Cards › Base Set 2 › #16
Raichu
- Set
- Base Set 2
- Number
- 16
- Illustrator
- Ken Sugimori
- Energy
- Lightning
Its long tail serves as a ground to protect itself from its own high-voltage power.
Raichu - Base Set 2
Raichu is a Rare Holo Pokémon card from the Base Set 2 Pokémon TCG set, released 1999, illustrated by Ken Sugimori. It sits at card number 16 in the Base Set 2 checklist, classified as a Lightning-type Pokémon with 80 HP and the Stage 1 subtype.
In collector terms, this is a standard holofoil rare - roughly 1 per booster pack in modern sets. Current TCGplayer market price tops out at $35.23, with every variant's low / mid / high and direct prices listed below.
Raichu has been printed 9 times across different sets. The variant you're looking at (#16 in Base Set 2) is one of them - see every other printing further down to compare art, rarity, and current market price across all versions.
Prices USD 9 hours ago · 2026-04-26 08:12 UTC
Market Price History
Other printings of Raichu
Raichu FAQ
Click any question to expand. Every answer pulls from this card's live Catchinary data.
How much is Raichu from Base Set 2 worth?
Current TCGplayer market price is $35.23. See the full variant breakdown above for low / mid / high / market / direct prices. Graded estimates (PSA 10, PSA 9, CGC Perfect) are shown when available.
How rare is Raichu?
This printing is a standard holofoil rare - roughly 1 per booster pack in modern sets (the card is labeled "Rare Holo" on the checklist). Raichu has been printed 9 times across different sets - earlier or limited printings often command premiums even when the rarity tier is identical.
Who illustrated Raichu?
Ken Sugimori illustrated this card. See Ken Sugimori's full Catchinary page for every Pokémon card they've drawn, grouped by set with current market prices, career stats, and alt-art highlights.
When was Raichu released?
The Base Set 2 set released in 1999. This specific card (#16 in the set) has been tradeable on TCGplayer and Cardmarket since launch.
Where can I buy Raichu?
Click Buy on TCGplayer above for US listings, or the Cardmarket link for European listings. Both feeds update multiple times per day. For long-term holds, consider graded copies (PSA / CGC) which trade separately and usually at a premium over raw.
Is this card in Standard format?
Legal formats rotate as new sets release - see the Base Set 2 set page for current Standard / Expanded / Unlimited status. Catchinary tracks 0 cards across every English-language set, so if this one has rotated out there's almost certainly a current-format reprint you can check.