Celebrate 25 Years of the Pokémon TCG
Explore the history and evolution of the Pokémon TCG with notable cards throughout the years.
1996
Explore the history and evolution of the Pokémon TCG with notable cards throughout the years.
Charizard
Charizard stood out as one of the most iconic Pokémon TCG cards in the game’s entire history. Owning a Base Set Charizard was an undeniable source of pride.
Dark Gyarados
The introduction of Dark Pokémon to the Pokémon TCG brought a certain sinister energy to card art and gameplay.
Rocket’s Zapdos
This Basic Pokémon helped introduce Owner’s Pokémon, which were Pokémon that featured their Trainer’s name in the title.
Cleffa
Cleffa helped introduce the tricky Baby Pokémon rule, which required players to flip a coin before attacking a Baby Pokémon. Its incredible Eeeeeeek attack drew seven cards.
Shining Magikarp
Shining Pokémon were so special that Trainers were only allowed to include one in each deck, making it highly sought-after by Pokémon TCG players.
Mew-EX
This card played a major role in the decks that won Worlds in both 2006 and 2007. Its Versatile Poké-Body made it an extremely flexible attacker.
Gardevoir-EX
Delta Species were special Pokémon with an unusual Pokémon type. This Gardevoir-EX was a Fire type, rather than its usual Psychic. Further distinguishing this Pokémon was its Imprison Poké-Power.
Umbreon ☆
Umbreon ☆ was only available in POP Series 5 boosters and had the powerful Dark Ray Poké-Power, making it extremely coveted by Pokémon TCG players.
Luxray GL LV.X
This card helped win the 2009 and 2010 World Championships using its Bright Look Poké-Power. The card’s exciting new mechanic—LV.X—substituted leveling up for Evolution.
Donphan
This Pokémon Prime was a popular choice in competitive play, with its substantial HP, low-cost attack, and a Poké-Body with great defensive value.
Reshiram
This was one of the very first full-art Pokémon. With a groundbreaking 130 HP and 120-damage attack on a Basic Pokémon, Reshiram was difficult to beat.
Mewtwo-EX
Two-Prize Pokémon returned with Pokémon-EX. Mewtwo-EX’s X Ball attack was so powerful that players often engaged in “Mewtwo Wars” between opposing Mewtwo-EX.
Xerneas-EX
Fairy-type Pokémon made their dramatic Pokémon TCG debut with an all-new basic Energy type for the first time since Darkness and Metal, heralded by Xerneas-EX!
M Rayquaza-EX
Mega Evolution Pokémon introduced a new type of Evolution: Pokémon-EX evolving from other Pokémon-EX. Mega Rayquaza-EX dished out huge damage with the right setup.
Tapu Lele-GX
Pokémon-GX premiered in Sun & Moon, boasting once-per-game GX attacks and surrendering two Prize cards when Knocked Out! Tapu Lele-GX's incredible Ability made it especially popular.
The journey continues...
