Set Overview
Expansion Pack was the first Pokémon Trading Card Game set, released in Japan on October 20, 1996. Its 102 cards are the base from which the English Base Set was drawn.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 拡張パック (Kakuchō Pakku) |
| Release Date | October 20, 1996 |
| Total Cards | 102 cards |
| Publisher | Media Factory |
| Card Types | 69 Pokémon · 26 Trainer · 7 Energy |
| Holo Rares | 16 |
| Theme | First set |
About the Set
Expansion Pack established the template the game still uses: Basic and Evolution Pokémon, Trainer cards, and the six basic Energy types. The set has 16 holo rares, among them Charizard, Blastoise and Venusaur.
The English counterpart is Base Set, released January 9, 1999 with 102 cards.
How These Cards Are Numbered
Cards from this era carry no collector number. The number printed at the bottom right of the card is the Pokédex number of the Pokémon — the 25th card of Expansion Pack is Staryu, and it reads No. 120. Trainer and Energy cards have no number at all.
What the gallery shows: each tile is numbered by its position in the set (#1 to #102), which is the order the set is catalogued in, not a number printed on the card. Open a card and the lightbox gives both the position and the Pokédex number the card actually prints.
Rarity is shown on the card face instead, as a small symbol next to the Pokédex number: a circle for common, a diamond for uncommon and a star for rare.
Complete Card Gallery
All 102 cards from Expansion Pack, in set order. Click any card to view it full size — use the arrow keys (or swipe) to move through the set.
Other Japanese Sets
English readers may also want the Base Set set guide, and the Japanese to English set map for how the two release schedules line up.
| Set | Japanese Name | Released | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Jungle | ポケモンジャングル | March 5, 1997 | 48 cards |
| Mystery of the Fossils | 化石の秘密 | June 21, 1997 | 48 cards |
| Rocket Gang | ロケット団 | November 21, 1997 | 65 cards |
| Leaders’ Stadium | リーダーズスタジアム | October 24, 1998 | 96 cards |
| Challenge from the Darkness | 闇からの挑戦 | June 25, 1999 | 98 cards |
| Gold, Silver, to a New World... | 金、銀、新世界へ... | February 4, 2000 | 96 cards |
| Crossing the Ruins... | 遺跡をこえて... | July 7, 2000 | 56 cards |
| Awakening Legends | めざめる伝説 | November 23, 2000 | 57 cards |
Collecting & Where to Buy
Sealed Expansion Pack product is scarce and commands high prices. Singles are more accessible, though the 16 holo rares — Charizard above all — carry a strong premium in high grade.
Collector tip: Japanese cards from this era carry no set symbol on the card face. Telling an Expansion Pack card from a later reprint means checking the back of the card and the copyright line.
Note: external links are provided for reference only. Always confirm a card’s printing, condition and authenticity before purchasing.