Diggersby Alternate Art vs Full Art: Which Should You Collect?

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Diggersby card art from Fusion Strike set

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Alternate Art vs Full Art for Diggersby: A Collector’s Dilemma

In the vibrant world of Pokémon TCG, variant artwork isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s a storytelling choice for collectors and a subtle strategic factor for players. The Fusion Strike card Diggersby (swsh8-215), illustrated by MAHOU, gives us a perfect case study. With 140 HP and a Stage 1 evolution path from Bunnelby, this colorless powerhouse offers two thunderbolt-like threats in its attacks: Hammer In for 80 damage and Take Down for 150 damage at the cost of four Colorless energies, with a self-inflicted 30 damage. It’s a card that sits in Expanded formats, not Standard, making its artistic variants all the more compelling for players who like to balance playability with collectibility.

Let’s ground our discussion in the card’s core facts before branching into the art debate. Diggersby is a Colorless-type Stage 1 Pokémon with 140 HP, evolving from Bunnelby. It hails from the Fusion Strike set (swsh8), and its illustration is attributed to MAHOU. It carries the rarity label Uncommon, and in terms of format eligibility, it’s legal in Expanded but not Standard. The card’s lore-friendly description—“The fur on its belly retains heat exceptionally well. People used to make heavy winter clothing from fur shed by this Pokémon.”—adds a touch of whimsy to its battlefield presence. Its two big-ticket attacks demand a careful energy plan: Hammer In (3 Colorless) hits steadily, while Take Down (4 Colorless) delivers a sweeping knockout at the cost of some self-harm, a classic risk-reward play that can swing momentum when timed correctly. ⚡🔥

  • Set: Fusion Strike (swsh8)
  • Rarity: Uncommon
  • Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Bunnelby)
  • HP: 140
  • Type: Colorless
  • Attacks: Hammer In (80) — 3 Colorless; Take Down (150) — 4 Colorless, self-damage 30
  • Illustrator: MAHOU
  • Regulation: Expanded legal, Standard not legal
“The fur on its belly retains heat exceptionally well. People used to make heavy winter clothing from fur shed by this Pokémon.”

When it comes to Alternate Art (AA) and Full Art (FA) variants, the difference isn’t just aesthetic—it often signals a collecting tier jump. Alternate art prints typically present a reimagined scene or composition within the same card name and set, offering a fresh perspective on the Pokémon in a single, collectible card. Full art versions, by contrast, push the artwork to the card’s edges, sometimes giving fans a cinematic, poster-like feel. For Diggersby, a card that’s already an uncommon staple in Fusion Strike, an AA or FA print would usually serve two audiences at once: players who want a standout display piece and collectors chasing a rare variant with a unique visual voice. The exact availability of AA or FA prints for this particular card can depend on reprint cycles and distribution windows, but the trend across the hobby remains clear: more artistic prints equal higher collector interest and, typically, higher resale value. 🎨🎴

From a gameplay perspective, the value of collecting variants often sits alongside the card’s playability. Diggersby’s 140 HP and Colorless energy cost flexibility make it a mid-range contender in an Expanded deck. Hammer In offers reliable damage output without exhausting resources, while Take Down’s hefty 150 damage can threaten even well-built defenses—yet the 30 self-damage demands careful sequencing and support. A variant print doesn’t change these numbers, but it can influence how you display or store the card, which in turn affects how you present a deck to opponents or showcase it in your binders. For display-focused players, FA or AA prints can transform a single card into a centerpiece, while casual players may value the base art for its clean, classic look. ⚡🎮

Market signals around Diggersby’s base print show that even a modestly valued Uncommon can be a smart, affordable entry into Expanded formats. Cardmarket data as of late 2025 shows an average around 0.07 EUR for non-holo copies, with holo variants trending higher (roughly 0.19 EUR on average). TCGPlayer’s recent window places normal copies in the very approachable range of 0.01–0.10 USD, with reverse holo copies peaking around 0.18–2.00 USD depending on condition and print run. That suggests a relatively accessible baseline for collectors who want to dip their toes into Fusion Strike without a big outlay. If an AA or FA print lands, expect a premium influenced by rarity, demand, and the particular artist’s appeal, rather than simply the card’s battlefield power. 💎

So, which route should you take? Consider your goals and budget. If you’re building a competitive Expanded deck around Diggersby, the base art or standard holo may deliver the best mix of value and playability. If your heart leans toward the art side of the hobby, chasing an Alternate Art or Full Art version could turn into a long-term investment and a stunning display piece for your collection. Regardless of the path, it helps to stay informed about release timelines, reprint windows, and market trends so your choices align with both your heart and your wallet. And if you’re pairing Pokémon passion with practical keepsakes, don’t miss the chance to complement your setup with a sleek, protective Slim Lexan Phone Case—glossy, ultra-thin, and a stylish nod to your favorite cards. The product below is a perfect companion for fans who carry their collection everywhere. ⚡🔥

Slim Lexan Phone Case (Glossy, Ultra-Thin)

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