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.

▼ HD Toys Store▼

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

POKEMON Card PRETEND BOSS PIKACHU TEAM ROCKET 191/SM-P JAPANESE SM PROMO 2018 | eBay

It's used.

www.ebay.com

That set is Pokémon Card ★neo Premium File Vol.2.

This is a fully completed commemorative set consisting of a dedicated binder (folder) with 9 fixed cards included, meaning the full lineup is revealed the moment you open it.

What makes it even more special is the lineup itself:
Umbreon, Espeon, Charizard, Entei, and other fan-favorite Pokémon are all included.

Today, because very few sets remain in their original condition, this item has gained strong collector demand and is widely regarded as a highly desirable neo-era collectible.

Product Overview

Product Name

Pokémon Card ★neo Premium File Vol.2 (Premium File 2)

Release Date

Released in Japan on July 8, 2000

Sales Method (How was it obtained?)

This product was not something you “pulled” cards from like a booster pack.
Instead, it was sold as a fixed-content set, consisting of a binder with the cards already included.

At the time, it was mainly sold through toy stores and card shops, positioned as a premium collectible item.

Types of Cards Included

Premium File Vol.2 consists of 9 cards total:

• Umbreon

• Espeon

• Eevee

• Pichu

• Entei

• Charizard

• Unown N

• Unown O

• Unown E

Featured Cards

Umbreon

Source: Mercari

Characteristics:
As a Dark-type evolution Pokémon, this card focuses on applying pressure to the opponent’s setup and energy usage.

Key Moves:
Rather than raw damage, its attacks are designed to gain advantage by reading the opponent’s actions—often described as “annoyingly strong.”

Why It’s Popular:
Neo-era Umbreon has a very strong fan following, with high demand driven not only by gameplay but also by artwork and nostalgia.

Espeon

Source: Mercari

Characteristics:
A Psychic-type Pokémon that excels at flexible play, adapting to different situations.

Key Moves:
Its moves reward awareness of board state and card interactions rather than simple damage output.

Why It’s Popular:
Espeon is one of the most beloved Eevee evolutions and is often considered one of the main highlights of Premium File Vol.2.

Eevee

Source: Mercari

Characteristics:
Primarily valued as an evolution base, with card text designed to support future development.

Key Moves:
This Eevee is intended for stable early-game setup rather than aggressive play.

Why It’s Popular:
Being able to display Eevee together with its evolutions (Espeon and Umbreon) in one official set is one of the most satisfying aspects of this Premium File.

Pichu

Source: Mercari

Basics:
HP 30, Baby Pokémon.
While in play, when the opponent attempts to use a move, they must flip a coin—if tails, the move fails (Baby Rule).

Move:
“Let’s Play Together” — Search your deck for a Baby Pokémon and put it onto your Bench (fails if there’s no space).

Why It’s Popular:
Baby Pokémon from this era were notoriously frustrating to deal with—cute, yet disruptive.

Entei

Source: Mercari

Characteristics:
A true “power role” legendary Pokémon, both visually and mechanically.

Key Moves:
Designed with higher damage output, making it a flashy centerpiece even within a fixed set.

Why It’s Popular:
Old-back legendary Pokémon have enduring collector appeal, especially when preserved in good condition.

Charizard

Source: Mercari

Moves & Effects:
This card is one of the most attention-grabbing entries in Vol.2.
In articles, listing its move names and effects line-by-line helps anchor the section and elevate its presence.

Unown N / Unown O / Unown E

Source: Mercari

Moves & Effects:
The appeal lies in displaying the letters together—N / O / E—which creates a visual and thematic satisfaction unique to Unown cards.

Why Is It Popular?

It Preserves the “Neo-Era Atmosphere”

Pokémon cards from around 2000 have a distinct aesthetic—card layout, holo texture, and overall mood—that strongly resonates with players from that generation.

A Fully Designed Display Set

Rather than collecting cards individually, this set was designed to look complete when displayed, making it ideal for shelves or binders.

High-Condition Sets Are Rare

The better the condition of both the cards and the binder, the rarer and more valuable the set becomes over time.

Pokémon Card ★neo Premium File as an “Instantly Complete” Official Collection Set

These Premium Files were created for players who wanted to:

• Store favorite cards together

• Instantly collect popular or shiny Pokémon

They represent a product philosophy focused on curation rather than chance.

Pokémon Card ★neo Premium File Vol.1

Source:Amazon

Release Date

December 10, 1999

File

A Premium File themed around the Pokémon Gold & Silver (Johto era).
The inner mount features a large Lugia visual and design motifs symbolizing “a new world,” strongly reflecting official branding of the time.

Contents

Vol.1 contains 9 cards, organized into the three Johto starter evolution lines:

Source: Mercari

• Chikorita / Bayleef / Meganium

• Cyndaquil / Quilava / Typhlosion

• Totodile / Croconaw / Feraligatr

Pokémon Card ★neo Premium File Vol.3

Source: Yahoo! Flea Market

Release Date

November 23, 2000

File

A design inspired by ancient ruins and lost civilizations, characteristic of the ★neo era.
It preserves the transitional atmosphere between late old-back cards and early neo designs.

Contents

Source: Mercari

• Celebi

• Entei

• Suicune

• Raikou

• Lugia

• Sudowoodo

• Sneasel

• Ho-Oh

• Skarmory

Fan Reactions (Japan & Overseas)

• “Umbreon and Espeon together already make this set a winner.”

• “The holo texture from around 2000 is completely different from modern cards—I love it.”

• “Having the binder included is what really brings back the feeling of that era.”

• “The Entei & Charizard page looks incredible. One page, all stars.”

• “Overseas collectors are searching for this as a ‘Neo Era binder set.’”

Summary

Pokémon Card ★neo Premium File Vol.2 is a special set that preserves the passion of the year 2000 in a fully completed form.
With Umbreon, Espeon, Charizard, and Entei all included, it delivers immediate visual and nostalgic satisfaction.
Because binder products are harder to keep in pristine condition than single cards, well-preserved sets tend to appreciate in value.
If you want to complete a neo-era collection or own a display-ready Pokémon set, this one hits the mark perfectly.
And if you’ve found a clean example today—there’s no guarantee you’ll see the same condition again.

▼ HD Toys Store▼

Pokémon Card ★neo Premium File Vol.2 Folder 9-Type Card Set 2000 Blackie VMAX

Pokemon Card Neo Premium File Vol. 2 Folder 9 Types Card Set 2000 Blackie VMAX | eBay

Pokemon Card Neo Premium File Vol. 2 Folder 9 Types Card Set 2000 Blackie VMAX. I think the condition is good.

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