Set Overview
EX Team Rocket Returns was the seventh EX Series set, released in November 2004. It revived the Team Rocket theme, with the villains’ own ‘Rocket’s’ Pokémon-ex, and introduced Gold Star Pokémon — ultra-rare cards with a shiny alternate-colour finish, starting with the three Hoenn starters.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 2004 (English) |
| Publisher | Nintendo / The Pokémon Company |
| Total Cards | 111 cards (109 numbered + 2 secret rares) |
| Pokémon-ex | 11 Rocket’s Pokémon-ex (cards 96–106) |
| Gold Star | Mudkip, Torchic & Treecko (107–109) |
| Key Chase Card | Gold Star Pokémon (107–109) · Rocket’s Mewtwo ex 99/109 |
About the Set
The set brought back Team Rocket as the antagonists: eleven of its cards are ‘Rocket’s’ Pokémon-ex — Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, Rocket’s Zapdos ex and more — versions of familiar Pokémon in the villains’ hands. Its biggest innovation was the Gold Star Pokémon: three ultra-rare cards (Mudkip, Torchic and Treecko) with a shiny alternate-colour treatment and a gold star by the name. Two secret rares — a Charmeleon and the ‘Here Comes Team Rocket!’ Trainer — sit beyond the numbered set.
How to identify it: cards read N/109. Gold Star Pokémon carry a gold ★ next to the name and use shiny alternate colours; they are cards 107–109. The two secret rares are numbered 110/109 and 111/109, above the set total, and Rocket’s Pokémon-ex have the silver ex border.
Pokémon-ex, Gold Star & Secret Rares
EX Team Rocket Returns had a single Unlimited print run. Three tiers of chase card sit above the commons and uncommons.
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Rocket’s Pokémon-ex (96–106) | Eleven silver-bordered ex cards — the villains’ Pokémon, worth two prizes when knocked out. |
| Gold Star (107–109) | Ultra-rare shiny alternate-colour Pokémon — the new chase rarity, debuting in this set. |
| Secret rares (110–111) | A Charmeleon and the “Here Comes Team Rocket!” Trainer, numbered past the total. |
Note: the gallery below covers all 111 cards. Gold Star cards read 107/109–109/109; the secret rares read 110/109 and 111/109.
Complete Card Gallery
All 111 cards from EX Team Rocket Returns, including the eleven Rocket’s Pokémon-ex, the three Gold Star Pokémon and the two secret rares. Click any card to view it full size — use the arrow keys (or swipe) to move through the set.
Key Cards
The three Gold Star Pokémon and Rocket’s Mewtwo ex lead the set.
| Card | Name | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
 |
Rocket's Mewtwo ex 99/109 Pokémon-ex | The marquee Rocket’s ex — a dark Mewtwo and a top chase from the set. |
 |
Torchic ★ 108/109 Gold Star | One of the three debut Gold Star Pokémon, with a shiny alternate-colour finish. |
 |
Treecko ★ 109/109 Gold Star | A Gold Star starter closing the numbered set at 109/109. |
 |
Rocket's Zapdos ex 106/109 Pokémon-ex | A legendary bird ex in Team Rocket’s colours. |
Promo Cards
The Nintendo Black Star Promos from this era featured the Hoenn cover legendaries Kyogre and Groudon as Pokémon-ex, alongside Mew.
Nintendo Black Star Promos use their own numbering (#1 onward) and carry a black star where a set symbol would be.
Collecting & Where to Buy
EX Team Rocket Returns is out of print and trades on the secondary market. Rocket’s singles are inexpensive, while the eleven Pokémon-ex and the three Gold Star Pokémon — the rarest cards in the set — carry the strongest premiums.
Collector tip: the Gold Star Pokémon (107–109) are the rarest pulls — look for the gold ★ by the name and the shiny colouring, and check the holo for wear.
Note: external links are provided for reference only. Always confirm a card's printing, condition and authenticity before purchasing.