If you're hunting for a heavy hitter from 2016, the evolutions m blastoise ex is probably sitting right at the top of your list. It's one of those cards that instantly takes you back to the hype of the Pokémon 20th Anniversary. Back then, everyone was losing their minds over the XY Evolutions set because it was essentially a love letter to the original 1999 Base Set. While Charizard usually steals the spotlight, there's something uniquely cool about this Mega Blastoise that keeps it relevant in the eyes of collectors and players alike.
The nostalgia of the Evolutions set
I remember when Evolutions first dropped. People were skeptical at first, calling it a "reprint set," but as soon as those packs started opening, the nostalgia hit like a truck. The evolutions m blastoise ex wasn't a direct reprint of an old card—obviously, Mega Evolutions didn't exist in the 90s—but it was designed with that classic aesthetic in mind. It felt like a "what if" scenario: what if the original designers had access to Mega forms back in the day?
The set managed to capture that chunky, colorful vibe that made the original cards so iconic. Even though the card has the "EX" mechanic which was standard for the XY era, it fits perfectly in a binder right next to a 1999 holographic Blastoise. It's that bridge between the old-school hobby and the modern era that makes it such a staple for anyone who grew up with a GameBoy in their hand.
Looking at the stats and gameplay
Let's talk about what this card actually does, because for a while, it was a genuine threat on the tabletop. The evolutions m blastoise ex (specifically the 22/108 version) boasts a hefty 220 HP. In the 2016 meta, that was a lot of health to chew through. Its main move, Hydro Bomb, is where the magic happens. For three Water energies, you're hitting for 120 damage, plus you get to snipe two of your opponent's benched Pokémon for 30 damage each.
In a game where every prize card matters, being able to soften up the bench while knocking out the active Pokémon was a huge deal. Of course, you had the "Mega Evolution rule" to deal with, which usually ended your turn as soon as you evolved. You absolutely had to run Blastoise Spirit Link cards to keep your momentum going. If you didn't have that tool attached, you were basically sitting ducks for a turn, which usually meant getting knocked out by a faster deck. It was a high-risk, high-reward style of play that felt very "Blastoise."
Why the artwork still holds up
Visually, the evolutions m blastoise ex is a bit of a masterpiece. The Mega Evolution cards from the XY era had this specific design choice that I still miss: the giant, stylized Japanese or English text for the attack name layered right over the artwork. For Blastoise, seeing "Hydro Bomb" (or the Japanese equivalent) splashed across the card in jagged, aggressive lettering just made it feel powerful.
The CG art style they used for Megas can sometimes look a bit dated, but on this card, it works. The cannons are huge, the water effects look fluid, and the gold-bordered "Mega" banner at the top gives it a premium feel. It's loud, it's vibrant, and it demands attention when you're flipping through a collection. Unlike some of the flatter art styles we see in modern sets, this one pops off the cardboard.
Regular art vs. Full Art versions
If you're looking to add this to your collection, you've got a choice to make. There's the standard evolutions m blastoise ex (22/108), which has the classic blue border and the standard holographic finish. Then, there's the Full Art version (102/108).
Now, if you ask me, the Full Art is the way to go if you want a display piece. The textures on those XY-era Full Arts are incredible. You can feel the ridges on the card, and the colors are much deeper. The Full Art version ditches the traditional card layout for a more "borderless" look where the art takes over the entire surface. It's definitely more expensive, but it feels like a true "chase card." That said, the regular art version has a certain charm because it mimics the layout of the old-school cards more closely. It's really down to whether you prefer the "V-max" style of modern cards or the retro look of the 90s.
Grading and the collector's market
Is it worth grading your evolutions m blastoise ex? Well, that depends on its condition. Evolutions was notorious for having some quality control issues—mostly silvering on the edges and centering that was all over the place. If you pulled one that actually looks straight and has clean corners, it might be worth sending off to PSA or CGC.
A PSA 10 copy of the Full Art version can fetch a decent price, though it's not quite in the "buy a house" territory like a Charizard. Blastoise has always been the "reliable second" in the starter trio. It's more affordable than Charizard but way more popular than Venusaur. For many collectors, that makes it the sweet spot. You get a legendary Pokémon with amazing art without having to spend your entire savings account.
If you're buying one raw (ungraded), keep a close eye on the back of the card. Because these were played in decks quite a bit, you'll often find "whitening" on the blue edges. If you find one that's pristine, grab it, because the supply of mint-condition Evolutions cards is only going down as the years pass.
Final thoughts on the big blue turtle
At the end of the day, the evolutions m blastoise ex is just a fun card. It represents a time when the Pokémon TCG was finding its footing by looking back at its roots while pushing forward with new mechanics. It's not the rarest card in the world, and it's not the most powerful in the current Expanded format, but it doesn't need to be.
It's a Blastoise. It's got giant cannons. It looks cool. Sometimes, that's all you really need. Whether you're trying to complete a master set of Evolutions or you just want a cool version of your favorite Kanto starter, this card is a solid pick. It's got history, it's got style, and it still manages to stand out in a sea of modern "ultra rares." If you see one at a card show or your local shop for a fair price, it's hard to say no to that face. It's a classic for a reason, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.