The Pokemon Trading Card Game has been part of pop culture for decades, but when did Pokemon cards come out exactly? The short answer is October 1996 in Japan and January 1999 in English. Since then, the game has grown into one of the most popular trading card games in the world, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026.
This guide answers the question in full, with a timeline of every major era and the moments that shaped the hobby.
When Did Pokemon Cards Come Out in Japan?
The Pokemon TCG launched in Japan in October 1996, just months after the original Pokemon Red and Green video games became a hit. The first Japanese expansion introduced many of the cards fans still love, including Charizard, Blastoise and Venusaur.
When Did Pokemon Cards Come Out in English?
The English version, published by Wizards of the Coast, launched in January 1999 with Base Set. Pokemon cards quickly became a worldwide craze, with kids collecting and trading in schools around the world, including in Australia.
Who publishes Pokemon cards now?
Wizards of the Coast published the English game until 2003, when The Pokemon Company took over. The Pokemon Company still publishes the game today. You can learn more on The Pokemon Company’s corporate website.
Pokemon Card Eras Timeline
To understand when did Pokemon cards come out for each style of card, it helps to look at the eras.
Wizards of the Coast era (1999 to 2003)
Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, Team Rocket, Gym, Neo and e-Card sets. This era introduced first edition stamps, Dark Pokemon, Shining Pokemon and Crystal Pokemon. Our first edition Pokemon cards guide covers these early cards.
EX era (2003 to 2007)
The Pokemon Company’s first era introduced Pokemon-ex and Gold Star cards.
Diamond and Pearl and Platinum (2007 to 2010)
These sets introduced Pokemon LV.X and Pokemon SP.
HeartGold SoulSilver (2010 to 2011)
This era introduced LEGEND cards, which were made of two halves.
Black and White (2011 to 2013)
Pokemon-EX and full art cards arrived, and secret rares became more common.
XY (2014 to 2016)
Mega Evolution was introduced, along with the Fairy type and BREAK Evolution.
Sun and Moon (2017 to 2019)
GX cards, Tag Team GX cards and rainbow rares were the stars of this era.
Sword and Shield (2020 to 2023)
V, VMAX and VSTAR cards, plus alternate art cards that became hugely popular.
Scarlet and Violet (2023 to 2025)
Pokemon ex returned, along with Tera Pokemon ex, Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares.
Mega Evolution (2025 onwards)
Mega Evolution returned with Mega Evolution Pokemon ex, which give up three Prize cards. Our mega Pokemon cards guide explains the new era.
The 30th Anniversary in 2026
Because Pokemon cards came out in 1996, 2026 marked the game’s 30th anniversary. The 30th Celebration set released on 16 September 2026 as the first worldwide simultaneous release in the game’s history. Our 30th Celebration blister includes packs from the anniversary range.
How Big Has the Game Become?
More than 85 billion Pokemon cards had been produced as of 31 March 2026. Our how many Pokemon cards are there guide explains the numbers.
When Did Pokemon Cards Come Out in Other Languages?
After the English launch in 1999, Pokemon cards came out in many more languages, including French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean and Chinese. Release dates varied by country. Today, most new English and European language sets release worldwide at about the same time, while Japanese sets usually come out first.
Japanese sets come first
Most English sets are based on Japanese sets that came out a few months earlier. This means Japanese collectors often see new cards before anyone else. Our Japanese Pokemon cards guide explains how Japanese sets relate to English sets.
When Did Pokemon Cards Come Out in Each Era?
If you want to know when did Pokemon cards come out for a particular card, check the set symbol and copyright date at the bottom of the card. The copyright line shows the year the card was printed, and the set symbol tells you which expansion it belongs to. You can find every set and release date on Bulbapedia’s expansion list.
Key Moments in Pokemon Card History
- 1996: the game launches in Japan
- 1998: the Pikachu Illustrator is awarded to illustration contest winners in Japan
- 1999: the English Base Set launches
- 2003: The Pokemon Company takes over the English game
- 2020 to 2021: a huge boom in collecting and grading
- 2026: the Pikachu Illustrator sells for US$16,492,000 and the game turns 30
Read about the record sale in our most expensive Pokemon card guide.
When Did Pokemon Cards Come Out in Australia?
Pokemon cards arrived in Australia during the original 1999 craze, and they have remained popular ever since. Today, Australian collectors enjoy new sets on the same release schedule as most of the world, along with local leagues and tournaments. Our vintage Pokemon cards Australia guide covers collecting older cards here.
When Did Pokemon Cards Come Out on Digital Platforms?
The card game has also been available digitally for many years. Pokemon TCG Live is the current official digital version, letting players use the same rules online. Code cards from many products unlock digital packs. Our Pokemon code cards guide explains how to redeem them.
Why the Game Has Lasted
Pokemon cards have lasted for 30 years because they combine collecting, strategy and nostalgia. New sets keep the game fresh, while older cards connect fans to their childhood. The digital Pokemon TCG Live also brings new players into the hobby.
Collecting Across the Eras
Knowing when did Pokemon cards come out in each era makes collecting more fun. Many collectors enjoy picking up one favourite card from each era. It is a great way to see how artwork, card design and rarities have changed since Pokemon cards came out. Keep your collection safe with premium card sleeves and a good binder.
When Did Pokemon Cards Come Out FAQ
When did Pokemon cards first come out?
In Japan in October 1996.
When did English Pokemon cards come out?
In January 1999, with Base Set.
Who made the first English Pokemon cards?
Wizards of the Coast, until The Pokemon Company took over in 2003.
How old is the Pokemon TCG?
It turned 30 in 2026.
So, when did Pokemon cards come out? In 1996 in Japan and 1999 in English, starting a journey that has lasted three decades and counting.
