Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the sets in the Pokemon Trading Card Game! If you're a fan of collecting and playing with Pokemon cards, then you know that each set has its own unique symbols that make them easily recognizable. In this guide, we've compiled a complete list of all the sets in the Pokemon TCG, along with their corresponding set symbols, so you can easily identify and organize your collection. Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started with the game, this guide will be a valuable resource for understanding the various sets available and the history of the Pokemon TCG. So, grab your binder and let's dive into the world of Pokemon cards!

Original Series (1995 - 2000)

The original series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game began with the Base Set, which was released in North America in January 1999. This set introduced the first 102 Pokemon, each with its own unique card and artwork. The Base Set was followed by two expansion sets, Jungle and Fossil, which introduced new Pokemon and mechanics to the game. The fourth set in the series, Base Set 2, was a reprint of the original Base Set with minor changes to the card design. The series then continued with the release of the Team Rocket set, which was the first set to feature a darker, more mischievous tone and included Pokemon belonging to the villainous Team Rocket organization. These sets established the foundation of the Pokemon TCG, with players building decks around their favorite Pokemon and battling against each other using unique attacks and abilities. The original series laid the groundwork for the continued success of the Pokemon TCG, inspiring generations of fans to collect and play the game to this day.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
Base Set	1995 - 2000	no symbol
Jungle	1999
Wizards Black Star Promos	1999 - 2003
Fossil	2000
Base Set 2	2000
Team Rocket	2000

Gym Series (2000)

The Gym series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game was the second major expansion in the game's history, consisting of two sets: Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge. These sets were released in 2000, and were centered around the Gym Leaders from the Kanto region featured in the original Pokemon video games. Each set introduced new Pokemon and Trainers, as well as new mechanics such as the "Trainer Challenge" and "Gym Leader Challenge" cards. The Gym Leaders themselves were prominently featured in the sets, with each one receiving a unique card and artwork. The Gym series added new depth and strategy to the game, with players aiming to defeat the Gym Leaders and collect their badges in order to progress in the game. The Gym series of the Pokemon TCG remains a beloved part of the game's history, and its influence can still be seen in modern sets that focus on the various regions and characters of the Pokemon world.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
Gym Heroes	2000
Gym Challenge	2000

 

Neo Series (2000 - 2002)

The Neo series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game was the third major expansion in the game's history, consisting of four sets: Neo Genesis, Neo Discovery, Neo Revelation, and Neo Destiny. These sets were released between 2000 and 2002 and marked a significant shift in the game's design and mechanics. The Neo series introduced a variety of new Pokemon, including the legendary beasts Raikou, Entei, and Suicune, as well as the starter Pokemon from the Johto region. The sets also introduced new Trainer cards, new energy types, and new game mechanics such as the "Dark" and "Metal" Pokemon. The Neo series marked a transition from the simpler mechanics of the original and Gym series to a more complex and strategic game. The sets were well-received by fans and collectors, and many of the cards from the Neo series remain popular and sought-after among collectors to this day.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
Neo Genesis	2000
Neo Discovery	2001
Southern Islands	2001
Neo Revelation	2001
Neo Destiny	2002

 

Legendary Collection Series (2002)

The Legendary Collection series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game was a special re-release set that was first released in North America in May 2002. The set was a combination of cards from the original Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, and Team Rocket sets, as well as a few select cards from the promotional Wizards Black Star series. The Legendary Collection set was designed to celebrate the first year of the Pokemon TCG and to give players a chance to collect classic cards that may have been difficult to obtain at the time of their original release. The set included updated card designs and a special holographic foil treatment for each card, making them highly coveted among collectors. The Legendary Collection series was well-received by fans and collectors alike, and its legacy can still be seen in the continued popularity of classic Pokemon cards among the game's community.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
Legendary Collection	2002

 

e-Card Series

The e-Card series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game was released from 2002 to 2003 and marked a major shift in the game's mechanics and design. The e-Card series was notable for introducing a new e-Reader technology that allowed players to scan special dot codes on the cards to unlock new game features and bonuses. The e-Card series consisted of three sets: Expedition, Aquapolis, and Skyridge. These sets introduced a new energy type, "Crystal" energy, as well as new Pokemon, Trainers, and game mechanics such as the "Poke-Body" and "Poke-Power" abilities. The e-Card series also featured stunning artwork and intricate designs, with each card having multiple textures and holographic foils. While the e-Card series was not as commercially successful as earlier sets, it remains a beloved part of the Pokemon TCG's history, with its unique mechanics and card designs still appreciated by collectors today.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
Expedition	2002
Aquapolis	2003
Nintendo Black Star Promos	2003 - 2006
Skyridge	2003

 

EX Series (2003 - 2008)

The EX series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game was released from 2003 to 2007 and marked a major turning point in the game's history. The series started with the Ruby and Sapphire set and continued through to POP Series 5, and introduced a range of new mechanics and features to the game. The EX series featured a new card layout, with larger artwork and a distinctive border design, as well as new game mechanics such as the "EX" Pokemon, which were more powerful versions of existing Pokemon. The series also introduced new Trainer cards, such as "Stadium" cards that could change the rules of the game, and new energy types such as "Delta Species" and "Legend" energy. The EX series was well-received by fans and collectors, with the powerful and collectible "EX" cards becoming some of the most sought-after and iconic in the game's history. The series cemented the Pokemon TCG's status as a major player in the world of trading card games, and its influence can still be seen in the game's current mechanics and designs.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
Ruby and Sapphire	2003
Sandstorm	2003
Dragon	2003
Team Magma vs Team Aqua	2004
EX Trainer Kit - Latias & Latios	2004
Hidden Legends	2004
Fire Red and Leaf Green	2004
POP Series 1	2004 - 2005
Team Rocket Returns	2004
Deoxys	2006
Emerald	2006
POP Series 2	2005 - 2008
Unseen Forces	2006
Delta Species	2006
Legend Maker	2006
EX Trainer Kit 2 - Plusle & Minun	2006
POP Series 3	2006
Holon Phantoms	2006
POP Series 4	2006 - 2007
Crystal Guardians	2006
Dragon Frontiers	2006
Power Keepers	2007
POP Series 5	2007

 

Diamond & Pearl Series (2007 - 2009)

The Diamond & Pearl series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game was released from 2007 to 2009 and marked the introduction of the fourth generation of Pokemon. The series began with the Diamond & Pearl set and continued through to POP Series 6, and introduced new mechanics such as "Lv.X" Pokemon, which were even more powerful versions of "EX" Pokemon, and "Poke-POWER" and "Poke-BODY" abilities which had special effects in gameplay. The Diamond & Pearl series featured a range of new Pokemon and Trainers from the Sinnoh region, as well as new artwork and card designs.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
Diamond & Pearl Promos	2007 - 2009
Diamond & Pearl	2007
Mysterious Treasures	2007
Trainer Kit - Manaphy & Lucario	2007
POP Series 6	2007 - 2008
Secret Wonders	2007
Great Encounters	2008
POP Series 7	2008
Majestic Dawn	2008
Legends Awakened	2008
Stormfront	2008
POP Series 8	2008 - 2009

 

Platinum Series (2009)

The Platinum series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game was released from 2009 to 2010 and marked the introduction of the fifth generation of Pokemon. The series began with the Platinum Base Set and continued through to the Arceus set, and introduced new mechanics such as "Level-Up" Pokemon, which evolved in a similar way to the video game counterparts, and "SP" Pokemon, which were dual-type Pokemon with special abilities. The Platinum series also featured new Trainer cards, such as "Supporter" cards, which allowed players to draw extra cards or disrupt their opponent's strategies. The Platinum series also introduced new artwork and card designs, with a focus on the legendary Pokemon of the Sinnoh region.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
Platinum Base Set	2009
POP Series 9	2009
Rising Rivals	2009
Supreme Victors	2009
Arceus	2009

 

 

HeartGold & SoulSilver Series (2010 - 2011)

The HeartGold and SoulSilver series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game was released from 2010 to 2011 and marked the introduction of the remakes of the second generation of Pokemon. The series began with the HeartGold & SoulSilver set and continued through to Call of Legends, and introduced new mechanics such as "Pokemon LEGEND", which were powerful, oversized cards featuring two connected Pokemon, and "Prime" Pokemon, which were evolved versions of existing Pokemon with powerful abilities. The HeartGold and SoulSilver series also introduced new Trainer cards, such as "Lost Remover", which could remove Special Energy cards from the opponent's field, and "Copycat", which allowed the player to copy their opponent's last played Supporter card. The series featured new artwork and card designs, with a focus on the legendary Pokemon of the Johto region.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
HeartGold and SoulSilver Promos	2010 - 2011
HeartGold and SoulSilver	2010
Trainer Kit - Gyarados & Raichu	2010
Unleashed	2010
Undaunted	2010
Triumphant	2010
Call of Legends	2011

 

 

Black and White Series (2011 - 2013)

The Black & White series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game was released from 2011 to 2013 and marked the introduction of the fifth generation of Pokemon. The series began with the Black & White Base Set and continued through to Legendary Treasures, and introduced new mechanics such as "Full Art" cards, which featured oversized, full-body artwork of the Pokemon, and "Ace Spec" cards, which were rare, powerful Trainer cards that could only be used once per game. The Black & White series also introduced new Pokemon and Trainers from the Unova region, as well as new artwork and card designs. The series featured a range of new mechanics, such as "Pokemon Catcher", which could switch out the opponent's active Pokemon with a benched Pokemon, and "Tool" cards, which could be attached to Pokemon to provide additional effects.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
Black and White Base Set	2011
Emerging Powers	2011
Trainer Kit - Excadrill & Zoroark	2011
Noble Victories	2011
Next Destinies	2012
Dark Explorers	2012
Dragons Exalted	2012
Dragon Vault	2012
Boundaries Crossed	2012
Plasma Storm	2012
Plasma Freeze	2013
Plasma Blast	2013
Legendary Treasures	2013

 

 

XY Series (2013 - 2017)

The XY series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game was released from 2013 to 2017 and marked the introduction of the sixth generation of Pokemon. The series began with the Kalos Starter Set and continued through to Evolutions, and introduced new mechanics such as "Mega Evolution" cards, which featured powerful, alternate forms of existing Pokemon, and "Break" cards, which were an evolution beyond EX cards with unique abilities. The XY series also introduced new Trainer cards, such as "VS Seeker", which allowed players to search for a Supporter card from their discard pile, and "Trainers' Mail", which allowed players to search for Trainer cards from the top four cards of their deck. The series featured a range of new Pokemon and Trainers from the Kalos region, as well as new artwork and card designs.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
XY - Promos	2013 - 2017
Kalos Starter Set	2013
XY	2014
Flashfire	2014
Trainer Kit - Sylveon & Noivern	2014
Furious Fists	2014
Phantom Forces	2014
Trainer Kit - Bisharp & Wigglytuff	2014
Primal Clash	2015
Double Crisis	2015
Trainer Kit - Latias & Latios	2015
Roaring Skies	2015
Ancient Origins	2015
BREAKthrough	2015
BREAKpoint	2016
Generations	2016
Trainer Kit - Pikachu Libre & Suicune	2016
Fates Collide	2016
Steam Siege	2016
Evolutions	2016

 

 

Sun & Moon Series (2016 - 2020)

The Sun and Moon series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game was released from 2017 to 2019 and marked the introduction of the seventh generation of Pokemon. The series began with the Sun & Moon Base Set and continued through to Cosmic Eclipse, and introduced new mechanics such as "GX" cards, which featured powerful, ultra-rare Pokemon with unique abilities and attacks, and "Tag Team" cards, which were powerful, oversized cards featuring two connected Pokemon. The Sun and Moon series also introduced new Trainer cards, such as "Cynthia", which allowed players to shuffle their hand into their deck and draw six cards. The series featured a range of new Pokemon and Trainers from the Alola region, as well as new artwork and card designs.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
Sun & Moon Promos	2016 - 2020
Sun & Moon	2017
Trainer Kit - Lycanroc & Alolan Raichu	2017
Guardians Rising	2017
Burning Shadows	2017
Shining Legends	2017
Crimson Invasion	2017
Ultra Prism	2018
Forbidden Light	2018
Celestial Storm	2018
Dragon Majesty	2018
Lost Thunder	2018
Team Up	2019
Detective Pikachu	2019
Unbroken Bonds	2019
Unified Minds	2019
Hidden Fates	2019
Cosmic Eclipse	2019

 

 

Sword & Sheild Series (2020 - 2023)

The Sword and Shield series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game was released in 2020 and marks the introduction of the eighth generation of Pokemon. The series began with the Sword and Shield Base Set and through to Crown Zenith in 2023. The Sword and Shield series introduced new mechanics such as "V" and "VMAX" cards, which featured powerful, ultra-rare Pokemon with unique abilities and attacks that could evolve into even more powerful forms. The Sword and Shield series features a range of new Pokemon and Trainers from the Galar region, as well as new artwork and card designs.

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
Sword & Shield	2020
Rebel Clash	2020
Darkness Ablaze	2020
Champion's Path	2020
Vivid Voltage	2020
Shining Fates	2021
Battle Styles	2021
Chilling Reign	2021
Evolving Skies	2021
Celebrations Classic Collection	2021
Celebrations	2021
Fusion Strike	2021
Brilliant Stars	2022
Astral Radiance	2022
Pokemon GO	2022
Lost Origin	2022
Silver Tempest	2022
Crown Zenith	2023

 

 

McDonald's Pokémon Cards

McDonald's 2014​McDonald's 2014​

Set Name	Release Year	Symbol
McDonald's 2011	2011
McDonald's 2012	2012
McDonald's 2013	2013
McDonald's 2014	2014
McDonald's 2015	2015
McDonald's 2016	2016
McDonald's 2017	2017
McDonald's 2018	2018
McDonald's 2019	2019
McDonald's 2021	2021
McDonald's 2022	2022