Pretend Boss Pikachu Team Rocket 191/SM-P – Japanese SM Promo 2018

The moment you see it, your eyes are immediately drawn to Pikachu dressed in a sharp black suit.
This is no ordinary cute mascot—this Pikachu carries the presence and authority of Team Rocket’s boss.
That special card is “Pretend Boss Pikachu – Team Rocket (191/SM-P)”, distributed exclusively at Pokémon Centers in 2018.
Released as a limited promo tied to the “Rainbow Rocket” theme from Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, this card has become a highly sought-after collector’s item worldwide.
In this article, we’ll explore its background, global demand, and the reasons it continues to capture the hearts of collectors.

Product Details

Basic Information

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game – Trainers Website

• Name: Pretend Boss Pikachu – Team Rocket

• Japanese Name: ボスごっこピカチュウ ロケット団

• Card Number: 191/SM-P

• Series: Pokémon Card Game Sun & Moon – Promo

• Release Year: 2018

• Illustrator: Sanosuke Sakuma

• Type: Lightning / Basic Pokémon

• HP: 60

Move Set

“Dominate?” (しはいする？)

Allows you to choose one of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon and switch it with their Active Pokémon.
The move name “Dominate” fits perfectly with the theme of Team Rocket’s boss.

“Pika Punch” – 50 damage

A simple yet strong attack whose gap in tone contrasts amusingly with the Pikachu-in-a-suit design.

Worldview & Design Features

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game – Trainers Website

• Pikachu is dressed in a black suit reminiscent of Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket.

• Its pose—arms crossed—gives off a sense of authority rarely seen in Pikachu illustrations.

• The card features special holo processing exclusive to Pokémon Center promos, giving it a luxurious appearance.

Distribution Method

Source:Pokémon Official Website

• Campaign Name: Rainbow Rocket’s Ambition

• Period: From January 20, 2018 (until supplies lasted)

• Condition: For every purchase of 5 booster packs, you could choose 1 of the 7 Pretend Boss Pikachu promos.

• Distribution Locations: Pokémon Center stores, Pokémon Store locations, and Pokémon Center Online.

Rainbow Rocket’s Ambition (Summary)

“Rainbow Rocket’s Ambition” was a special Pokémon Center campaign held in 2018.
It was created in conjunction with the in-game event from Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, where the leaders of all past villainous teams appear together.
During the campaign, purchasing 5 booster packs allowed customers to choose one special promo of Pikachu dressed as a villainous team boss.
Seven types were released, including Team Rocket and Team Aqua, and fans enjoyed collecting the full set.
Because this distribution was limited and short-term, these cards are now extremely rare.

Why This Card Is Highly Valuable

Pretend Boss Pikachu – Team Rocket is considered one of the most valuable promos in today’s Pokémon card market.
Here’s why:

① Extremely Limited Distribution

It was available only for a short period beginning January 20, 2018, and only at Pokémon Center locations.
Since it was not included in booster packs, the total circulation has been low from the start.

② The unbeatable combo: Pikachu × Limited Promo × Cosplay

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game – Trainers Website

Collectors place high value on:

• Pikachu-themed promos

• Holo-exclusive limited cards

• Special costume/cosplay illustrations

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game – Trainers Website

The Team Rocket costume is especially popular, with many fans saying:
“It’s the one I want most out of the seven,”
“It represents the most iconic villain team.”

③ Extremely Strong Demand Overseas

In the English-speaking market, Pikachu’s popularity is even higher than in Japan.
Additionally:

• Many PSA10 / CGC10 graded copies trade at high prices

• Overseas collectors refer to this promo as a “Grail Card”

• Many collectors specialize in Japanese Pikachu promos

This combination drives significant price growth.

④ Central Card of the Entire Series

Source:Pokémon Official Website

Among all seven Pretend Boss Pikachu cards, the Team Rocket version is the most iconic.
Collectors often build their set starting with this card, pushing its market price even higher.

⑤ Graded Cards Boost Market Value

High-grade copies (especially PSA10) sell for premium prices,
which also increases the perceived value of ungraded copies.

→ In summary:

With excellent design, extreme rarity, and strong international demand, this card is expected to remain a high-value collectible long-term.

Why It’s So Popular Worldwide

Source:Pokémon Official Website

Pikachu × Villain Team = The Ultimate Gap Appeal

The idea of cute Pikachu taking on the role of a villainous team boss caught the attention of fans everywhere.
Comments such as “He looks cute but so full of authority” and “Pikachu shouldn’t look this cool!” have appeared frequently on social media.

Global Demand Increasing Rapidly

Many overseas collectors refer to limited Pikachu promos as “grail cards,” and the connection to a major in-game event adds to its popularity.
Graded copies often sell at premium prices on eBay and other markets.

Low Circulation = Value Rising Each Year

Because it was never included in booster packs and the distribution period was short, supply is limited.
As a result, the card’s value continues to rise steadily.

Related Products (All 7 Pretend Boss Pikachu Cards)

Source:Pokémon Official Website

The full set of seven cards was distributed through the “Rainbow Rocket’s Ambition” campaign.
The series features Pikachu dressed as the leaders of various villainous teams from across the Pokémon game titles.
Collectors enjoy completing the set, which is also highly valued overseas as the “Complete Pretend Boss Pikachu Set.”
The Team Rocket version is often seen as the centerpiece of the entire series.

① 191/SM-P – Pretend Boss Pikachu (Team Rocket)

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game – Trainers Website

Giovanni-style black suit; the most iconic and popular card in the series.

② 192/SM-P – Pretend Boss Pikachu (Team Aqua)

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game – Trainers Website

Blue hood and pirate-inspired costume representing the villain team from Ruby & Sapphire.

③ 193/SM-P – Pretend Boss Pikachu (Team Magma)

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game – Trainers Website

Red hooded outfit; the counterpart to Team Aqua.

④ 194/SM-P – Pretend Boss Pikachu (Team Galactic)

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game – Trainers Website

Futuristic silver wig and uniform from Diamond & Pearl.

⑤ 195/SM-P – Pretend Boss Pikachu (Team Plasma)

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game – Trainers Website

Blue knight-like cape; one of the most unique designs in the set.

⑥ 196/SM-P – Pretend Boss Pikachu (Team Flare)

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game – Trainers Website

Red suit with sunglasses, giving off a stylish, fashionable villain vibe.

⑦ 197/SM-P – Pretend Boss Pikachu (Team Skull)

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game – Trainers Website

Street-style black-and-white outfit with a lively, energetic pose.

Overseas Collectors’ Favorite Points

• “Pikachu in a boss suit—never knew I needed this until now!”

• “It’s rare to see Pikachu look both cute and authoritative. A must-have for collectors.”

• “The holo on this promo is insane. Looks way better in person!”

• “My favorite from all seven. Giovanni would approve.”

• “Finding a clean copy is getting really hard—prices keep climbing.”

• “After getting a PSA10, it instantly became the star of my collection.”

• “Pikachu acting like a villain boss is genius. I love promos with this kind of humor.”

• “No surprise it’s so popular overseas. Limited, beautiful, and worth every penny.”

Summary

Pretend Boss Pikachu – Team Rocket combines cuteness and authority in a way no other card does.
Distributed only through a short-lived campaign in 2018, it has become a highly coveted collectible worldwide.
Its unique design—Pikachu dressed as a villainous team boss—remains timeless and memorable.
Whether displayed alone or collected as part of the seven-card set, its presence is unmatched.
If you’re looking for a truly special Pikachu card, this one is absolutely worth adding to your collection.

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Pretend Boss Pikachu Team Rocket 191/SM-P – Japanese SM Promo (2018)

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