Meowth Card Art Pays Homage to Classic Pokémon Game Scenes

A Nostalgic Nod: Meowth’s Artwork Reimagines Classic Pokémon Game Moments

In the Pokémon TCG, artists often weave memory and recursion into their frames, turning a simple card into a portal to the games we spent countless hours exploring. The Meowth card from the Team Up set is a shining example of this reverent craft. Painted by the celebrated Ken Sugimori, the artwork doesn’t just depict a familiar feline; it evokes the very feeling of stepping into a spry, sprite-filled world where every corner hides a surprise. For fans who grew up trading cards next to a Game Boy or Game Boy Color, this piece feels like a friendly wink from the past—Meowth perched amid a backdrop that nods to iconic in-game locales with bold lines, bright colors, and Sugimori’s unmistakable touch.

The card’s mechanical identity is simple but telling. Meowth is a Basic Colorless Pokémon with 70 HP—a sturdy opening to a deck that thrives on rapid tempo and flexible energy use. Its primary attacks, Scratch for 10 and Bite for 20, lean into quick, budget-friendly plays that can wear down smaller threats while you set up a stronger board state. In terms of gameplay, that modest stat line encourages players to lean into timing, retreat management, and synergy with other Team Up partners rather than raw power alone. The colorless energy cost keeps options broad, letting you weave in energy from any source while you pursue your game plan.

Visually, the illustration treats Meowth as a character sampling from the same palette that defined the early Pokémon era. Sugimori’s linework is clean and confident, with a playful expression that feels straight out of a sprite animation. Behind Meowth, hints of tile-based scenery—think town routes, plazas, and the kind of scenic backdrops that defined classic routes—provide a gentle narrative thread. It’s the kind of art that invites a closer look: you notice a flourish here, a nod to a familiar landmark there, and a sense of mischief that perfectly suits Meowth’s in-game persona. This is more than a portrait; it’s a story told in color and composition, a celebration of the worlds we explored beyond the battles and bench testing of the TCG table. ⚡🎨

From a collector’s standpoint, the Team Up set is a celebration of cross-pate with dynamic art and inventive card design. Meowth’s rarity is Common, and the card has several variants—normal, reverse, and holo—each offering a different collectible experience. The holo version, in particular, tends to attract attention for its gleaming finish that catches the light and the eye of casual collectors and completionists alike. The artwork’s homage angle adds an extra layer of appeal: this Meowth doesn’t just fight—you get a tactile reminder of the classic games whenever you sleeve it up. 💎

Card at a glance

• Name: Meowth
• Set: Team Up (SM9)
• Rarity: Common
• Type: Colorless
• Stage: Basic
• HP: 70
• Attacks: Scratch (Colorless) 10; Bite (Colorless, Colorless) 20
• Weakness: Fighting ×2
• Retreat: 1
• Illustrator: Ken Sugimori

Notably, Meowth’s legal status is Expanded, not Standard, as of the current lineup. That keeps it in rotation for players who enjoy the broader historical tapestry of the game and its many formats. The card’s affordability in non-holo form makes it an inviting entry point for new collectors while holo fans chase the glossy finish that gleams under display lights. ⚡

Art, lore, and the spirit of the game

What makes a homage meaningful isn’t just the nod to a familiar season or locale; it’s how that nod is integrated into the card’s design language. Sugimori’s Meowth carries the same playful energy that defined the earliest Pokémon adventures. The backdrop references feel intentional—almost a museum-like homage to the first generation’s routes, towns, and landmarks—while keeping the focus on the creature in motion. This balance between homage and clarity helps the artwork resonate with players who remember the tactile joy of old handhelds, and with newer fans who appreciate the craft and the story behind each card’s creation. The result is a piece that invites discussion about favorite routes, first badges, and the sense of discovery that defined the early days of Pokémon gaming. 🎴🎨

In terms of strategy, this Meowth offers a straightforward path to early-game tempo. You can rely on Scratch for a fast 10 damage to thin the opposing bench, then switch to Bite for a more decisive 20-damage swing as your setup comes online. The Colorless energy cost means you’re not locked into a single energy type, which grants you the flexibility to tailor your early-game approach. Its 70 HP is a solid baseline for expanded play, where opponents may present a wider array of threats and tools. And while Meowth isn’t a heavy hitter, its art and flavor make it an excellent centerpiece for a nostalgic deck built around classic scenes and trainer nostalgia. 🔥

Market vibes and collector value

As a Common card in a widely printed set, Meowth of Team Up tends to sit on the lower end of the spectrum in raw price. Still, the ecosystem around it offers nuance. Cardmarket data, updated in mid-2025, shows an average price around 0.09 EUR for non-holo copies, with holo variants fetching roughly 0.47 EUR on average. The holo market shows even a modest upward trend, reflecting collectors’ continued interest in glossy finishes that highlight Sugimori’s work. The low-end prices (as little as 0.02 EUR) remind us that cards like these are accessible entry points for new collectors, while the higher end of the range hints at the appreciation that comes with a popular art style and nostalgic appeal. Prices vary by region and condition, so it pays to shop around. 💎

On the U.S. market side, TCGPlayer’s data (as of October 2025) places normal non-holo copies with a low around 0.05 USD, a mid around 0.24 USD, and a high near 1.49 USD depending on condition and listing. Market price sits around 0.22 USD, illustrating steady, modest demand for this character and set. In other words, you’re often paying for the art and the memory as much as you’re paying for raw gameplay value. For dedicated Meowth fans and Team Up collectors, the holo and reverse-holo forms can be the gateways to a more memorable display piece, especially when paired with other Team Up favorites. ⚡💎

Whether you’re chasing a complete Team Up collection or building a playful, nostalgia-infused deck, this Meowth card offers a thoughtful blend of approachable gameplay and storytelling art. It’s a reminder that the Pokémon TCG doesn’t just simulate battles—it recreates the wonder of those late-night game sessions and the joy of discovering the first wild Meowth in a familiar route. If you’re drawn to the intersection of strategy, history, and artistry, this particular Meowth stands as a small-but-significant tribute to the classic game worlds we love to revisit. 🕹️🎴

To celebrate the blend of art and gameplay, consider a tangible companion that echoes the neon, retro vibe of the Meowth artwork. The Neon Desk Mouse Pad—Customizable One-Sided Print 0.12in Thick is a perfect desk-side homage itself, marrying modern utility with a splash of arcade-inspired aesthetics. For those who want a desk space that feels like a crossover between a favorite retro scene and a bright modern setup, this product is an ideal fit to pair with your Meowth collection. Explore more about the Neon Desk Mouse Pad here: Neon Desk Mouse Pad. ⚡