The Original Era of the Pokemon TCG ran from its release until the first Neo expansions that introduced Gen 2 Pokemon.
Navigation
1996
February 27, 1996
Nintendo releases Pokemon Red and Green for Game Boy in Japan.
FEB
October 15, 1996
CoroCoro Comic‘s November 1996 issue is published and distributes the first Pokemon cards: glossy promo Pikachu and Jigglypuff cards.
October 20, 1996
Game Freak and Nintendo partner with Media Factory to release the Base Set of the Japanese Pocket Monsters Trading Card Game.
OCT
How to read this timeline
The left side will have Japanese events, while the right side has international ones. For most of the original era, the right side will be blank since Pokemon had not yet made it overseas!
November 30, 1996
Easily Understand How to Play Pokémon Cards published. Contains non-glossy versions of Pikachu and Jigglypuff promos previously issued in CoroCoro.
NOV
December 12, 1996
The first card set product, Pokemon 1996 Starter Gift Box Set, is released in stores.
December 1996
The first Pokemon card game event is held at the 5th Next Generation World Hobby Fair in Chiba, Japan
DEC
1997
January 15, 1997
CoroCoro Comic‘s February 1997 issue is published with a Mew promo card
JAN
March 5, 1997
Jungle expansion released in Japan
MAR
May 2, 1997
Official Red, Green & Black TCG Playmats released through Pokémon Centers and a small number of toy shops. This came with a Slowpoke promo card.
May 15, 1997
CoroCoro Comic‘s June 1997 issue is published with a Mewtwo promo card
May 20, 1997
Pocket Monsters Fan Book is published with 2 promo cards
MAY
June 5, 1997
Fossil expansion released in Japan
June 5, 1997
Vol.1 of Pokemon Card Fan Club Magazine published
Pokémon Card Fan Club Magazine
Pokémon Card Fan Club was a series of magazines published by Media Factory from June 5, 1997 to June 10, 1998. Afterwards, it was succeeded by the Pokémon Card Trainer’s
June 13, 1997
Official Card File (card binder) released with an Electabuzz promo
June 14 - 15, 1997
1st Official Pokemon TCG Tournament held
1st Official Pokemon Card Game Tournament
The first official Pokemon TCG tournament happened June 14 – 15, 1997 at the Makuhari Messe Event Hall in Chiba, Japan. The venue was hosting the 6th “Next Generation World
June 15, 1997
CoroCoro Comic‘s July 1997 issue is published with a jumbo promo card
JUN
August 9 - 17, 1997
Japan Rail East Pokémon Stamp Rally
August 15, 1997
CoroCoro Comic‘s September 1997 issue is published with a 2 promo cards
AUG
September 5, 1997
Vol.2 of Pokemon Card Fan Club Magazine published
Pokémon Card Fan Club Magazine
Pokémon Card Fan Club was a series of magazines published by Media Factory from June 5, 1997 to June 10, 1998. Afterwards, it was succeeded by the Pokémon Card Trainer’s
September 15, 1997
CoroCoro Comic‘s October 1997 issue is published with a a jumbo promo card
SEP
October - December, 1997
Toyota Auto Campaign begins
Toyota Auto Campaign
From October through December 1997, customers who went to Toyota Auto dealerships around Japan could receive a pamphlet with two promo cards in it. The Pikachu was a alternate art
October 15, 1997
First Pokemon illustration contest announced in CoroCoro Comic‘s November 1997 issue.
Early Pokemon Illustration Contests
From the end of 1997 through the summer of 1998, Shogakukan’s CoroCoro Comic hosted 3 illustration contests. Each contest would be announced in a monthly issue of the comic, and
October 15, 1997
CoroCoro Comic‘s November 1997 issue is published with a Flying Pikachu promo card
OCT
November 8, 1997 - February 15, 1998
2nd Official Tournament ‘s regional circuit begins with the Kobe Masala Cup
November 18, 1997
Vol.3 of Pokemon Card Fan Club Magazine published with a Dark Persian promo card.
November 21, 1997
Team Rocket expansion released in Japan
NOV
December 7, 1997 - February 1, 1998
7th Next Generation World Hobby Fair takes place, with a special limited Expansion Sheet on sale with 3 promo cards.
December 10, 1997 - January 31, 1998
Nintendo 64 W Double Get Campaign launches
Nintendo 64 W Double Get Campaign
Between December 10, 1997 and January 31, 1998, customers at participating stores who purchased a Nintendo 64 were given 2 new promo cards: Hungry Snorlax and Cool Porygon. They were
December 15, 1997
CoroCoro Comic‘s January 1998 issue is published with 2 promo cards
December 15, 1997
Winners of the first Pokemon illustration contest are announced in CoroCoro Comic‘s January 1998 issue. Winners each receive a copy of the famous Pokemon Illustrator card
December 19, 1997
Team Rocket Gift Pack is released
DEC
1998
February 1998
Tamamushi University Campaign begins in Shogakukan’s grade-specific magazines
Tamamushi University Magikarp Campaign
In the spring of 1998, a promotional campaign featuring Magikarp was launched. Starting from March 1998, school children in Japan were given the opportunity to “enroll” in a fictional university,
February 10 - April 30, 1998
Trade Please! Campaign begins
February 15, 1998
CoroCoro Comic‘s March 1998 issue is published with 2 promo cards
February 28, 1998
Vol.4 of Pokemon Card Fan Club Magazine published
Pokémon Card Fan Club Magazine
Pokémon Card Fan Club was a series of magazines published by Media Factory from June 5, 1997 to June 10, 1998. Afterwards, it was succeeded by the Pokémon Card Trainer’s
FEB
March 15, 1998
CoroCoro Comic‘s April 1998 issue is published with 3 promo cards
March 23, 1998
First vending machine series “Expansion Sheet 1” released
Vending Machine Sheet 1
Known officially as 拡張シート(Expansion Sheet), the vending machine cards were distributed in 1998 from vending machines around Japan. They all use glossy card stock instead of the standard matte card
MAR
May 15, 1998
Second Pokemon illustration contest announced in CoroCoro Comic‘s May 1998 issue to commemorate the release of the first Pokemon Movie later in the summer.
Early Pokemon Illustration Contests
From the end of 1997 through the summer of 1998, Shogakukan’s CoroCoro Comic hosted 3 illustration contests. Each contest would be announced in a monthly issue of the comic, and
April 26, 1998
CoroCoro Comic‘s April 1998 issue is published with a jumbo promo card
April 26, 1998
First “Leaders’ Stadium” preconstructed decks are released: Nivi City Gym Deck (Brock’s) and Hanada City Gym Deck (Misty’s).
These decks would build up to the release of the Leaders’ Stadium set, known internationally as Gym Heroes.
April 26, 1998
Charizard Mega Battle Best in Japan national championships held in Chiba, Japan.
Lizardon (Charizard) Mega Battle Tournaments
The Lizardon Mega Battle (also known as the Charizard Mega Battle, as Charizard’s Japanese name is Lizardon), was the second official Pokemon TCG tournament. Since the first official Pokemon TCG
APR
May 1998 - December 1998
Shogakukan’s Celadon University Campaign begins by offering elementary schoolers the “Entrance Exam”. A new exam would be administered each subsequent month.
May 15, 1998
Third Pokemon illustration contest announced in CoroCoro Comic‘s June 1998 issue to commemorate the release of the short film attached to the first Pokemon Movie.
Early Pokemon Illustration Contests
From the end of 1997 through the summer of 1998, Shogakukan’s CoroCoro Comic hosted 3 illustration contests. Each contest would be announced in a monthly issue of the comic, and
May 15, 1998
CoroCoro Comic‘s June 1998 issue is published with a jumbo promo card
MAY
June 17, 1998
Second vending machine series “Expansion Sheet 2” released
Vending Machine Sheet 2
Known officially as 拡張シート(Expansion Sheet), the vending machine cards were distributed in 1998 from vending machines around Japan. They all use glossy card stock instead of the standard matte card
June 10, 1998
Final volume (Vol.5) of Pokemon Card Fan Club Magazine published with 2 Touch Change! promos.
JUN
July 15, 1998
CoroCoro Comic‘s August 1998 issue is published with 2 promo cards
July 18, 1998
First Pokemon Movie “Mewtwo Strike Back” premieres in Japan
July 19 - August 23, 1998
2nd Official Tournament Series “Kamex (Blastoise) Mega Battle” starts its regional tournament circuit.
Kamex (Blastoise) Mega Battle Tournaments
Following the success of the first national tournament series, the 1998 Lizardon Mega Battles, a second tournament series and subsequent national championship was held later in the same year. From
July 25, 1998
Second pair of Leaders’ Stadium preconstructed decks released: Kuchiba City Gym Deck (Lt. Surge’s) and Tamamushi City Gym Deck (Erika’s).
JUL
August 1, 1998
CoroCoro Comic‘s September 1998 issue holds a photo contest for the Pokemon Clay Master toys
1998 Pokemon Clay Master Contest
In the summer of 1998, Pokemon and Banpresto (a Japanese toy manufacturer now owned by Bandai Namco) teamed up to launch a new toy product line called “Pokemon Clay Master”
AUG
August 27, 1998
Nintendo launches Pokemon in the United States. Topeka, Kansas to renames itself “Topikachu” for a day to celebrate. They hold a Pokemon party that includes a helicopter airdrop of plush Pokemon dolls.
September 12, 1998
Pokemon Yellow version is released in Japan.
September 15, 1998
CoroCoro Comic‘s October 1998 issue is published with a jumbo promo card
SEP
September 8, 1998
Pokemon anime has its western premiere on Kids WB, quickly becoming the channel’s top cartoon show.
September 28, 1998
Nintendo releases Pokemon Red and Blue for Game Boy in America.
October, 1998
Japan’s Official Gym series begins, kicking off the TCG’s local organized play tournaments
October 24, 1998
Leaders’ Stadium (Gym Heroes) expansion released in Japan
OCT
October 1998
KFC runs the first fast food promotion with Pokemon. In addition to the Kids’ Meals toys, four plush “beanies” were available: Dratini, Zubat, Seel, and Vulpix.
November 1, 1998 - January 31, 1999
All Nippon Airways “Get in a Jet! Double Chance Campaign” begins
November 5, 1998
2nd Anniversary Calendar released with the original Birthday Pikachu promo.
November 13, 1998
Easily Understand How to Play Pokémon Cards: Latest Edition published with 2 promo cards.
November 15, 1998
CoroCoro Comic‘s December 1998 issue is published with 4 promo cards
November 23, 1998
Third and final vending machine series “Expansion Sheet 3” released
Vending Machine Sheet 3
Known officially as 拡張シート(Expansion Sheet), the vending machine cards were distributed in 1998 from vending machines around Japan. They all use glossy card stock instead of the standard matte card
November 23, 1998 - April 30, 1999
Communication Evolution “Masaki” Campaign begins
Evolution Communication “Masaki” Campaign
With the release of Expansion Sheet Series 3 in vending machines also came the release of a “Pass Card” called Bill’s PC. In Japanese, the card was known as “マサキのパソコン”,
NOV
December 4, 1998
1000 Elementary schoolers who complete the Tamamushi University Hyper Professor exam are given a special Magikarp promo, commonly known as “University Magikarp”.
Tamamushi University Magikarp Campaign
In the spring of 1998, a promotional campaign featuring Magikarp was launched. Starting from March 1998, school children in Japan were given the opportunity to “enroll” in a fictional university,
December 4, 1998
Pokemon Card Game Quick Starter Gift Set is released
December 12, 1998 - January 24, 1999
9th Next Generation World Hobby Fair begins. 3 Pokemon TCG tournaments are held across the venue locations.
At least one of the venues (Tokyo’s) holds a Parent-child tournament that distributes the coveted Trophy Kangaskhan.
December 18, 1998
Pokémon Trading Card Game for Game Boy Color is released in Japan
DEC
December 1998
Wizards of the Coast obtains the license to publish and distribute the Pokemon TCG internationally.
December 1998
Wizards distributes a “Demo Pack” to select retailers and at Magic: The Gathering (MTG) trading card shows as a limited production run.
The remaining Pokémon Demo Game packs were given to guests and vendors at the annual E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) event which was held from May 13–15 in 1999.
1999
January 1, 1999
Pokemon Song Best Collection music CD is released
January 1 - June 1, 1999
Pokémon Fan Club sends members a Tropical Present Jumbo card if they earn 100 GET points.
January 15, 1999
CoroCoro Comic‘s February 1999 issue is published with a promo card
January 29, 1999
Pokémon Card GB Official Guidebook is published in Japan by Media Factory
JAN
January 9, 1999
Wizards of the Coast releases the Pokemon Trading Card Game’s Base Set.
January 1999
Brian Brokaw launches the Brokamon Center Website which quickly morphs into the Psylum PokeGym, the first incarnation of PokeGym.net
Wizards took over the PokeGym forums after Psylum Network was shut down, and used it as a foundation for their message boards, renaming it to “The Wizards’ PokeGym”.
February 15, 1999
CoroCoro Comic‘s March 1999 issue is published with 2 promo cards
February 26, 1999
Third pair of preconstructed Gym preconstructed released: Yamabuki City Gym Deck (Sabrina’s) and Guren Town Gym Deck (Blaine’s)
FEB
March 1, 1999
Hyper CoroCoro Comic‘s Spring 1999 issue is published with 2 promo cards
MAR
March 1999
Wizards of the Coast launches Prototype Leagues for the Pokemon TCG to test out what would become America’s organized play system.
Wizards of the Coast Pokemon Leagues: Prototypes and Years 1 & 2
Shortly after Wizards of the Coast acquired the American license for the Pokemon TCG in December 1998, plans were set in motion for organized play. Wizards of the Coast were
March 1999
Wizards and Nintendo launch the first mall tours on the East Coast to drum up interest in the Pokemon TCG. Attendance wildly exceeded estimates, with many attendees being turned away due to capacity.
March 1999
A shadowless Base Set Charmeleon is included in the March 1999 issue of Nintendo Power (Vol. 118)
May 15, 1999
CoroCoro Comic‘s June 1999 issue announces the Pokemon Snap Best Photo Contest, which would run concurrently with the 64 Mario Stadium.
1999 Pokemon Snap Photo Contests
Pokémon Snap is a 1999 first-person photography game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It was first released in Japan on March 21, 1999.
May 15, 1999
CoroCoro Comic‘s June 1999 issue is published with a promo card
May 22, 1999
How I Became a Pokémon Card (commonly known as “Natta Wake”) manga’s first issue is published with a promo card.
May 28, 1999
The successor to the Pokemon Fan Club Magazine, Pokemon Card Trainers Magazine Vol.1 is released with a promo card.
MAY
May 13 - 15, 1999
A shadowless Base Set Pikachu with red cheeks is stamped with a golden “E3” symbol and given out to attendees of the 1999 Electronic Entertainment Expo.
June 1 - July 31, 1999
All Nippon Airways “Everyone’s Happy Campaign” first half begins
June 15, 1999
CoroCoro Comic‘s July 1999 issue is published with a promo card
June 25, 1999
Challenge from the Darkness (Gym Challenge internationally) expansion is released in Japan
June 30, 1999
Bessatsu CoroCoro Comic Special‘s August 1999 issue is published with a jumbo promo card
JUN
June 1999
Wizards of the Coast begins Year 1 of the Pokemon League at stores nationwide.
Wizards of the Coast Pokemon Leagues: Prototypes and Years 1 & 2
Shortly after Wizards of the Coast acquired the American license for the Pokemon TCG in December 1998, plans were set in motion for organized play. Wizards of the Coast were
June 1999
Wizards releases the Base Set in Europe.
June 16, 1999
Jungle Expansion is released in America. Prereleases are held through Pokemon Leagues and participants received a prerelease-stamped Clefable.
June 16, 1999
1st Edition Pikachus from the Wizards Black Star promo set are accidentally included in some 1st Edition Jungle packs, making them the first English promos distributed.
July 1999
Pokemon Card Trainers Magazine Vol.2 released
July 11 - August 10, 1999
Challenge Road 1999 Summer begins at Osaka
Challenge Road Summer & Battle Road Autumn 1999
Following the success of the 1998 tournaments, The Pokemon TCG launched a new, larger tournament circuit series in 1999. This would be known as the “Grand Party 1999-2000”. The circuit
July 15, 1999
CoroCoro Comic‘s August 1999 issue is published with 2 promo cards and a jumbo promo card
July 17, 1999
Southern Islands set released in Japan
July 17, 1999
Second Pokemon Movie, Revelation Lugia (known as Pokemon the Movie 2000: The Power of One overseas) is released in Japan with a promo card for attendees.
July 30, 1999
“Intro Pack” with VHS tape and 2 half decks is released
JUL
July 1999
The first Wizards promo is “officially” distributed through Pokemon Leagues. The version lacks the 1st edition stamp that was previously accidentally issued in Jungle boosters.
July 10 - 11, 1999
Over 44,0000 attendees participate in the combined Pokemon Game Boy and Pokemon TCG Mall Tour stop at Mall of America.
August 1 - September 30, 1999
All Nippon Airways “Everyone’s Happy Campaign” second half begins
August 15, 1999
CoroCoro Comic‘s September 1999 issue is published with a promo card
August 21, 1999
Riding on Lapras CD single album is released with a promo card.
August 22, 1999
First Secret Super Battle held in a secret location in Tokyo, Japan to determine a seniors division Japanese national champion.
Secret Super Battle “Best in Japan” 1999
The Secret Super Battle Best in Japan 1999 was the national championships for seniors division (junior high year 3 to high school year 2) Pokemon TCG players in 1999. The
August 24 - 27, 1999
First Tropical Mega Battle held in Hawaii, USA to determine a juniors division Japanese national champion.
First International Tropical Mega Battle also held at the same event to crown the first international champion.
International Tropical Mega Battle 1999
The 1999 Tropical Mega Battle (TMB) was the first instance of what would now be considered a world championship for the TCG. It was open to elementary school players (ages
July 15, 1999
CoroCoro Comic‘s August 1999 issue is published with 2 promo cards and a jumbo promo card
July 17, 1999
Southern Islands set released in Japan
July 17, 1999
Second Pokemon Movie, Revelation Lugia (known as Pokemon the Movie 2000: The Power of One overseas) is released in Japan with a promo card for attendees.
July 30, 1999
“Intro Pack” with VHS tape and 2 half decks is released
AUG
September 12 - November 28, 1999
Battle Road 1999 Autumn begins in Kanazawa.
Challenge Road Summer & Battle Road Autumn 1999
Following the success of the 1998 tournaments, The Pokemon TCG launched a new, larger tournament circuit series in 1999. This would be known as the “Grand Party 1999-2000”. The circuit
September 22, 1999
How I Became a Pokémon Card Vol.2 (commonly known as “Natta Wake”) is published with a promo card.
SEP
September 1999
A yellow cheeks version of Base Set Pikachu with a golden E3 stamp is released in Nintendo Power‘s September 1999 (Vol. 124) issue. This is similar to the one distributed earlier at E3, but has yellow cheeks and is not shadowless.
September 1999
A Wizards-stamped 1st Edition Pikachu from the Jungle expansion is released in The Duelist Magazine‘s September 1999 issue.
September 18 - October 7, 1999
PokeTour 1999 begins in Australia and distributes a stamped Base Set Pikachu.
October 1, 1999
Pokemon Card Trainers Magazine Vol.3 is released with a promo card. This was a glossy version of the one given to participants during the 1999 international Tropical Mega Battle.
October 27, 1999
Meowth’s Party music CD is released with a promo card.
OCT
October 5, 1999
Pokemon Red and Blue versions are released in Europe.
October 8, 1999
Fossil Expansion released in America. Prereleases are held at Pokemon Leagues and distribute a prerelease-stamped Aerodactyl. The European version has a cosmos holofoil, while the American ones have the standard starlight holofoil.
October 19, 1999
Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition is released in America.
November 21, 1999
Pokemon Gold and Silver versions are released in Japan, kicking off the beginning of Gen 2.
NOV
November 8 - December 31, 1999
Burger King begins a massive promotion with Pokemon, featuring 57 different toys, 6 23-carat gold plated Pokemon cards, and 151 collectible cards.
November 9, 1999
Pokemon the First Movie soundtrack is released ahead of the film in America. Buyers of the album could mail in a proof of purchase to receive a Jigglypuff promo card.
November 12, 1999
Pokemon the First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back is released in America. Theatergoers receive one of four stamped promo cards for attending.
December 1, 1999
Pokemon Card Trainers Magazine Vol.4 is released with 2 promo cards.
December 10, 1999
“Pokemon Gold and Silver” Release Commemorative Premium File (Neo Premium File 1) is released in Japan. These were available for advance purchase at select tournament venues before the official release.
December 15, 1999
CoroCoro Comic‘s January 2000 issue is published with a promo card
DEC
December 1999
Top Deck Magazine‘s December 1999 issue is released with a W-stamped Kabuto from the Fossil expansion.
December 1999
Fruit by the Foot (an American candy snack) includes a gold-bordered Jungle Meowth in some packages.
