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Pokémon TCG Base Set Era (1996–2000)

The Base Set Era marks the origin of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, spanning the late 1990s under Wizards of the Coast (English release). Below is a chronological overview of the sets in this era, with key notes.

1) Base Set

  • Japanese release: October 1996
  • English release: January 1999
  • Highlights:
    • Original 102 cards, no expansion symbol
    • Shadowless and 1st Edition print runs (high collector value)
    • Iconic holofoil Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur
Explore The Base Set

2) Jungle

  • Japanese release: March 1997
  • English release: June 1999
  • Highlights:
    • First expansion outside Base Set
    • Introduced set symbols (flower) and holo/non‑holo pairs for rares
    • Featured Pokémon like Snorlax, Clefable, and Jolteon
Explore The Jungle Set

3) Fossil

  • Japanese release: June 1997
  • English release: October 1999
  • Highlights:
    • Focused on prehistoric Pokémon (Kabutops, Aerodactyl, Omastar)
    • Introduced Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres holo trio
    • Set symbol: a skeletal fossil claw
Explore The Fossil Set

4) Base Set 2

  • English release only: February 2000
  • Highlights:
    • Reprint compilation of Base Set + Jungle
    • New expansion symbol (Pokéball) and updated card counts
Explore Base Set 2

5) Team Rocket

  • Japanese release: November 1997
  • English release: April 2000
  • Highlights:
    • Introduced Dark Pokémon (Dark Charizard, Dark Blastoise)
    • First secret rare in English: Dark Raichu (#83/82)
    • Set symbol: stylized red “R”
Explore The Team Rocket Set

6) Gym Heroes

  • Japanese release: April 1998
  • English release: August 2000
  • Highlights:
    • Trainer‑focused sets featuring Gym Leaders (Misty, Brock, Erika, etc.)
    • Cards labeled with trainer ownership (e.g., Misty’s Starmie)
    • Set symbol: white medal badge
Explore The Gym Heroes Set

7) Gym Challenge

  • Japanese release: June 1998
  • English release: October 2000
  • Highlights:
    • Continued Gym Leader theme with Sabrina, Blaine, Giovanni
    • Expanded “owned” Pokémon and themed strategies
    • Set symbol: black medal badge
Explore The Gym Challenge Set

Summary Timeline

  • 1999 — Base Set, Jungle, Fossil
  • 2000 — Base Set 2, Team Rocket, Gym Heroes, Gym Challenge

The Base Set Era closed with Gym Challenge, paving the way for the Neo Series and the transition to Generation II Pokémon.