Pokemon TCG Series & Eras

Explore every era of the Pokemon Trading Card Game, from the original 1999 Base Set to the latest Scarlet & Violet expansions. Each series brought new mechanics, Pokemon, and collecting opportunities. Click on any series to see all its sets with card lists and prices.

Scarlet & Violet

2023-Present

The Scarlet & Violet era introduced the Paldea region to the Pokemon TCG, featuring new ex Pokemon (lowercase), Tera Pokemon, and a refined rarity system with Illustration Rare and Special Illustratio...

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Key features: Illustration Rare cards, Special Illustration Rare cards, Tera ex Pokemon, ACE SPEC Trainer cards

Sword & Shield

2020-2023

The Sword & Shield era brought Pokemon V, VMAX, and VSTAR mechanics to the TCG. Featuring Pokemon from the Galar region, this series included massive Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon cards with high HP ...

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Key features: Pokemon V, VMAX, VSTAR, Alternate Art cards, Trainer Gallery, Shiny Vault

Sun & Moon

2017-2020

Sun & Moon brought Pokemon-GX and Tag Team GX cards to the TCG, featuring Pokemon from the Alola region. This era introduced powerful GX attacks that could only be used once per game, adding strategic...

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Key features: Pokemon-GX, Tag Team GX, Prism Star cards, Amazing Rare cards, Ultra Beasts

XY

2014-2017

The XY era introduced Mega Evolution Pokemon-EX and BREAK Evolution cards. Set in the Kalos region, this series featured Fairy type for the first time and brought stunning full-art cards. Evolutions, ...

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Key features: Mega Evolution EX, BREAK Evolution, Fairy type debut, Full Art cards, Generations set

Black & White

2011-2014

Black & White introduced Pokemon-EX (uppercase) as powerful Basic Pokemon with higher HP. The Unova region brought a fresh start with entirely new Pokemon. Full Art cards debuted in this era, becoming...

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Key features: Pokemon-EX, Full Art cards, Ace Spec cards, Dragon type debut, Secret Rare Full Arts

HeartGold & SoulSilver

2010-2011

HeartGold & SoulSilver brought Prime Pokemon and LEGEND cards to the TCG. Prime cards featured unique textured holofoil, while LEGEND cards combined two halves to form stunning artwork of Legendary Po...

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Key features: Prime Pokemon, LEGEND cards (two-card combos), Shiny Pokemon, Call of Legends

Diamond & Pearl

2007-2010

Diamond & Pearl introduced Pokemon LV.X (Level X) cards and the Sinnoh region to the TCG. This era featured popular Pokemon like Garchomp, Lucario, and Darkrai. The series included innovative gameplay...

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Key features: Pokemon LV.X, Sinnoh Pokemon, Platinum sub-series, Arceus set

EX Series

2003-2007

The original EX era introduced Pokemon-ex (lowercase) from the Hoenn region. These powerful cards gave up two Prize cards when knocked out but featured devastating attacks. This era also introduced De...

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Key features: Pokemon-ex, Gold Star cards, Delta Species, Shining Pokemon, POP Series promos

e-Card Series

2002-2003

The e-Card series (Expedition, Aquapolis, Skyridge) bridged the gap between the WOTC era and the EX series. These sets featured dot-code technology readable by the e-Reader device and contained some o...

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Key features: e-Reader dot codes, Crystal type cards, Skyridge (one of the rarest sets), Expedition Base Set

Neo Series

2000-2002

The Neo series introduced Generation II (Johto) Pokemon to the TCG. These four sets (Genesis, Discovery, Revelation, Destiny) featured popular Pokemon like Lugia, Tyranitar, and the Shining Pokemon. N...

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Key features: Johto Pokemon debut, Shining Pokemon, 1st Edition prints, Light and Dark Pokemon

Base Set Series

1999-2000

The original Pokemon TCG sets that started it all. Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, and Team Rocket introduced the world to Pokemon card collecting. These vintage sets contain the most iconic and valuable Po...

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Key features: 1st Edition Base Set, Shadowless prints, original holographic cards, Team Rocket dark Pokemon

Gym Series

2000

Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge featured Pokemon owned by specific Gym Leaders from the Kanto region. These sets introduced owner-specific Pokemon like "Blaine's Charizard" and "Misty's Gyarados", creati...

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Key features: Gym Leader Pokemon, owner-specific cards, 1st Edition prints, Trainer holos

The History of the Pokemon Trading Card Game

The Pokemon Trading Card Game launched in Japan in 1996 and arrived in North America in January 1999. Over more than 25 years, the TCG has grown to include thousands of unique cards across hundreds of sets. Each era introduced new gameplay mechanics and card types that kept the game fresh for both players and collectors.

Vintage Era (1999-2003)

The Base Set series, Gym series, Neo series, and e-Card series form the vintage era of the Pokemon TCG. These sets, produced under license by Wizards of the Coast, contain some of the most valuable Pokemon cards in existence. 1st Edition and Shadowless Base Set cards, Shining Pokemon from Neo Destiny, and Crystal type cards from Skyridge are among the most prized collectibles. Browse our most valuable Pokemon cards to see current prices.

Modern Era (2003-Present)

Since The Pokemon Company took over production in 2003, the TCG has evolved through the EX, Diamond & Pearl, HeartGold & SoulSilver, Black & White, XY, Sun & Moon, Sword & Shield, and Scarlet & Violet eras. Each introduced signature card types like Pokemon-EX, LV.X, GX, V/VMAX/VSTAR, and the modern ex cards.

Explore More

Besides browsing by series, you can explore cards by Pokemon name, energy type, rarity, or individual set. Trace Pokemon through their evolution lines, browse by card illustrator, or check the release calendar for upcoming sets. Use our free card scanner to instantly check any card's value, read our price guide or grading guide, and look up terms in the TCG glossary. Check how much your cards are worth and find the most valuable Pokemon cards.