Wizards of the Coast and the Pokémon Trading Card Game

Wizards of the Coast and the Pokémon Trading Card Game

Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) was the original publisher of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) in the United States. They were responsible for translating the Japanese TCG into English and releasing the first sets of the Pokémon TCG starting in 1999. During their time as the publisher of the Pokémon TCG, WOTC produced many landmark sets that are now highly sought after by collectors and players alike.

Here’s a look at the Pokémon sets released by Wizards of the Coast:

1. Base Set (1999)

  • Release Date: January 9, 1999
  • Number of Cards: 102
  • Key Features: Introduced iconic Pokémon such as Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur. This set laid the foundation for the TCG with the inclusion of both regular and holographic rare cards.
  • Chase Cards: Holofoil Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur
  • Learn More About Grading Your Base Set Cards with SSINT

2. Jungle (1999)

  • Release Date: June 16, 1999
  • Number of Cards: 64
  • Key Features: This set introduced the first series of Pokémon from the Kanto region after the Base Set, focusing on Pokémon that lived in the forests, including the debut of the beloved Eevee evolution line.
  • Chase Cards: Holofoil Snorlax, Jolteon, and Vaporeon
  • Preserve Your Jungle Cards with SSINT Grading

3. Fossil (1999)

  • Release Date: October 10, 1999
  • Number of Cards: 62
  • Key Features: Fossil marked the return of ancient Pokémon, with fossils like Kabuto, Omanyte, and Aerodactyl.
  • Chase Cards: Holofoil Dragonite and Aerodactyl
  • Find Out How SSINT Can Protect Your Fossil Set Cards

4. Base Set 2 (2000)

  • Release Date: February 2000
  • Number of Cards: 130
  • Key Features: A reprint of the original Base Set with some updated artwork and cards like the Legendary Birds.
  • Chase Cards: Holofoil Charizard and other reprints from the original Base Set.
  • SSINT Offers Expert Grading for Base Set 2 Cards

5. Team Rocket (2000)

  • Release Date: April 24, 2000
  • Number of Cards: 83
  • Key Features: This set introduced the concept of "Dark" Pokémon, which were evil versions of the popular Pokémon.
  • Chase Cards: Holofoil Dark Charizard, Dark Blastoise, and Dark Raichu
  • Check Out SSINT’s Grading Services for Team Rocket Cards

6. Gym Heroes (2000)

  • Release Date: August 14, 2000
  • Number of Cards: 132
  • Key Features: Focused on the Kanto Gym Leaders and their Pokémon, introducing cards with new Trainer mechanics.
  • Chase Cards: Holofoil Blaine's Arcanine, Misty's Tentacruel, and Erika's Venusaur
  • Grade Your Gym Heroes Cards with SSINT Today

7. Gym Challenge (2000)

  • Release Date: October 16, 2000
  • Number of Cards: 100
  • Key Features: The second part of the Gym series, featuring more Gym Leaders and their Pokémon from the Kanto region.
  • Chase Cards: Holofoil Giovanni's Nidoking, Koga's Beedrill, and Sabrina's Alakazam
  • Protect Your Gym Challenge Cards with SSINT Grading

8. Neo Genesis (2000)

  • Release Date: December 16, 2000
  • Number of Cards: 111
  • Key Features: The first set to feature Pokémon from the Johto region, introducing new mechanics like the "Energy" system and the debut of the Baby Pokémon.
  • Chase Cards: Holofoil Lugia, Tyranitar, and Chikorita
  • Learn More About Neo Genesis Grading Services at SSINT

9. Neo Discovery (2001)

  • Release Date: June 2001
  • Number of Cards: 75
  • Key Features: Focused on the discovery of new Pokémon in the Johto region, including the powerful Legendary Dogs.
  • Chase Cards: Holofoil Espeon, Unown, and Slowking
  • Preserve Your Neo Discovery Cards with SSINT

10. Neo Revelation (2001)

  • Release Date: September 2001
  • Number of Cards: 66
  • Key Features: The final set in the Neo series, introducing more Johto Pokémon, including several powerful Legendary Pokémon.
  • Chase Cards: Holofoil Entei, Raikou, and Suicune
  • Protect Your Neo Revelation Cards with SSINT

11. Legendary Collection (2002)

  • Release Date: May 2002
  • Number of Cards: 110
  • Key Features: A reprint set featuring cards from earlier sets, such as Base Set, Jungle, and Fossil, with new "Reverse Holo" versions of the cards.
  • Chase Cards: Reverse Holofoil Charizard, Raichu, and Zapdos
  • Explore SSINT Grading for Legendary Collection Cards

These sets are just a few examples of the iconic releases from Wizards of the Coast. Their contribution to the Pokémon TCG helped the game grow into the global phenomenon it is today.

At SSINT, we understand the significance of collecting and preserving these cards for both nostalgia and value. Our grading services ensure that your prized Pokémon cards are maintained in the best possible condition. Whether it's a Charizard from the Base Set or a rare foil card from Neo Genesis, our SSINT Legacy Spectrum grading system provides a unique way to assess the condition and value of your cards.

Visit our website to learn more about our services and start preserving your Pokémon collection today!

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