Dragon·#82·2003
Balloon Berry is a unique Pokémon Tool card from the Dragon expansion, offering strategic depth by altering retreat costs in the Pokémon TCG. Released in 2003, this common Trainer card stands out for its functional simplicity and distinctive artwork within the early EX Series. Here, visitors will discover the card's mechanics, including its specific effect on Pokémon retreat, its edition history, and the artistic contributions of Keiji Kinebuchi.
Read more ↓Balloon Berry is not a Pokémon itself but rather a Pokémon Tool card, an item that can be attached to a Pokémon to provide a specific benefit. As such, it does not have a Pokédex entry, natural habitat, diet, or evolution line. Pokémon Tool cards were introduced early in the Pokémon TCG's history as a way to add strategic depth to gameplay, allowing players to customize their Pokémon with various effects. These cards often reflect items found within the Pokémon video games that aid trainers or Pokémon in their adventures. The concept of berries, in particular, is deeply ingrained in the Pokémon universe, serving various purposes from healing to stat enhancement. While Balloon Berry itself isn't a direct adaptation of a specific in-game berry, its name suggests a connection to buoyancy or evasion, fitting the theme of a tool. Pokémon Tool cards, including Balloon Berry, play a crucial role in the strategic layer of the TCG, allowing for diverse playstyles and counter-strategies, and are an integral part of many competitive decks across different eras.
Last updated: April 10, 2026
