Foongus 12/114 Reverse Holo (Steam Siege) – A Fun XY-Era Card for Collectors & Casual Players
The XY – Steam Siege expansion includes many flashy EX cards and powerful attackers, but even its common cards have charm. One of the most underrated is Foongus 12/114 Reverse Holo, a quirky Grass-type that brings a bit of Poké Ball flavor to your binder and to slower, item-focused decks.
This article takes a detailed look at the specific listing titled “Foongus 12/114 Common Steam Siege Pokemon Reverse Holo Near Mint” and explains why this card can appeal to Pokémon TCG collectors, anime fans, and casual players looking for affordable, low-risk additions to their collections.
| Card Name | Foongus |
|---|---|
| Set | XY – Steam Siege |
| Card Number | 12/114 |
| Rarity | Common (Reverse Holo version) |
| Type / Stage | Grass / Basic Pokémon |
| Condition (listing) | Ungraded – described as Near Mint |
The eBay listing images show the typical XY-era layout with the holo pattern in the card’s background while the artwork itself remains non-holographic, as is standard for reverse holo Pokémon TCG singles from this time.
About Foongus in the Pokémon World
Foongus is a small Grass-type Pokémon first introduced in the Generation V games (Pokémon Black and White). It resembles a mushroom whose cap is patterned like a Poké Ball. In the games and lore, Foongus often uses this design to lure in curious Trainers and wild Pokémon before releasing spores.
In terms of typing, Foongus is typically Grass/Poison in the video games, and it evolves into Amoonguss. While the TCG doesn’t always show the Poison type separately (it is usually folded into Grass or Psychic depending on the era), the card maintains that mushroom theme in its artwork, with Foongus sitting in grassy surroundings and the Poké Ball-patterned cap front and center.
From a character perspective, Foongus has a comedic vibe. It looks deceptively cute but is associated with status effects like poison, sleep, or paralysis in many games. That combination of cuteness and mischief is part of what makes cards like Foongus 12/114 Reverse Holo fun to collect and display.
For collectors who like to build pages around specific species, a full nine-pocket binder page of Foongus cards from different sets, languages, and rarities can be surprisingly eye-catching, especially with a few reverse holos sprinkled in.
Foongus in the Pokémon Anime
Foongus has appeared multiple times in the Pokémon anime, especially around the Unova region storylines. In the show, Foongus generally plays a supporting or background role, often appearing in forests, research labs, or as part of nature-themed episodes.
While this specific Steam Siege artwork does not reference a particular anime scene, the card still connects nicely to what anime fans know about Foongus: it lives in grassy environments, looks like a Poké Ball from above, and can sometimes cause trouble with its spores. If you remember episodes where Trainers mistake Foongus or Amoonguss for an item or wild Poké Ball, you’ll immediately understand the joke behind this Pokémon’s design.
For anime-focused collectors, picking up cards like Foongus 12/114 in reverse holo can be a subtle way to represent your favorite regions or recurring background Pokémon in a binder themed around the show.
Because this listing describes the card as Near Mint, it appears to be a solid option for anyone who enjoys clean, display-worthy copies tied to their anime nostalgia—without paying the premium associated with chase rares or full arts.
Card Text & Mechanics: What Does Foongus 12/114 Do?
According to public card databases (such as Serebii and Bulbapedia), Foongus (Steam Siege 12/114) has the following key features:
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Basic
- HP: 40
- Ability – Play Ball: When you play this Pokémon from your hand onto your Bench, you may put up to 3 Poké Ball cards from your discard pile into your hand.
- Attack: It has a simple, low-damage attack (typical of low-HP Basic support Pokémon). Exact damage text should be confirmed on the physical card, but it is not the main reason to play this card.
The standout here is clearly the Play Ball Ability. It gives Foongus a small but interesting niche in decks that rely on Poké Ball item cards for consistency. Being able to recur Poké Balls means you can repeatedly search your deck for Pokémon, effectively giving you extra copies of a basic search card over the course of a game.
Because this listing is for the reverse holo version, you get that functionality with a more collectible, shiny finish across the card’s background and name bar. For many players who like to bling out budget decks without going overboard, reverse holo commons like this hit a nice middle ground between aesthetics and affordability.
In practical terms, Foongus is not designed to be a heavy hitter; it’s a support card that helps your deck stay consistent by getting back low-cost search items you have already used.
Deck Strategy: Is Foongus Steam Siege Playable?
In modern competitive play, most older XY-era commons have been rotated out of the Standard format and only see action in expanded, casual, or custom rule sets. That said, Foongus 12/114 still has some potential uses in:
- Casual decks built for fun, especially Grass or item-heavy lists.
- Theme-style builds where players focus on Poké Balls, catching Pokémon, or lab/research themes.
- Budget expanded decks that want more ways to reuse item-based Pokémon search.
Here are a few ways Foongus’s Play Ball Ability could matter in relaxed play environments:
1. Recycling Poké Balls in Casual Grass Decks
If you enjoy playing a Grass-themed deck that uses Poké Ball and similar item cards to search for your basics and evolutions, Foongus can act as a small engine piece. You can:
- Use Poké Balls early to set up your field.
- Later, bench Foongus to get back up to three of those Poké Balls from the discard pile.
- Continue thinning your deck and pulling out key Pokémon without spending your Supporter card for turn.
This is far from a meta-defining combo, but in a slower casual game, that kind of small recursion can be meaningful and feels very thematic—your mushroom Pokémon is “helping” you find more Pokémon with a Poké Ball-like cap.
2. Bench Fodder for Evolution into Amoonguss
Foongus evolves into Amoonguss in the TCG, and while not all Amoonguss cards are competitively strong, some of them have interesting disruptive or status-based attacks. If you’re building a fun status-spread or control-style deck for friendly play, running a line of Foongus → Amoonguss can be entertaining.
In that context, Foongus’s Ability becomes an added bonus. You’re going to bench it anyway to evolve, so you might as well get some Poké Balls back when you do. Even if the synergy isn’t top-tier, it adds flavor to your deck and reinforces the identity of a Grass/Poison-style strategy.
Because this particular listing offers the card as a reverse holo in Near Mint condition, it’s a good choice if you want your evolution line to look a bit more special without spending much.
And if you like building budget decks entirely out of collectible Pokémon cards from one consistent source, grabbing playsets of commons and uncommons from the same seller can save time on shipping and condition checks.
3. Theme & Cube Formats
Some Pokémon TCG enthusiasts build “cubes” or custom draft environments using older sets. In these formats, Foongus can serve as an interesting role-player:
- It encourages drafters to value Poké Ball and similar items.
- It adds another decision point: do you take the support Pokémon now, or focus on attackers?
- It gives Grass decks a unique identity in the cube by tying them to item recursion.
Because Foongus is common and inexpensive, cube designers can easily include multiple copies so players see it often enough to build around it. A reverse holo copy is also an easy way to mark one version as a “special” or centerpiece piece of that theme.
In summary, Foongus 12/114 is not a powerhouse card, but its Play Ball Ability has enough niche utility to matter in casual formats, especially if you enjoy thematic, item-based gameplay.
Collecting Value: How Desirable Is Foongus 12/114 Reverse Holo?
From a financial perspective, Foongus (Steam Siege) 12/114 Reverse Holo is a low-cost, low-risk card. Public price-checking sites list it as a common reverse holo with modest sale prices, and the general XY – Steam Siege set is known more for its playability and dual-type gimmicks than for ultra-high-value chase cards.
However, for collectors, that can be a positive. Affordable cards like this make it easy to complete pages, build species-themed collections, or upgrade regular commons to reverse holos without breaking the bank. The fact that this listing describes the condition as Near Mint adds another layer of appeal, especially if you prioritize eye-clean copies.
Here are a few specific collecting angles where this card makes sense:
- Reverse Holo Set Completion: If you are trying to build a full reverse holo master set of Steam Siege, you’ll eventually need Foongus 12/114 in reverse holo.
- Foongus/Amoonguss Species Collection: Building pages of nothing but Foongus and Amoonguss cards from different sets, languages, and rarities is a fun niche project.
- XY-Era Grass Binders: Some collectors organize by type and era. In a page of Grass-type XY cards, a shiny Foongus stands out visually.
The listing is marked as Ungraded, so it is not encapsulated by PSA, CGC, or similar grading services. For most collectors, that is perfectly fine for a common reverse holo. If you ever did decide to grade it, you would want to carefully inspect corners, edges, and holo surface for scratches—Near Mint typically means minor signs of handling but no major creases or whitening.
If you prefer sourcing near mint Pokémon cards from a single, specialized seller rather than random lots, it can also be reassuring that this listing is part of a dedicated Pokémon-focused eBay store.
Artwork & Aesthetics: Why the Reverse Holo Matters
XY-era reverse holos have a distinctive look: the background of the card (outside the art box) has a patterned foil effect, while the Pokémon artwork itself is usually non-holo. For Grass types, this often means a green-tinted, reflective surface that catches the light nicely in a binder or top loader.
Foongus’s Poké Ball-themed cap and simple forest background make the art relatively clean. The reverse holo effect brings attention to the card border and type symbols, while Foongus sits in the center as the focal point. In a page of non-holo commons, a single reverse holo Foongus adds just enough shine to draw the eye without overwhelming the rest of the spread.
From an aesthetic perspective, this card works well if you enjoy:
- Subtle holo patterns instead of full-art rainbows.
- Organized, color-coordinated Grass-type pages.
- “Poké Ball” themed cards and items.
Because Steam Siege has a strong mechanical identity (dual types, item synergy, etc.), the visual style of the set also feels cohesive. Adding this Foongus to your XY binder will fit that theme nicely.
Collectors who photograph their binders or share collection updates online often prefer reverse holos like this because they photograph better than very dark full arts; the holo catches just enough light to sparkle without blowing out the entire image.
Condition Notes: What “Near Mint” Usually Means
The product title specifies that the card is Reverse Holo Near Mint, and the eBay item details list the card as Ungraded. In the context of raw (ungraded) Pokémon cards, “Near Mint” generally implies:
- No creases, bends, or major dents.
- Clean front and back surfaces with only very light wear.
- Minor edge or corner whitening at most, often visible only under close inspection.
- Holo surface free of large scratches; very small print lines or micro-scratches may still be present but not obvious.
Since condition standards can vary slightly between sellers, it’s always a good idea to view all provided photos and read the description carefully. This specific listing appears to show the front and back of the card, which helps you get an idea of centering and edge wear before buying.
If you intend to play with the card in a deck, a Near Mint reverse holo is more than good enough once it’s sleeved. For collectors, Near Mint is often the minimum condition they aim for with reverse holo commons, especially when building master sets or display pages.
If you like to consolidate purchases, browsing the seller’s other Pokémon TCG singles can be a simple way to add more cards to your cart and potentially save on shipping while maintaining consistent condition quality across your order.
Who Should Consider Buying This Foongus Card?
While Foongus 12/114 Reverse Holo will not anchor a high-end investment portfolio, it is an excellent fit for several types of Pokémon fans:
1. Casual Players & Kitchen Table Gamers
If you and your friends play the Pokémon TCG in a relaxed environment using expanded or mixed-era rules, budget reverse holo cards are a great way to make decks more visually appealing. Foongus brings light item recursion and a fun theme without any complex rules text.
Because it’s a common from an older set, it’s also an easy card to let younger players borrow or use while they learn the game. The ability is simple: play Foongus to your bench, get back some Poké Balls, and keep searching for your favorite Pokémon.
2. Species & Theme Collectors
If you collect based on specific Pokémon rather than sets, Foongus is a good candidate because it:
- Appears in multiple sets and artworks across the TCG.
- Has a recognizable, meme-worthy design tied to Poké Balls.
- Also connects to Amoonguss, giving you an easy evolutionary theme.
Reverse holo versions like this Steam Siege printing act as highlight pieces among the non-holo versions. If you ever decide to photograph and share your Foongus line online, this is the kind of card that stands out.
3. XY – Steam Siege Set Builders
Steam Siege has become a nostalgic set for many players who started or returned to the game during the XY era. Completing the set in both regular and reverse holo printings can be a satisfying long-term project.
Because Foongus is common, it is not hard to obtain, but finding a clean Near Mint reverse holo copy might still take a bit of hunting if you want all cards in uniform condition. Listings that clearly label condition and show both front and back make this process easier.
If you’re missing only a handful of commons and uncommons, picking them all up from the same seller can be both efficient and cost-effective, especially when you’re already browsing other collectible Pokémon cards from that store.
4. Anime Fans Who Enjoy Niche Characters
Not every anime fan wants only the cover stars like Charizard or Pikachu. Many enjoy building mini-collections around background or side Pokémon that show up throughout multiple episodes. Foongus fits that category well—recognizable yet slightly offbeat.
Owning the Steam Siege reverse holo version of Foongus lets you represent that anime connection in your physical collection, even if the card itself doesn’t depict a specific on-screen moment.
Final Thoughts: A Small but Charming Addition to Any Collection
Foongus 12/114 Reverse Holo from XY – Steam Siege is a reminder that not every fun Pokémon TCG purchase has to be a secret rare or alternate art. Even a common reverse holo can bring together several aspects fans care about:
- A recognizable Pokémon with light anime and game nostalgia.
- A useful, if modest, Ability for casual-item-focused decks.
- A shiny, affordable card that brightens up binder pages.
The specific listing described as “Foongus 12/114 Common Steam Siege Pokemon Reverse Holo Near Mint” appears to offer exactly that: a clean, ungraded, Near Mint reverse holo copy suitable for collectors, cube builders, and casual players alike.
If you’re building a Foongus/Amoonguss page, rounding out a Steam Siege reverse holo set, or simply filling in a Grass-type section of your XY binder, this card is an easy recommendation—especially if you enjoy focusing on the quieter, more thematic side of the hobby rather than chasing only the most expensive hits.
FAQ: Foongus 12/114 Reverse Holo (Steam Siege)
Is Foongus 12/114 Reverse Holo a rare card?
No. Foongus 12/114 from XY – Steam Siege is a common card, and the version discussed here is the reverse holo printing. It is generally easy to find and is considered a low-value, budget-friendly card.
What format can I play this Foongus in?
Foongus 12/114 is from the XY era and has rotated out of the Standard format. It can still be used in Expanded (subject to any current ban lists), as well as in casual, kitchen table, cube, or custom formats where older sets are allowed.
Does the Play Ball Ability make Foongus competitive?
Play Ball is a neat Ability that can recycle Poké Ball item cards, but on its own it does not typically make Foongus a competitively strong card in high-level tournaments. It is more of a fun, thematic utility piece for casual and experimental decks.
Is a Near Mint ungraded copy worth grading?
For most collectors, grading a common reverse holo like Foongus 12/114 is not cost-effective, since grading fees often exceed the card’s market value. Grading might only make sense if you’re assembling a fully graded Steam Siege set for personal enjoyment, not for profit.
What’s the difference between this reverse holo and the regular Foongus 12/114?
The reverse holo version has a holographic foil effect on the card background and borders, while the regular version is completely non-holographic. The game text and mechanics are the same; the difference is purely aesthetic and collectible.
Is this card good for younger or new players?
Yes. Foongus has straightforward text and a simple Ability. It’s a nice inclusion in beginner decks because it introduces concepts like Abilities and item recursion without overwhelming new players with complex rules. In a sleeve, a Near Mint reverse holo also feels “special” without being fragile or expensive.
How should I store this Foongus card?
For everyday play, a standard card sleeve is usually enough. For long-term collecting, consider a penny sleeve plus a top loader or a well-protected binder page. Keeping it away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight will help preserve the holo surface and edges.
Where can I find more Steam Siege singles and similar cards?
Dedicated Pokémon sellers on eBay often stock a wide range of XY-era cards, including Steam Siege commons, uncommons, and holo versions. Browsing a focused store like this Pokémon TCG–oriented eBay shop can make it easier to locate specific set numbers and conditions all in one place.
