Dark-slowking – Team Rocket Returns (#9)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Dark-slowking (#9) is a Rare Holo card from EX - Team Rocket Returns released in 2004. It showcases artwork by Kouki Saitou and the Litter attack (20+ damage), You may discard a combination of up to 2 Pokémon Tool cards and Rocket's Secret Machine cards from your hand. If you do, this attack does 20 damage plus 30 more damage for each card you discarded.. TCGplayer market price sits around $46.42, Cardmarket average sale is €14.50, Floor listings start near €10.00.
- TCGplayer market price: $46.42
- Cardmarket trend price: €20.00
- Recent low listing: €10.00
Card Details
- Set
- Team Rocket Returns
- Card Number
- 9
- Rarity
- ✨ Rare Holo
- Illustrator
- 🎨 Kouki Saitou
- HP
- 80
- Type
- 🔮 Psychic, 🌙 Darkness
- Weaknesses
- Grass ×2
- Retreat Cost
- 1 (Colorless)
Abilities
-
Cunning
Once during your turn (before your attack), you may look at the top card of your opponent's deck. Then, you may shuffle his or her deck. This power can't be used if Dark Slowking is affected by a Special Condition.
Attacks & Strategy
-
Litter
[Psychic, Colorless]
— 20+
You may discard a combination of up to 2 Pokémon Tool cards and Rocket's Secret Machine cards from your hand. If you do, this attack does 20 damage plus 30 more damage for each card you discarded.
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Dark-slowking from Team Rocket Returns (Rare Holo) 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-slowking 9 is legal for tournament play in Unlimited format.
Key Attack: Dark-slowking's Litter deals 20+ damage for Psychic + Colorless energy. Special effect: You may discard a combination of up to 2 Pokémon Tool cards and Rocket's Secret Machine cards from y...
Stats Overview: 80 HP • Psychic/Darkness 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 Dark-slowking Cards
Looking for other Dark-slowking cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Rocket Returns #9 ← Current | 80 | 1 attack | Rare Holo | $46.42 |
�📦 Team Rocket Returns Set Context
This Dark-slowking 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.
💎 Professional Grading Guide
Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Dark-slowking 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
- Rare Holo 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.
- Psychic, Darkness typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.
📚 Card History & Trivia
Release Information: Dark-slowking 9 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: Psychic type Pokémon like Dark-slowking have carved out niches in various competitive formats throughout Pokémon TCG history. Currently legal in Unlimited format.
🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building
Maximize the value and playability of your Dark-slowking 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 Psychic energy cards
- Energy acceleration trainers
- Draw support & consistency cards
💡 Deck Building Tip: Dark-slowking works best in Psychic type decks. Low energy cost attacks make this card great for aggressive early-game strategies.