The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) was first launched in Japan on October 20, 1996. Developed by Media Factory, it quickly became a global sensation. The game reached North American shores in December 1998, distributed by Wizards of the Coast. The initial set included 102 cards, featuring beloved characters like Pikachu and Charizard.
Key Milestones
- 1996: Launch in Japan.
- 1998: Release in North America.
- 1999: Jungle and Fossil expansions introduced.
- 2003: Nintendo takes over publishing.
- 2016: Celebrated 20th anniversary with special sets.
Today, the Pokémon TCG continues to thrive with millions of players and collectors worldwide, proving its enduring popularity.
