You probably remember the old-school Rocket’s Mewtwo from the Gym Challenge era. It was moody, it was powerful, and it felt like a forbidden artifact from Giovanni’s private vault. Fast forward to 2025, and the Pokémon TCG has brought that energy back with a vengeance. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex 213 from the Scarlet & Violet: Destined Rivals (SV10) set isn't just a nostalgia trip. It’s a high-stakes Ultra Rare that has collectors and players scrambling.
Honestly, finding a card that hits both the "cool factor" and "competitive curiosity" this well is rare. It’s number 213 in a set that has already redefined the power creep of the current era. If you’ve been tracking the market or trying to build a "Rocket" themed deck, you know this card is the linchpin. It captures that specific, dark aesthetic of the Johto-era villains while packing the massive HP and damage output required to survive in today's game.
The Raw Stats of Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex 213
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. This is a Basic Psychic-type Pokémon with a beefy 280 HP. That’s a lot of health for a card you can just slap down on the bench without evolving. However, there's a catch—and it’s a big one.
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The Ability, Power Saver, is a direct throwback to the original Rocket's Mewtwo mechanics. Basically, this Mewtwo refuses to attack unless you have four or more Team Rocket's Pokémon in play. It’s a flavor win, sure, but it means you can't just tech this into any random deck. You have to commit to the bit. You’ve got to run the grunts, the Spidops, or the Muks to make this legendary beast actually do its job.
When you do get it moving, the Erasure Ball attack is terrifying. For two Psychic and one Colorless energy, it deals 160 base damage. But the kicker? You can discard up to two Energy cards from your Benched Pokémon to add 60 damage for each. We are talking about a 280-damage ceiling. That’s enough to one-shot almost any Basic ex or VSTAR in the format.
Why the 213/182 Numbering Matters
In the TCG world, numbers tell a story. This card is an Ultra Rare Full Art. While the Special Illustration Rare (231/182) gets all the "chase card" hype for its abstract art, the 213 version is often preferred by those who want a clean, intimidating look. It features Mewtwo in a dynamic, textured pose that screams "I was built in a lab to ruin your day."
Because it’s a "Secret" number (higher than the 182 base set count), the pull rates are naturally lower. You aren't finding this in every other booster box.
Market Value and the Collector's Fever
If you're looking at your wallet, here is the reality. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex 213 has been hovering around the $15 to $25 mark for raw, near-mint copies. But don't let that relatively accessible price fool you. PSA 10 (Gem Mint) copies are a different beast entirely.
Recent auction data shows graded 10s moving for anywhere between $75 and $120 depending on the day. People are betting on this card’s long-term "nostalgia tax."
- The Artwork: Illustrated by 5ban Graphics, it uses a specific 3D-style texture that looks incredible under LED lights.
- The Signature: Some secondary market listings mention Adam Paquette, though the standard 213 print is usually credited to the 5ban collective. Always double-check the artist credit on the bottom left.
- The Playability: Unlike some beautiful cards that are useless in a fight, Mewtwo actually sees play in "Rocket Box" archetypes.
Is It Actually Good in the Meta?
Look, I’ll be real with you. It’s a "rogue" deck choice. Top-tier players at the 2025 North American International Championships (NAIC) experimented with it, but the four-Pokémon requirement for Power Saver is a massive target on your back. If your opponent snipes your Benched Rocket Pokémon, Mewtwo just sits there looking pretty and doing nothing.
However, players like David Schoen and Noel Nevarez have piloted Rocket-themed decks into respectable finishes. They usually pair Mewtwo with Team Rocket's Spidops to lock down the opponent's retreat cost, making the 280-damage Erasure Ball even more inevitable.
It’s a high-skill ceiling deck. You’re managing energy discards and bench space constantly. If you like feeling like a mastermind villain, this is your card. If you want an easy win, you might stick to the current Charizard or Lugia variants.
How to Spot a Fake Mewtwo 213
With the surge in popularity of Destined Rivals, the market has been flooded with proxies and straight-up fakes. Since Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex 213 is a Full Art card, the easiest way to tell if it’s real is the texture.
Genuine copies have a fine, fingerprint-like etching across the surface. Fakes are usually smooth or have a "greasy" looking gloss. Also, check the font. The "ex" suffix should have a specific metallic sheen that most home printers just can't replicate. If the deal looks too good to be true—like someone selling a "Gem Mint" copy for five bucks—it’s probably a scam.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re sitting on one of these cards, or looking to buy, here’s the game plan.
For Collectors: Get it into a "perfect fit" sleeve and a top-loader immediately. The edges on the SV-era cards are notorious for "silvering," where the foil peels back slightly. If your card looks flawless, consider sending it to PSA or CGC. A high grade on a Mewtwo card is almost always a safe investment because Mewtwo collectors are, frankly, a bit obsessive.
For Players: You need at least two copies to make the deck consistent. Don't try to run a single copy; you'll get it prized and your whole strategy will crumble. Pair it with the Team Rocket's Factory Stadium card to keep your hand size up.
For the Curious: Keep an eye on the Glory of Team Rocket Japanese set prices. Usually, when the Japanese versions of these cards spike, the English 213/182 follows suit a few weeks later.
The era of Team Rocket is back. Whether you’re in it for the tactical depth or just because Mewtwo looks cool in a dark aura, this card is a definitive piece of 2025's TCG history. Stay sharp on the trade floor, and keep your benched Pokémon safe—otherwise, that Erasure Ball is just a pipe dream.