Ultra Ball

The Ultra Ball card 122/116 was released as part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion Plasma Freeze, which debuted in 2013. This set focused on the narrative of Team Plasma, a villainous organization in the Pokémon series, and introduced the 'Team Plasma' card mechanic identified by the distinct metallic blue borders on the card frames. As a Secret Rare, this card served as a high-end chase item for players and collectors, representing a shift toward incorporating aesthetic 'gold' foil treatments for popular utility items.

The design of this specific card features the iconic Ultra Ball—a staple item in the Pokémon video games used for capturing wild creatures—rendered in a shimmering, etched gold foil finish. By giving a fundamental gameplay item this premium, textured appearance, the Pokémon Company intended to reward high-level competitive players who relied on the Ultra Ball for its crucial ability to search the deck for any Pokémon. Upon its release, it was highly sought after for its functionality in the 'Plasma' deck archetypes that defined the 2013 competitive meta.

The artwork follows the standard industrial aesthetic of the Team Plasma cards, blending a futuristic, sleek look with the classic ball design. Its reception was marked by enthusiasm from the community, as it bridged the gap between competitive necessity and the desire for visually striking, rare collectibles. It remains a hallmark of the Black & White era of the card game, recognized for its status as one of the earliest examples of the gold-etched Secret Rare style that would become a standard for later expansions.