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Pokemon

Pokémon TCG Series

Overview (Chronological)

A quick, collector‑friendly overview of every official Pokémon Trading Card Game Series/Era from the beginning to today. Each section lists years in print, hallmark mechanics, and a few iconic sets.

1) Base Set Era (1996–2000)

Key vibe: The original look & feel. Simple text, no set symbols at first (Base), classic Wizards of the Coast (WotC) layout.

Hallmarks

  • First card template, rarity symbols (from Jungle onward)
  • “Trainer” (pre-Supporter/Stadium split)
  • Early foil patterns (holo rares), shadowless/1st edition variants

Iconic sets

  • Base Set (1996 JP / 1999 EN), Jungle, Fossil, Team Rocket
  • Gym Heroes / Gym Challenge (Trainer-focused, Gym Leaders)

2) Neo Series (2000–2002)

Key vibe: Johto era begins (Gen II).

Hallmarks

  • Baby Pokémon, Shining Pokémon (ultra-rare foils)
  • Updated template tweaks, expansion symbols standard

Iconic sets

  • Neo Genesis, Neo Discovery, Neo Revelation, Neo Destiny

3) e‑Card Series (2002–2003)

Key vibe: The Game Boy Advance e‑Reader experiment.

Hallmarks

  • Cards printed with dot‑code strips scannable by e‑Reader
  • Elegant new art direction; final WotC era in English

Iconic sets

  • Expedition Base Set, Aquapolis, Skyridge

4) EX Series (2003–2007)

Key vibe: Nintendo takes over English publishing. Big power spikes and new rarities.

Hallmarks

  • Pokémon‑ex (lowercase ex) with extra Prize penalty
  • Gold Star shinies, δ Delta Species, EX Team themes
  • Introduction of Supporter and Stadium as distinct Trainer subtypes (standardized)

Iconic sets

  • EX Ruby & Sapphire, EX Team Rocket Returns, EX Deoxys
  • EX Delta Species, EX Holon Phantoms, EX Dragon Frontiers, Power Keepers

5) Diamond & Pearl Series (2007–2009)

Key vibe: Sinnoh era with a modernized frame.

Hallmarks

  • Pokémon LV.X (level‑up mechanic)
  • New weakness/resistance math and templating

Iconic sets

  • Diamond & Pearl, Mysterious Treasures, Secret Wonders, Stormfront

6) Platinum Series (2009)

Key vibe: Short, bold mini‑era between DP and HGSS.

Hallmarks

  • Pokémon SP (teams like Galactic), Lost Zone returns

Iconic sets

  • Platinum, Rising Rivals, Supreme Victors, Arceus

7) HeartGold & SoulSilver (2010–2011)

Key vibe: Johto nostalgia with premium foiling.

Hallmarks

  • LEGEND two‑card Pokémon, Prime cards
  • Classic energy icons and a distinctive card frame

Iconic sets

  • HS Base, Unleashed, Undaunted, Triumphant, Call of Legends

8) Black & White (2011–2013)

Key vibe: Unova, abilities formalized.

Hallmarks

  • Pokémon‑EX (uppercase EX), Full Art ultras, ACE SPEC (one per deck)
  • Abilities standardized; Trainer split mature

Iconic sets

  • BW Base, Next Destinies, Dark Explorers, Dragons Exalted, Boundaries Crossed, Plasma trilogy

9) XY (2013–2016)

Key vibe: Kalos with megas and fairies.

Hallmarks

  • Mega Evolution (M‑EX), Spirit Links, Fairy type introduced

Iconic sets

  • XY Base, Phantom Forces, Primal Clash, Roaring Skies
  • BREAKthrough / BREAKpoint (BREAK mechanic)

10) Sun & Moon (2017–2019)

Key vibe: Alola, tag‑teams, and GX era.

Hallmarks

  • GX attacks, Full Art Supporters, Prism Star cards
  • TAG TEAM GX basics dominate late‑era meta

Iconic sets

  • SM Base, Guardians Rising, Burning Shadows, Ultra Prism
  • Team Up, Unbroken Bonds, Unified Minds, Cosmic Eclipse

11) Sword & Shield (2020–2023)

Key vibe: Galar with gigantamax flair.

Hallmarks

  • Pokémon V / VMAX (and later VSTAR), Amazing Rares
  • Trainer Gallery subsets, modern foil treatments

Iconic sets

  • Sword & Shield Base, Rebel Clash, Darkness Ablaze, Vivid Voltage
  • Evolving Skies, Brilliant Stars, Astral Radiance, Lost Origin, Silver Tempest, Crown Zenith

12) Scarlet & Violet (2023–Present)

Key vibe: Paldea and beyond; silver borders unify global print.

Hallmarks

  • Return of Pokémon‑ex (lowercase), Terastalization; ACE SPEC returns (select expansions)
  • Illustration Rares & Special Illustration Rares drive collector interest

Notable sets (examples)

  • SV Base, Paldea Evolved, Obsidian Flames, Paradox Rift, Temporal Forces, Twilight Masquerade, Stellar Crown, 151 (Kanto tribute)

13) Mega Evolution (Base Expansion)

  • Japanese release: September 2025
  • English release: September 26, 2025
  • Highlights:
    • First expansion of the Mega Evolution Series
    • Revives Mega Evolution Pokémon ex (e.g., Mega Lucario ex, Mega Gardevoir ex)
    • Knocked out Mega Evolution Pokémon ex award 3 Prize cards, making them high-risk, high-reward
    • Over 180 cards, featuring both new Pokémon and classic fan favorites
    • Set symbol: crystalline Mega emblem

Quick Reference Timeline

  • 1996–2000: Base Set Era
  • 2000–2002: Neo
  • 2002–2003: e‑Card
  • 2003–2007: EX
  • 2007–2009: Diamond & Pearl
  • 2009: Platinum
  • 2010–2011: HeartGold & SoulSilver
  • 2011–2013: Black & White
  • 2013–2016: XY
  • 2017–2019: Sun & Moon
  • 2020–2023: Sword & Shield
  • 2023–2025: Scarlet & Violet
  • 2025-Present: Mega Evolution

Notes for Collectors

  • Series vs. Sets: Each series contains multiple expansions. Your site can link each bullet to its set index.
  • Alternate Art & Promos: Many eras include special promos (e.g., Black Star, SWSH‑###, SVP‑###). Consider a separate promo index.