Electrode Performance Compared to Similar Pokémon in the TCG

Electrode card art from Emerald EX9-27 by Masakazu Fukuda

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Electrode in the Emerald Era: A Lightning Quick Look at Performance

Few Pokémon bring as much nostalgia mixed with straightforward tempo as Electrode, the Stage 1 evolution of Voltorb. In the Emerald era (EX9), this electric disruptor arrived with a compact 70 HP and a twin-attack kit that rewarded aggressive play and careful energy management. While not the hardest hitter, Electrode embodies a classic style of gameplay: poke, apply a status effect, and threaten the finish with a decisive burst. Masakazu Fukuda’s illustration captures the zippy, almost spark-filled personality of Electrode, making it a memorable centerpiece for collectors and players alike ⚡.

On the surface, Electrode’s price and rarity reflect its era: an Uncommon card that slides into most Lightning-themed decks as a pocketful of speed rather than a bruiser. The set Emerald (EX9) features a range of thematically electric Pokémon, but Electrode stands out for its two distinct attacks and its quick evolution path from Voltorb. The card’s design invites a fast, tempo-driven strategy: paralyze with Thundershock and finish with Speed Ball, leveraging the element of surprise before the opponent can stabilize. In today’s market, you’ll find a non-holo version that remains affordable, while holo and reverse-holo variants tend to attract a premium, especially for collectors who prize the Emerald era’s distinctive art and game feel.

Card Breakdown: What Electrode Brings to the Table

Set: Emerald (EX9). Card number 27, Exhaustively described as ex9-27 in collector databases.
Type & Stage: Lightning, Stage 1 (evolves from Voltorb).
HP: 70
Attacks:
- Thundershock — Cost: Lightning. If you flip heads, the Defending Pokémon is Paralyzed. This offers a built-in disruption tool that can swing crucial turns in a slugfest.
- Speed Ball — Cost: Colorless, Colorless, Colorless. Deals 50 damage, giving Electrode a solid finisher option despite its modest HP.
Weakness: Fighting ×2
Illustrator: Masakazu Fukuda
Rarity: Uncommon

From a collector’s standpoint, the card’s pricing data paints a useful picture. Cardmarket shows an average around €0.37 with the holo and reverse-holo variants historically fetching higher figures, and trend indicators suggesting gradual interest growth. On TCGPlayer, normal (non-holo) copies typically sit near the $1 mark, with low prices dipping below a dollar and high prices climbing into the $2–$3 range for better-conditioned copies. For reverse-holo and holo versions, expect higher averages and a broader spread, reflecting both aesthetic appeal and rarity in the Emerald era’s printing variations. This makes Electrode a friendly entry point for budget collectors who want a tangible piece of early electric strategy without breaking the bank 🔋.

“In vintage formats, Electrode’s tempo can overwhelm a slower build just long enough to push a finish with Speed Ball.”

Strategies: Making Electrode Shine on the Table

Opening pressure: Use Thundershock to threaten paralysis early. The coin flip mechanic keeps opponents guessing and can stall a tempo opponent who relies on quick setup.
Energy economy: With a Lightning energy attached to Electrode, you’re prepared to flip for paralysis while conserving energies for the timely finish via Speed Ball. The three-colorless requirement for Speed Ball nudges decks toward a lean energy base but still allows flexible play with other Lightning‑type teammates.
Tempo management: Electrode is best deployed in decks designed to win early or drag the game into a late-but-clean finish by preventing the opponent from stabilizing. The 70 HP keeps Electrode vulnerable to stronger one-prize attackers, so protect it with smart retreat and target choice.
Matchup notes: Against heavy normal-type or fighting-weak decks, Electrode’s speed and disruption can outpace straightforward beatdown. Be mindful of decks that can resist paralysis or recover quickly from status effects, and use your paralyze windows to set up subsequent attackers or support Pokémon.

Deck-Building Insight: Pairings and Pulse Points

Electrode is most effective when paired with enabling support that can capitalize on a paralyzed status or force quick prize trades. Consider partners that can search for Voltorb or Electrode or that can retrieve energy quickly from the discard pile or deck. Trainers that help with energy acceleration, or that disrupt the opponent’s draw or healing tempo, can tilt the battle in your favor. With the old-school flavor of EX9, you’ll often see Lightning-focused shells that lean into quick strikes and turn-by-turn advantage rather than slow, grindy play.

Market Trends for a Vintage Favorite

Despite the Emerald era’s age, Electrode continues to find interest among collectors who chase the era’s distinctive art and classic mechanics. The non-holo versions remain affordable, typically hovering under a dollar in the market, while holo and reverse-holo prints command higher prices due to visual appeal and scarcity. As with many classic EX-era cards, mint-condition copies and well-preserved prints in the holo style can attract premium prices, especially when accompanied by accurate set provenance and original packaging (where available). For the budget-minded, a clean non-holo Electrode from EX9 remains a solid entry into a beloved electric line and a stepping stone toward deeper collection goals 🔎🎴.

Art, Lore, and the Illustrator’s Touch

Masakazu Fukuda’s illustration captures the electric spark and mischievous energy that Electrode embodies in the TCG. The art not only brings the character to life but also serves as a nostalgic beacon for players who remember battling with early Lightning-type teams. The Emerald era’s style—bright colors, dynamic action, and a sense of motion—helps Electrode stand out on any page or playmat, a testament to how card art can influence both play perception and collector value. For fans who love personality in the card’s presentation, Fukuda’s work remains a standout feature of this release.

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