Squirtle Squad
The Squirtle Squad leader remains one of the most beloved characters in Pokémon history, and collectors pay premium prices for cards featuring that iconic pair of triangular sunglasses. Only five officially released TCG cards showcase Squirtle wearing shades, and tracking them all down requires knowledge of sets, print runs, and regional exclusives.
Why the Squirtle Squad Leader Became a TCG Icon
Episode 12 of the original Pokémon anime introduced the [Squirtle Squad](https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Squirtle_Squad), a gang of abandoned Squirtle who wore sunglasses and caused mischief until Ash earned their respect. The leader, distinguished by sharper triangular shades versus the round glasses worn by his crew, became an instant fan favorite. When The Pokémon Company printed the first sunglasses Squirtle card in 2000's Team Rocket expansion, it captured that exact anime design — triangular black frames and all.
The card's popularity stems from nostalgia combined with genuine scarcity. Unlike standard Squirtle cards that appear across dozens of sets, only specific releases feature the Squad Leader design. Collectors who remember watching that episode after school in the late '90s now drive demand for these cards, pushing even moderately graded copies past $100 at auction. Our [Squirtle Squad Anime Episode](/blog/squirtle-squad-anime-episode) breakdown covers why this particular character resonates so strongly with Gen 1 fans.
Team Rocket's Original Sunglasses Squirtle (2000)
The 68/82 Squirtle from Team Rocket started it all. This Common card shows Squirtle mid-action with those trademark triangular shades, matching the anime leader's design perfectly. The illustration by Keiji Kinebuchi captures the cocky attitude that made the Squad Leader memorable — Squirtle's slightly tilted head and confident pose mirror his personality from the show.
Raw copies in near-mint condition sell for $8-15, but graded versions command significantly more. A PSA 10 regularly breaks $200, while even PSA 9 copies sell for $60-80. The Unlimited print run means supply exists, but three decades of wear have reduced the number of gem-mint specimens. First Edition versions multiply those prices by 3-4x, with PSA 10 First Editions selling north of $800.
The card's gameplay is basic — 40 HP, Bubble attack for 10 damage — but nobody buys this for competitive play. It's pure nostalgia, and the triangular sunglasses make it instantly recognizable to anyone who watched the anime. Store your copy in [→ Shop card toploader holders on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pokemon+card+toploader+holders&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20) to preserve condition, especially for raw cards you plan to grade later.
Pokémon Card GB2 Japanese Exclusive (2001)
Japan's Pokémon Card GB2 promotional set included a different sunglasses Squirtle that never saw official English release. This promo features rounder sunglasses — closer to crew member shades than the leader's sharp triangles — but collectors still chase it for completion. The illustration shows Squirtle lounging confidently, capturing that Squad personality despite the different eyewear style.
Finding this card outside Japan requires eBay or specialized importers. Prices fluctuate between $30-60 for near-mint copies, with graded PSA 10s reaching $150-200. The smaller print run compared to international releases adds scarcity, but the lack of triangular shades means it doesn't command the same premium as the Team Rocket version. Still, serious Squirtle Squad collectors need this one — it's the only other vintage card featuring any sunglasses design.
Call of Legends Secret Rare (2011)
Ten years after Team Rocket, the Call of Legends set brought sunglasses Squirtle back through its Secret Rare program. Card SL8 features updated artwork by Kagemaru Himeno with Squirtle sporting triangular shades again, this time in a more dynamic water-splashing pose. The holographic treatment makes this one of the most visually striking Squirtle cards ever printed.
Secret Rares from Call of Legends were deliberately scarce — approximately 1 in 72 packs for any Secret Rare, with multiple Pokémon competing for that slot. This print scarcity combined with Squad Leader nostalgia pushes prices higher than most Common or Uncommon sunglasses variants. Near-mint raw copies start around $40, while PSA 10s consistently sell for $200-300. The card saw reprints in later promotional sets, but the original Call of Legends version maintains the strongest collector demand.
For collectors building complete Squirtle collections, this card bridges vintage Team Rocket nostalgia with modern card design and quality. The holofoil pattern catches light beautifully, making it an excellent display piece when paired with [→ Shop graded card display case on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=graded+card+display+case&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20) options designed for PSA slabs.
XY Evolutions Throwback (2016)
XY Evolutions deliberately recreated many Base Set and Team Rocket cards with modern printing quality, including a new take on the sunglasses Squirtle as card 24/108. The illustration pays homage to the original Team Rocket design while using contemporary art techniques and clearer printing. Squirtle maintains those sharp triangular shades, but the colors pop more vibrantly than 2000-era printing allowed.
This card's accessibility makes it the easiest entry point for new collectors. Booster packs remain widely available, and the card appears at Common rarity. Raw near-mint copies sell for $2-5, making it affordable for anyone wanting a sunglasses Squirtle without spending three figures. Graded PSA 10s still reach $40-60 due to centering issues common in XY-era printing, but that's manageable compared to vintage options.
The Evolution's version works perfectly for collectors who want the Squad Leader look in their active play binders without risking a $200 Team Rocket original. Our guide to [Best Squirtle Cards Tcg History](/blog/best-squirtle-cards-tcg-history) includes this among recommended starter cards for exactly that reason.
Comparison of Every Sunglasses Squirtle Card
| Card | Year | Set | Rarity | Raw NM Price | PSA 10 Price |
|------|------|-----|--------|-------------|--------------|
| Team Rocket 68/82 (Unlimited) | 2000 | Team Rocket | Common | $8-15 | $180-220 |
| Team Rocket 68/82 (1st Ed) | 2000 | Team Rocket | Common | $40-60 | $700-900 |
| Pokémon Card GB2 Promo | 2001 | Japanese Promo | Promo | $30-60 | $150-200 |
| Call of Legends SL8 | 2011 | Call of Legends | Secret Rare | $40-60 | $200-300 |
| XY Evolutions 24/108 | 2016 | XY Evolutions | Common | $2-5 | $40-60 |
Building Your Squirtle Squad Collection Strategy
Start with the XY Evolutions card to secure an affordable sunglasses Squirtle, then work backward through releases based on your budget. The Team Rocket Unlimited version should be your second target — it's the most historically significant and displays the original anime design. Buy raw near-mint copies if you're budget-conscious, or save for PSA 9 graded versions if you want guaranteed condition without PSA 10 premiums.
Call of Legends Secret Rare makes an excellent third acquisition because its modern printing and holographic finish complement rather than duplicate the vintage Team Rocket aesthetic. Having both in a display showcases the evolution of Pokémon card design across generations. Use [→ Shop Pokemon card binder pages on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pokemon+card+binder+pages&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20) specifically designed for Ultra Pro or similar systems that hold both standard and thick graded cards.
The Japanese Card GB2 promo should come last unless you're a completionist from the start. Its different sunglasses style and Japan-exclusive status make it more niche than the others, though still valuable for comprehensive collections. Watch eBay's Japanese seller listings carefully — shipping costs can add $15-20, so factor that into purchase decisions.
Protect every card properly from the moment it arrives. Even if you don't plan immediate grading, store cards in [→ Shop Pokemon card sleeves on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pokemon+card+sleeves&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20) within rigid toploaders to prevent edge wear. Humidity damages vintage cardboard over years, so avoid basement or attic storage. Our [Most Valuable Squirtle Cards](/blog/most-valuable-squirtle-cards) article covers preservation strategies that prevent value loss from avoidable damage.
Advanced Collecting: Print Variations and Grading Considerations
Team Rocket's Unlimited print run included several plate variations that subtle condition differences between early and late runs. Early prints show sharper line work in Squirtle's sunglasses frames, while later runs exhibit slight blurring from worn printing plates. These differences don't affect PSA grades but matter to advanced collectors pursuing specific print variants. Compare multiple listings carefully if this interests you.
Call of Legends Secret Rares suffer from notorious centering issues — the set's cutting process frequently left cards off-center by 5-10%. This makes PSA 10s genuinely scarce despite the card's relative modernity. When buying raw copies to grade yourself, use a ruler and measure border widths carefully. Front-to-back centering matters less than left-right for this particular card due to its vertical artwork orientation.
First Edition Team Rocket cards command massive premiums, but be extremely cautious of fakes. The set saw extensive counterfeiting in the early 2000s. Authenticate through reputable grading before spending $500+ on a First Edition sunglasses Squirtle. PSA, BGS, and CGC all maintain robust authentication processes, and buying pre-graded eliminates that risk entirely. Our sister site [The TCG Slayer's grading guide](https://thetcgslayer.com/blog/grading-pokemon-cards-psa-bgs-cgc) breaks down which service offers best value for different card eras.
Consider [→ Shop Pokemon TCG booster box on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pokemon+tcg+evolutions+booster+box&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20) options if you want the experience of pulling an XY Evolutions sunglasses Squirtle yourself. Boxes still circulate below MSRP since the set was heavily printed, and the pull experience adds personal connection to your collection story.
FAQ
How many official Squirtle Squad leader cards exist with triangular sunglasses?
Three cards feature the leader's distinctive triangular sunglasses: Team Rocket 68/82 (2000), Call of Legends SL8 (2011), and XY Evolutions 24/108 (2016). The Japanese Card GB2 promo uses rounder shades that more closely match crew member designs rather than the leader's sharp triangles.
Is the First Edition Team Rocket sunglasses Squirtle worth the premium over Unlimited?
Only if you're a serious vintage collector or investor. First Edition copies cost 4-6x more than Unlimited versions but don't offer meaningfully different visual appeal for display purposes. Unlimited PSA 9 or 10 copies deliver 90% of the nostalgia at 20% of the cost, making them smarter buys for most collectors.
Which sunglasses Squirtle card has the best growth potential?
Call of Legends SL8 shows strongest appreciation trajectory because it combines genuine scarcity (Secret Rare print run), modern card quality that ages well, and visual appeal from holographic treatment. Team Rocket peaked during 2020-2021's vintage boom and has stabilized, while Evolutions remains widely available with limited upside.
Can I play any of these cards in competitive Pokémon TCG?
XY Evolutions 24/108 is Expanded-format legal but outclassed by numerous better Squirtle cards for actual gameplay. The others are either rotated out or never were tournament-legal to begin with. These cards exist purely for collecting rather than competitive play, similar to how [Wartortle Cards Worth Collecting](/blog/wartortle-cards-worth-collecting) focuses on aesthetic and nostalgic value over tournament viability.
Where should I look for Japanese exclusive sunglasses Squirtle cards?
eBay's Japanese sellers and dedicated Pokémon import retailers like Plaza Japan or Ami Ami carry Card GB2 promos periodically. Expect 2-3 week shipping from Japan and verify seller ratings carefully — stick with 98%+ positive feedback and at least 500 transactions. Yahoo Japan Auctions through proxy services sometimes offer better prices but add complexity and fees.
The Squirtle Squad leader's legacy in card form spans 26 years and counting, with each release capturing a different era of Pokémon collecting — from vintage Team Rocket nostalgia to modern Secret Rare engineering — but all sharing those unmistakable triangular shades that make every Squirtle Squad fan smile.
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