Team Rocket is the topic hot on every Pokémon TCG fan’s mind right now with the mega-hyped The Glory of Team Rocket [SV10] soon to be released.

Before we rank the top 10 Pokémon TCG cards related to Team Rocket that have sent fans and collectors buzzing, let’s first discuss Team Rocket’s history in the Pokémon TCG.

History of Team Rocket in the Pokémon TCG

Named after the infamous villainous team, Team Rocket was the fifth main international expansion set of the Pokémon TCG that launched in Japan as ‘Rocket Gang’ where it was the fourth main Japanese expansion set. This exciting set was inspired by Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green, showcasing Generation 1 Pokémon along with the notorious Team Rocket.

The English edition of Team Rocket debuted on 24 April 2000, over two years after the Japanese version(Rocket Gang) had already hit shelves on 21 November 1997. Following its success, ‘Rocket Gang Strikes Back’—known abroad as ‘Team Rocket Returns’—would go on to be launched in Gen 3, on 15 October 2004 in Japan and 8 November 2004 internationally.

While no Team Rocket-related sets have been released since then and won’t be until the upcoming ‘The Glory of Team Rocket [SV10]’ and its international counterpart ‘Destined Rivals [DRI]’, several Team Rocket-related cards have been released sporadically since then.

10 Best Team Rocket Cards to Date

Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 cards from the past Team Rocket expansions that have excited countless collectors and are fitting grails of any collection. Be amazed as some of the cards’ artwork and rarity will blow your mind away—or as Jessie, James, and Meowth would say it, send you “blasting off again”.

10) Rocket’s Articuno ex (Silver Deck Kit 010/020)

Card Number: 010/020

Set: Silver Deck Kit

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Part of the Silver Deck Kit released back in Gen 3, this Rocket’s Articuno ex card is a treasured relic for collectors. This iconic Generation 1 Pokémon sparks waves of nostalgia, making it a must-have for fans eager to relive the magic of the classic era! The Silver Deck Kit, alongside its counterpart (the Black Deck Kit), also introduced a unique touch to its reverse holofoil cards, featuring the set logo in the bottom right corner of the artwork.

9) Rocket’s Moltres ex (Silver Deck Kit 014/020)

Card Number: 014/020

Set: Silver Deck Kit

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It’s no surprise that this Team Rocket Moltres ex has soared to the 9th spot on the list, just ahead of its Legendary trio counterpart at number 10. A standout from this iconic expansion, Rocket’s Pokémon-ex cards are easily recognizable by the jagged spikes framing their artwork window and the spiked base of their Pokémon type symbol—visual elements that elevate the card’s value. This is coupled with the Team Rocket logo proudly stamped in the bottom right corner, signifying its villainous origins. Once again, the prior point about reverse holofoil cards applies.

8) Rocket’s Entei (Pokémon VS 095/141)

Card Number: 095/141

Set: Pokémon VS

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Released in July 2001, the Gen 2 set Pokémon VS was groundbreaking as it introduced secret cards for the first time in Japanese Pokémon TCG history and marked the debut of coveted 1st Edition prints. Want to dive deeper into what makes 1st Edition cards so valuable? Check out our feature on What Are First Edition Pokémon Cards and Why Are They Valuable.

This Generation 2 Legendary beast sparks waves of nostalgia for collectors, so it’s no surprise to see it earn a spot on the list. Despite its iconic status, this card remains relatively affordable in a PSA 10 grade. However, if you’re lucky enough to find one with stunning swirled holo patterns in the background, be prepared to pay slightly more as these visually striking variations tend to command a premium!

7) Dark Dragonite 149

Card Number: 149

Set: Rocket Gang

Where To Buy: SNKRDUNK

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The Rocket Gang set continues to resonate deeply with collectors who began their Pokémon journey during the early days, spotlighting Generation 1 favorites and the infamous Team Rocket. Most notably, this expansion introduced the Dark Pokémon cards which are easily recognizable by their striking brown and black artwork window, Evolution box, and Pokédex box, adding a sinister edge to the collection. These cards eventually became known as “Rocket’s Pokémon”

This set introduced Dark Dragonite, a card that sparked excitement among collectors and players alike, as it was one of the most sought-after Pokémon cards at the time. Today, despite being relatively affordable in a PSA 10 grade, finding one has become a challenge due to its age and rarity in pristine condition.

6) Rocket’s Snorlax ex (Rocket Gang Strikes Back 062/084)

Card Number: 062/084

Set: Rocket Gang Strikes Back

Where To Buy: SNKRDUNK

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Next on this list is Snorlax ex, the beloved gentle giant that has captured the hearts of collectors and players. It’s the first entry on the list from Rocket Gang Strikes Back—as might be guessed, it’s an expansion heavily inspired by the return of Team Rocket as seen in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Featuring both Gen 1 and 2 Pokémon, this set holds a special place in the hearts of fans who began their Pokémon journey—whether through watching the anime or collecting the cards—during the Gen 2 days.

5) Dark Charizard 006

Card Number: 006

Set: Rocket Gang

Where To Buy: SNKRDUNK

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At last, a Charizard card makes its way onto the list. Securing the fifth spot is a card that many collectors can instantly recognize. Featuring the Team Rocket logo, this corrupted Charizard remains one of the most coveted Pokémon cards among Charizard collectors in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

You might assume that a PSA 10 grade of this Team Rocket Dark Charizard card would come with a hefty price tag, but you’d be pleasantly surprised! You can still snag this gem for surprisingly affordable prices—PSA 10s sell for around US$700; this is much less than what many might expect. However, the real challenge lies in actually finding one to buy because just like the elusive Dark Dragonite mentioned earlier, this card isn’t exactly easy to track down!

4) Rocket’s Mewtwo ex (Rocket Gang Strikes Back 064/084)

Card Number: 064/084

Set: Rocket Gang Strikes Back

Where To Buy: SNKRDUNK

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Now……the prices of the cards featured here are steadily rising, becoming some of the holy grails that many collectors dream of owning. Part of the Rocket Gang Strikes Back expansion set, Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is undoubtedly one of the standout cards in the set, highly sought after by both collectors and players eager to add it to their collection back in the day. It was also the predecessor for the upcoming Rocket’s Mewtwo ex card in The Glory of Team Rocket [SV10].

3) Rocket’s Suicune ex (Rocket Gang Strikes Back 069/084)

Card Number: 069/084

Set: Rocket Gang Strikes Back

Where To Buy: SNKRDUNK

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A second Legendary Beast makes its grand entrance on the list! Rocket’s Suicune ex is one of just 12 exclusive Rocket Pokémon featured in the iconic Rocket Gang Strikes Back expansion set

What truly sets this card apart is its stunning artwork, capturing Suicune’s majestic and mysterious presence in a way that mesmerizes fans. With its dark, villainous twist under Team Rocket’s influence, this card quickly became a holy grail for many collectors. The combination of its striking illustration, rarity, and nostalgia factor makes it a prized possession for anyone looking to relive a memorable era of the Pokémon TCG!

2) Giovanni’s Scheme 277/XY-P

Card Number: 277/XY-P

Set: XY-P Promotional Cards

Where To Buy: SNKRDUNK

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This isn’t just any promotional card—it’s a holy grail for collectors. Released as part of the 20th Anniversary Team Rocket Special Case as Gen 6 came to a close, this exclusive gem was only available through a limited made-to-order run from the Pokémon Center Online for 12,000 JPY.

While one might assume that a made-to-order release would mean a plentiful supply, the reality is quite the opposite. Over time, this card has become incredibly scarce, making it a highly sought-after treasure among collectors. As a result, securing a PSA 10 copy has become a serious challenge, with its rarity now pushing its price to close to US$10,000 per card!

1) Here Comes Team Rocket! 278/XY-P

Card Number: 278/XY-P

Set: XY-P Promotional Cards

Where To Buy: SNKRDUNK

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Another holy grail from the 20th Anniversary Team Rocket Special Case tops the list! Much like the Giovanni’s Scheme promotional card, this Here Comes Team Rocket! promo was also included in the exclusive case, showcasing the iconic Team Rocket trio—Jessie, James, and Meowth.

For many collectors and Pokémon TCG fans, this iconic Team Rocket trio is the epitome of nostalgia, rekindling memories of their mischievous adventures in the anime and the golden age of the TCG. It’s no surprise that demand for this card was high from the moment it was released.

With so many eager to add it to their collections, the card’s availability has dwindled over time, making it incredibly difficult to find, let alone to see in person. As a result, a PSA 10 copy now commands a staggering price tag of over US$10,000.

But that’s not all—the entire special case itself has also skyrocketed in value, reaching a similar value and thus cementing its status as a true holy grail for collectors with only the most dedicated able to obtain it.

Having read all of this, why not check our listing of Team Rocket-related cards on the SNKRDUNK App? These cards just scratch the surface of all things Team Rocket in the Pokémon TCG—and of course, more are on their way soon.

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