Purrloin and Pokémon Center Tie-Ins: TCG Collectors' Guide

Purrloin BW1-66 card art by Kagemaru Himeno from the Black & White set (BW1)

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Pocket-Sized Mischief: Purrloin and Pokémon Center Tie-Ins

In the world of Pokémon Center merchandise, the thrill of a new accessory often pairs perfectly with the joy of expanding a deck. The collaboration between collectible card games and official store items creates a tactile bridge between strategy at the table and display-worthy keepsakes on the shelf. One charming example is the BW1-era Purrloin card, a Basic Darkness-type from the Black & White set, whose sly attitude and compact stats make it a fan favorite to this day. With its stylish illustration by Kagemaru Himeno, this little cat embodies the idea that even a common card can feel like a vintage treasure when paired with the right merch and a touch of nostalgia. ⚡🔥💎

Card Spotlight: Purrloin BW1-66

Name: Purrloin
Set: Black & White (BW1)
Rarity: Common
Stage: Basic
HP: 60
Type: Darkness
Attacks:
- Scratch — Cost: Colorless, Damage: 10
- Slash — Cost: Colorless, Colorless, Damage: 20
Weakness: Fighting ×2
Resistance: Psychic -20
Retreat: 1
Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
Dex: 509
Variants: Normal, Reverse, and Holo
Artistic vibe: Clean lines with a mischievous feline charm that captures Purrloin’s street-smart personality

Purrloin’s stat line is a snapshot of a different era in the TCG: modest HP, two low-cost attacks, and a clear role as a tempo card in early-game skirmishes. The first attack, Scratch, demands only a single Colorless energy for a modest 10 damage, while Slash pushes to 20 with a two-energy commitment. At 60 HP, it’s quickly outpaced by many threats on the bench, which makes deck-building decisions crucial—use it to pressure the active Pokémon before cycling into heavier hitters or benching it as a quick stall piece to force a retreat. The colorless energy costs make Purrloin approachable for new players who are building out their first Dark-type lineups, while its Fighting ×2 weakness nudges older players to consider anti-Fighting support when constructing their early-game ladder. 👀

Center Tie-Ins: How a Small Card Becomes a Big Accessory Story

Pokémon Center merch thrives on tiny, meaningful touches that fans can carry into daily life. A basic card like Purrloin often serves as a nostalgic anchor for collectors who value art and lore as much as raw power. The BW1 era is especially beloved for its distinct art direction and the early days of modern IP partnerships. When you pair a Purrloin card with official or semi-official merch—like a phone grip or a limited commemorative pin—the experience transcends gameplay. The image of a sly cat, captured by Himeno’s precise brushstrokes, sits nicely on a phone grip, a bookmark, or a display plaque, reminding players that every card has a story beyond its damage counter. The featured product in this guide—a Phone Grip Click-On Reusable Adhesive Holder Kickstand—embraces that same spirit: practical, collectible, and a little bit playful. 🔥🎨

Market Vibe: What Collectors Are Paying Today

Common BW1 cards are widely available, and Purrloin sits at a comfortable entry point for new collectors. Market data reflects that non-holo BW1-66 generally trades at modest prices, with CardMarket showing an average around €0.10 and a typical low around €0.02; a gentle upward drift is noted in the trend figure, roughly €0.12 in recent snapshots. For holo variants, the value scales up—CardMarket’s holo metrics show averages near €0.78, with a broad low around €0.10 and stronger growth signals (trend circa €0.67). On the U.S. side, TCGPlayer’s numbers for non-holo variants hover in the low hundreds of a dollar’s cent range (low around $0.05, mid around $0.21, high around $1.49), while reverse-holo options push higher (low around $0.74, mid around $0.93, high around $2.49). In short, Purrloin remains an accessible entry in the BW1 era, while the holo versions serve as a modest but appealing upgrade for collectors building a fuller Black & White display. The data points remind us that even a common card can appreciate a little more when you chase the holo look, or when nostalgia prompts a display-worthy pairing with new-era merchandise. 📈💎

Art, Lore, and the Quiet Charm of a Sly Feline

Kagemaru Himeno’s illustration work on BW1 has etched many Pokémon into the memories of fans—the linework, shadow play, and the subtle glow around a prowling Purrloin make the card feel alive even when it’s sitting in a binder. This particular creature—an emblem of stealth and mischief—fits perfectly into the Pokémon Center ethos: a brand that invites fans to carry a little of their favorite world with them. When you look at the card’s art, you don’t just see a feline—it’s a storyteller who weaves through battles with the same nimble grace you’d expect from a true pocket-sized prankster. The synergy between the card’s aura and the merchandise that celebrates the brand makes Purrloin a fine ambassador for the idea that collecting is a journey, not a destination. 🎴🎨

Putting It All Together: Strategy, Collection, and Community

For players, Purrloin offers a low-barrier entry into the Dark-type family. For collectors, it’s a charming reminder of the BW1 era and a popular, repeat-print basic that remains plentiful. For merch enthusiasts, it’s an approachable touchstone that can be echoed in everyday items—like a phone grip—that keep the memory of that era close at hand. The blend of gameplay practicality, accessible pricing, and distinctive art makes this card a microcosm of why Pokémon Center tie-ins work so well: they give fans a reason to revisit a set, to celebrate the art, and to showcase their personal collection in ways that feel both nostalgic and contemporary. ⚡🎮

Product Spotlight: Prefer to blend your collection with a daily-use accessory? Check out the Phone Grip Click-On Reusable Adhesive Holder Kickstand, a handy, stylish companion for your phone that complements the Purrloin vibe and the Black & White nostalgia. It’s a perfect pairing for fans who want to carry a little of the past into the present while staying ready for a quick game or a casual duel with friends.

Phone Grip Click-On Reusable Adhesive Holder Kickstand