Dratini – Team Rocket Returns (#53)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Dratini (#53) is a Common card from EX - Team Rocket Returns released in 2004. It showcases artwork by Atsuko Nishida and the Dragon Song attack, Each Defending Pokémon is now Asleep.. TCGplayer market price sits around $3.53, Cardmarket average sale is €1.97, Floor listings start near €0.20.
- TCGplayer market price: $3.53
- Cardmarket trend price: €2.11
- Recent low listing: €0.20
Card Details
- Set
- Team Rocket Returns
- Card Number
- 53
- Rarity
- ✨ Common
- Illustrator
- 🎨 Atsuko Nishida
- HP
- 50
- Type
- ⭐ Colorless
- Weaknesses
- Colorless ×2
- Resistances
- Grass -30, Fighting -30
- Retreat Cost
- 1 (Colorless)
- Evolves To
- Dragonair
Attacks & Strategy
-
Dragon Song
[Colorless]
Each Defending Pokémon is now Asleep. -
Tail Strike
[Water, Lightning]
— 20+
Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 20 damage plus 10 more damage.
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Dratini from Team Rocket Returns (Common) represents an interesting addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2004, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator Atsuko Nishida.
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 Dratini 53 is legal for tournament play in Unlimited format.
Key Attack: Dratini's Dragon Song for Colorless energy. Special effect: Each Defending Pokémon is now Asleep.
Stats Overview: 50 HP • Colorless Type • Weak to Colorless ×2 • Resistant to Grass -30, Fighting -30
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Dratini Cards
Looking for other Dratini cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Rocket Returns #53 ← Current | 50 | 2 attacks | Common | $3.53 |
�📦 Team Rocket Returns Set Context
This Dratini is part of the Team Rocket Returns expansion , released as part of the EX series in 2004.
Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by Atsuko Nishida, 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 Dratini 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
- Common cards from Team Rocket Returns are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
- The illustration by Atsuko Nishida resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
- Colorless typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.
📚 Card History & Trivia
Release Information: Dratini 53 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 Atsuko Nishida. Professional Pokémon TCG artists undergo rigorous selection and bring unique styles to the game. 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: Colorless type Pokémon like Dratini 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 Dratini 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 Colorless energy cards
- Energy acceleration trainers
- Draw support & consistency cards
💡 Deck Building Tip: Dratini works best in Colorless type decks. Low energy cost attacks make this card great for aggressive early-game strategies.