Zapdos – FireRed & LeafGreen (#116)

Price Overview & Key Facts
Zapdos (#116) is a Rare Secret card from EX - FireRed & LeafGreen released in 2004. It showcases artwork by Ryo Ueda and the Electron Crush attack (50+ damage), You may discard an Energy card attached to Zapdos ex. If you do, this attack does 50 damage plus 20 more damage.. TCGplayer market price sits around $139.97, Cardmarket average sale is €34.49, Floor listings start near €10.00.
- TCGplayer market price: $139.97
- Cardmarket trend price: €43.41
- Recent low listing: €10.00
Card Details
- Set
- FireRed & LeafGreen
- Card Number
- 116
- Rarity
- ✨ Rare Secret
- Illustrator
- 🎨 Ryo Ueda
- HP
- 110
- Type
- ⚡ Lightning
- Weaknesses
- Lightning ×2
- Retreat Cost
- 2 (Colorless, Colorless)
Abilities
-
Legendary Ascent
Once during your turn, when you put Zapdos ex from your hand onto your Bench, you may switch 1 of your Active Pokémon with Zapdos ex. If you do, you may also move any number of basic Lightning Energy cards attached to your Pokémon to Zapdos ex.
Attacks & Strategy
-
Electron Crush
[Lightning, Lightning, Colorless]
— 50+
You may discard an Energy card attached to Zapdos ex. If you do, this attack does 50 damage plus 20 more damage.
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Zapdos from FireRed & LeafGreen (Rare Secret) represents a premium addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2004, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator Ryo Ueda.
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. Premium rarities like this typically see stronger price retention during market fluctuations.
⚔️ Competitive Play & Tournament Viability
This Zapdos 116 is legal for tournament play in Unlimited format.
Key Attack: Zapdos's Electron Crush deals 50+ damage for Lightning + Lightning + Colorless energy. Special effect: You may discard an Energy card attached to Zapdos ex. If you do, this attack does 50 damage plus 20 ...
Stats Overview: 110 HP • Lightning Type • Weak to Lightning ×2
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Zapdos Cards
Looking for other Zapdos cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
FireRed & LeafGreen #116 ← Current | 110 | 1 attack | Rare Secret | $139.97 |
�📦 FireRed & LeafGreen Set Context
This Zapdos is part of the FireRed & LeafGreen expansion , released as part of the EX series in 2004. As a Rare Secret card, it represents one of the premium pulls from this set.
Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by Ryo Ueda, 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 Zapdos 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 Secret cards from FireRed & LeafGreen are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
- The illustration by Ryo Ueda 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: Zapdos 116 was released in 2004 in the FireRed & LeafGreen 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 Ryo Ueda. Professional Pokémon TCG artists undergo rigorous selection and bring unique styles to the game. View complete portfolio →
Rarity & Collectibility: As a Rare Secret card, this Zapdos is among the premium chase cards from FireRed & LeafGreen. Secret Rare cards have card numbers that exceed the set total, making them highly sought after by completionists. These premium versions typically hold value better than common printings.
Set Popularity: FireRed & LeafGreen is a vintage set that has gained significant collector interest over time, with sealed product and individual cards showing strong appreciation.
Competitive History: Lightning type Pokémon like Zapdos 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 Zapdos 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: Zapdos works best in Lightning type decks.