You’ve seen the pull rates. You’ve probably scrolled through the Discord channels where people are losing their minds over centered borders and surface scratches. Honestly, the Walking Wake ex 205 162 isn't just another card in the Pokémon TCG; it’s a weird, beautiful collision of prehistoric vibes and high-art aesthetic that basically redefined what a "chase card" looked like when Temporal Forces dropped in early 2024.
It’s a Paradox Pokémon. It’s a Special Illustration Rare (SIR). It’s a Suicune from a fever dream.
If you’re hunting for this specific card, you aren't just looking for a game piece. You’re looking for a masterpiece. Collectors are weirdly obsessed with the artwork by Teeziro, and for good reason—the colors are absolutely chaotic in the best way possible.
The Art Behind Walking Wake ex 205 162
Let’s talk about that art.
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Walking Wake ex 205 162 features this prehistoric version of Suicune standing amidst a kaleidoscopic jungle. Most Pokémon cards try to be legible. This one tries to be an experience. Teeziro, the artist, used a palette that feels almost neon, contrasting the ancient, reptilian nature of Walking Wake with a background that looks like it belongs in a modern art museum.
You’ve got these jagged, crystalline structures and water that doesn't really look like water—it looks like liquid sapphire.
It’s different.
Unlike the Iron Leaves ex counterpart, which feels very "future-tech" and sterile, Walking Wake ex 205 162 feels alive. It’s primal. It captures that specific "Paradox" feeling—the sense that something from millions of years ago shouldn't be here, yet it’s more vibrant than anything in the present. If you look closely at the texture—the actual physical etching on the card—you can see how it follows the flow of the "mane" or the crest, which is something the Pokémon Company has been getting much better at lately.
The texture on an SIR like this isn't just for show. It’s a security feature and an aesthetic choice. If you run your thumb across the surface (carefully, please), you can feel the distinct ridges that separate the character from the background.
Competitive Viability: Is It Actually Good in a Deck?
Okay, let’s get into the weeds of the actual game. Because as much as we love the art, this is still a game piece.
Walking Wake ex is a Water-type Basic Pokémon with 220 HP. That’s standard for a Basic ex these days. But its ability, Azure Wave, is where things get interesting. It allows the Pokémon’s attacks to ignore all effects on the opponent’s Active Pokémon. That means if your opponent is hiding behind a "No damage from ex Pokémon" wall or some other annoying protective layer, Walking Wake just... doesn't care. It walks right through.
Then you have the attack: Cathartic Roar.
For two Water energy and one Colorless, it does 120 damage. That sounds mid. It is mid. However, if the opponent’s Active Pokémon is affected by a Special Condition, it does an extra 120. Now you’re hitting for 240.
240 damage for three energy on a Basic? That’s big.
To make Walking Wake ex 205 162 work in a competitive setting, you usually pair it with something that can inflict status conditions easily. Think Brute Bonnet from the same Temporal Forces set, which uses its Toxic Powder ability to poison both Active Pokémon as long as it has an Ancient Booster Energy Capsule attached. Suddenly, your Walking Wake is swinging for massive numbers.
Is it Tier 1? Probably not. Charizard ex and Regidrago VSTAR have historically kept the meta in a stranglehold, but in a localized tournament or a "rogue deck" scenario, Walking Wake can absolutely catch people off guard. It’s fast. It’s aggressive.
The Grading Nightmare: Centering and Print Lines
If you’re a collector, you know the pain.
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Walking Wake ex 205 162 is notorious for centering issues. I’ve seen dozens of these come out of packs with a "heavy bottom"—meaning the yellow/silver border at the bottom is noticeably thicker than the top. For a card to get a PSA 10 or a BGS Black Label, it has to be perfect.
Because the colors are so saturated, print lines show up like a sore thumb.
A print line is basically a tiny horizontal or vertical indentation where the printer started a new pass. On a common card, nobody cares. On a $50+ Special Illustration Rare? It’s the difference between a "Gem Mint" and a "Near Mint" that sits in a binder forever.
When you’re buying this card as a single, ask for high-res photos. Look at the back four corners. The blue back of Pokémon cards is notorious for "whitening"—tiny flecks of white where the paper was cut. If you see even a speck of white on those blue edges, you aren't looking at a 10.
Market Value and Why It fluctuates
The price of Walking Wake ex 205 162 has been a bit of a roller coaster.
Initially, during the pre-release hype of Temporal Forces, people were paying insane prices because everyone wanted the "new Suicune." Then, as more packs were opened and the market got flooded, the price dipped. That’s the "pull rate correction."
But here’s the thing: SIRs are hard to find.
Statistics from massive box breaks (like those tracked by TCGPlayer or Danny Phantump) suggest that pulling a specific SIR can take anywhere from 1 in 400 to 1 in 800 packs. You could buy three booster boxes and never see this card. That scarcity creates a "floor" for the price. It’s unlikely to ever become a "bulk" card.
The value is also tied to the popularity of Suicune as a legendary beast. Anything related to the Gen 2 legendaries has a baked-in fan base. People who grew up playing Pokémon Crystal are now adults with disposable income, and they want the shiny new version of their childhood favorite.
How to Spot a Fake Walking Wake ex 205 162
Don't get scammed. It happens way too often on eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
The biggest giveaway for a fake Walking Wake ex 205 162 is the sheen. Real Pokémon cards have a diagonal holographic pattern that interacts with the texture. Fakes often have a "vertical" shine that looks oily or cheap.
If the card feels smooth like a playing card, it’s a fake.
Every single Special Illustration Rare from the Scarlet & Violet era has texture. If you don't see those tiny, concentric circles or fingerprint-like lines on the surface when you hold it up to the light, put your money back in your pocket. Also, check the font. Fake cards almost always get the font weight wrong—the letters will look too thin or slightly "fuzzy."
Final Verdict on the "Water Dinosaur"
Walking Wake ex 205 162 represents a turning point in Pokémon card design. It’s bold. It’s unapologetic. It takes a classic silhouette and turns it into something monstrous and beautiful. Whether you’re a player trying to surprise the meta with a poison-combo deck or a collector trying to complete the Temporal Forces master set, this card is a mandatory inclusion.
It’s not just a piece of cardboard. It’s a snapshot of where the franchise is going—leaner, weirder, and much more artistic.
Actionable Steps for Collectors and Players
- Check the Texture: If buying in person, tilt the card under a bright LED. Ensure the texture follows the artwork's shapes rather than just being a generic grid.
- Invest in "Sling" Protection: Because of the heavy foiling, these cards are prone to "curling" (or "poking") in humid environments. Use a perfect-fit sleeve and a top-loader immediately.
- Watch the Meta: If a new card is released that makes Poison or Burn status conditions easier to apply without a Stage 1 setup, the value of Walking Wake ex as a competitive card will likely spike.
- Compare Centering: Before sending to PSA, use a centering tool or a simple ruler to check the 60/40 ratio on the front. If it’s visually off-center to the naked eye, save your grading fees.
- Monitor Pull Rates: Keep an eye on community-driven pull rate data. If Temporal Forces goes out of print sooner than expected, the supply of 205/162 will dry up fast, likely driving the price toward the $80–$100 range.