Original TCG Series merchandise: Difference between revisions

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:''This page no longer includes the merchandise for the {{TCG|Diamond & Pearl}} Series, the {{TCG|Platinum}} Series, the {{TCG|HeartGold & SoulSilver}} Series, the {{TCG|Call of Legends}} Series, or the {{TCG|Black & White}} Series. It is progressively being phased out in favor of merchandise pages organized by Series rather than type. For merchandise from these three Series, please refer to [[:Category:Pokémon Trading Card Game merchandise|this page accordingly]].''
{{MerchPrevNext | prev=None | next=Neo }}  
{{-}}
The Original TCG Series maintained the steady flow of TCG merchandise from the start of the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] until the beginning of [[Generation II]] with the release of {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}. Throughout this time, a steady flow of products such as {{TCG|Theme Deck}}s were released in order to promote the card game, and ultimately, the video games and the franchise as a whole. Below is a chronological list of all merchandise items released during the Original TCG Series.
As well as producing unique or variant cards available at events, [[Nintendo]] has also released several varieties of promotional items in which to deliver special cards. Such mediums include value packs, box sets and {{TCG|Collector Tins|collector tins}}. The list below focuses on value packs and box sets, which contain at least one promotional card, as well as booster packs or a theme deck from recent expansions. The items are listed in (roughly) chronological order and contain details of their contents.


==EX Series value packs==
==Promotional pre-Base Set merchandise==
===EX Value Pack (1)===
There are several early Pokémon TCG products that served as an introduction to the Pokémon Trading Card Game for the US market. It is believed that these items were released as early as 1998, before even {{tcg|Base Set}} was released.
<gallery align="right">
File:EXValuePack1.jpg
</gallery>
The first value pack to be produced by Nintendo, it differs from packs today as it was boxed and did not show the promotional card included in the pack.


'''Promo card:'''
The first of these items is the [[Demo Game (TCG)|Demo Game]] booster pack. This booster pack was designed for two players and contained 24 Shadowless Base Set cards and an instruction booklet. It is believed that these booster were distributed to retailers so that customers could sample the game. They were not intended for public sale.
*{{TCG ID|Nintendo Promo|Ludicolo|20}} ({{TCG|Nintendo Black Star Promos|Nintendo Promo}} 020)
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|EX Ruby & Sapphire}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Sandstorm}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Dragon}}'' booster pack (×1)


===EX Value Pack (2)===
The second of these items are the Trainer Decks - {{tcg|Trainer Deck A}} (Brock's Deck) and {{tcg|Trainer Deck B}} (Misty's Deck). These decks were released to early {{tcg|Pokémon League}}s to help promote the TCG. Like the Demo Game booster pack, these decks were not sold publicly.
<gallery align="right">
File:EXValuePack2.jpg
</gallery>
This value pack was also boxed and was the first to include two promotional cards. This pack contained the same two cards that were included in the EX Collector's Carry Tin.


'''Promo cards:'''
'''Product images:'''
*{{TCG ID|Nintendo Promo|Celebi|29}} ({{TCG|Nintendo Black Star Promos|Nintendo Promo}} 029)
{{TCGMerchGallery |
*{{TCG ID|Nintendo Promo|Suicune|30}} ({{TCG|Nintendo Black Star Promos|Nintendo Promo}} 030)
background={{Blue color}} |
'''Contents:'''
border={{Red color}} |
*''{{TCG|EX Sandstorm}}'' booster pack (×1)
image1=Demo Game Booster Pack.png |
*''{{TCG|EX Hidden Legends}}'' booster pack (×1)
caption1=[[Demo Game (TCG)|Demo Game]] booster pack |
*''{{TCG|EX Deoxys}}'' booster pack (×1)
image2=Trainer Deck A Brocks.png |
caption2={{tcg|Trainer Deck A}} (Brock's) |
image3=Trainer Deck B Mistys.png |
caption3={{tcg|Trainer Deck B}} (Misty's) |
}}


----
==Base Set Theme Decks==
In 2005, value packs began to be packaged in blister packs (where the items are sealed with vacuum moulded plastic) and released alongside TCG expansions upon their release, the packaging mirroring the same design as the booster packs or boxes. The majority of blister packs released still retain this pattern. It was also around this time that the inclusion of promo cards were phased out in favor of releasing them in tins, using the blister packs as a medium in which to deliver holographic reprints of POP Series cards. These packs also saw the inclusion of coins, normally found in {{TCG|Theme Deck|theme decks}}.
The very first expansion, {{TCG|Base Set}}, was released by [[Wizards of the Coast]] on January 9, 1999 and had five separate {{TCG|Theme Deck}}s associated with it. The first four, named {{TCG|Blackout}}, {{TCG|Brushfire}}, {{TCG|Overgrowth}}, and {{TCG|Zap!}}, were each released with 60 cards, each focusing on a different combination of the six types released within Base Set. Blackout, while primarily focusing on the {{ct|Fighting}}, also included {{ct|Water}} Pokémon cards. Brushfire focused on the {{ct|Fire}} and {{ct|Grass}}, while Zap! featured {{ct|Lightning}} and {{ct|Psychic}} Pokémon. The fourth Theme Deck, Overgrowth, doubled up on the Water-type and the Grass-type. Each deck had one Holofoil card included within, in addition to damage counters, a {{p|Chansey}} coin, and a rule book detailing how to play the card game against another person.
===''EX Unseen Forces'' Blister Pack===
<gallery align="right">
File:EXValuePack5_1.jpg|Sceptile variant
File:EXValuePack5_2.jpg|Swampert variant
</gallery>
The first blister packs released were based on the ''{{TCG|EX Unseen Forces}}'' expansion, though they were not directly affiliated by The Pokémon Company.


'''Promo cards:'''
The fifth Theme Deck for the Base Set expansion was the {{TCG|2-Player Starter Set}}. More akin to the later released Trainer Kits, the 2-Player Starter Set contained instructions on how to divide the cards included in the deck into two separate {{TCG|Half Deck}}s in order to teach players how to play the card game in a more detailed, step-by-step process. This deck also contained damage counters, but not a {{TCG|coin}}, as none of the included cards need a coin for their attacks. It does, however, include a 61st card, {{TCG ID|Base Set|Machamp|8}} in order to bolster the deck when both half decks are played as one.
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 1|Sceptile|4}} ({{TCG|POP Series 1}} 4/17)
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 1|Swampert|5}} ({{TCG|POP Series 1}} 5/17)
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|EX Deoxys}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Unseen Forces}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Delta Species}}'' booster pack (×1)
*{{p|Pikachu}} coin (silver)


===''EX Legend Maker'' Blister Pack===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:LegendMakerValuePack1.jpg|Blaziken variant
background={{Blue color}} |
Image:LegendMakerValuePack2.jpg|Metagross variant
border={{Red color}} |
</gallery>
image1=O1 Blackout Deck.jpg |
These value packs were released in conjunction with ''{{TCG|EX Legend Maker}}'', the card back featuring a similar design to those of the booster packs.
caption1={{TCG|Blackout}} |
image2=O1 Brushfire Deck.jpg |
caption2={{TCG|Brushfire}} |
image3=O1 Overgrowth Deck.jpg |
caption3={{TCG|Overgrowth}} |
image5=O1 Zap! Deck.jpg |
caption5={{TCG|Zap!}} |
image6=2PlayerStarterSet.jpg |
caption6={{TCG|2-Player Starter Set}} |
}}


'''Promo cards:'''
==Deck Boxes==
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 1|Blaziken|1}} ({{TCG|POP Series 1}} 1/17)
At some point after the release of {{TCG|Base Set}}, 4 '''Deck Boxes''' were released with theming of the fully evolved first partner Pokémon {{p|Venusaur}}, {{p|Charizard}} and {{p|Blastoise}}, along with a separate release of another featuring {{p|Pikachu}}.
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 1|Metagross|2}} ({{TCG|POP Series 1}} 2/17)
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|EX Unseen Forces}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Legend Maker}}'' booster packs (×2)
*{{p|Rayquaza}} coin (silver) [Blaziken pack only]
*Energy coin (red) [Metagross pack only]


===''EX Holon Phantoms'' Blister Pack===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:HolonPhantomsValuePack1.jpg|Rayquaza variant
background={{Blue color}} |
Image:HolonPhantomsValuePack2.jpg|Venusaur variant
border={{Red color}} |
</gallery>
image1=Base Set Venusaur Deck Box.jpg |
These value packs were released in conjunction with ''{{TCG|EX Holon Phantoms}}'', the card back featuring a similar design to those of the booster packs.
caption1=Venusaur Deck Box |
image2=Base Set Charizard Deck Box.jpg |
caption2=Charizard Deck Box |
image3=Base Set Blastoise Deck Box.jpg |
caption3=Blastoise Deck Box |
image4=Base Set Pikachu Deck Box.jpg |
caption4=Pikachu Deck Box |
}}


'''Promo cards:'''
==Jungle Theme Decks==
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 1|Rayquaza|3}} ({{TCG|POP Series 1}} 3/17)
The second expansion, {{TCG|Jungle}}, continued the trend for Theme Decks left by {{TCG|Base Set}}. For this expansion, only two Theme Decks were made available, starting  June 16, 1999 when the main expansion was released to stores. The first Theme Deck, named {{TCG|Power Reserve}}, featured the Parent Pokémon {{p|Kangaskhan}}, as well as the {{ct|Grass}} and {{ct|Psychic}}. The second Theme Deck, {{TCG|Water Blast}}, featured the Bubble Jet Pokémon, {{p|Vaporeon}} and the {{ct|Water}} and {{ct|Fighting}}. Both Theme Decks contained a rulebook, damage counters, a custom {{p|Vileplume}} coin, and card list for the expansion.
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 2|Venusaur|6}} ({{TCG|POP Series 2}} 6/17)
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|EX Unseen Forces}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Holon Phantoms}}'' booster packs (×2)
*Energy coin (blue)


===Metagross Blister Pack===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:MetagrossValuePack.jpg
background={{Blue color}} |
</gallery>
border={{Red color}} |
This was one of the first packs to focus on one particular Pokémon both in terms of the design of the pack and the card included. This would later be used in subsequent releases, but with a general theme in mind, such as the [[Eeveelution]]s and [[legendary beasts]].
image1=O2 Power Reserve Deck.jpg |
caption1={{TCG|Power Reserve}} |
image2=O2 Water Blast Deck.jpg |
caption2={{TCG|Water Blast}} |
}}


'''Promo card:'''
==Pokémon Trading Card Game Player's Guide==
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 1|Metagross|2}} ({{TCG|POP Series 1}} 2/17)
{{main|Pokémon Trading Card Game Player's Guide}}
'''Contents:'''
In July 1999, Sandwich Islands Publishing released a strategy guide for the TCG, covering the {{TCG|Base Set}} and {{TCG|Jungle}} expansions. This strategy guide details the rules of the TCG, deck building strategies and game play strategies.
*''{{TCG|EX Deoxys}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Holon Phantoms}}'' booster pack (×1)


===EX Value Pack II===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:EXValuePackII.jpg
background={{Blue color}} |
</gallery>
border={{Red color}} |
'''Promo card:'''
image1=Pokémon Trading Card Game Player's Guide.png |
*{{TCG ID|Nintendo Promo|Typhlosion|34}} ({{TCG|Nintendo Black Star Promos|Nintendo Promo}} 034)
caption1=[[Pokémon Trading Card Game Player's Guide]] |
'''Contents:'''
}}
*''{{TCG|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Hidden Legends}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Team Rocket Returns}}'' booster pack (×1)


===EX Value Pack 3===
==Starter Gift Box==
'''Promo card:'''
The Starter Gift Box is a separate release made available sometime in between the releases of {{TCG|Jungle}} and {{TCG|Fossil}}. This Gift Box came packaged with a copy of {{TCG|Base Set}}'s {{TCG|2-Player Starter Set}}, as well as one of the two {{TCGMerch|Original|Series|Jungle Theme Decks}}, {{TCG|Power Reserve}} or {{TCG|Water Blast}}, a Jungle booster pack, a play mat with deck building tips, and an exclusive {{p|Eevee}} {{TCG|coin}}.
*{{TCG ID|Nintendo Promo|Pikachu δ|35}} ({{TCG|Nintendo Black Star Promos|Nintendo Promo}} 035)
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|EX Hidden Legends}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX FireRed & LeafGreen}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Delta Species}}'' booster pack (×1)


===Legendary Beasts Blister Packs===
'''Product images:'''
Although they received very little marketing, three blister packs were released featuring the [[legendary beasts]] of Johto.
{{TCGMerchGallery |
background={{Blue color}} |
border={{Red color}} |
image1=StarterGiftBox.png |
caption1=Starter Gift Box |
}}


'''Promo cards:'''
==Fossil Theme Decks==
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 2|Entei|1}} ({{TCG|POP Series 2}} 1/17)
{{TCG|Fossil}}, the third expansion, was released on October 10, 1999 and came with two Theme Decks: {{TCG|BodyGuard}} and {{TCG|LockDown}}. The {{ct|Grass}} and {{ct|Fighting}} themed BodyGuard Theme Deck featured the Holofoil card {{TCG ID|Fossil|Muk|13}}. The {{ct|Fire}} and {{ct|Water}} {{TCG|LockDown}} Theme Deck featured Holofoil {{TCG ID|Fossil|Lapras|10}}. Much like other Theme Decks, these two came with a rulebook, damage counters, an exclusive {{p|Aerodactyl}} coin, and card list.
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 2|Raikou|3}} ({{TCG|POP Series 2}} 3/17)
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 2|Suicune|4}} ({{TCG|POP Series 2}} 4/17)
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|EX Crystal Guardians}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Power Keepers}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Dragon Frontiers}}'' booster pack (×1)
*Energy coin (silver) [Entei pack only]
*{{p|Mew}} coin (silver) [Raikou pack only]
*{{p|Pikachu}} coin (gold) [Suicune pack only]


===Eeveelutions Blister Packs===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:FlareonValuePack.jpg|Flareon pack
background={{Blue color}} |
Image:JolteonValuePack.jpg|Jolteon pack
border={{Red color}} |
Image:VaporeonValuePack.jpg|Vaporeon pack
image1=O3 BodyGuard Deck.jpg |
</gallery>
caption1={{TCG|BodyGuard}} |
Released as a singular wave, each pack contains either Flareon, Jolteon or Vaporeon and two booster packs. The package design mirrored that of the card it contained.
image2=O3 LockDown Deck.jpg |
caption2={{TCG|LockDown}} |
}}


'''Promo cards:'''
==Pokémon Trading Card Game Fossil Expansion Player's Guide==
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 3|Flareon|2}} ({{TCG|POP Series 3}} 2/17)
{{main|Pokémon Trading Card Game Fossil Expansion Player's Guide}}
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 3|Jolteon|3}} ({{TCG|POP Series 3}} 3/17)
In November 1999, Sandwich Islands Publishing released a strategy guide for the TCG covering the {{TCG|Fossil}} expansion. This strategy guide details the rules of the TCG, deck building strategies and game play strategies.
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 3|Vaporeon|6}} ({{TCG|POP Series 3}} 6/17)
'''Contents:'''


Combination of
'''Product images:'''
*''{{TCG|EX Legend Maker}}'' booster pack (×1)
{{TCGMerchGallery |
*''{{TCG|EX Deoxys}}'' booster pack (×1)
background={{Blue color}} |
*''{{TCG|EX Holon Phantoms}}'' booster pack (×1)
border={{Red color}} |
*''{{TCG|EX Crystal Guardians}}'' booster pack (×1)
image1=Fossil Expansion Player's Guide.png |
caption1=[[Pokémon Trading Card Game Fossil Expansion Player's Guide]] |
}}


===''EX Crystal Guardians'' Blister Pack===
==Pokémon Trading Card Game: Prima's Official Strategy Guide==
<gallery align="right">
{{main|Pokémon Trading Card Game: Prima's Official Strategy Guide}}
Image:CrystalGuardiansValuePack1.jpg|Pidgeot variant
In December 1999, [[Prima Games]] released an officially licensed strategy guide for the TCG. This strategy guide details the rules of the TCG, deck building strategies and game play strategies.
Image:CrystalGuardiansValuePack2.jpg|Tauros variant
</gallery>
These value packs were released in conjunction with ''{{TCG|EX Crystal Guardians}}'', the card back featuring a similar design to those of the booster packs.


'''Promo cards:'''
'''Product images:'''
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 2|Pidgeot|2}} ({{TCG|POP Series 2}} 2/17)
{{TCGMerchGallery |
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 2|Tauros|5}} ({{TCG|POP Series 2}} 5/17)
background={{Blue color}} |
'''Contents:'''
border={{Red color}} |
*''{{TCG|EX Emerald}}'' booster pack (×1)
image1=Prima TCG guidebook.png |
*''{{TCG|EX Crystal Guardians}}'' booster packs (×2)
caption1=[[Pokémon Trading Card Game: Prima's Official Strategy Guide]] |
*{{p|Pikachu}} coin (gold) or {{p|Metagross}} coin (silver)
}}


===''EX Dragon Frontiers'' Value Pack===
==Original Collector's Albums==
<gallery align="right">
Sometime in 1999, two official '''Collector's Albums''' for card storage were released. Although having the same name, the two albums are different in size, look and usability.
Image:DragonFrontiersValuePack1.jpg|Plusle variant
Image:DragonFrontiersValuePack2.jpg|Minun variant
</gallery>
These value packs were released in conjunction with ''{{TCG|EX Dragon Frontiers}}'', the card back featuring a similar design to those of the booster packs.


'''Promo cards:'''
The larger of the two albums is a 2" 3-ring album for use with 9-pocket pages, and features {{p|Snorlax}}, {{p|Meowth}} and {{p|Sandshrew}} on the front, and {{p|Mewtwo}}, {{p|Raichu}} and {{p|Gyarados}} on the back. It also included a checklist for the first three expansions; {{TCG|Base Set}}, {{TCG|Jungle}} and {{TCG|Fossil}}, and 5 Ultra Pro 9-pocket pages.
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 3|Plusle|5}} ({{TCG|POP Series 3}} 5/17)
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 3|Minun|4}} ({{TCG|POP Series 3}} 4/17)
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|EX Deoxys}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Dragon Frontiers}}'' booster packs (×2)
*{{p|Gardevoir}} coin (blue) [Plusle pack only]
*{{p|Tyranitar}} coin (gold) [Minun pack only]


===''EX Power Keepers'' Value Pack===
The smaller of the two albums is a 4-pocket portfolio with pages already fixed in, and features {{p|Pikachu}}, {{p|Charizard}} and {{p|Blastoise}} on the front, and {{p|Venusaur}} on the back.
<gallery align="right">
Image:PowerKeepersValuePack1.jpg|Mew variant
Image:PowerKeepersValuePack2.jpg|Deoxys δ variant
</gallery>
These value packs were released in conjunction with ''{{TCG|EX Power Keepers}}'', the card back featuring a similar design to those of the booster packs.


'''Promo cards:'''
'''Product images:'''
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 4|Deoxys δ|2}} ({{TCG|POP Series 4}} 2/17)
{{TCGMerchGallery |
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 4|Mew|4}} ({{TCG|POP Series 4}} 4/17)
background={{Blue color}} |
'''Contents:'''
border={{Red color}} |
*''{{TCG|EX Unseen Forces}}'' booster pack (×1)
image1=3-Ring Collector's Album.jpg |
*''{{TCG|EX Power Keepers}}'' booster packs (×2)
caption1=2" Collector's Album |
*Energy coin (gold) [Mew pack only]
image2=4-Pocket Collector's Album.jpg |
*Energy coin (silver) [Deoxys pack only]
caption2=4-Pocket Portfolio Collector's Album |
}}


===''EX Dragon Frontiers'' Promotional Pack===
==Cloth play mat==
As well as the usual size blister packs, ''EX Dragon Frontiers'' also saw the release of smaller packs, listed on several websites under the name of Promotional Packs. In addition to holographic POP reprints, these small packs also often come with POP packs. The card back also features a similar design to those of the booster packs.
Sometime in 1999, an official cloth play mat for the TCG was released by Wizards of the Coast. The play mat has spaces dedicated for both players' decks, discard piles, Prizes, Active Pokémon ("Arena") and Bench.


'''Promo cards:'''
'''Product images:'''
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 4|Pikachu|13}} ({{TCG|POP Series 4}} 13/17)
{{TCGMerchGallery |
'''Contents:'''
background={{Blue color}} |
*''{{TCG|EX Dragon Frontiers}}'' booster pack (×1)
border={{Red color}} |
*{{TCG|POP Series 2}} booster pack (×1)
image1=Wizards TCG cloth play mat new.jpg |
caption1=Official cloth play mat |
}}


===''EX Power Keepers'' Promotional Pack===
==Base Set 2 Theme Decks==
Released almost simultaneously as the previous Promotional Pack, these were unusual as the holographic variant POP cards included were common as opposed to the usual trend of Nintendo producing variants of the rare POP cards. The card back features a similar design to those of the booster packs.
As {{TCG|Base Set 2}} was mostly treated as a release of the original {{TCG|Base Set}}, this expansion's Theme Decks mirror what was released for the first expansion in January 1999. Base Set 2, released on February 24, 2000 also featured four separate Theme Decks, as well as the {{TCG|2-Player CD-ROM Starter Set}}, this time featuring the {{ct|Fighting}} and {{ct|Water}}, instead of the original Fighting and {{ct|Fire}}s. The four other Theme Decks, named {{TCG|Grass Chopper}} (Fighting and Grass), {{TCG|Hot Water}} (Fire and Water), {{TCG|Lightning Bug}} (Lightning and Grass), and {{TCG|Psych Out}} (Psychic and Water), each came with 1 Holofoil card, a {{p|Pikachu}} coin, a rulebook, damage counters, and a cardlist.  


'''Promo cards:'''
'''Product images:'''
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 4|Wobbuffet|16}} ({{TCG|POP Series 4}} 16/17)
{{TCGMerchGallery |
'''Contents:'''
background={{Blue color}} |
*''{{TCG|EX Power Keepers}}'' booster pack (×1)
border={{Red color}} |
*{{TCG|POP Series 2}} booster pack (×1)
image1=O4 Grass Chopper Deck.jpg |
caption1={{TCG|Grass Chopper}} |
image2=O4 Hot Water Deck.jpg |
caption2={{TCG|Hot Water}} |
image3=O4 Lightning Bug Deck.jpg |
caption3={{TCG|Lightning Bug}} |
image5=O4 Psych Out Deck.jpg |
caption5={{TCG|Psych Out}} |
image6=2 Player CD-ROM Starter Set.jpg |
caption6={{TCG|2-Player CD-ROM Starter Set}} |
}}


===EX Value Set===
==Pokémon Made Simple!==
<gallery align="right">
{{main|Pokémon Made Simple!}}
Image:EXValueSet.jpg
In March 2000, Wizards of the Coast released an official handbook for the TCG titled "Pokémon Made Simple!". The book is intended as an introduction to the TCG for parents and their children &mdash; it reviews the rules of the TCG, deck building strategies, a guide to the rarity system to ensure children trade rare cards fairly, and an overview of the premise of the Pokémon video games and TCG to help parents better understand their children's enjoyment of the franchise.
</gallery>
This was a large blister pack produced by Nintendo, containing two promotional cards and four booster packs. Unusually, the holographic variant POP cards were uncommon and common cards, as opposed to rare.


'''Promo cards:'''
'''Product images:'''
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 4|Combusken|6}} ({{TCG|POP Series 4}} 6/17)
{{TCGMerchGallery |
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 4|Mudkip|11}} ({{TCG|POP Series 4}} 11/17)
background={{Blue color}} |
'''Contents:'''
border={{Red color}} |
*''{{TCG|EX Delta Species}}'' booster pack (×1)
image1=Pokemon Made Simple.png |
*''{{TCG|EX Legend Maker}}'' booster pack (×1)
caption1=[[Pokémon Made Simple!]] |
*''{{TCG|EX Holon Phantoms}}'' booster pack (×1)
}}
*''{{TCG|EX Crystal Guardians}}'' booster pack (×1)
*Energy coin (silver)


==Japanese Special Packs==
==Pokémon Trading Card Game: Prima's Official Strategy Guide (video game version)==
In 2007, after their success in North America and Europe, Pokémon Card Laboratory in Japan began to release blister packs, titled "Special Packs," two-at-a-time alongside every other Japanese expansion. Japanese blister packs include two promotional cards (one of which is a {{TCG|Pokémon LV.X}}) and three booster packs. All promotional cards are either {{TCG|DP-P Promotional cards|DP-P}} or {{TCG|DPt-P Promotional cards|DPt-P}} promotional cards.
{{main|Pokémon Trading Card Game: Prima's Official Strategy Guide (video game version)}}
On April 5, 2000, [[Prima Games]] released an officially licensed strategy guide for the {{vg|Pokémon Trading Card Game}} video game.  


===''The Lakes' Secret'' Special Pack===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:JpBlisterDP2.jpg
background={{Blue color}} |
</gallery>
border={{Red color}} |
This blister pack was released on January 1, 2008, and was based on ''{{TCG|Mysterious Treasures|The Lakes' Secret}}''. The card back is identical to the expansion's booster pack design.
image1=Pokémon Trading Card Game Prima Official Strategy Guide.png |
caption1={{OBP|Pokémon Trading Card Game: Prima's Official Strategy Guide|video game version}} |
}}


'''Promo cards:'''
==Official Pokémon Trading Card Game Perfect Guide==
*{{TCG ID|DP-P Promo|Torterra LV.X|76}} (DP-P Promo 076)
{{main|Official Pokémon Trading Card Game Perfect Guide}}
*{{TCG ID|DP-P Promo|Bronzong|77}} (DP-P Promo 077)
On April 12, 2000, Versus Books released an officially licensed strategy guide for the {{vg|Pokémon Trading Card Game}} video game.
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|Diamond & Pearl|Space-Time Creation}}'' Dialga booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|Diamond & Pearl|Space-Time Creation}}'' Palkia booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|Mysterious Treasures|The Lakes' Secret}}'' booster pack (×1)


===''Shining Darkness'' Special Pack===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:JpBlisterDP3.jpg
background={{Blue color}} |
</gallery>
border={{Red color}} |
This blister pack was released on January 1, 2008, and was based on ''{{TCG|Secret Wonders|Shining Darkness}}''. The card back is identical to the expansion's booster pack design.
image1=Versus Books Trading Card Game Perfect Guide cover.jpg |
caption1=[[Official Pokémon Trading Card Game Perfect Guide]] |
}}


'''Promo cards:'''
==Team Rocket Theme Decks==
*{{TCG ID|DP-P Promo|Empoleon LV.X|78}} (DP-P Promo 078)
The Theme Decks for the {{TCG|Team Rocket}} expansion are named {{TCG|Devastation}} and {{TCG|Trouble}} and were released on April 24, 2000. The two names are based on [[Jessie]], [[James]], and {{MTR}}'s {{motto}} from the anime, and are loosely based on the trio. Trouble featured {{TCG ID|Team Rocket|Dark Arbok|2}} with the {{ct|Grass}} and {{ct|Psychic}}, while Devastation featured {{TCG ID|Team Rocket|Dark Weezing|14}} and the Grass and {{ct|Water}}s. Each Theme Deck came packaged with the standard deck contents, this time including an exclusive {{p|Meowth}} coin.
*{{TCG ID|DP-P Promo|Mothim|79}} (DP-P Promo 079)
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|Diamond & Pearl|Space-Time Creation}}'' Dialga booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|Diamond & Pearl|Space-Time Creation}}'' Palkia booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|Secret Wonders|Shining Darkness}}'' booster pack (×1)


===''Moonlit Pursuit/Dawn Dash'' Special Pack===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:JpBlisterDP4.jpg
background={{Blue color}} |
</gallery>
border={{Red color}} |
This blister pack was released alongside ''{{TCG|Stormfront|Intense Fight in the Destroyed Sky}}'' on July 10, 2008, and was based on ''{{TCG|Moonlit Pursuit/Dawn Dash|Moonlit Pursuit and Dawn Dash}}'', known collectively as Pokémon Card Game DP4. The card back incorporates both expansions' booster pack designs.
image1=O5 Trouble Deck.jpg |
caption1={{TCG|Trouble}} |
image2=O5 Devastation Deck.jpg |
caption2={{TCG|Devastation}} |
}}


'''Promo cards:'''
==Team Rocket Strategy Guide==
*{{TCG ID|DP-P Promo|Palkia LV.X|105}} (DP-P Promo 105)
{{main|Team Rocket Strategy Guide (TCG)}}
*{{TCG ID|DP-P Promo|Porygon-Z|106}} (DP-P Promo 106)
In May 2000, an official companion book to the {{TCG|Team Rocket}} expansion was published by Wizards of the Coast. The book contains strategies for the new cards introduced in the expansion, both as standalone cards and when paired with earlier cards; as well as custom deck configurations focused on the new cards introduced in the expansion.
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|Moonlit Pursuit/Dawn Dash|Moonlit Pursuit}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|Moonlit Pursuit/Dawn Dash|Dawn Dash}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|Stormfront|Intense Fight in the Destroyed Sky}}'' booster pack (×1)


===''Cry from the Mysterious/Temple of Anger'' Special Pack===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:JpBlisterDP5.jpg
background={{Blue color}} |
</gallery>
border={{Red color}} |
This blister pack was released alongside ''{{TCG|Stormfront|Intense Fight in the Destroyed Sky}}'' on July 10, 2008, and was based on ''{{TCG|Legends Awakened|Cry from the Mysterious and Temple of Anger}}'', known collectively as Pokémon Card Game DP5. The card back incorporates both expansions' booster pack designs.
image1=Team Rocket Strategy Guide.png |
caption1={{TCG|Team Rocket Strategy Guide}} |
}}


'''Promo cards:'''
==Team Rocket Collector's Binder==
*{{TCG ID|DP-P Promo|Dialga LV.X|107}} (DP-P Promo 107)
Sometime in 2000, another official '''Collector's Binder''' for card storage was released. The album is similar to the Collector's Album released in 1999, and is a 2" 3-ring album for use with 9-pocket pages. It features designs of Jessie and James on the front, with {{p|Gyarados}} on the back. It also included 5 Ultra Pro 9-pocket pages.
*{{TCG ID|DP-P Promo|Gliscor|108}} (DP-P Promo 108)
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|Legends Awakened|Cry from the Mysterious}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|Legends Awakened|Temple of Anger}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|Stormfront|Intense Fight in the Destroyed Sky}}'' booster pack (×1)


===''Galactic's Conquest/Bonds to the End of Time'' Special Pack===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:JpBlisterDPt2.jpg
background={{Blue color}} |
</gallery>
border={{Red color}} |
This blister pack was released on January 1, 2009, and was based on ''{{TCG|Platinum|Galactic's Conquest}}'' and ''{{TCG|Bonds to the End of Time}}''. The card back is identical to the latter expansion's booster pack design.
image1=Team Rocket Collector's Binder.jpg |
caption1=2" Collector's Binder |
}}


'''Promo cards:'''
==Let's Play Pokémon==
*{{TCG ID|DPt-P Promo|Mismagius GL LV.X|11}} (DPt-P Promo 011)
{{main|Let's Play Pokémon (TCG)}}
*{{TCG ID|DPt-P Promo|Electrode G|10}} (DPt-P Promo 010)
In May 2000, Wizards of the Coast released an official handbook for the TCG titled "Let's Play Pokémon". This book is similar in nature to the previous book, [[Pokémon Made Simple!]], though it covers game play strategies more in-depth and is updated to include the new {{TCG|Team Rocket}} expansion.
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|Platinum|Galactic's Conquest}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|Bonds to the End of Time}}'' booster packs (×2)


===''Advent of Arceus'' Special Pack===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:JpBlisterDPt4.jpg
background={{Blue color}} |
</gallery>
border={{Red color}} |
This blister pack was released on July 8, 2009, and was based on ''{{TCG|Platinum: Arceus|Advent of Arceus}}''. The card back is identical to the expansion's booster pack design.
image1=Lets Play Pokemon cover.png |
caption1={{TCG|Let's Play Pokémon}} |
}}


'''Promo cards:'''
==Gym Heroes Theme Decks==
*{{TCG ID|DPt-P Promo|Pikachu M LV.X|43}} (DPt-P Promo 043)
The first [[Gym|Pokémon Gym]] themed expansion of the Original Series, {{TCG|Gym Heroes}}, came with four {{TCG|Theme Deck}}s when it was released to the public on August 14, 2000. Based on the first four [[Gym Leader]]s of the [[Kanto]] region, the four Theme Decks were named {{TCG|Brock}}, {{TCG|Misty}}, {{TCG|Lt. Surge}} and {{TCG|Erika}}, and each featured the signature type of their namesake: {{ct|Fighting}}, {{ct|Water}}, {{ct|Lightning}}, and {{ct|Grass}} respectively. These four Theme Decks each came with a rulebook, damage counters, an exclusive {{p|Starmie}} coin, and card list for the expansion.
*{{TCG ID|DPt-P Promo|Michina Temple|44}} (DPt-P Promo 044)
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|Platinum: Arceus|Advent of Arceus}}'' booster pack (×1)
*{{TCG|Movie Commemoration Random Pack}} (×2)


==Box sets==
'''Product images:'''
===Starter Gift Box===
{{TCGMerchGallery |
<gallery align="right">
background={{Blue color}} |
Image:StarterGiftBox.png
border={{Red color}} |
</gallery>
image1=O6 Brock Deck.jpg |
The Starter Gift Box was the first TCG box set. It was released in 1999.
caption1={{TCG|Brock}} |
image2=O6 Misty Deck.jpg |
caption2={{TCG|Misty}} |
image3=O6 Lt Surge Deck.jpg |
caption3={{TCG|Lt. Surge}} |
image4=O6 Erika Deck.jpg |
caption4={{TCG|Erika}} |
}}


'''Contents:'''
==Gym Heroes Strategy Guide==
*{{TCG|2 Player Starter Set}} (×1)
{{main|Gym Heroes Strategy Guide (TCG)}}
*{{TCG|Jungle}} theme deck (×1)
In August 2000, an official companion book to the {{TCG|Gym Heroes}} expansion was published by Wizards of the Coast. The book contains strategies for the new cards introduced in the expansion, both as standalone cards and when paired with earlier cards; as well as custom deck configurations focused on the new cards introduced in the expansion.
*{{TCG|Jungle}} booster pack (×1)
*Play mat with deck building tips (×1)
*{{p|Eevee}} coin


===Thunderstorm Gift Box===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:Thunderstormbox.png|Thunderstorm Gift Box
background={{Blue color}} |
Image:Tempestbox.png|Tempest Gift Box
border={{Red color}} |
Image:Tempest Theme Deck.png|Tempest Theme Deck
image1=Gym Heroes Strategy Guide.png |
</gallery>
caption1={{TCG|Gym Heroes Strategy Guide}} |
The Thunderstorm Gift Box (also known as the Tempest Gift Box outside America) was released in the early 2000s. It includes a unique Thunderstorm preconstructed deck featuring cards from {{TCG|Base Set}}, {{TCG|Jungle}}, {{TCG|Fossil}}, {{TCG|Team Rocket}}, and {{TCG|Gym Heroes}} expansions. It also includes three [[booster pack]]s and a CD-ROM which features an electronic deck builder, a virtual card album, and seven AI-controlled decks that a player could battle against.
}}


'''Contents:'''
==Thunderstorm Gift Box==
*{{TCG|Thunderstorm}} theme deck (×1)
The Thunderstorm Gift Box, known as the Tempest Gift Box outside the United States, was released in the time between {{TCG|Gym Heroes}} and {{TCG|Gym Challenge}}. It includes a unique {{TCG|Thunderstorm}} preconstructed {{TCG|Theme Deck}} featuring cards from {{TCG|Base Set}}, {{TCG|Jungle}}, {{TCG|Fossil}}, {{TCG|Team Rocket}}, and {{TCG|Gym Heroes}} expansions. It also includes three {{TCG|booster pack}}s, one each from {{TCG|Fossil}}, {{TCG|Team Rocket}}, {{TCG|Gym Heroes}}, and the [[Pokémon Play It! Version 2]] CD-ROM. Also included were a play mat, deck building tip sheet, {{p|Pikachu}} coin, and a felt deck bag. The {{TCG ID|Fossil|Zapdos|15}} included within the product is exclusive to the deck, as it utilizes the Cosmos Holofoil introduced for the {{TCG|Base Set 2}}, and not the Starlight Holofoil originally used for the Fossil release.
*''{{TCG|Fossil}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|Team Rocket}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|Gym Heroes}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''Pokémon Trading Card Game - Play it! Version 2'' CD-ROM (×1)
*Play mat (×1)
*Deck building tip sheet (×1)
*{{p|Pikachu}} coin (×1)
*Felt deck bag (×1)


===''EX Deoxys'' Collector's Box===
'''Product images:'''
<gallery align="right">
{{TCGMerchGallery |
Image:DeoxysCollectorsBox.jpg|Deoxys variant
background={{Blue color}} |
Image:RayquazaCollectorsBox.jpg|Rayquaza variant
border={{Red color}} |
</gallery>
image1=Thunderstormbox.png |
Released in conjunction with ''{{TCG|EX Deoxys}}'', these deck boxes were among the first products to feature POP packs after they were no longer issued at POP events. The boxes have the same designs as the boosters in the expansion.
caption1=Thunderstorm Gift Box |
image2=Tempestbox.png |
caption2=Tempest Gift Box |
image3=Tempest Theme Deck.png |
caption3=Tempest Theme Deck |
}}


'''Contents:'''
==Gym Challenge Theme Decks==
*''{{TCG|EX Deoxys}}'' booster packs (×2)
The {{TCG|Gym Challenge}} expansion released the latter half of the [[Gym Leader]] themed Theme Decks on October 16, 2000. Featuring [[Sabrina]], [[Koga]], [[Blaine]], and [[Giovanni]], the four decks named after these Gym Leaders featured the {{ct|Psychic}}, {{ct|Grass}}, and {{ct|Fire}} for the first three, and the Grass and {{ct|Fighting}}s for {{TCG|Giovanni}}. Each deck featured the standard rulebook, damage counters, and card list, while this time featuring an exclusive {{p|Alakazam}} coin.  
*''{{TCG|EX Team Rocket Returns}}'' booster pack (×1)
*{{TCG|POP Series 1}} booster packs (×2)
<br"all">
===Deluxe Gift Set===
<gallery align="right">
Image:DeluxeGiftSet.jpg
</gallery>
Released in January 2006, this set provided another source for obtaining the Suicune Nintendo promo, as well as four boosters and an exclusive deck box. The set comes in three variants, each with a deck box that portrays one of the [[Legendary Birds]]. The set also includes an index card that has the same design as the included deck box.


'''Promo card:'''
'''Product images:'''
*{{TCG ID|Nintendo Promo|Suicune|30}} ({{TCG|Nintendo Black Star Promos|Nintendo Promo}} 030)
{{TCGMerchGallery |
'''Contents:'''
background={{Blue color}} |
*''{{TCG|EX FireRed & LeafGreen}}'' booster pack (×1)
border={{Red color}} |
*''{{TCG|EX Team Rocket Returns}}'' booster pack (×1)
image1=O7 Sabrina Deck.jpg |
*''{{TCG|EX Unseen Forces}}'' booster pack (×1)
caption1={{TCG|Sabrina}} |
*''{{TCG|EX Delta Species}}'' booster pack (×1)
image2=O7 Koga Deck.jpg |
*Deck Box (Articuno, Zapdos or Moltres design)
caption2={{TCG|Koga}} |
*Index card (Articuno, Zapdos or Moltres design)
image3=O7 Blaine Deck.jpg |
caption3={{TCG|Blaine}} |
image4=O7 Giovanni Deck.jpg |
caption4={{TCG|Giovanni}} |
}}


===EX Bonus Box===
==Gym Challenge Strategy Guide==
<gallery align="right">
{{main|Gym Challenge Strategy Guide (TCG)}}
Image:EXBonusBox.jpg
In late 2000, an official companion book to the {{TCG|Gym Challenge}} expansion was published by Wizards of the Coast. The book contains strategies for the new cards introduced in the expansion, both as standalone cards and when paired with earlier cards; as well as custom deck configurations focused on the new cards introduced in the expansion.
</gallery>
This set gave collectors the opportunity to obtain an EX Deck Tin once again, since their release back in 2005 made them rather limited. It was also the first of many box sets to include a holographic Celebi ex.


'''Promo card:'''
'''Product images:'''
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 2|Celebi ex|17}} ({{TCG|POP Series 2}} 17/17)
{{TCGMerchGallery |
'''Contents:'''
background={{Blue color}} |
*EX Deck Tin (×1)
border={{Red color}} |
*EX Series booster packs (×3)
image1=Gym Challenge Strategy Guide.png |
 
caption1={{TCG|Gym Challenge Strategy Guide}} |
===EX Value Box===
}}
<gallery align="right">
{{-}}
Image:EXValueBox.jpg
{{TCGMerchNav|en}}
</gallery>
{{-}}
A little-known release by Nintendo, this set includes many items and was exclusive to Target stores.
{{DoubleProjectTag|TCG|Merchandise|the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] merchandise.}}
 
'''Promo cards:'''
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 1|Tyranitar ex|17}} ({{TCG|POP Series 1}} 17/17)
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 4|Mew|4}} ({{TCG|POP Series 4}} 4/17)
'''Contents:'''
*EX Series theme deck (×2)
*EX Series booster pack (×3)
 
===Trainer's Challenge Set===
<gallery align="right">
Image:TrainerChallengeSet.jpg
</gallery>
In a similar fashion to the blister packs, this box set comes in two versions.
 
'''Promo cards:'''
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 2|Celebi ex|17}} ({{TCG|POP Series 2}} 17/17)
*{{TCG ID|Nintendo Promo|Mew|40}} ({{TCG|Nintendo Black Star Promos|Nintendo Promo}} 040)
'''Contents:'''
*{{TCG|EX Trainer Kit}} or {{TCG|EX Trainer Kit 2}}
*''{{TCG|EX Unseen Forces}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Delta Species}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Legend Maker}}'' booster pack (×1)
 
===Crystal Trainer Set===
<gallery align="right">
Image:CrystalTrainerSet.jpg
</gallery>
Another little-known promotional TCG item, this box set was released in conjunction with ''EX Crystal Guardians'' and exclusive to Toys ‘R’ Us stores.
 
'''Promo card:'''
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 3|Blastoise|1}} ({{TCG|POP Series 3}} 1/17)
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|EX Crystal Guardians}}'' theme deck (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Delta Species}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Legend Maker}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Crystal Guardians}}'' booster pack (×1)
 
===Epic Collection Value Box===
<gallery align="right">
Image:EpicValueBox1.jpg|Typhlosion variant
Image:EpicValueBox2.jpg|Flygon variant
</gallery>
Although they have no connection to the {{TCG|Epic Collection}} Deck Kits, many stores and websites applied the name to these value boxes as they were released roughly at the same time. Packaged in a similar way to the original value packs, the two versions adopt changes made to the Collector Tins and feature windows. Of particular note is the Typhlosion promo card, as it saw a limited release sometime prior to the release of this box, allowing collectors and players to obtain it again.
 
'''Promo cards:'''
*{{TCG ID|Nintendo Promo|Typhlosion|34}} ({{TCG|Nintendo Black Star Promos|Nintendo Promo}} 034)
*{{TCG ID|POP Series 4|Flygon|3}} ({{TCG|POP Series 4}} 3/17)
'''Contents:'''
*''{{TCG|EX Unseen Forces}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Legend Maker}}'' booster pack (×1)
*''{{TCG|EX Holon Phantoms}}'' booster pack (×1)
 
[[Category:Pokémon Trading Card Game merchandise]]

Latest revision as of 14:54, 6 September 2024

 

TCG Series
Neo merchandise →

The Original TCG Series maintained the steady flow of TCG merchandise from the start of the Pokémon Trading Card Game until the beginning of Generation II with the release of Pokémon Gold and Silver. Throughout this time, a steady flow of products such as Theme Decks were released in order to promote the card game, and ultimately, the video games and the franchise as a whole. Below is a chronological list of all merchandise items released during the Original TCG Series.

Promotional pre-Base Set merchandise

There are several early Pokémon TCG products that served as an introduction to the Pokémon Trading Card Game for the US market. It is believed that these items were released as early as 1998, before even Base Set was released.

The first of these items is the Demo Game booster pack. This booster pack was designed for two players and contained 24 Shadowless Base Set cards and an instruction booklet. It is believed that these booster were distributed to retailers so that customers could sample the game. They were not intended for public sale.

The second of these items are the Trainer Decks - Trainer Deck A (Brock's Deck) and Trainer Deck B (Misty's Deck). These decks were released to early Pokémon Leagues to help promote the TCG. Like the Demo Game booster pack, these decks were not sold publicly.

Product images:

Demo Game booster pack
Trainer Deck A (Brock's)
Trainer Deck B (Misty's)
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins


Base Set Theme Decks

The very first expansion, Base Set, was released by Wizards of the Coast on January 9, 1999 and had five separate Theme Decks associated with it. The first four, named Blackout, Brushfire, Overgrowth, and Zap!, were each released with 60 cards, each focusing on a different combination of the six types released within Base Set. Blackout, while primarily focusing on the Fighting-type, also included Water-type Pokémon cards. Brushfire focused on the Fire-type and Grass-type, while Zap! featured Lightning-type and Psychic-type Pokémon. The fourth Theme Deck, Overgrowth, doubled up on the Water-type and the Grass-type. Each deck had one Holofoil card included within, in addition to damage counters, a Chansey coin, and a rule book detailing how to play the card game against another person.

The fifth Theme Deck for the Base Set expansion was the 2-Player Starter Set. More akin to the later released Trainer Kits, the 2-Player Starter Set contained instructions on how to divide the cards included in the deck into two separate Half Decks in order to teach players how to play the card game in a more detailed, step-by-step process. This deck also contained damage counters, but not a coin, as none of the included cards need a coin for their attacks. It does, however, include a 61st card, Machamp in order to bolster the deck when both half decks are played as one.

Product images:

Blackout
Brushfire
Overgrowth
The Sneak-Peek Tins
Zap!
2-Player Starter Set
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins


Deck Boxes

At some point after the release of Base Set, 4 Deck Boxes were released with theming of the fully evolved first partner Pokémon Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise, along with a separate release of another featuring Pikachu.

Product images:

Venusaur Deck Box
Charizard Deck Box
Blastoise Deck Box
Pikachu Deck Box
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins


Jungle Theme Decks

The second expansion, Jungle, continued the trend for Theme Decks left by Base Set. For this expansion, only two Theme Decks were made available, starting June 16, 1999 when the main expansion was released to stores. The first Theme Deck, named Power Reserve, featured the Parent Pokémon Kangaskhan, as well as the Grass-type and Psychic-type. The second Theme Deck, Water Blast, featured the Bubble Jet Pokémon, Vaporeon and the Water-type and Fighting-type. Both Theme Decks contained a rulebook, damage counters, a custom Vileplume coin, and card list for the expansion.

Product images:

Power Reserve
Water Blast
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins


Pokémon Trading Card Game Player's Guide

Main article: Pokémon Trading Card Game Player's Guide

In July 1999, Sandwich Islands Publishing released a strategy guide for the TCG, covering the Base Set and Jungle expansions. This strategy guide details the rules of the TCG, deck building strategies and game play strategies.

Product images:

Pokémon Trading Card Game Player's Guide
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins


Starter Gift Box

The Starter Gift Box is a separate release made available sometime in between the releases of Jungle and Fossil. This Gift Box came packaged with a copy of Base Set's 2-Player Starter Set, as well as one of the two Jungle Theme Decks, Power Reserve or Water Blast, a Jungle booster pack, a play mat with deck building tips, and an exclusive Eevee coin.

Product images:

Starter Gift Box
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins


Fossil Theme Decks

Fossil, the third expansion, was released on October 10, 1999 and came with two Theme Decks: BodyGuard and LockDown. The Grass-type and Fighting-type themed BodyGuard Theme Deck featured the Holofoil card Muk. The Fire-type and Water-type LockDown Theme Deck featured Holofoil Lapras. Much like other Theme Decks, these two came with a rulebook, damage counters, an exclusive Aerodactyl coin, and card list.

Product images:

BodyGuard
LockDown
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins


Pokémon Trading Card Game Fossil Expansion Player's Guide

Main article: Pokémon Trading Card Game Fossil Expansion Player's Guide

In November 1999, Sandwich Islands Publishing released a strategy guide for the TCG covering the Fossil expansion. This strategy guide details the rules of the TCG, deck building strategies and game play strategies.

Product images:

Pokémon Trading Card Game Fossil Expansion Player's Guide
The Sneak-Peek Tins
The Sneak-Peek Tins
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Pokémon Trading Card Game: Prima's Official Strategy Guide

Main article: Pokémon Trading Card Game: Prima's Official Strategy Guide

In December 1999, Prima Games released an officially licensed strategy guide for the TCG. This strategy guide details the rules of the TCG, deck building strategies and game play strategies.

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Original Collector's Albums

Sometime in 1999, two official Collector's Albums for card storage were released. Although having the same name, the two albums are different in size, look and usability.

The larger of the two albums is a 2" 3-ring album for use with 9-pocket pages, and features Snorlax, Meowth and Sandshrew on the front, and Mewtwo, Raichu and Gyarados on the back. It also included a checklist for the first three expansions; Base Set, Jungle and Fossil, and 5 Ultra Pro 9-pocket pages.

The smaller of the two albums is a 4-pocket portfolio with pages already fixed in, and features Pikachu, Charizard and Blastoise on the front, and Venusaur on the back.

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2" Collector's Album
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Cloth play mat

Sometime in 1999, an official cloth play mat for the TCG was released by Wizards of the Coast. The play mat has spaces dedicated for both players' decks, discard piles, Prizes, Active Pokémon ("Arena") and Bench.

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Official cloth play mat
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Base Set 2 Theme Decks

As Base Set 2 was mostly treated as a release of the original Base Set, this expansion's Theme Decks mirror what was released for the first expansion in January 1999. Base Set 2, released on February 24, 2000 also featured four separate Theme Decks, as well as the 2-Player CD-ROM Starter Set, this time featuring the Fighting-type and Water-type, instead of the original Fighting and Fire-types. The four other Theme Decks, named Grass Chopper (Fighting and Grass), Hot Water (Fire and Water), Lightning Bug (Lightning and Grass), and Psych Out (Psychic and Water), each came with 1 Holofoil card, a Pikachu coin, a rulebook, damage counters, and a cardlist.

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Pokémon Made Simple!

Main article: Pokémon Made Simple!

In March 2000, Wizards of the Coast released an official handbook for the TCG titled "Pokémon Made Simple!". The book is intended as an introduction to the TCG for parents and their children — it reviews the rules of the TCG, deck building strategies, a guide to the rarity system to ensure children trade rare cards fairly, and an overview of the premise of the Pokémon video games and TCG to help parents better understand their children's enjoyment of the franchise.

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Pokémon Made Simple!
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Pokémon Trading Card Game: Prima's Official Strategy Guide (video game version)

Main article: Pokémon Trading Card Game: Prima's Official Strategy Guide (video game version)

On April 5, 2000, Prima Games released an officially licensed strategy guide for the Pokémon Trading Card Game video game.

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Pokémon Trading Card Game: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
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Official Pokémon Trading Card Game Perfect Guide

Main article: Official Pokémon Trading Card Game Perfect Guide

On April 12, 2000, Versus Books released an officially licensed strategy guide for the Pokémon Trading Card Game video game.

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Official Pokémon Trading Card Game Perfect Guide
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Team Rocket Theme Decks

The Theme Decks for the Team Rocket expansion are named Devastation and Trouble and were released on April 24, 2000. The two names are based on Jessie, James, and Meowth's motto from the anime, and are loosely based on the trio. Trouble featured Dark Arbok with the Grass-type and Psychic-type, while Devastation featured Dark Weezing and the Grass and Water-types. Each Theme Deck came packaged with the standard deck contents, this time including an exclusive Meowth coin.

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Team Rocket Strategy Guide

Main article: Team Rocket Strategy Guide (TCG)

In May 2000, an official companion book to the Team Rocket expansion was published by Wizards of the Coast. The book contains strategies for the new cards introduced in the expansion, both as standalone cards and when paired with earlier cards; as well as custom deck configurations focused on the new cards introduced in the expansion.

Product images:

Team Rocket Strategy Guide
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Team Rocket Collector's Binder

Sometime in 2000, another official Collector's Binder for card storage was released. The album is similar to the Collector's Album released in 1999, and is a 2" 3-ring album for use with 9-pocket pages. It features designs of Jessie and James on the front, with Gyarados on the back. It also included 5 Ultra Pro 9-pocket pages.

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2" Collector's Binder
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Let's Play Pokémon

Main article: Let's Play Pokémon (TCG)

In May 2000, Wizards of the Coast released an official handbook for the TCG titled "Let's Play Pokémon". This book is similar in nature to the previous book, Pokémon Made Simple!, though it covers game play strategies more in-depth and is updated to include the new Team Rocket expansion.

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Let's Play Pokémon
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Gym Heroes Theme Decks

The first Pokémon Gym themed expansion of the Original Series, Gym Heroes, came with four Theme Decks when it was released to the public on August 14, 2000. Based on the first four Gym Leaders of the Kanto region, the four Theme Decks were named Brock, Misty, Lt. Surge and Erika, and each featured the signature type of their namesake: Fighting-type, Water-type, Lightning-type, and Grass-type respectively. These four Theme Decks each came with a rulebook, damage counters, an exclusive Starmie coin, and card list for the expansion.

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Gym Heroes Strategy Guide

Main article: Gym Heroes Strategy Guide (TCG)

In August 2000, an official companion book to the Gym Heroes expansion was published by Wizards of the Coast. The book contains strategies for the new cards introduced in the expansion, both as standalone cards and when paired with earlier cards; as well as custom deck configurations focused on the new cards introduced in the expansion.

Product images:

Gym Heroes Strategy Guide
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Thunderstorm Gift Box

The Thunderstorm Gift Box, known as the Tempest Gift Box outside the United States, was released in the time between Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge. It includes a unique Thunderstorm preconstructed Theme Deck featuring cards from Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, Team Rocket, and Gym Heroes expansions. It also includes three booster packs, one each from Fossil, Team Rocket, Gym Heroes, and the Pokémon Play It! Version 2 CD-ROM. Also included were a play mat, deck building tip sheet, Pikachu coin, and a felt deck bag. The Zapdos included within the product is exclusive to the deck, as it utilizes the Cosmos Holofoil introduced for the Base Set 2, and not the Starlight Holofoil originally used for the Fossil release.

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Thunderstorm Gift Box
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Gym Challenge Theme Decks

The Gym Challenge expansion released the latter half of the Gym Leader themed Theme Decks on October 16, 2000. Featuring Sabrina, Koga, Blaine, and Giovanni, the four decks named after these Gym Leaders featured the Psychic-type, Grass-type, and Fire-type for the first three, and the Grass and Fighting-types for Giovanni. Each deck featured the standard rulebook, damage counters, and card list, while this time featuring an exclusive Alakazam coin.

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Sabrina
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Gym Challenge Strategy Guide

Main article: Gym Challenge Strategy Guide (TCG)

In late 2000, an official companion book to the Gym Challenge expansion was published by Wizards of the Coast. The book contains strategies for the new cards introduced in the expansion, both as standalone cards and when paired with earlier cards; as well as custom deck configurations focused on the new cards introduced in the expansion.

Product images:

Gym Challenge Strategy Guide
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Pokémon Trading Card Game merchandise
English TCG merchandise
Original Series
Neo Series
Legendary Collection Series
e-Card Series
EX Series
Diamond & Pearl Series
Platinum Series
HeartGold & SoulSilver Series
Call of Legends Series
Black & White Series
XY Series
Sun & Moon Series
Sword & Shield Series
Scarlet & Violet Series


This article is part of both Project TCG and Project Merchandise, Bulbapedia projects that, together, aim to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon Trading Card Game merchandise.