Set Overview
Expedition Base Set launched the e-Card era in September 2002. It was the first Pokémon set built around Nintendo’s card-e Reader: every card carried a strip of dot-code data down its edges that the reader could scan for stats, mini-games and Pokédex entries. At 165 cards it was also one of the largest English sets to date.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 15, 2002 (English) |
| Publisher | Wizards of the Coast |
| Total Cards | 165 cards |
| Holographic Rares | 32 holo rares (cards 1–32) |
| Notable Feature | card-e Reader dot codes · no 1st Edition run |
| Key Chase Card | Charizard 6/165 (Holo) |
About the Set
Expedition marked a hard reset for the game’s look. Cards moved to a full-bleed photographic border and a new layout to make room for the e-Reader dot strips. The 32 holo rares (cards 1–32) cover the original Kanto and Johto favourites — Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, Mewtwo, Dragonite and more — each rendered in the set’s distinctive new frame.
How to identify it: Expedition cards have a clean white lower border with the dot-code strip, the “Expedition” set symbol, and a card number in the format N/165. Unlike earlier sets there is no 1st Edition stamp — the e-Card sets had a single print run.
The card-e Reader System
The defining feature of Expedition is the e-Reader. Two strips of dot-code data ran along the edges of every card; swiped through Nintendo’s card-e Reader accessory for the Game Boy Advance, they unlocked card data, tips, and short applications. It is why the era is called “e-Card.”
| Feature | What it means |
|---|---|
| Dot-code strips | The black data strips on the card edges. Cosmetic to players today, but part of every genuine e-Card. |
| Single print run | No 1st Edition variant exists — every Expedition card comes from one Unlimited run. |
| Reverse holo | Many cards also exist as reverse-holo “non-holo rare” parallels pulled from packs. |
Quick check: if a card has dot-code strips on its edges and reads N/165, it is from Expedition Base Set.
Complete Card Gallery
All 165 cards from Expedition Base Set. Click any card to view it full size — use the arrow keys (or swipe) to move through the set.
Key Cards
The Kanto starters and legendaries lead the holo rares, with Charizard the clear headline card.
| Card | Name | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
 |
Charizard 6/165 Holographic Rare | The set’s marquee holo and its most valuable pull. |
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Mewtwo 20/165 Holographic Rare | A fan-favourite Mewtwo holo in the new e-Card frame. |
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Blastoise 4/165 Holographic Rare | One of the three Kanto starters given a premium holo treatment. |
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Venusaur 30/165 Holographic Rare | Completes the Kanto starter trio among the headline holos. |
Promo Cards
Expedition arrived as the Wizards Black Star Promo series was winding down toward its final entries. The last promos in the run overlapped the e-Card launch before the Pokémon TCG license passed to Nintendo in 2003.
Wizards Black Star Promos use their own numbering (#1–#53) and carry a black star where a set symbol would be.
Collecting & Where to Buy
Expedition is out of print and trades on the secondary market. Sealed product is scarce and pricey; single holos are affordable outside of Charizard, and graded gem-mint copies command a steep premium because the photographic borders show wear easily.
Collector tip: Expedition’s borders chip and whiten easily, so condition is everything — check the edges and corners closely, and favour graded copies for the holos.
Note: external links are provided for reference only. Always confirm a card's printing, condition and authenticity before purchasing.