €9.48
- Recent low listing: €3.99
Card Details
Abilities
-
Solid Shell
This Pokémon takes 30 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
Attacks & Strategy
-
Rocket Splash
[Water, Water]
— 60×
Shuffle any amount of Water Energy from your Pokémon into your deck. This attack does 60 damage for each card you shuffled into your deck in this way. -
Giant Geyser-GX
[Water]
Attach any number of Water Energy cards from your hand to your Pokémon in any way you like. (You can't use more than 1 GX attack in a game.)
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Blastoise from SM Black Star Promos (Promo) represents an interesting addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2017, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator sadaji.
Market Trends: Current market conditions show moderate interest in this card.
Investment Considerations: Mid-range TCG cards often provide balanced risk-reward profiles for collectors.
⚔️ Competitive Play & Tournament Viability
This Blastoise SM189 is legal for tournament play in Expanded, Unlimited formats.
Key Attack: Blastoise's Rocket Splash deals 60× damage for Water + Water energy. Special effect: Shuffle any amount of Water Energy from your Pokémon into your deck. This attack does 60 damage for ...
Stats Overview: 240 HP • Water Type • Weak to Grass ×2
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Blastoise Cards
Looking for other Blastoise cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM Black Star Promos #SM189 ← Current | 240 | 2 attacks | Promo | $12.52 |
�📦 SM Black Star Promos Set Context
This Blastoise is part of the SM Black Star Promos expansion , released as part of the Sun & Moon series in 2017.
Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by sadaji, 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.
💎 Professional Grading Guide
Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Blastoise card. Here's what you need to know:
Industry standard • Value multiplier: 2-4x
Best for: High-value cards, modern sets
Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 2-3x
Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering
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
- Promo cards from SM Black Star Promos are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
- The illustration by sadaji resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
- Water typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.
📚 Card History & Trivia
Release Information: Blastoise SM189 was released in 2017 in the SM Black Star Promos expansion. This set is part of the Sun & Moon series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.
Artist Background: The artwork for this card was created by sadaji. Professional Pokémon TCG artists undergo rigorous selection and bring unique styles to the game. View complete portfolio →
Set Popularity: SM Black Star Promos represents a mid-era release that balances accessibility with collectibility.
Competitive History: Water type Pokémon like Blastoise with high HP make excellent tank options in competitive play, often serving as cornerstone Pokémon in control decks. Currently legal in Expanded, Unlimited formats.
🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building
Maximize the value and playability of your Blastoise card with these essential products:
- Penny sleeves: Basic protection
- Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
- Top loaders: Display & storage
- Binders with side-loading pages
- Storage boxes (800-count)
- ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
- Premium display cases
- Pair with Water energy cards
- Energy acceleration trainers
- Draw support & consistency cards
💡 Deck Building Tip: Blastoise works best in Water type decks. With high HP, consider including healing and damage reduction cards to maximize survivability. Low energy cost attacks make this card great for aggressive early-game strategies.