Set Overview
EX Ruby & Sapphire launched the EX Series in June 2003. It was the first English set produced under Nintendo and The Pokémon Company after the Wizards of the Coast licence ended, the first to draw on the Hoenn region of Ruby & Sapphire, and the debut of the powerful Pokémon-ex mechanic — high-risk cards worth two prizes when knocked out.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 18, 2003 (English) |
| Publisher | Nintendo / The Pokémon Company |
| Total Cards | 109 cards |
| Pokémon-ex | 8 Pokémon-ex (cards 96–103) |
| Notable Feature | First EX Series set · debut of Pokémon-ex |
| Key Chase Card | Mewtwo ex 101/109 |
About the Set
EX Ruby & Sapphire reset the game for the new Nintendo era. It kept a roster of classic Pokémon — the eight Pokémon-ex are older favourites like Mewtwo, Scyther and Lapras — while introducing the mechanic that would define the era. A Pokémon-ex gave up two prize cards when it was knocked out, rather than the usual one, in exchange for higher HP and stronger attacks.
How to identify it: EX Ruby & Sapphire cards read N/109 and carry the small “ex” set symbol. Pokémon-ex have a silver holo border and the “ex” suffix after the Pokémon’s name. There is no 1st Edition run — the EX Series was Unlimited only.
Pokémon-ex & Reverse Holo
EX Ruby & Sapphire had a single Unlimited print run with no 1st Edition stamp. The variants that matter are the Pokémon-ex chase cards and the reverse-holo parallels.
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Pokémon-ex (96–103) | The eight silver-bordered ex cards — the set’s ultra rares, worth two prizes when knocked out. |
| Holo rares | Traditional holo cards with the foil in the artwork window. |
| Reverse holo | Parallel foil versions of commons, uncommons and rares, with the shimmer across the whole card body. |
Quick check: a silver holo border and an “ex” after the name marks a Pokémon-ex; there is no 1st Edition variant to chase in this era.
Complete Card Gallery
All 109 cards from EX Ruby & Sapphire, including the eight Pokémon-ex. Click any card to view it full size — use the arrow keys (or swipe) to move through the set.
Key Cards
The eight Pokémon-ex are the headline pulls, with Mewtwo ex the clear chase card.
| Card | Name | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
 |
Mewtwo ex 101/109 Pokémon-ex | The set’s marquee ex — a fan-favourite Mewtwo in the new silver frame, and one of its most sought-after cards. |
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Lapras ex 99/109 Pokémon-ex | A popular water-type ex and a strong secondary chase from the set. |
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Scyther ex 102/109 Pokémon-ex | One of the eight debut Pokémon-ex, carrying the Kanto nostalgia that defined the set. |
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Sneasel ex 103/109 Pokémon-ex | Closes out the numbered set at 103/109 as the final Pokémon-ex. |
Promo Cards
The EX Series launched a fresh promo line: the Nintendo Black Star Promos. The early entries featured the new Hoenn starters — Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip — and the Ruby & Sapphire cover legendaries, Kyogre and Groudon.
Nintendo Black Star Promos use their own numbering (#1 onward) and carry a black star where a set symbol would be. They replaced the Wizards Black Star Promo line.
Collecting & Where to Buy
EX Ruby & Sapphire is out of print and trades on the secondary market. Common and uncommon singles are inexpensive, while the eight Pokémon-ex — Mewtwo ex among them — carry the strongest premiums.
Collector tip: the Pokémon-ex are the value here — check the silver border and holo for scratches, since the finish shows wear easily, and favour graded copies for the chase cards.
Note: external links are provided for reference only. Always confirm a card's printing, condition and authenticity before purchasing.