Exploring Pikachu Usage Across Sets in Pokémon TCG

In TCG ·

Pikachu DP5-70 card art from Majestic Dawn ( holo )

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Tracking Pikachu's Footprint Across Sets

When you think of the Pokémon TCG, Pikachu’s yellow flash instantly evokes a sense of homecoming ⚡. In Majestic Dawn’s DP5, Pikachu appears as a quintessential Basic Lightning-type with a pair of approachable, reliable attacks: Quick Attack and Volt Tackle. With HP 60, a modest 1-retreat cost, and the ever-charming illustration by Daisuke Ito, this card captures a moment of simple, honest energy that resonates with both new players and long-time collectors. The holo variant, a hallmark of Majestic Dawn, glimmers on display and reminds us that a deck’s power isn’t only about raw numbers—it’s about the stories those numbers tell. 💎

Card at a glance

  • Type: Lightning
  • Stage: Basic
  • HP: 60
  • Attacks:
    • Quick Attack — Colorless; Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 10 damage plus 10 more damage.
    • Volt Tackle — Lightning, Colorless, Colorless; Pikachu does 10 damage to itself. (50)
  • Weakness: Fighting +10
  • Resistance: Metal -20
  • Retreat: 1
  • Rarity: Common
  • Illustrator: Daisuke Ito
  • Set: Majestic Dawn (DP5)
  • Variants: normal, holo, reverse

These stats may read as modest by modern standards, but they carry a timeless strategic signature. Quick Attack can surprise an opponent with a well-timed flip, while Volt Tackle provides a hard-hitting option at the cost of self-injury—perfect for tempo swings when you’re trying to push through a tight game. The holo print’s shine helps Pikachu stand out on a crowded bench, a reminder that the TCG is as much about spectacle as it is about win conditions. And while the card’s HP and power curve would be considered low-tier today, its role as a fan favorite ensures Pikachu remains a familiar pivot for decks across generations. 🔥

“Pikachu’s simplicity is its virtue. In a game that often gravitates toward complex combos, this little Basic can still force opponents into awkward trades and early resource pacing.”

Why this Pikachu matters for multi-set usage tracking

Tracking usage stats over multiple sets means watching how a single character’s card choices survive meta shifts, printing quirks, and evolving deck architecture. Pikachu, with its DP5 form as a holo staple, serves as a tangible anchor for long-range trend analysis. You can map its appearance frequency against set introductions, noting how often Basic Lightning-types slot into early-game tempo strategies, or how often players value low-retreat, quick-damage options in curated archetypes. In Majestic Dawn, Pikachu’s utility isn’t about overpowering the field; it’s about consistency and accessibility—a theme that endears it to both casual fans and tournament hopefuls. ⚡🎴

From a gameplay perspective, the combination of 100 official cards in the Majestic Dawn set and Pikachu’s common rarity means this card shows up frequently in deck lists that prize early-game pressure and coin-flip variance. The synergy with Lightning energy fits neatly into early-stage Lightning-dedicated decks, and the Volt Tackle line provides a trade-off: big numbers at the risk of self-damage. The card’s basic status keeps it approachable for new players, while the holo variant adds collectible appeal for veterans chasing stability in a modern binder. 💎

Market signals and collector insights

When collectors measure value, print quality and rarity drive much of the conversation. For Pikachu DP5-70, the data paints a clear split between normal and holo markets. On Cardmarket, the normal print averages around €0.91 with a low of €0.02 and a recent trend near 0.97, while holo copies fetch substantially higher numbers, with an average around €21.22 and a trend that reflects growing interest in holo Majestic Dawn prints. On TCGPlayer, normal copies show a lower entry point—roughly $2.26 market price—while reverse-holo and holo prints command a premium, with market prices approaching the upper teens or higher for rare holo offerings. For those who chase nostalgia and investment value alike, this Pikachu offers a compelling window into how reprints and holo variants drive distinct market segments. 🔥

For players, the price delta also hints at availability and condition concerns. The holo-forward prints tend to be the most coveted in display-worthy condition, while the common normal copies often fill budget decks or rapid-play collections. The card’s illustrator credit to Daisuke Ito remains a trusted touchstone for fans who compare art across Pikachu prints—an important factor when collectors weigh the visual narrative of their binders as heavily as the stats on the card. 🎨

Deck-building guidance: using Pikachu across sets

Across sets, Pikachu’s core identity as a fast, low-commitment attacker makes it a reliable option for early-game pressure and for teaching new players how to manage damage output vs. resource economy. In decks where you’re stacking quick, single-cost threats, Quick Attack can generate early chip damage while Volt Tackle punishes heavier boards or lets you push toward a finishing blow—accepting the self-damage risk as a calculated trade. For collectors, the Majestic Dawn holo variant remains a classic; for players, this Pikachu is a learning tool for sequencing and coin-flip risk assessment. Keep an eye on price signals for holo vs. non-holo prints as you consider collection goals or budget deck-building. 💡⚡

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