Tapu-koko – Guardians Rising (#153)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Tapu-koko (#153) is a Rare Rainbow card from Sun & Moon - Guardians Rising released in 2017. It showcases artwork by 5ban Graphics and the Sky-High Claws attack (130 damage). TCGplayer market price sits around $9.52, Cardmarket average sale is €12.25, Floor listings start near €3.99.
- TCGplayer market price: $9.52
- Cardmarket trend price: €11.64
- Recent low listing: €3.99
Card Details
- Set
- Guardians Rising
- Card Number
- 153
- Rarity
- ✨ Rare Rainbow
- Illustrator
- 🎨 5ban Graphics
- HP
- 170
- Type
- ⚡ Lightning
- Retreat Cost
- 2 (Colorless, Colorless)
Abilities
-
Aero Trail
When you play this Pokémon from your hand onto your Bench during your turn, you may move any number of Lightning Energy from your other Pokémon to this Pokémon. If you do, switch this Pokémon with your Active Pokémon.
Attacks & Strategy
-
Sky-High Claws
[Lightning, Lightning, Colorless]
— 130
💡 Excellent damage-to-energy ratio (43.3 per energy). -
Tapu Thunder-GX
[Lightning, Lightning, Colorless]
— 50×
This attack does 50 damage times the amount of Energy attached to all of your opponent's Pokémon. (You can't use more than 1 GX attack in a game.)
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Tapu-koko from Guardians Rising (Rare Rainbow) represents a premium addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2017, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator 5ban Graphics.
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. Premium rarities like this typically see stronger price retention during market fluctuations.
⚔️ Competitive Play & Tournament Viability
This Tapu-koko 153 is legal for tournament play in Expanded, Unlimited formats.
Key Attack: Tapu-koko's Sky-High Claws deals 130 damage for Lightning + Lightning + Colorless energy.
Stats Overview: 170 HP • Lightning Type
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Tapu-koko Cards
Looking for other Tapu-koko cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guardians Rising #153 ← Current | 170 | 2 attacks | Rare Rainbow | $9.52 |
�📦 Guardians Rising Set Context
This Tapu-koko is part of the Guardians Rising expansion , released as part of the Sun & Moon series in 2017. As a Rare Rainbow card, it represents one of the premium pulls from this set.
Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by 5ban Graphics, 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 Tapu-koko card. Here's what you need to know:
Industry standard • Value multiplier: 3-6x
Best for: High-value cards, modern sets
Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 3-5x
Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering
Fast turnaround • Value multiplier: 2-4x
Best for: Budget-friendly option, bulk
💡 Should You Grade This Card?
- Yes, consider grading if: Premium rarity card in Near Mint+ 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 Rainbow cards from Guardians Rising are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
- The illustration by 5ban Graphics resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
- Lightning typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.
📚 Card History & Trivia
Release Information: Tapu-koko 153 was released in 2017 in the Guardians Rising 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 5ban Graphics. This artist is known for creating premium illustration rare and special rare artwork that collectors highly value. View complete portfolio →
Rarity & Collectibility: As a Rare Rainbow card, this Tapu-koko is among the premium chase cards from Guardians Rising. Rainbow Rare cards feature the distinctive rainbow foil pattern that has become iconic in modern Pokémon TCG. These premium versions typically hold value better than common printings.
Set Popularity: Guardians Rising represents a mid-era release that balances accessibility with collectibility.
Competitive History: Lightning type Pokémon like Tapu-koko with versatile attack options provide flexibility in deck building and can adapt to different matchups. Currently legal in Expanded, Unlimited formats.
🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building
Maximize the value and playability of your Tapu-koko card with these essential products:
- Penny sleeves: Basic protection
- Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
- Top loaders: Display & storage
- Magnetic holders recommended
- Binders with side-loading pages
- Storage boxes (800-count)
- ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
- Premium display cases
- Pair with Lightning energy cards
- Energy acceleration trainers
- Draw support & consistency cards
💡 Deck Building Tip: Tapu-koko works best in Lightning type decks.