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Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Overview

Venusaur EX is a Grass-type Pokémon-EX card from the XY expansion (set code XY1) released for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Printed as an Ultra Rare with multiple print variants (normal, holo, and reverse holo), it represents a high‑ HP, high‑impact option from the early- to mid-2010s EX era. The card showcases Venusaur as a formidable basic Pokémon-EX with substantial staying power on the battlefield, embodying the Grass-type archetype’s emphasis on stamina and status effects. With 180 HP, it sits among the more resilient basic EX Pokémon of its generation, capable of applying pressure through two distinct attacks while relying on its Grass typing to exploit typical colorless and Grass weakness matchups.

As part of the XY set family, this card carries the hallmark of the era’s EX design—a powerful, high‑HP Pokémon-EX that awards two Prize cards to an opponent when knocked out. The card’s print run included holo, normal, and reverse holo variants, with a first‑edition print not indicated in the provided data. The XY series, and this card in particular, is often noted for its striking artwork by notable illustrators and its role in shaping energy acceleration and attacking strategies within Expanded formats, where older EX cards remained legal for play.

Card Information

Name: Venusaur EX
Card Number (Set): XY1-1
Rarity: Ultra Rare
Type: Grass
Stage: Basic
Suffix: EX
HP: 180
Dex Number: 3 (Venusaur)
Illustrator: Eske Yoshinob
Set: XY
Variants: Normal, Holo, Reverse Holo (First Edition: False; WPromo: False)
Legal in Formats: Expanded only (Standard legality: False; Expanded: True)
Weakness: Fire ×2
Retreat Cost: 4
Attacks:
- Poison Powder — Cost: Grass, Colorless, Colorless; Effect: Your opponent's Active Pokémon is now Poisoned; Damage: 60
- Jungle Hammer — Cost: Grass, Grass, Colorless, Colorless; Effect: Heal 30 damage from this Pokémon; Damage: 90
Set Details: Part of the XY expansion, which totals 146 cards; XY1 logo and set symbol are associated with this print.
Artwork: Eske Yoshinob
Evolutionary Context: Basic (no prior Evolution on this particular card). In the broader Pokémon lore, Venusaur is the final evolution of Bulbasaur and Ivysaur, but this EX card is issued as a standalone Basic Pokémon-EX.
Pricing snapshots (recent data):
- CardMarket (EUR): average around €7.5; low around €2; price trend is positive overall (approx. +6.92 over recent periods) for non-holo copies; holo data is limited in the provided snapshot.
- TCGPlayer (USD, holofoil): low around $2.31; mid around $5.50; high around $19.95; market price around $5.16 (as reported in the latest snapshot).

Gameplay and Strategy

Venusaur EX operates within the archetype of high-HP Grass-type Pokémon-EXs that rely on two distinct attacks to control the pace of a match. Its ability to inflict Poison status via Poison Powder provides a steady source of additional damage over turns, supporting a strategy that seeks to wear down an opponent’s Active Pokémon while maintaining offensive pressure. The attack values are significant: 60 base damage from Poison Powder and a more impactful 90 from Jungle Hammer, which also features a self-heal component that mitigates the HP cost of attacking.

Key strategic considerations for this card include:

Defensive sustain with Jungle Hammer: The self-heal of 30 HP after using Jungle Hammer helps sustain Venusaur EX on the field, potentially enabling longer engagements without returning to the bench for healing Trainer supports. This makes it a candidate for a defensive or midrange Grass deck that aims to steadily pressure the opponent while minimizing resource expenditure on retreat and recovery.
Status pressure with Poison Powder: Poison Powder ensures an ongoing threat, enabling the player to capitalize on damage over time. In formats where available, this can synergize with other Grass-types or Trainer card effects that exacerbate or exploit Poison conditions, accelerating the path to victory when combined with additional damage sources.
Two-prize card dynamic of Pokémon-EX: As an EX, Venusaur EX offers a higher payoff in terms of Prize cards when knocked out (two prizes). This dynamic affects both deck design and opponent decision-making, as opponents may prioritize removing EX targets to maximize their prize count early in the match.
Weakness and color compatibility: The Fire weakness ×2 is a notable vulnerability in a format where Fire-type threats may be common. Deck builders often offset this by including Fire-resilient lines, energy acceleration, or protection effects to reduce the likelihood of a rapid KO on Venusaur EX.
Format considerations: In the context of rules legality, this card is Expanded-legal but not Standard-legal. Players building modern decks should verify current rotation and ban lists, as EX-era cards have shifting eligibility in various formats over time.

In terms of synergy, Venusaur EX can be paired with Grass-energy acceleration tactics and healing or defensive utilities that prolong its presence on the field. While not as prevalent as more modern EX-era cards, its two-attack kit allows flexible resource allocation, leveraging Poison Powder for long-term pressure and Jungle Hammer for a decisive, high-damage exchange when the timing is right.

Collector and Market Information

The card is categorized as Ultra Rare in the XY set release, reflecting its rarity and collectible appeal. Print variants include holo, normal, and reverse holo among the XY1 print family, with no first-edition designation in the provided data. Collectors often value holo and reverse-holo versions for their aesthetic and rarity, especially within the XY era’s distinctive holo patterns and card frame design.

Market data drawn from public aggregators provides a snapshot of value and liquidity, though prices fluctuate with region, language, and print availability. For non-holo copies, CardMarket estimates place the average around €7.5, with a low near €2 and a generally positive price trend across recent periods. Expanded-era cards hold varying appeal depending on deck viability and tournament relevance, with holo copies typically trading at higher or more volatile price points across markets.

TCGPlayer’s data for holofoil copies indicates a broad price spectrum, with observed lows around $2.31 and highs approaching $19.95 for sold listings, and a market price near $5.16. These figures reflect the card’s status as a collectible staple from its era while also indicating that grade, condition, and presentation (holo vs. non-holo) significantly influence value in secondary markets. Collectors should consider factors such as print run, misprints, and the presence of a holo pattern when assessing a Venusaur EX from XY1 for investment or collection purposes.

Art and Lore

The artwork is credited to Eske Yoshinob, a prolific Pokémon card illustrator known for dynamic character portrayal and lush environmental backdrops that align with Venusaur’s forested, nature-strong theme. XY-era cards, including this Venusaur EX, are often celebrated for their bold composition and vibrant color schemes that emphasize the Grass-type aesthetic. The card’s holographic treatment (where applicable) enhances the texturing and lighting effects on the image, contributing to its appeal for collectors who prize both artistry and playability.

Beyond the mechanical aspects, Venusaur EX sits in a broader lore context as part of the longstanding Venusaur line within the Pokémon franchise. While EX-era cards functioned as standalone powerhouses with enhanced HP and bold attack effects, they also exist within the narrative tradition of Venusaur as a central Grass-type evolution, tying together the in-game lineage with collectible history. The card’s presentation—illustration, type emphasis, and energy requirements—reflects the era’s emphasis on hybridizing classic starter-line themes with the then-cutting-edge EX mechanic, creating a crossover appeal for both players and collectors.

Trivia

Venusaur EX is part of the XY expansion, specifically card XY1, and showcases a high HP (180) for a Basic Pokémon-EX from that period.
The card’s attacks provide a blend of status effect control (Poison Powder) and direct offense (Jungle Hammer) while also offering a built-in sustainability mechanism (heal 30) on the attacker’s turn.
It is listed as Expanded-legal but not Standard-legal, reflecting its placement within the older EX-era card pool and recent format rotations.
The card’s print variants include holo, normal, and reverse holo, with first-edition status not indicated in the provided data. Holo variants are typically the most sought-after by collectors for their aesthetic appeal.
Market indicators show a broad price spectrum that is sensitive to condition, language, and whether a copy is holo or non-holo, with non-holo copies generally trading at lower price points than holo copies in many markets.

Notes on Card Data and References

This article synthesizes the card data provided for XY1-1, including HP, attacks, weaknesses, retreat cost, and print variants, along with set and rarity information. It also incorporates contemporary market indicators for CardMarket and TCGPlayer where available. All data reflects the card’s status as of the latest updates in 2025 and is subject to reclassification as formats evolve or new print runs are cataloged.

External References and Related Links

For further reading on the XY expansion, EX-era cards, and Venusaur’s broader card legacy, consult canonical Pokémon TCG databases and set catalogs maintained by the community and official sources.

📘 Venusaur EX