If you've been cracking open packs of the Scarlet & Violet base set, pulling the banette 229/198 is one of those moments that really stops you in your tracks. It's not just another shiny card to toss into a bulk pile; it's a genuine piece of art that captures exactly why so many of us fell in love with Pokémon in the first place. This specific card is an Illustration Rare, and honestly, it's one of the most atmospheric pulls you can find from the early SV era.
There's something about the way the light hits the texture on this card that makes it feel special. While everyone was chasing the big Miraidon or Gardevoir ex cards back when the set launched, collectors who appreciate the "creepy-cute" aesthetic were quietly hunting down this Banette. It's got a vibe that's hard to replicate, blending a bit of sadness with a lot of personality.
The Art and Atmosphere of Miki Kudo
The first thing you notice about banette 229/198 is the sheer amount of detail packed into that tiny frame. The illustration is by Miki Kudo, and if you're familiar with their work, you know they have a knack for creating scenes that feel "lived-in."
In this artwork, Banette isn't just standing in a field or a generic battle arena. Instead, it's tucked away in what looks like a cluttered attic or a very busy hobby room. You see sewing supplies, buttons, old toys, and fabrics scattered everywhere. It fits the lore of Banette perfectly. For those who might have forgotten, Banette is literally a discarded plush doll that came to life through a powerful grudge. Seeing it surrounded by sewing tools—perhaps searching for the child who threw it away or just trying to keep itself together—adds a layer of storytelling that a standard V or ex card usually lacks.
The color palette is also top-notch. It uses these deep, moody purples and muted shadows that make the yellow "zipper" mouth of Banette really pop. It's a dark card, but it doesn't feel gloomy; it feels cozy in a strange, ghostly way. It's the kind of card you want to look at under a magnifying glass just to see all the little Easter eggs hidden in the background.
Why Illustration Rares Changed the Game
When Scarlet & Violet dropped, it brought a major shift to the TCG with the introduction of the silver borders. For the longest time, we were used to those bright yellow borders in the West, but the banette 229/198 was part of the first wave to adopt the sleek, uniform look used in Japan.
The Illustration Rare (IR) category, which this card belongs to, really highlights how much the Pokémon Company is leaning into the "art collector" side of the hobby. These aren't necessarily the rarest cards in terms of pull rates compared to Special Illustration Rares (SIRs), but they're often more beloved because the art is allowed to take center stage. There's no giant "HP" or "Attack" text blocking the view—it's full-bleed artwork that tells a story.
For a lot of us, these IRs are the sweet spot. They're usually affordable, they look incredible in a binder, and they give "forgotten" Pokémon like Banette a chance to shine alongside the heavy hitters like Charizard or Lugia.
Playing the Card: More Than Just a Pretty Face?
While most people hunt for banette 229/198 for its looks, it's worth noting that it's actually a playable stage 1. It evolves from Shuppet, and while it might not be the cornerstone of a world-championship-winning deck, it has some niche utility that makes it fun for kitchen-table games or local leagues.
Its main attack, Poltergeist, is a classic Banette move. It does damage based on how many Trainer cards are in your opponent's hand. In a meta where players love to draw their entire deck and hold onto resources, Poltergeist can actually hit surprisingly hard. It's a bit of a "luck of the draw" mechanic, but that's what makes playing ghostly decks so much fun. You're essentially punishing your opponent for being prepared.
Even if you aren't a competitive player, it's always nice when a beautiful card actually does something useful. There's nothing worse than having a favorite art piece that is literally unplayable. Banette sits in that comfortable middle ground where it can catch an opponent off guard if they aren't careful.
Collecting and Market Value
Let's talk about the side of the hobby everyone eventually thinks about: the value. The banette 229/198 is what I'd call a "stable" card. Because it was part of the base Scarlet & Violet set, there's a decent amount of it out there, which keeps the price accessible. You aren't going to have to trade your car to get a copy of this card.
However, "accessible" doesn't mean "unwanted." Because the art is so high-quality, it has stayed a fan favorite. If you're looking for a "clean" copy to get graded, you'll find that the silver borders are actually quite forgiving when it comes to minor whitening, but centering can still be a bit of a coin flip with the early SV print runs.
A PSA 10 copy of this card looks absolutely stunning. The red PSA label actually contrasts nicely with the purples and greys of the card art. Whether you're buying it raw for five bucks or looking for a graded version, it's a solid addition to any Ghost-type collection. It's one of those cards that people will likely look back on in five or ten years and say, "Man, the art in that set was really underrated."
The Nostalgia Factor
For those of us who grew up with the Ruby and Sapphire games, Banette has always been one of those "cool" Pokémon. It had that edgy, slightly creepy vibe that appealed to everyone who liked the darker side of the Pokédex. Seeing it get the "prestige" treatment with banette 229/198 feels like a win for Gen 3 fans.
The TCG goes through phases where it focuses heavily on certain generations, and Scarlet & Violet has done a pretty good job of balancing the new Paldean mons with old favorites. This Banette feels like a bridge between those eras. It's a classic monster presented in a modern, artistic style that fits right in with the new aesthetic of the game.
Final Thoughts on the Hidden Gem
At the end of the day, the banette 229/198 represents what makes the modern era of Pokémon cards so exciting. We've moved past the point where the only "cool" cards are the ones with the highest damage numbers or the most gold foil. We're in an era where the vibe of the card matters just as much as its rarity.
This card tells a story of a lonely little ghost in a room full of memories. It's tactile, it's beautiful, and it's a reminder that even the most "common" pulls can be masterpieces in their own right. If you don't have one in your collection yet, I'd highly recommend picking one up. It's one of those cards that looks even better in person than it does in photos, and it'll definitely be a highlight of your Scarlet & Violet binder pages.
Whether you're a hardcore collector, a casual player, or just someone who likes cool art, there's no denying that this Banette is a standout. It's spooky, it's stylish, and it's a perfect example of why we keep coming back to these shiny pieces of cardboard year after year. Don't let this one stay hidden in the shadows—it deserves a spot in the front of your binder.