Doduo Across Games and Cards: A Pokémon TCG Comparison

In TCG ·

Doduo card art from Plasma Storm BW8-99

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Doduo: Two beaks, two chances—how this card reflects the broader world of the Pokémon TCG

Doduo’s presence in the trading card game mirrors a core theme of the Pokémon TCG: simple creatures with a big swing. In the Plasma Storm set, thisBasic Colorless Pokémon carries a modest 60 HP and a single, high-variance attack that rewards players who embrace the gamble of coin flips. The artistry by Kyoko Umemoto captures the stampede-like energy of a two-headed bird, but the real story here is how a seemingly humble card can flip the trajectory of a match when the stars align—or, in this case, when the coins land heads-up a handful of times. ⚡

Across games and cards, Doduo embodies a familiar tension: speed and potential versus durability. In the video games, you’ll often rely on its quickness to outpace opponents, while in the TCG you must weigh the risk of Gatling Peck against the certainty (or rather, the uncertainty) of five coin flips. The Plasma Storm artwork keeps the mood playful and kinetic, with Doduo poised for action against a backdrop that hints at the set’s Team Plasma era. The two heads aren’t just a gimmick here—they’re a narrative device that resonates with players who love predicting outcomes and reading the board state.

Card data at a glance

  • Set: Plasma Storm (bw8) — 135 official cards, 138 total in the collection
  • Rarity: Common
  • Type: Colorless
  • Stage: Basic
  • HP: 60
  • Attack: Gatling Peck — Cost: Colorless, Colorless; Effect: Flip 5 coins. This attack does 10 damage times the number of heads.
  • Weakness: Lightning x2
  • Resistance: Fighting -20
  • Retreat: 1
  • Illustrator: Kyoko Umemoto
  • Variants: Normal, Holo, Reverse
  • Legal formats: Expanded only (Standard not legal)

Gatling Peck is a quintessential example of the era’s flavor: a high-variance move that can snowball a game if the coin gods smile. With the potential to deal up to 50 damage in a single attack (five heads on five flips), Doduo can finish a row of weakened threats or chip away at a stubborn opponent while your heavier hitters set up behind the bench. The flip-based mechanic invites a thoughtful approach to timing. You might hold back energy for a decisive moment, or you may press your luck early to force your opponent into a decision about how aggressively they commit their resources.

“Two beaks, two chances, and a whole lot of tension—that’s the thrill of Doduo’s Gatling Peck.” 🔥

From a collector’s perspective, this card’s journey through Plasma Storm’s print run adds another layer of intrigue. The basic Doduo is plentiful but not ubiquitous, especially in holo and reverse holo variants. The art by Umemoto stands out for fans of the plasma-era aesthetic, a period known for its sharp lines and bold color choices that give even a common card a distinctive presence on the table or in a binder. The card’s rarity, combined with its broad print pool and the “Expanded only” legality, makes it an interesting accent piece for a casual deckbuilder who loves retro-flavor with practical value.

Gameplay strategy and build ideas

Doduo’s shell will often be your first line of engagement in the early turns. Its modest HP means you won’t rely on it for late-game taunts, but Gatling Peck offers an exciting gamble when the board is shaping up. Consider these angles:

  • Because Gatling Peck’s damage scales with coin flips, decks that maximize coin-flip outcomes or that benefit from a flurry of flips (through effects that reflip or manipulate coin results) can turn this card into a surprise leader in the early game.
  • With a retreat cost of 1, Doduo can be a handy “fill space” on the bench while you line up a trio of attackers. Its colorless nature also means it can slot into diverse lineups without needing specific energy types.
  • Doduo evolves into Dodrio, a familiar pairing that players sometimes lean on to apply additional pressure once you’ve weathered the Gatling Peck gamble. Keeping Doduo on the board to threaten two heads in the early game can force your opponent to overcommit resources prematurely.
  • The Lightning weakness means a few common electric-leaning threats in the Expanded format will threaten Doduo more than you’d expect. Pair it with a lightweight protector or icons that reduce the impact of single big blows, and you can sustain a longer initiative.

Art, lore, and the Plasma Storm vibe

Kyoko Umemoto’s illustration captures a playful, kinetic Doduo that still feels purposeful—two heads, keen eyes, and a stance that says, “I’m ready to peck and pivot.” In the broader lore, Doduo is a nimble Normal-type that thrives on speed and direct engagement, and this card translates that ethos into a compact package. Plasma Storm’s aesthetic—sharper lines, cooler tones, and a hint of Team Plasma’s shadowy presence—frames Doduo in a moment of calculated action, bridging the TCG’s mechanical tension with the set’s storytelling arc.

For collectors, the combination of variant options (normal, holo, reverse) and the card’s position in a well-known expansion makes it a meaningful pickup for those chasing specific print runs or aiming to complete a Plasma Storm subset. While the price point remains friendly, the holo and reverse holo versions carry a touch more allure—especially for players who appreciate the foil dynamics that highlight a card’s art and texture in hand.

Market snapshot: value trends and what to expect

Pricing around this Doduo is accessible, reflecting its Common rarity and basic role in many decks. CardMarket shows an average around 0.08 EUR, with holo options sitting higher (roughly 0.24 EUR average), and low-end prices dipping below a couple of euro cents for the most affordable copies. On TCGplayer, the standard (non-holo) versions sit around 0.10–0.25 USD for the low to mid range, with reverse holo copies showing a wider spread up to around 2 USD at the high end, driven by condition and market demand. In practice, Doduo remains a budget-friendly staple for newer players and a charming addition for builders chasing the Plasma Storm era’s distinctive look. Market trends show gradual appreciation for holo copies when collectors target complete set experiences, rather than raw competitive value.

Whether you’re building a nostalgia-focused deck or a modern collection that nods to the franchise’s early storytelling, Doduo’s dual-beak energy—paired withKyoko Umemoto’s characteristic eye for motion—continues to deliver a pleasing blend of playability and charm. The card’s Expanded legality also keeps it relevant in a broad variety of decks that seek affordable nostalgia with an edge of randomness that true TCG fans love. 💎🎴

Where to start or swap

If you’re aiming to shore up a Plasma Storm subset or simply want a colorful reminder of Doduo’s two-headed charm, this card is a fine pick. Its straightforward stats—60 HP, Colorless typing, and Gatling Peck’s coin-flip drama—make it approachable for new players while still offering moments of excitement for veterans who appreciate a risk-reward pocket card.

And if you’re browsing for something a little different for your everyday carry or game-night setup, this product pairing offers a fun pairing of travel-ready protection with a dash of plasma-era nostalgia. Gatling Peck remains a memorable nod to Doduo’s speed and improvisation—an emblem of the Pokémon TCG’s enduring love affair with bold, uncertain moments.

Product for a different kind of tabletop vibe: Rugged Phone Case: Impact Resistant Dual-Layer TPU PC Glossy

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