A Quick Guide to the Different Types of Early Pokémon Cards
Ahhh, the nostalgia. Remember the good old days when the only thing on your mind was catching 'em all? Well, if you're a true Pokémon fan, you know that catching 'em all starts with getting the right cards. But with so many different types of early Pokémon cards, it can be hard to know where to start.
Never fear, for this comprehensive guide to the different types of early Pokémon cards is here! From Base Set to Jungle, from Fossil to Team Rocket, this guide will help you get the most out of your Pokémon card collecting. Let's dive into the wonderful world of Pokémon and learn all about the different types of cards out there!
Wizards of the Coast Era
The first era of Pokémon cards was published by Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) from 1999-2003. These cards are often referred to as the “Wizards of the Coast Era” and are the most collectible cards today. There are a lot of cards to cover in the WOTC era so let's just start with the basics:
The Base Set - This set is the foundation of the collectible Pokémon card game. It includes the original 151 Pokémon, their corresponding energy cards and trainer cards. This set is the most popular and valuable of all the WOTC-era cards and is a must for any serious collector. The Base Set is the very first collection of cards released in the United States and has become highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and the fact that it was the first set of Pokémon cards ever released.
Jungle, Fossil and Team Rocket Expansion Sets - These three sets followed the Base Set, and each introduced new Pokémon, energy cards and trainers. The Jungle set featured a variety of new Pokémon from the Kanto region, while the Fossil set featured Pokémon from the Kanto and Johto regions. The Team Rocket set featured a variety of Dark and Shadow Pokémon.
Neo Series - The Neo Series was released from 2000-2002 and featured cards from the Kanto, Johto and Hoenn regions. This series included the Neo Genesis, Neo Discovery, Neo Revelation, Neo Destiny and Legendary Collection sets.
The WOTC era lasted from 1999-2003 and included several card sets that made it one of the most popular and influential eras of the Pokémon card game.
Pokémon USA, Inc. Era
After the publishing rights for the Pokémon Trading Card Game were acquired by Nintendo in 2003, the game entered a new era of production. This era, sometimes referred to as the Pokémon USA, Inc. era or the Nintendo era lasted from 2003 to the present day.
EX Series - The EX series was the first series of cards released under the new Nintendo-era production. This series, which began in 2003, was notable for its introduction of powerful EX Pokémon cards, which had more HP than regular Pokémon cards.
Diamond and Pearl Series -The Diamond & Pearl series was released in 2007 and was the first series to feature cards from the Sinnoh region. This series also introduced the new SP cards, which had special attacks and abilities.
Black and White Series - The Black & White series was released in 2011 and was the first series to feature cards from the Unova region. This series introduced the new EX cards, which were even more powerful than the regular EX cards.
Conclusion
The Pokémon Trading Card Game has been around for over twenty years and has seen numerous different series of cards released. Each series has brought with it new and exciting cards and mechanics, making the game more interesting and varied. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and the ever-evolving nature of the game ensures that it will remain a favourite for many years to come.
If you're just starting your Pokémon TCG journey, you'll need the perfect place to get all the cards you need to build your collection. Luckily, Gamers Combined is the perfect spot for all your Pokémon TCG needs! We have a wide selection of Pokémon graded cards and booster packs, as well as basketball cards and other collecting supplies. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an experienced player, you'll find something to love in our selection. Take your Pokémon TCG experience to the next level with Gamers Combined!