Squirtle Squad
Squirtle's July 2018 Pokémon GO Community Day created something unprecedented: the first crossover between mobile game events and physical trading cards that honored the event's signature feature—those iconic sunglasses from the anime's Squirtle Squad. That three-hour event spawned multiple exclusive card releases across different regions, with promo stamps, alternate art variations, and special tournament rewards that collectors still hunt today.
What Makes Community Day Cards Different From Standard Releases
[Pokémon GO Community Day events](https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-go-community-day/) transformed the Pokémon TCG landscape starting in 2018. These monthly gatherings feature specific Pokémon with increased spawn rates, exclusive moves, and—most importantly for collectors—limited-edition card releases available only through event participation or regional distribution partnerships.
The Squirtle Community Day on July 8, 2018 marked the third Community Day event and the first to incorporate the Squirtle Squad aesthetic with sunglasses-wearing variants. The Pokémon Company International coordinated with local game stores and regions to distribute physical cards commemorating the event, creating a bridge between GO players and TCG collectors. These cards typically feature special stamps, alternate artwork, or promotional numbering that distinguishes them from standard set releases.
Unlike typical promotional cards distributed through magazines or product purchases, Community Day cards require either event attendance or secondary market purchases. This limited availability creates immediate scarcity, especially for variants distributed only in specific countries or tied to in-person tournament participation.
Every Squirtle Community Day Card Release
The primary Squirtle Community Day card (SM Black Star Promos SM125) shows Squirtle without its signature sunglasses—a decision that disappointed many collectors expecting Squad Leader representation. This card features the Community Day stamp on the bottom left and was distributed through participating retailers during July 2018.
The real prize for Squirtle Squad fans came through different channels. Several regional variants appeared:
North American Distribution: GameStop and participating hobby stores received the SM125 promo as part of their Community Day promotion kits. These came in standard Pokémon Company International wrapping with Community Day branding.
European Variants: Certain European countries received cards with alternate stamp designs or regional language printings. The German-language version (with the same SM125 number) commands slightly higher prices due to lower print runs.
Japan Exclusive: Japan's 025/SM-P promotional Squirtle featured different artwork and was distributed through Pokémon Centers during corresponding campaign periods, though not directly tied to the GO Community Day timing.
The actual sunglasses-wearing Squirtle card collectors wanted came later. The [Squirtle Squad Leader Card Guide Every Squirtle With Sunglasses Card Ever Released](/blog/squirtle-squad-leader-card-guide-every-squirtle-with-sunglasses-card-ever-released) covers these releases in detail, but the short version: you need to look at the Detective Pikachu subset and special promotional releases from 2019-2020 to find official sunglasses variants.
For Community Day specifically, tournament organizers sometimes distributed custom-stamped versions of existing Squirtle cards from Sun & Moon base sets, creating unofficial variants that technically aren't "Community Day cards" but circulate in the same collector spaces.
Community Day Card Value and Availability Comparison
| Card Version | Original Distribution | Current Market Range | Key Identifier | Relative Rarity |
|--------------|----------------------|---------------------|----------------|-----------------|
| SM125 English (North America) | GameStop/Hobby Stores July 2018 | $8-$15 ungraded | Community Day stamp bottom left | Common |
| SM125 German | European retailers July 2018 | $15-$25 ungraded | Same art, German text, CD stamp | Uncommon |
| 025/SM-P Japanese | Pokémon Center Japan campaigns | $20-$40 ungraded | Different artwork, Japanese exclusive | Uncommon |
| Tournament-Stamped Variants | Local tournament organizers | $10-$50 depending on stamp | Custom stamps vary by region | Rare (unofficial) |
These prices reflect raw, ungraded copies in near-mint condition. PSA 10 graded versions of the SM125 typically sell for $40-$60, while the Japanese variant can reach $100+ in gem mint condition. The tournament variants are wildcards—some feature hand-applied stamps that barely add value, while others from major regional events command serious premiums.
For collectors building complete Squirtle line collections, these Community Day cards fit between standard set releases and high-end vintage cards. They're more accessible than [most valuable Squirtle cards](/blog/most-valuable-squirtle-cards) from Base Set or early Japanese releases, but harder to find than current expansion pulls.
Protecting these cards properly matters. The stamp details on Community Day promos are susceptible to scratching and fading. I recommend storing them in [→ Shop Pokemon card top loaders on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pokemon+card+top+loaders&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20) immediately after acquisition, then organizing them in a [→ Shop Pokemon card binders on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pokemon+card+binders&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20) dedicated to promotional releases.
Building Your Community Day Collection Strategy
The Community Day card ecosystem extends far beyond just Squirtle. Every Community Day since 2018 has produced corresponding promotional cards, creating a parallel collecting category alongside main set releases. For Squirtle Squad fans specifically, here's what to prioritize:
Start with the SM125: This is the baseline Community Day Squirtle. English versions are readily available on secondary markets for under $15, making them accessible entry points. Don't overpay—these were printed in substantial quantities for participating stores.
Add the Japanese variant: The 025/SM-P provides visual variety and represents the global nature of Community Day events. This one requires checking Japanese sellers or specialty importers, but it's worth the extra effort for completionists.
Hunt regional tournament variants selectively: Unless you're documenting every possible Squirtle card variant ever produced, be selective here. Focus on officially sanctioned tournament stamps rather than every hobby store's custom promotion.
Consider the evolution line: Community Day events featured Wartortle and Blastoise as well, though card distributions focused primarily on Squirtle. The [Wartortle Cards Worth Collecting](/blog/wartortle-cards-worth-collecting) includes some Community Day-adjacent releases worth investigating.
Track future reissues: The Pokémon Company occasionally reprints promotional cards in special collection boxes or anniversary sets. The [Best Squirtle Cards Tcg History](/blog/best-squirtle-cards-tcg-history) notes several instances where "exclusive" promos resurfaced years later with different numbering.
For storage and display, use a [→ Shop Pokemon card sleeves on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pokemon+card+sleeves&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20) rated for long-term archival quality. Standard penny sleeves work for bulk storage, but double-sleeving with perfect-fit inner sleeves protects stamp details better.
What Most Collectors Miss About Event Cards
The real value in Community Day cards isn't just the cards themselves—it's the documentation of Pokémon GO's cultural impact on the wider franchise. These cards represent the first systematic crossover between mobile gaming events and physical TCG releases, a trend that continued with Pokémon GO-themed expansions and special sets.
Three things separate informed collectors from casual buyers:
Proof of authenticity matters more than you'd think: Because Community Day cards are promotional releases, counterfeits are less common than with high-value vintage cards—but tournament-stamped variants attract fakes. Check stamp alignment, font consistency, and compare against verified examples before paying premiums for rare stamps.
Condition standards are stricter: Promotional cards distributed through retail events often show handling wear immediately. Edge whitening, corner dings, and surface scratches from store display boxes are common. A true near-mint Community Day card that went directly from distribution pack to sleeve is rarer than most collectors realize.
The real Squirtle Squad connection requires crossing product lines: If you want the actual sunglasses-wearing Squirtle that Community Day commemorated, you need cards from the Detective Pikachu subset or specific Japanese promotional releases. The SM125 Community Day card itself doesn't feature sunglasses, which creates confusion for collectors who assume all Community Day Squirtle cards match the event's aesthetic.
Smart collectors also track which Community Day events had corresponding TCG releases and which didn't. Not every monthly Community Day produced cards—some months featured in-game rewards exclusively. Understanding this pattern helps you identify which events produced genuinely limited physical releases versus digital-only promotions.
For serious collection management, photograph your cards with stamps and certificates visible, then store images with purchase documentation. This matters for insurance purposes and eventual resale authentication. A [→ Shop Pokemon card storage boxes on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pokemon+card+storage+boxes&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20) with compartments for documentation alongside the cards keeps everything organized.
The [Graded Squirtle Cards Investment Guide](/blog/graded-squirtle-cards-investment-guide) addresses whether Community Day cards warrant professional grading. The short answer: only if you have pristine copies of regional variants or rare tournament stamps. Standard SM125 copies rarely justify grading costs unless they're absolutely flawless.
FAQ
Do Squirtle Community Day cards feature the Squirtle Squad sunglasses?
The main SM125 Community Day card does not feature sunglasses, which surprised many collectors expecting Squad Leader representation. To get official sunglasses-wearing Squirtle cards, you need to look at the Detective Pikachu subset or specific Japanese promotional releases from separate campaigns.
How can I tell if my Squirtle Community Day card is authentic?
Check for the Community Day stamp on the bottom left corner, verify the SM125 promo number, and compare card stock texture to known authentic examples. Counterfeit promotional cards are uncommon but exist for tournament-stamped variants—look for font inconsistencies and stamp alignment issues.
Are Community Day cards tournament legal?
SM125 and other officially distributed promotional cards are legal in sanctioned tournaments following standard rotation rules. Tournament-stamped variants from local events may not be legal depending on how they were modified—check with event organizers before using custom-stamped cards in competitive play.
Which Squirtle Community Day card is most valuable?
The Japanese 025/SM-P variant typically commands the highest prices ($20-$40 ungraded, $100+ graded), followed by rare tournament-stamped variants from major regional events. Standard English SM125 copies remain the most affordable at $8-$15 for near-mint ungraded examples.
Where can I buy Squirtle Community Day cards now?
Secondary markets like eBay, TCGPlayer, and specialty Pokémon card retailers carry these cards regularly. Because they were printed for event distribution rather than booster pack insertion, you won't pull them from sealed products—direct purchase is the only acquisition method years after the original event.
The Bridge Between Screens and Sleeves
Community Day cards transformed promotional releases from afterthoughts into legitimate collecting categories, and Squirtle's July 2018 event stood at the forefront of that shift—even if the card itself didn't quite capture the Squad Leader energy collectors wanted.
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