Tepig Card Layouts: Japanese vs English in Pokémon TCG

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Tepig card art from White Flare SV10.5W

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Japanese vs English Tepig: Card Layouts in Pokémon TCG

There’s something endlessly charming about how the same Pokémon card can carry two distinct personalities simply by swapping languages. Tepig, a basic Fire-type from the White Flare set (SV10.5W), is a perfect case study. The English printing presents the creature as Tepig with the familiar Tackle and Rollout attacks, while the Japanese edition brings Pokabu (ポカブ) to life with its own typographic rhythm and layout nuances. Both printings share the core mechanics—70 HP, two Fire-energy attacks, and the same role on a player's bench—but the presentation matters when you’re building a collection, assessing market value, or planning a tournament deck. ⚡🔥

A quick tour of Tepig’s card data

  • Name and language: English prints Tepig; Japanese prints Pokabu (ポカブ). This matters for cataloging and for collectors who chase language-specific variants.
  • Type and HP: Fire-type with 70 HP remains consistent across languages, and the language doesn’t alter the core combat value in-game.
  • Rarity: Illustrated as an Illustration Rare in this White Flare variant, a distinction that signals foil treatment and unique art in the set.
  • Set and card number: SV10.5W, White Flare—part of a modern print run with its own holo pattern and border styling.
  • Stage and attacks: Basic stage with two attacks: Tackle (cost Fire; 10 damage) and Rollout (cost Fire+Fire; 30 damage). The layout emphasizes the energy costs with fire icons and the attack names in a language-appropriate font.
  • Retreat and regulation: Retreat cost of 1 and Regulation Mark I place Tepig within standard- and expanded-legal play windows, a small but meaningful inclusion for tournament planning.
  • Pricing snapshot: According to CardMarket data updated around 2025-10-15, non-holo Tepig averages about 0.03 EUR (low around 0.02 EUR), while holo variants hover around 0.11 EUR on average. The holo trend shows occasional bumps, reflecting collector interest in foil art combined with a popular flame starter. This makes Tepig a very approachable entry point for both casual collecting and budget-minded players.

What changes when you flip the language switch?

Language changes aren’t just about the names. They ripple through the card’s visual rhythm and how information flows at a glance. In the Japanese print, the name Pokabu sits prominently, and the text box typically follows a layout that native readers expect, with kanji/kana in the flavor text and ability descriptions. The English version foregrounds Tepig in Latin letters and presents attack names like Tackle and Rollout in English. Beyond the text, the borders, set symbol, and rarity stamp maintain the same game mechanics, so a Tepig from White Flare remains a reliable little engine on the table—whether you’re building a nostalgia-focused display or testing a fire-themed deck strategy. The visual contrast can be a joy for display collectors who love switching between language variants or who curate a bilingual collection page. 🎨

“Language variants aren’t just about translation; they’re about storytelling in your binder. A Tepig layout in Japanese invites a different reading flow, while the English print keeps the core hunger of the card front and center.”

Gameplay strategy: using Tepig across layouts

Even though Tepig’s two attacks are straightforward, understanding how to maximize them helps both new players and seasoned strategists. Tepig’s HP of 70 gives it staying power on early turns, and its retreat cost of 1 keeps you from over-investing in retreat when you’re planning a roll-out finish. In practice, you’ll likely use Tackle on early turns to chip away at an opponent’s smaller threats or to pick up a quick 10 damage while you set up your bench. When you’re ready to push for a larger swing, Rollout—costing two Fire energies for 30 damage—becomes a reliable finisher against smaller single-prize threats or as a bridge to a Pignite or Emboar line in the same Fire family. The dual-attack kit is a neat microcosm of how Tepig participates in a broader Fire-type strategy: early pressure, mid-game escalation, and value in energy-efficient plays. 🔥

From a collector’s angle, the illustration-rare variant and the White Flare holo style amplify its shelf appeal. If you’re assembling a set, you might weigh the ubiquity of the English Tepig against the relative scarcity and striking foil of the holo Japanese or bilingual printings—especially because the holo-variant price tends to follow a distinct curve, as captured in the CardMarket data. It’s a quiet reminder that “value” in Pokémon TCG isn’t just about damage numbers; it’s about art, language, and how a card looks when it finally lands in your binder. 💎

Market insights: value trends for Tepig (SV10.5W)

For players considering a purchase or a trade, Tepig’s market profile is approachable. The non-holo card sits at a modest average around 0.03 EUR with a low near 0.02 EUR, signaling an easy entry point for new collectors. The holo version, on the other hand, averages around 0.11 EUR, reflecting its heightened desirability among foil enthusiasts. These figures come with timely updates (CardMarket updated 2025-10-15; holo trends show modest upticks depending on the printing and market demand). Whether you’re chasing a pristine illustration-rare in English or a holo Pokabu from the Japanese suite, Tepig remains a cost-conscious corner of a Fire-type collection. 🔥💎

When you’re pairing Tepig with other cards for gameplay, consider the broader White Flare lineup and where Tepig sits within the sv10.5w family. As a basic Fire-type with two compact attacks, Tepig is a fuel-efficient starter for a deck that aims to accelerate energy placements and test-out early aggression. Its regulation mark I keeps it legal in many formats, which is great for players who want to practice deck-building without worrying about frequent rotation shifts. And for fans who treasure the art, the Illustration Rare tag makes Tepig a favorite pick for a display binder that blends gameplay with storytelling. ⚡🎴

To protect your collecting adventures as you chase language variants and holo foils, consider pairing your Tepig-focused efforts with gear that fits your collection’s vibe. For example, the Slim Lexan Phone Case—Glossy Ultra-Thin for iPhone 16 offers a sleek, protective way to carry your collector’s mindset into everyday life. It’s a stylish companion for any Pokémon fan who loves showcasing their card passion while staying on the move. Slim Lexan Phone Case - Glossy Ultra-Thin for iPhone 16

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