The expansion packs to the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) are a must-know for any beginner and veteran Pokémon card collector. You’ll likely come across a range of cards from each of these expansions, and one might be more valuable than the other.
Below, we’ll outline a guide to the original expansions of the Pokémon TCG, all featuring First Generation Pokémon, from the Base Set all the way to Gym Heroes Two.
Base Set
Japanese release: 20 October 1996
English release: 9 January 1999
The Pokémon Base Set is where it all began. It was the first primary expansion of the Pokémon TCG, and the first to have Gen I Pokémon. The expansion is based on the Pokémon Red, Blue and Green games (which all feature Gen I Pokémon).
Additional cards: Machamp (8/102), Pikachu (58/102)
Jungle
Japanese release: 5 March 1997
English release: 16 June 1999
Jungle is the second primary expansion, and based on Pokémon Red, Green and Blue. When released in Japan, it contained 48 cards. But the English release featured 64 cards, as Wizards of the Coast included Non-Holofoil prints of Rare Holo cards.
Additional cards: Clefable (1/64), Meowth (56/64), Pikachu (6/64)
Fossil
Japanese release: 21 June 1997
English release: 10 October 1999
Fossil is the third main expansion, released in Japan as ‘Mystery of the Fossils’. In Australia, the Unlimited print for the series used red lettering on the “Pokémon” logo on the packs, decks and cases in order to minimise the risk of counterfeiting.
Additional cards: Aerodactyl (1/62), Zapdos (16/62), Raichu (29/62), Golduck (35/62), Kabuto (50/62), Psyduck (53/62), Energy Search (59/62), Fossil Cosmos Halo (1-5/62), 1999-2000 Copyright Non-Holos (16-62/62)
Base Set 2
Release: 24 February 2000
This is the fourth primary expansion of Pokémon TCG. Also based on Pokémon Red and Blue, it features reprints of the Jungle and Base Set expansions. There is no Japanese equivalent. Base Set was interestingly the first expansion to use the Galaxy Star Holofoil.
Additional cards: Wartortle (63/130)
Team Rocket
Japanese release: 21 November 1997
English release: 24 April 2000
Released as ‘Rocket Gang’ in Japan, the Team Rocket expansion was the first to introduce Dark Pokémon, with its well-known black and brown artwork. The Dark Pokémon in this expansion boasted higher attack damage but lower HPs compared to the others. Interestingly, Team Rocket was the first set that wasn’t packaged in cardboard backed blister packs.
Additional cards: Dark Gyarados (8/82), Dark Arbok (19/82), Dark Charmeleon (32/82)
Gym Heroes
Japanese release: 24 October 1998
English release: 14 August 2000
Known as ‘Gym Expansion 1 Leaders’ Stadium’ in Japan, this is the sixth expansion of the card game and was the first to introduce ‘Owner’s Pokémon’ (i.e. Pokémon with the name of a Trainer). With these cards, you could see the head of the trainer on the bottom right-hand corner of the card (and even their Gym Badge in the background).
Additional cards: Misty’s Seadra (9/132), Misty’s Psyduck (54/132)
Gym Challenge
Japanese release: 25 June 1999
English release: 16 October 2000
The ‘Gym Challenge’ expansion was released as ‘Gym Expansion 2 Challenge from the Darkness’ in Japan. Not only does it feature Gen I Pokémon, but also Gym Leaders of the Kanto region. This expansion generated controversy as the ‘Koga Ninja Trick’ card featured a swastika that looked like a Nazi symbol, so the symbol had to be changed. Further, Misty’s Tears originally featured Misty naked, so this had to be changed as well.
Additional cards: Brock’s Vulpix (37/132)
Buy and sell all Pokémon sets and expansions here
If you’re looking to buy and sell your Pokémon cards, look no further than our shop here at TAG Collectibles. Browse our Pokémon store if you’re looking to add a new card or set to your collection or get in touch with us if you’re looking to sell. We’re more than happy to value your cards and negotiate a deal!
We encourage all committed collectors who are passionate about their Pokémon card collections to become a TAG member, and join our one-of-a-kind community dedicated to improving the value of their collections.
