List of Pokémon Trading Card Game sets facts for kids
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (often called Pokémon TCG) is a super fun collectible card game where players use Pokémon cards to battle each other. It first came out in Japan in 1996. As of April 2022, there were 98 card sets released in English and 91 in Japan, including special sets. Over the years, many different card sets have been released, introducing new Pokémon, special cards, and exciting ways to play! Each set adds to the amazing world of Pokémon cards.
The card sets are usually grouped into two main periods: cards made by Wizards of the Coast and cards made after Nintendo took over the Pokémon franchise.
Contents
- First Generation Sets
- Second Generation Sets
- The Pokémon Company Takes Over
- Third Generation Sets
- Fourth Generation Sets
- Diamond and Pearl Base Set
- Diamond and Pearl – Mysterious Treasures
- Diamond and Pearl – Secret Wonders
- Diamond and Pearl – Great Encounters
- Diamond and Pearl – Majestic Dawn
- Diamond and Pearl – Legends Awakened
- Diamond and Pearl – Stormfront
- Platinum Base Set
- Platinum – Rising Rivals
- Platinum – Supreme Victors
- Platinum – Arceus
- HeartGold & SoulSilver
- HS–Unleashed
- HS–Undaunted
- HS–Triumphant
- Call of Legends
- Fifth Generation Sets
- Sixth Generation Sets
- Seventh Generation Sets
- Eighth Generation Sets
- Ninth Generation Sets
- Prerelease Cards
- Promotional Cards
- See also
First Generation Sets
Early English Cards
The 1998 Pokémon Demo Game Pack included some of the very first Pokémon cards released in English. These cards helped introduce the Pokémon TCG to players in the United States. This pack contained 24 cards from the Base Set and an instruction manual.
Pokémon Base Set
The Pokémon Base Set was the first big collection of cards and starter decks for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It was released in Japan in October 1996 and in the United States in January 1999. This set is special because it does not have a set logo or symbol on the cards. It also included all the basic Energy cards and the first special Energy card, Double Colorless Energy.
Early printings of these cards had a slightly different look. They were brighter, used a thinner font, and did not have a shadow around the Pokémon's picture. Collectors call these "shadowless" cards, and they are rarer because fewer were printed.
Jungle
Jungle was the second expansion set, released in June 1999. This set introduced the idea of having both shiny (holo) and non-shiny versions of rare cards. It had a symbol that looks like a Vileplume. The 64-card set added 45 new Pokémon to the game.
Fossil
Fossil was the third expansion set, released in October 1999. This 62-card set was known for being the first time the Pokémon Ditto appeared in the TCG. Cards were sold in 11-card booster packs.
Base Set 2
Base Set 2 was the fourth expansion set, released only in English in February 2000. It was a collection of popular cards from earlier sets. Its symbol is a Pokéball with the number 2 on it. Since it only had reprints, there were no "First Edition" cards in this set.
Team Rocket
Team Rocket, released in April 2000, was the fifth expansion set. It was named after the criminal organization from the Pokémon video games and TV show. The set's symbol is the famous R of Team Rocket.
This set introduced Dark Pokémon, which were Pokémon controlled by Team Rocket. It also included a special "secret" rare card, Dark Raichu, which was the first of its kind.
Gym Heroes
Gym Heroes, released in August 2000, was the sixth set. Its symbol looks like an amphitheater. This set focused on the first four Pokémon Gym Leaders from the Kanto region: Brock, Misty, Lt. Surge, and Erika.
This set introduced Owner's Pokémon, which were Pokémon belonging to specific Gym Leaders. It also brought in Stadium cards, which are Trainer cards that stay in play and affect both players until another Stadium card replaces them.
Gym Challenge
Gym Challenge, released in October 2000, was the seventh set. Its symbol is an amphitheater with black tiers, the opposite of the Gym Heroes symbol. This set focused on the other four Kanto Gym Leaders: Sabrina, Koga, Blaine, and Giovanni.
Second Generation Sets
Neo Genesis
Neo Genesis, released in December 2000, was the eighth set. Its symbol is a pair of stars. The word "Neo" means "new" and "Genesis" means "beginning." This set introduced second-generation Pokémon from the Johto region. It also added two new Pokémon types: Darkness and Metal, each with their own special Energy cards.
The design of the cards changed in this set to look more like the Japanese versions. For example, the hit points (HP) number became smaller and black instead of red.
Neo Discovery
Neo Discovery, released in June 2001, was the ninth set. Its symbol looks like a Mayan temple. This set introduced many more second-generation Pokémon to the TCG, like Smeargle, Politoed, and Wobbuffet. It also brought in some of the mysterious Unown Pokémon, each with unique effects related to a letter of the alphabet.
Southern Islands
Southern Islands was a special promotional set. It was not sold in booster packs but as a complete collection in a special box. This mini-set had only 18 cards, and when you arranged them correctly, all the illustrations formed one large picture! Its symbol is a palm tree.
Neo Revelation
Neo Revelation, released in October 2001, was the eleventh set. Its symbol shows Suicune, Entei, and Raikou leaving the Burned Tower. This set completed the collection of all 251 Pokémon from the first two generations in the TCG, including the rare Celebi.
This set also introduced Shining Pokémon, which were very powerful Basic Pokémon. You could only have one of each kind of Shining Pokémon in your deck.
Neo Destiny
Neo Destiny, released in February 2002, was the twelfth set. Its symbol is a dark blue sparkle over a light sparkle. This set focused on "Dark" and "Light" Pokémon, like Light Arcanine and Dark Tyranitar.
Legendary Collection
The Legendary Collection, released in May 2002, was the thirteenth set. Its symbol is a medal. This set was a collection of reprints from the first four sets: Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, and Team Rocket. It was the first set to have a special parallel printing where shiny foil covered the entire front of the card, except for the picture.
Expedition Base Set
Expedition Base Set, released in September 2002, was the fourteenth set. Its symbol is a Poké Ball shaped like a lowercase "e". This set was the first to work with the Nintendo e-Reader. You could scan dot codes on the cards to see patterns or hear sounds. This set also introduced Supporter cards, which are a very important type of Trainer card in competitive play.
Aquapolis
Aquapolis, released in January 2003, was the fifteenth set. Its symbol is a skyline inside a water droplet. This set continued to use the Nintendo e-Reader for mini-games. It also introduced Technical Machines (TMs) as Trainer cards and the special "Crystal Type" Poké-power, found on cards like Kingdra, Lugia, and Nidoking.
Skyridge
Skyridge, released in May 2003, was the sixteenth set. Its symbol is a pair of mountains with a halo. This was the last set published by Wizards of the Coast. It continued the e-Reader features and included more "Crystal Type" Pokémon, such as Celebi, Charizard, and Ho-Oh. Cards from Skyridge are often more valuable because booster packs were harder to find.
The Pokémon Company Takes Over
In July 2003, The Pokémon Company took over from Wizards of the Coast as the publisher for the Pokémon TCG. The first set they released in English was EX Ruby and Sapphire.
Third Generation Sets
All the Third Generation sets have "ex" in their name. This refers to the powerful Pokémon-ex cards found in these sets. Pokémon-ex were stronger than regular Pokémon, but if your opponent knocked one out, they would take two Prize cards instead of one.
EX Ruby and Sapphire
EX Ruby and Sapphire, released in June 2003, was the seventeenth set. It was the first set released by Pokémon USA, Inc.. Its symbol is a jewel. This set introduced third-generation Pokémon from the Hoenn region, featured in the Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire video games. It also changed the card layout to match the Japanese version, a style that continued for many years.
EX Sandstorm
EX Sandstorm, released in September 2003, was the eighteenth set. Its symbol is a pair of fossils. This set continued to introduce third-generation Pokémon, especially those found in deserts. It also brought back the Mysterious Fossil card and added new ones like the Claw Fossil and Root Fossil.
EX Dragon
EX Dragon, released in November 2003, was the nineteenth set. Its symbol is a weapon's crosshair. This set focused on Dragon-type Pokémon, which often needed two or more types of Energy to attack.
EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua
EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua, released in March 2004, was the twentieth set. Its symbol is a slanted "X". This set introduced special Team Magma Pokémon and Team Aqua Pokémon, based on the villainous teams from the video games. It also brought in Dual-type Pokémon, which had two different Pokémon types. This was the last set to work with the e-Reader.
EX Hidden Legends
EX Hidden Legends, released in June 2004, was the twenty-first set. Its symbol is a trapezoid with dots inside a hexagon. The "Hidden Legends" part refers to the Legendary Pokémon Regirock, Regice, and Registeel. This set also featured Jirachi and Dark Celebi.
EX Fire Red and Leaf Green
EX Fire Red and Leaf Green, released in September 2004, was the twenty-second set. Its symbol is a black Pokéball emblem. This set was released around the same time as the Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green video games and featured many Kanto region Pokémon.
EX Team Rocket Returns
EX Team Rocket Returns, released in November 2004, was the twenty-third set. Its symbol is the red Team Rocket "R" emblem. This set was a follow-up to the original Team Rocket set. It introduced "Gold Star" (Shiny) Pokémon, which were special alternate-color Pokémon. You could only have one Pokémon Star card in your deck.
EX Deoxys
EX Deoxys, released in February 2005, was the twenty-fourth set. Its symbol is a shooting star. This set was named after the Pokémon Deoxys and also featured Rayquaza, both of whom were important in the Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys movie.
EX Emerald
EX Emerald, released in May 2005, was the twenty-fifth set. Its symbol is a gemstone, like an emerald. This set included some Japanese promotional cards that had not been released in English before.
EX Unseen Forces
EX Unseen Forces, released in August 2005, was the twenty-sixth set. Its symbol shows the wings of Ho-Oh and Lugia. This set was mainly focused on Pokémon from the Pokémon Gold and Silver games, set in the Johto region. It had more Pokémon-ex cards than any other set at that time.
EX Delta Species
EX Delta Species, released in October 2005, was the twenty-seventh set. Its symbol is the Holon Tower. This set introduced special "Delta Species" Pokémon, which had unusual types. For example, a Tyranitar might be a Metal/Fire type instead of its usual Dark or Fighting type.
EX Legend Maker
EX Legend Maker, released in February 2006, was the twenty-eighth set. Its symbol is a stylized forest. This set was named "Eidolon Forest" in Japan and featured the Mythical Pokémon Mew.
EX Holon Phantoms
EX Holon Phantoms, released in May 2006, was the twenty-ninth set. Its symbol is the Holon symbol with three triangles. This set brought back Delta Species Pokémon after they first appeared in EX Delta Species.
EX Crystal Guardians
EX Crystal Guardians, released in July 2006, was the thirtieth set. Its symbol is a sliver of a crystal. This set included 100 cards.
EX Dragon Frontiers
EX Dragon Frontiers, released in November 2006, was the thirty-first set. Its symbol shows black mountains on a white background. This set was based on a group of islands far away, mostly home to Dragon Pokémon. It was the last set to feature Delta Species Pokémon, and many cards in this set were Delta Species.
EX Power Keepers
EX Power Keepers, released in February 2007, was the thirty-second set. Its symbol is a road leading to a horizon. This set was loosely based on the Hoenn Elite Four, with Stadium cards for each member and Pokémon-EX that belonged to them. It was the final third-generation set.
Fourth Generation Sets
All Fourth Generation sets include "Diamond and Pearl," "Platinum," "HeartGold SoulSilver," or "Legends" in their names. These sets are based on the Pokémon Diamond, Pokémon Pearl, Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold, and Pokémon SoulSilver video games.
Diamond and Pearl Base Set
Diamond and Pearl Base Set, released in May 2007, was the thirty-third set. Its symbol is a circle in an upside-down pentagon. This set was the first in English to feature fourth-generation Pokémon from the Sinnoh region. It introduced Pokémon LV.X, which could "Level Up" an Active Pokémon, giving it new powers while keeping its old ones. This set also brought in Basic Dark and Steel Energy cards.
Diamond and Pearl – Mysterious Treasures
Diamond and Pearl – Mysterious Treasures, released in August 2007, was the thirty-fourth set. Its symbol is a shiny jewel. This set introduced the Sinnoh Legendary trio: Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf. It also featured Fossil Pokémon like Rampardos and Bastiodon.
Diamond and Pearl – Secret Wonders
Diamond and Pearl – Secret Wonders, released in November 2007, was the thirty-fifth set. Its symbol is a whirlpool. This set included more "Pokémon with Item" cards, which were Pokémon cards with special tools built into them.
Diamond and Pearl – Great Encounters
Diamond and Pearl – Great Encounters, released in February 2008, was the thirty-sixth set. Its symbol is a triskelion inside a hexagon. This set introduced Darkrai, a special event Pokémon, and featured Dialga and Palkia.
Diamond and Pearl – Majestic Dawn
Diamond and Pearl – Majestic Dawn, released in May 2008, was the thirty-seventh set. Its symbol is a rising sun over a hill. This set introduced Leafeon and Glaceon, two new evolutions of Eevee.
Diamond and Pearl – Legends Awakened
Diamond and Pearl – Legends Awakened, released in August 2008, was the thirty-eighth set. This set brought back Technical Machines to the TCG. It also included many Pokémon LV.X cards.
Diamond and Pearl – Stormfront
Diamond and Pearl – Stormfront, released in November 2008, was the thirty-ninth set. Its symbol is a circle with a lightning bolt. This set reintroduced Pokémon with alternate colors, known as Shiny Pokémon. It also reprinted some "classic" cards from the very first TCG expansions.
Platinum Base Set
Platinum Base Set, released in February 2009, was the fortieth set. It introduced the Pokémon Shaymin and a new type of Pokémon called Pokémon G, which belonged to Team Galactic. This set also brought in the Lost Zone, a special discard pile where cards could not be retrieved.
Platinum – Rising Rivals
Platinum – Rising Rivals, released in May 2009, was the forty-first set. It introduced Gym Leader's Pokémon (Pokémon GL) and Elite Four's Pokémon (Pokémon E4), which were special versions of Pokémon. The main Pokémon in this set was Rotom, which appeared in its many unique forms.
Platinum – Supreme Victors
Platinum – Supreme Victors, released in August 2009, was the forty-second set. Its symbol is two connected upside-down triangles. This set included Frontier Brain Pokémon (Pokémon FB) and Champion's Pokémon (Pokémon C).
Platinum – Arceus
Platinum – Arceus, released in November 2009, was the forty-third set. This set marked the first appearance of the Pokémon Arceus in the TCG. All Arceus cards had a special rule allowing players to have any number of them in a deck, instead of the usual four-card limit. This expansion also continued the "Shining" Pokémon.
HeartGold & SoulSilver
HeartGold & SoulSilver was the first set based on the Pokémon video games of the same name. It introduced new Pokémon Prime cards, which showed a close-up of the Pokémon's face and were stronger than usual. This set also featured Pokémon LEGEND, which were powerful Pokémon made up of two separate cards.
HS–Unleashed
HS–Unleashed was the second Pokémon TCG set based on the Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver games. This set was the first to feature dual-Legend cards, which had two Pokémon on the same two-card LEGEND. If these Pokémon were knocked out, the opponent would take two Prize Cards.
HS–Undaunted
HS–Undaunted was the third Pokémon TCG set based on the Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver games. It continued the trend of dual-Legend cards, featuring pairs like Rayquaza & Deoxys LEGEND and Kyogre & Groudon LEGEND.
HS–Triumphant
HS–Triumphant was the fourth Pokémon TCG set based on the Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver games. It continued the dual-Legend cards, with pairs like Darkrai/Cresselia LEGEND and Dialga/Palkia LEGEND. This was the last HeartGold and SoulSilver set released in America.
Call of Legends
Call of Legends was a special English set that included reprints and cards that had not been released before. It featured cards of legendary Pokémon in both shiny and non-shiny forms, known as Shiny Legendaries.
Fifth Generation Sets
All Fifth Generation sets have "Black and White" in their names, based on the Pokémon Black and Pokémon White video games.
| Generation Set No. | Name | Release date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black & White | April 6, 2011 | This was the first set based on the Pokémon Black and White games. It introduced 69 new Pokémon to the TCG, including special full-art versions of Reshiram and Zekrom. Trainer cards were now divided into Item, Supporter, and Stadium types. |
| 2 | Black & White–Emerging Powers | August 31, 2011 | This set introduced 31 new Pokémon and the popular "Pokémon Catcher" Item card, which allowed players to switch their opponent's Active Pokémon. |
| 3 | Black & White–Noble Victories | November 16, 2011 | This set introduced the last Pokémon from the 5th generation (except for event-exclusive ones). It featured the Victory Pokémon Victini and the first full-art Trainer card, N. |
| 4 | Black & White–Next Destinies | February 8, 2012 | This set brought back Pokémon from previous generations and introduced a new type of card called Pokémon-EX (like Shaymin-EX and Mewtwo-EX). It also included "shiny" Secret Rare cards. |
| 5 | Black & White–Dark Explorers | May 9, 2012 | This set continued to reintroduce Pokémon from older generations and more Pokémon-EX cards, such as Entei-EX and Darkrai-EX. |
| 6 | Black & White–Dragons Exalted | August 15, 2012 | This set introduced the Dragon Pokémon type to the TCG. It also featured new Dragon-type Pokémon-EX like Rayquaza-EX and Giratina-EX. |
| 6.5 | Dragon Vault | October 12, 2012 | A small, special set where all cards were holographic. Packs were only found in promotional products and contained 5 cards each. |
| 7 | Black & White–Boundaries Crossed | November 2012 | This set was based on the Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 games. It introduced Black and White Kyurem, Meloetta, and Keldeo. It also brought in ACE SPEC cards, powerful Item cards where you could only have one in your entire deck. |
| 8 | Black & White–Plasma Storm | February 2013 | This set focused on Team Plasma, a villainous team from the Unova Region. It included more Pokémon-EX cards like Moltres-EX and Lugia-EX. |
| 9 | Black & White–Plasma Freeze | May 2013 | This was the second Team Plasma set, featuring Pokémon-EX like Thundurus-EX and Deoxys-EX. |
| 10 | Black & White–Plasma Blast | August 2013 | This was the third Team Plasma set, introducing new Pokémon-EX such as Genesect-EX and Dialga-EX. It also featured a new full-art Supporter card, Iris. |
| 11 | Black & White–Legendary Treasures | November 2013 | This was the final set of the Pokémon Black and White series. It included a special "Radiant Collection" of 25 cards with unique coatings and foil patterns. This set also featured actual golden Pokémon cards, Reshiram and Zekrom. |
Sixth Generation Sets
The sixth generation sets have "XY" in their names, based on the Pokémon X and Pokémon Y video games.
| Generation Set No. | Name | Release date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | XY–Kalos Starter Set | November 8, 2013 | This set featured the three starter Pokémon of the Kalos Region (Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie). It introduced the new Fairy-type cards and their Basic Energy. |
| 1 | XY | February 5, 2014 | This set introduced new Mega Evolutions and Pokémon-EX cards. |
| 2 | XY–Flashfire | May 7, 2014 | This set added new Trainer cards, Pokémon-EX, and Mega Evolutions to the game. |
| 3 | XY–Furious Fists | August 13, 2014 | This set introduced more Trainer cards, Mega Evolutions, and Pokémon-EX. |
| 4 | XY–Phantom Forces | November 5, 2014 | This set brought in a new mechanic called "Spirit Link", which allowed Mega Pokémon to evolve without ending the player's turn. It also featured new Pokémon-EX and Mega Evolutions. |
| 5 | XY–Primal Clash | February 4, 2015 | This set introduced Primal Reversions with Primal Kyogre-EX and Primal Groudon-EX, just like in the Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire video games. |
| 5.5 | Double Crisis | March 25, 2015 | This was a special expansion set featuring many Pokémon used by Team Aqua and Team Magma. It included popular full-art cards like Team Magma's Groudon EX and Team Aqua's Kyogre EX. |
| 6 | XY–Roaring Skies | May 6, 2015 | This set included new cards, Pokémon-EX, and Mega Evolution Pokémon. |
| 7 | XY–Ancient Origins | August 12, 2015 | This set introduced the Djinn-based Pokémon Hoopa. It also featured shiny (alternate color) versions of Primal Groudon-EX, Primal Kyogre-EX, and Mega Rayquaza-EX. |
| 8 | XY—BREAKthrough | November 4, 2015 | This set introduced a new type of Evolution called BREAK Evolution. BREAK cards gave an additional Attack or Ability to a Pokémon while keeping its previous ones. |
| 9 | XY–BREAKpoint | February 3, 2016 | This set continued to introduce Pokémon BREAK cards, such as Greninja and Luxray. It also featured full-art Trainer cards of Misty and Skyla. |
| 9.5 | Generations | February 22, 2016 | This was a special expansion set that included new cards, reprints, and a "Radiant Collection" subset with cards featuring jewels in their artwork. |
| 10 | XY–Fates Collide | May 2, 2016 | This set featured Lugia and Delphox as Pokémon BREAK cards, and Alakazam and Genesect as Pokémon-EX. |
| 11 | XY–Steam Siege | August 3, 2016 | This was the last set to use the card style from the "Black & White" to "XY" series. It featured the Mythical Pokémon Volcanion and Magearna and brought back the older mechanic of dual types. |
| 12 | XY–Evolutions | November 2, 2016 | This set marked the end of the Pokémon TCG—XY series. The cards were similar to reprints of the original Base Set cards, and it also included new Pokémon-EX and Trainer cards. |
Seventh Generation Sets
The seventh generation sets have Sun & Moon in their name, based on the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon video games.
| Generation Set No. | Name | Release date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun & Moon | February 3, 2017 | This set introduced the new Pokémon-GX cards and the new Alolan variants of Pokémon. It focused on the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala. It also debuted Rainbow Rare cards, which were full-art cards with a rainbow color effect. |
| 2 | Sun & Moon–Guardians Rising | May 5, 2017 | This set provided more Alolan Pokémon cards and Pokémon-GX cards, including the Guardian deities Tapu Koko-GX and Tapu Lele-GX. |
| 3 | Sun & Moon–Burning Shadows | August 4, 2017 | This set introduced more Alolan Pokémon and Pokémon-GX cards, such as Ho-Oh-GX and Necrozma-GX. It also featured full-art Trainer cards of the Trial Captains and Team Skull members. |
| 3.5 | Sun & Moon–Shining Legends | October 6, 2017 | Shining Legends was a special expansion set that brought back the Shining mechanics from older sets, featuring Legendary Pokémon. |
| 4 | Sun & Moon–Crimson Invasion | November 3, 2017 | This set introduced the new Ultra Beasts as Pokémon-GX cards, like Nihilego-GX and Buzzwole-GX. |
| 5 | Sun & Moon–Ultra Prism | February 2, 2018 | This was the first English set to feature Prism Star cards. These cards were limited to one of each per deck and went to the Lost Zone when discarded. |
| 6 | Sun & Moon–Forbidden Light | May 4, 2018 | This set contained new Pokémon-GX and Prism Star cards, featuring Pokémon from the Alola and Kalos regions. |
| 7 | Sun & Moon–Celestial Storm | August 3, 2018 | This set included more Prism Star cards, Pokémon-GX cards, and Ultra Beasts. |
| 7.5 | Dragon Majesty | September 7, 2018 | Dragon Majesty was a special expansion set featuring Dragon-type Pokémon, Pokémon-GX cards, and Prism Star cards. |
| 8 | Sun & Moon–Lost Thunder | November 2, 2018 | This set was one of the largest, containing many Prism Star cards, Pokémon-GX cards, and Ultra Beasts. |
| 9 | Sun & Moon–Team Up | February 1, 2019 | This set introduced Tag Team Pokémon-GX cards, which featured two Pokémon working together on one powerful card. |
| 9.5 | Detective Pikachu | March 29, 2019 | Detective Pikachu was a special expansion set with cards featuring artwork and attacks based on the Pokémon: Detective Pikachu movie. |
| 10 | Sun & Moon–Unbroken Bonds | May 3, 2019 | This set included more Tag Team Pokémon-GX cards. |
| 11 | Sun & Moon–Unified Minds | August 2, 2019 | This set featured more Tag Team Pokémon-GX cards and new special Energy cards. |
| 11.5 | Hidden Fates | August 23, 2019 | Hidden Fates was a special expansion set that introduced a Tag Team Pokémon-GX trio card featuring Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos. It also featured over 75 Pokémon in their shiny forms, including Charizard-GX and Mewtwo-GX. |
| 12 | Sun & Moon–Cosmic Eclipse | November 1, 2019 | This was the final expansion set of the Sun & Moon series. It included Tag Team Pokémon-GX cards and the first appearance of Tag Team Supporters. |
Eighth Generation Sets
With the launch of Pokémon Sword and Shield video games, a new generation of cards was released. The English version of the first set was released on February 7, 2020.
| Generation Set No. | Name | Release date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sword & Shield | February 7, 2020 | This was the first set of the Sword & Shield series. It introduced the new mechanics Pokémon-V (which replaced Pokémon-GX) and Pokémon-VMAX cards (based on the "Gigantamax" forms). It also featured new Galarian variants of Pokémon and focused on Zacian and Zamazenta. |
| 2 | Sword & Shield–Rebel Clash | May 1, 2020 | This set included more new Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX cards. |
| 3 | Sword & Shield–Darkness Ablaze | August 14, 2020 | This set featured more new Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX cards. |
| 3.5 | Champion's Path | September 25, 2020 | Champion's Path was a special expansion set that included Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX cards. |
| 4 | Sword & Shield–Vivid Voltage | November 13, 2020 | This set introduced Amazing Pokémon cards to the TCG internationally. |
| 4.5 | Shining Fates | February 19, 2021 | Shining Fates was a special expansion set known for including over 100 shiny Pokémon, especially the popular shiny Charizard VMAX card. |
| 5 | Sword & Shield–Battle Styles | March 19, 2021 | This set introduced a new mechanic called "Battle Styles," featuring Single Strike (focused on strength) and Rapid Strike (focused on clever strategies) styles. |
| 6 | Sword & Shield–Chilling Reign | June 18, 2021 | This set included many new cards, Pokémon V, and Pokémon VMAX. |
| 7 | Sword & Shield–Evolving Skies | August 27, 2021 | This set featured many new cards, Pokémon V, and Pokémon VMAX. |
| 7.5 | Celebrations | October 8, 2021 | Celebrations was a special expansion set released for the 25th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. It featured many Legendary Pokémon and reprints of classic cards, including Surfing and Flying Pikachu V and VMAX. |
| 8 | Sword & Shield–Fusion Strike | November 12, 2021 | This set introduced Fusion Strike, a new Battle Style. |
| 9 | Sword & Shield–Brilliant Stars | February 25, 2022 | This set introduced the new VSTAR mechanic, which gave Pokémon powerful VSTAR Powers or VSTAR Attacks that could only be used once per game. |
| 10 | Sword & Shield–Astral Radiance | May 27, 2022 | This set introduced the new Radiant cards, which were powerful Basic Pokémon with shiny artwork. |
| 10.5 | Pokémon GO | July 1, 2022 | Pokémon GO was a special expansion set based on the popular mobile game of the same name. It included Radiant Pokémon, Pokémon V, VMAX, and VSTAR cards. |
| 11 | Sword & Shield–Lost Origin | September 9, 2022 | This set featured many new cards and included cards from the Trainer Gallery subset. |
| 12 | Sword & Shield–Silver Tempest | November 11, 2022 | This was the final main expansion of the Sword & Shield Series, marking the end of the eighth generation of Pokémon TCG sets. |
| 12.5 | Crown Zenith | January 20, 2023 | Crown Zenith was the final special expansion set of the Sword & Shield era. It contained many cards, including special art rares in a subset called the "Galarian Gallery." |
Ninth Generation Sets
With the release of the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet video games, The Pokémon Company started releasing card sets from the Scarlet and Violet series. The English set, Scarlet and Violet, was released on March 31, 2023. This series brought some big changes, including Pokémon Tool cards becoming their own type of Trainer card, new card rarities, and silver card borders.
| Generation Set No. | Name | Release date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scarlet & Violet | March 31, 2023 | Scarlet & Violet was the first expansion set in the Scarlet and Violet series. It reintroduced Pokémon ex and added Tera Pokémon ex, which could not be attacked while on the Bench. It mainly featured Pokémon from the Ninth Generation of games. |
| 2 | Scarlet & Violet–Paldea Evolved | June 6, 2023 | Scarlet & Violet–Paldea Evolved was the second expansion set. It mainly featured ex cards of the 9th Generation starter Pokémon and the Ruinous Quartet, a group of four new legendary Pokémon. |
| 3 | Scarlet & Violet–Obsidian Flames | August 11, 2023 | Scarlet & Violet–Obsidian Flames was the third expansion set. It mainly featured Pokémon ex with the Terastal ability and included a special Dark-type Charizard variant. |
| 3.5 | Scarlet & Violet–151 | September 22, 2023 | Scarlet & Violet–151 was a special expansion set that focused on the first 151 Pokémon. It notably introduced the first Kadabra card since the Skyridge set. |
| 4 | Scarlet & Violet–Paradox Rift | November 3, 2023 | Scarlet & Violet–Paradox Rift was the fourth expansion set. It introduced Ancient and Future variants, which could be either Pokémon or Trainer cards. Ancient Pokémon often had strong attacks, while Future Pokémon had attacks and Abilities with extra effects. |
| 4.5 | Scarlet & Violet–Paldean Fates | January 26, 2024 | Scarlet & Violet–Paldean Fates was a special expansion set that brought back Shiny Pokémon. It continued the theme of Ancient and Future cards and included many shiny Pokémon. |
| 5 | Scarlet & Violet–Temporal Forces | March 22, 2024 | Scarlet & Violet–Temporal Forces was the fifth expansion set. It continued the concept of Ancient and Future Pokémon and marked the return of ACE SPEC cards from the fifth-generation sets. |
| 6 | Scarlet & Violet–Twilight Masquerade | May 24, 2024 | Scarlet & Violet–Twilight Masquerade was the sixth expansion set. It featured more Ancient and Future Pokémon and introduced Pokémon from the Kitakami region. |
| 6.5 | Scarlet & Violet–Shrouded Fable | August 2, 2024 | Scarlet & Violet–Shrouded Fable was a special expansion set focusing on the Kitakami region, especially the Loyal Three, a trio of legendary Pokémon from the Scarlet & Violet DLC. |
| 7 | Scarlet & Violet–Stellar Crown | September 13, 2024 | Scarlet & Violet–Stellar Crown was the seventh expansion set. It mainly focused on Terastallized Pokémon and characters from The Indigo Disk DLC. It featured many special illustration rare and hyper rare gold etched cards. |
| 8 | Scarlet & Violet–Surging Sparks | November 8, 2024 | Scarlet & Violet–Surging Sparks was the eighth expansion set. It continued to introduce Stellar Tera Pokémon ex and featured the Terarium, a setting from The Indigo Disk. |
| 8.5 | Scarlet & Violet–Prismatic Evolution | January 17, 2025 | Scarlet & Violet–Prismatic Evolutions was a special expansion set known for its highly valuable cards, especially the "eeveelutions" (evolutions of Eevee) with unique artwork. |
| 9 | Scarlet & Violet–Journey Together | March 28, 2025 | Scarlet & Violet–Journey Together was the ninth expansion set. It brought back Trainer's Pokémon, which are Pokémon cards that also feature a trainer from the video games or anime, such as N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop. |
| 10 | Scarlet & Violet–Destined Rivals | May 30, 2025 | Scarlet & Violet–Destined Rivals was the tenth expansion set. It continued the Trainer's Pokémon theme, featuring popular trainers like Cynthia, Misty, and Marnie, along with Team Rocket as their opponents. |
| 10.5 | Scarlet & Violet–Black Bolt and White Flare | July 18, 2025 | Scarlet & Violet–Black Bolt and White Flare was a special expansion set. It introduced a new rarity called Black White Rare (BWR) and featured Victini, Zekrom ex, and Reshiram ex. |
Prerelease Cards
Prerelease cards are special versions of cards from an upcoming expansion. They have a unique foil stamp of the set's logo on the bottom right corner of the card's picture. These cards were given to players at special events before the full set was officially released.
Wizards of the Coast first made Prerelease cards when the TCG was new. Later, after The Pokémon Company took over, Prerelease events were set up to happen a few weeks before new expansions came out.
A very rare printing mistake happened during the production of the Clefable Prerelease cards. Some Base Set Raichu cards accidentally received the "PRERELEASE" stamp, making them extremely unique and sought after by collectors.
Promotional Cards
Throughout the Pokémon Trading Card Game, many promotional cards have been released. These cards are special because they have a five-pointed black star with the word "PROMO" on it instead of a regular expansion symbol.
The first promotional sets were released by Wizards of the Coast. These included a variety of holographic and normal Pokémon and Trainer cards. One famous promo card was "Birthday Pikachu," known for its unique design. Later, The Pokémon Company continued to release promotional cards, often found in special collection boxes or given out at tournaments. These cards are a fun way to get unique Pokémon and add to your collection!
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Expansiones del Juego de cartas coleccionables Pokémon para niños
