Pokémon cards first came out in Japan on October 20, 1996, published by Media Factory. The English-language Pokémon Trading Card Game followed in the United States on January 9, 1999, released by Wizards of the Coast with the Base Set, and it reached the UK, Canada and the rest of Europe shortly after. In 2026 the card game celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Pokémon Card Release Dates at a Glance
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1996 | First Pokémon cards released in Japan (October 20) |
| 1999 | Base Set launches in the US (January 9), followed by Jungle, Fossil and Base Set 2 era expansions |
| 1999 to 2000 | Release in the UK, Canada, Australia and other English-speaking markets |
| 2003 | Wizards of the Coast era ends and the Pokémon Company takes over the English game |
| 2011 onwards | Modern era begins with Black & White, later followed by EX, GX, V and ex mechanics |
| 2020 to 2021 | A massive collecting boom drives prices and demand to record highs |
| 2024 | Pokémon TCG Pocket launches as a mobile collecting game |
| 2026 | 30th anniversary of the Pokémon TCG |
The Japanese Launch in 1996
The Pokémon card game was created alongside the original Pokémon Red and Green video games, which came out in Japan earlier in 1996. Media Factory published the first Expansion Pack in October 1996. Japanese Base Set cards have no set symbol and a slightly different design, and early “No Rarity” print cards are among the rarest Pokémon cards today.
The US Release in January 1999
Wizards of the Coast, best known for Magic: The Gathering, licensed the game for English-speaking markets. The Base Set launched on January 9, 1999, with 102 cards, including the famous holographic Charizard. It arrived months before the first Pokémon movie reached US cinemas, and the cards sold out across the country.
What makes 1999 cards special to collectors
- 1st Edition: the first print run, marked with a small “Edition 1” stamp on the left side.
- Shadowless: an early print without the drop shadow on the right side of the artwork box.
- Unlimited: the much larger later print run, worth less in most cases.
Our guide on how to get Pokémon cards graded explains why those early prints sell for so much more in top condition.
Pokémon Cards in the UK, Canada and Europe
English-language cards spread to the UK, Canada and Australia through 1999 and 2000, alongside translated versions in German, French, Italian and Spanish. UK Base Set cards include a separate print run with a slightly different copyright line, which collectors look for.
The Wizards of the Coast Era (1999 to 2003)
Wizards released the classic sets that vintage collectors still chase, including Jungle, Fossil, Team Rocket, the Gym sets, the Neo series and the e-Card series. Its licence ended in 2003, and the Pokémon Company, now The Pokémon Company International, has published the English game since.
The Modern Pokémon TCG
New expansions now release several times a year. Modern sets add full-art and special illustration rare cards, which are among the most collected cards of the current era. The official Pokémon TCG site lists current and upcoming sets.
How to Tell When Your Pokémon Card Was Printed
- Look at the copyright line at the bottom: it shows years such as ©1995, 96, 98, 99 Nintendo.
- Check the set symbol on the right side of the artwork. Base Set cards have none.
- Look for the 1st Edition stamp or shadowless border on older cards.
- Newer cards show a regulation mark letter, which tells you their tournament era.
The copyright year is not always the print year, because it reflects when the Pokémon or artwork was created, so use the set symbol as your main guide.
Are the First Pokémon Cards Valuable?
Some are worth thousands of dollars, especially 1st Edition holos in high grades, but most Unlimited Base Set commons are worth very little. Condition matters more than age. Before selling, read how to sell Pokémon cards to price them correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first Pokémon card ever made?
The first cards were the Japanese Expansion Pack from October 1996, which became the basis for the English Base Set released in the US in 1999.
How old are Pokémon cards in 2026?
Thirty years old in Japan and 27 years old in the US.
Is it too late to start collecting Pokémon cards?
Not at all. New sets release regularly. See how to start collecting Pokémon cards and our classic game comparison Pokémon FireRed vs LeafGreen.