Bill's Archive - The Complete Pokémon TCG Release Timeline
Welcome to Bill's Archive - the most comprehensive Pokémon Trading Card Game set tracker on the web! This interactive timeline showcases every English TCG release from the iconic Base Set in January 1999 all the way through to the latest Mega Evolution series in 2026. Whether you're a vintage collector hunting for WOTC-era gems or a modern player keeping up with the latest Scarlet & Violet releases, Bill's Archive has you covered.
How to Use This Pokémon Card Timeline
Our week-by-week calendar visualization makes it easy to see exactly when each set was released. Each colored square represents one week in the Pokémon TCG's history. Hover over any set to reveal its complete details—card count, release date, and era information with dual logos for simultaneous releases.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the search box to find specific sets instantly. The calendar automatically collapses to show only the years containing your search results, making it easy to locate any set from Base Set to the latest releases.
Every Pokémon TCG Era, Visualized
This timeline spans 10 distinct eras of Pokémon TCG history:
- 🎴 Original Era (1996-1999): Base Set, Jungle, Fossil—the legendary WOTC era
- ⭐ Neo Era (1999-2001): Neo Genesis through Neo Destiny and VS Series
- ⚡ e-Card/EX Era (2001-2006): Expedition through Miracle Crystal, introducing Pokémon-ex
- 💎 DP/Pt/HGSS Era (2006-2010): Diamond & Pearl, Platinum, and HeartGold SoulSilver with Pokémon LV.X
- ⚫⚪ Black & White Era (2010-2013): The fifth generation with new EX mechanics
- 🌟 XY Era (2013-2016): Mega Evolution and BREAK mechanics
- ☀️🌙 Sun & Moon Era (2016-2019): GX cards and the Alola region
- ⚔️🛡️ Sword & Shield Era (2019-2023): V, VMAX, and VSTAR dominate
- 🔴🟣 Scarlet & Violet Era (2023-2025): ex cards return with Tera Pokémon
- 🔥 Mega Evolution Era (2025-2026): Celebrating Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Filter by Your Favorite Era
Use the filter buttons at the top of the calendar to focus on specific generations. Interested in the modern competitive scene? Select "Scarlet & Violet" or "Sword & Shield." Want to explore classic cards? Each filter instantly updates the timeline and statistics to show only the sets from your chosen period. The right-side legend provides a quick reference for era colors and year spans.
Stay Updated with 2026 Releases
As we enter 2026—the Pokémon TCG's 30th anniversary year—exciting new releases are on the horizon. The Mega Evolution series launched in August 2025, bringing back the beloved mechanic from Generation 6. Following Ascended Heroes in January 2026, Perfect Order arrives in March, continuing the celebration of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Keep checking back as we update the timeline with each new announcement!
📊 Fun Fact: The Pokémon TCG has released over 250+ sets across both Japanese and English markets spanning 30 years, with more than 20,000 unique cards. The pace has accelerated dramatically—2025 saw multiple major releases compared to just 3-4 sets per year in the early 2000s!
Total Sets
250+
Years Covered
1996–2026
TCG Eras
10
This Pokémon TCG timeline is maintained by collectors, for collectors. All data has been cross-referenced with official sources, Bulbapedia, and community knowledge. Set release dates and card counts are verified against official Pokémon Company International announcements.
Pokémon and Pokémon character names are trademarks of Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, and Game Freak. Bill's Archive is a fan project.
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