First Edition Machoke (Base Set)
Machoke was a foundational piece of the “Fighting” archetype in 1999. In the Base Set, Machoke occupied the crucial middle ground between the common Machop and the holofoil Machamp. This card was frequently seen in competitive play. Its high damage output made it a threat long before it ever evolved into its final form. Ken Sugimori’s artwork captures Machoke in a classic flexing pose that highlights the raw power of the “Superpower Pokémon.”
For collectors, a 1st Edition Shadowless Machoke is a key Uncommon card. It is often harder to find in Gem Mint condition than the holographic Machamp. This is because every Starter Deck included a 1st Edition Machamp, but Machoke had to be pulled from limited 1st Edition booster packs.
What Is Machoke?
Card Name: Machoke
Set: Base Set (1st Edition)
Rarity: Uncommon
Card Type: Fighting
Artist: Ken Sugimori
Gameplay Highlights:
- Karate Chop: For three Fighting energy, Machoke dealt 50 damage. This attack became weaker as Machoke took damage. It dealt 10 less damage for each damage counter on Machoke.
- Submission: This was Machoke’s finishing move. For four energy, it dealt a massive 60 damage. The drawback was that Machoke took 20 recoil damage.
- 80 HP Body: With 80 HP, Machoke could survive a hit from most other Stage 1 Pokémon of the era.
- Heavy Retreat: Like its evolution, Machoke had a high retreat cost of three energy. This meant players usually committed to the fight once Machoke was active.
Historical Context and Collector Appeal
Machoke was a staple in early “Haymaker” variants that used Fighting energy. It provided a significant damage boost over Machop while building up toward the final Machamp evolution. Because it was an Uncommon, it did not have the guaranteed pull rate of the starter deck Machamp.
Collectors value this version because:
- The 1st Edition Stamp: This mark proves the card originated from the very first English print run.
- Shadowless Layout: The absence of the drop shadow and the thinner font style are hallmarks of the true 1st Edition run.
- Population Scarcity: While Machamp is the most common 1st Edition holo, Machoke is significantly rarer. Many were lost to heavy play or discarded by children looking for holos.
- Set Completion: No 1st Edition Base Set is complete without this specific #34/102 Uncommon.
Current Market Data
The value of 1st Edition Machoke has climbed as collectors realize the difficulty of finding clean copies.
Typical Price Ranges:
- Excellent to Near Mint (Ungraded): $40 to $85
- PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint): $110 to $165
- PSA 9 (Mint): $225 to $350
- PSA 10 (Gem Mint): $950 to $1,400+
Condition Sensitivity
Machoke suffered from being a “bridge” card. It was used in battle and often handled roughly.
Strengths:
- Bold Colors: The brown and tan tones of the Fighting-type card hide some light surface wear better than the blue or green cards.
- Strong Centering: Compared to the Starters, Machoke often had more consistent centering during the 1st Edition print run.
Common Issues:
- Back Corner Whitening: This is the most common flaw. The blue back of the card shows every tiny nick.
- Surface Scratches: Non-holo cards can still have deep surface scratches from being shuffled without protection.
- Ink Quality: Some 1st Edition prints have “faded” stamps or slight ink splatter in the yellow borders.
Why Machoke Endures
- The Evolution Link: You cannot get to the “King of Fighting” without him.
- Nostalgia: Machoke represents the grit and power of the original 151.
- Collector Rarity: It is a prime example of an “Uncommon” card that is harder to grade than its “Rare” evolution.
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