The EX Series marked the first full era under Nintendo’s publishing in English. Known for power creep, iconic rarities, and experimental mechanics, it remains a favorite for competitive players and collectors.
1) EX Ruby & Sapphire
- Japanese release: January 2003
- English release: June 2003
- Highlights:
- First English Nintendo set
- Introduced Pokémon-ex (lowercase ex)
- Featured 3rd generation Pokémon (Hoenn starters, etc.)
- Set symbol: double starburst
2) EX Sandstorm
- Japanese release: May 2003
- English release: September 2003
- Highlights:
- Added more Pokémon-ex
- Focused on desert-themed Pokémon (Flygon, Armaldo)
- Set symbol: dust swirl
3) EX Dragon
- Japanese release: August 2003
- English release: November 2003
- Highlights:
- First Dragon-type themed expansion
- Salamence, Dragonite, Latias/Latios introduced
- Set symbol: dragon head
4) EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua
- Japanese release: January 2004
- English release: March 2004
- Highlights:
- Featured dual-branded Pokémon (Team Magma’s Groudon, Team Aqua’s Kyogre)
- Trainer-focused strategies
- Set symbol: blue/red wave & mountain split
5) EX Hidden Legends
- Japanese release: March 2004
- English release: June 2004
- Highlights:
- Included Regirock, Regice, Registeel
- Featured Legendary Dogs
- Set symbol: crystal shard
6) EX FireRed & LeafGreen
- Japanese release: June 2004
- English release: August 2004
- Highlights:
- Kanto nostalgia with reimagined classics
- Introduced Pokémon-ex versions of the Kanto starters
- Set symbol: flame/leaf swirl
7) EX Team Rocket Returns
- Japanese release: September 2004
- English release: November 2004
- Highlights:
- Return of Dark Pokémon
- Highly regarded by collectors
- Set symbol: red “R” with shadow
8) EX Deoxys
- Japanese release: December 2004
- English release: February 2005
- Highlights:
- Featured Deoxys with multiple forms
- Introduced Rayquaza-ex
- Set symbol: DNA helix
9) EX Emerald
- Japanese release: March 2005
- English release: May 2005
- Highlights:
- Based on Emerald Version game
- Introduced Battle Frontier stadium
- Set symbol: emerald crystal
10) EX Unseen Forces
- Japanese release: June 2005
- English release: August 2005
- Highlights:
- Focused on Johto Pokémon
- Included Lugia-ex, Ho-Oh-ex
- Set symbol: three rings
11) EX Delta Species
- Japanese release: October 2005
- English release: October 2005
- Highlights:
- Introduced δ Delta Species Pokémon with unusual typings
- Fan-favorite unique mechanic
- Set symbol: Greek delta (Δ)
12) EX Legend Maker
- Japanese release: January 2006
- English release: February 2006
- Highlights:
- Featured Regigigas, Mew-ex, and fossil Pokémon
- Smaller set size
- Set symbol: stone tablet
13) EX Holon Phantoms
- Japanese release: March 2006
- English release: May 2006
- Highlights:
- Continued Delta Species theme
- Introduced Holon energy cards
- Set symbol: Holon triangle
14) EX Crystal Guardians
- Japanese release: June 2006
- English release: August 2006
- Highlights:
- Crystal-themed set with powerful Pokémon-ex
- Set symbol: hexagon crystal
15) EX Dragon Frontiers
- Japanese release: October 2006
- English release: November 2006
- Highlights:
- Expanded Delta Species line
- Featured Shiny Pokémon and rare ex cards
- Set symbol: frontier gate
16) EX Power Keepers
- English release only: February 2007
- Highlights:
- Final EX Series set (English exclusive)
- Reprints and balance set before Diamond & Pearl era
- Set symbol: fortress crest
Summary Timeline
- 2003 — Ruby & Sapphire, Sandstorm, Dragon
- 2004 — Team Magma vs Aqua, Hidden Legends, FireRed & LeafGreen, Team Rocket Returns
- 2005 — Deoxys, Emerald, Unseen Forces, Delta Species
- 2006 — Legend Maker, Holon Phantoms, Crystal Guardians, Dragon Frontiers
- 2007 — Power Keepers
The EX Era revolutionized the TCG with new mechanics and collector rarities, paving the way for the Diamond & Pearl Series.