If you just started scrolling through TCGplayer or eBay looking for nostalgia, you might’ve done a double-take. Team Rocket’s Raticate 202? Wait. Most of us grew up with the vintage 2000 Team Rocket set where the highest number was 82 (or 83 if you count that secret Dark Raichu). Seeing a card numbered 202/182 feels like a glitch in the Matrix.
Honestly, it’s not a mistake. It’s the new reality of the Pokémon TCG in 2025 and 2026.
We aren't talking about the old "Dark Raticate" common card you have sitting in a dusty binder. This is a modern Illustration Rare from the Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals expansion (and the Japanese counterpart The Glory of Team Rocket). It’s a massive callback to the classic villainous team, but with a high-definition, full-art makeover that makes the original rat look like a stick figure.
The confusion behind Team Rocket’s Raticate 202
The number 202 is what we call a "Secret Rare" designation. In the Destined Rivals set, the standard list stops at 182. Anything after that—like our friend Team Rocket’s Raticate 202—is a special subset card. Specifically, this is an Illustration Rare (IR).
Most people get tripped up because they expect "Team Rocket" cards to be 25 years old. The Pokémon Company decided to lean hard into nostalgia recently, reviving the "Team Rocket's" prefix for Pokémon names, which hadn't been seen in a main set for ages. It’s a clever move. It bridges the gap between the "Gen 1 or nothing" crowd and the modern competitive players.
What makes this card special?
Look, Raticate usually doesn't get much love. It's the "Route 1" evolution that everyone replaces as soon as they find a Growlithe or a Scyther. But the art on Team Rocket’s Raticate 202 is genuinely cool. It was illustrated by Takuyoa, and it captures that gritty, urban Team Rocket vibe.
The scene shows a pair of Raticate scavenging in what looks like a dim alleyway or a warehouse—exactly where you'd expect a Rocket grunt to be hiding out. The lighting is moody. The colors are muted. It feels less like a kid’s game and more like a snapshot of the Pokémon underworld.
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Card Mechanics: Is it actually playable?
If you're looking to win a Regional with this, you might want to lower your expectations. But for a Stage 1, it has some niche utility.
- HP: 90 (Fairly standard for a middle-tier evolution).
- Attack: Reckless Abandon.
- Damage: 90.
- The Catch: You flip 2 coins. If both are tails, the card nukes itself for 90 damage.
It’s high-risk, high-reward. Sorta fits the "expendable grunt" theme perfectly, doesn't it? Team Rocket was never known for their Pokémon's longevity. They just wanted quick, dirty results. If you can pair this with some coin-flip manipulation or damage-reduction tools, it becomes a fun "rogue" deck choice, but it’s mostly a collector’s piece.
Market Value and Rarity
Prices for the Team Rocket’s Raticate 202 have been surprisingly stable. When the set first dropped in mid-2025, everyone was chasing the big "Special Illustration Rare" (SIR) Trainers or the legendary birds. This left the Raticate in a "sweet spot" for collectors.
You can usually find a Near Mint copy for anywhere between $5 and $20 depending on the week. If you’re looking at a PSA 10 or CGC Pristine 10, obviously you’re looking at a premium—sometimes upwards of $40 or $50.
Why buy it? Because "Team Rocket" branded cards historically hold value. Go look at the price of a Gym Challenge "Rocket’s Mewtwo" or even the old "Dark" cards from the Neo era. People love the villains. Even if it’s just a rat, having that Team Rocket's name on the top of the card adds a layer of "cool" that a standard Raticate will never have.
Spotting a fake (Because they're out there)
Since this card has a holographic finish and full art, it’s a prime target for counterfeiters. Modern fakes have gotten better, but they still fail the "texture test."
The real Team Rocket’s Raticate 202 has a very specific, fine texture on the surface. If the card feels smooth like a playing card but looks like a holo, it’s probably a fake. Also, check the font. The "90 HP" in the corner should be crisp. Fakes often have slightly blurry text because they're essentially high-res scans of the real thing.
Why this card matters for the 2026 meta
We’ve seen a shift in how players build decks. With the 2026 rotation, some of the more "broken" EX cards are phasing out, making room for high-damage Stage 1 Pokémon that only give up one Prize card.
Team Rocket’s Raticate 202 is a "Single Prize" attacker. If you trade 90 damage for a KO on a wounded EX Pokémon, you’re winning the prize trade. It’s a technical play. You've gotta be brave enough to risk that double-tails flip, though.
Moving forward with your collection
If you’re serious about completing the Destined Rivals master set, this card isn't optional. It’s one of those "hidden" gems that people overlook until the set goes out of print and the price triples.
Next Steps for Collectors:
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- Check your bulk: If you bought Destined Rivals packs and ignored the "shiny rats," go back through them. You might have missed this IR sitting in the back of the pack.
- Verify the number: Make sure it actually says 202/182. There is a standard version of this card (number 148) that has the same attacks but lacks the full-bleed illustration.
- Grade it early: If you pulled a copy with perfect centering and no white nicks on the back, send it to PSA or CGC. The population of 10s is still relatively low for this specific card compared to the "waifu" trainer cards.
- Watch the Japanese market: Sometimes the Japanese version (The Glory of Team Rocket #108) can be found cheaper, and the "silver border" on the Japanese cards often looks better with the urban art style of this particular Raticate.
The "Rocket" era of 2025 and 2026 has been a wild ride for fans. This card is a perfect example of why the TCG is still growing—it respects the old school while giving us something brand new to hunt for.