The very first Pokémon card print run ever released was the **Japanese Base Set**, launched in **October 1996** by Media Factory in Japan. This initial print run marked the beginning of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) and laid the foundation for what would become a global phenomenon. These cards were printed in Japanese and featured the original 151 Pokémon from the first generation of the video games. The Base Set included iconic cards such as Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur, which have since become legendary among collectors.
This first print run is often referred to as the **”1st Edition Japanese Base Set”** and is distinguished by a special “Edition 1” stamp on the cards, indicating they were part of the very first batch produced. These cards were printed with high-quality artwork and foiling techniques that set the standard for future releases. The Japanese Base Set was followed by various promotional cards and expansions, but the initial print run remains the most historically significant.
In addition to the Japanese Base Set, there were also early promotional cards released around 1997-1998, such as the **Masaki Promo cards**. These promos were part of a unique mail-in campaign run by CoroCoro Comic in collaboration with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo. Fans could send in specific basic Pokémon cards along with a form to receive evolved versions of those Pokémon as special promo cards. This campaign was innovative for its time and contributed to the early fan engagement with the Pokémon TCG[1].
When the Pokémon TCG was introduced to the English-speaking market, the first English print run of the Base Set was released in **1999** by Wizards of the Coast. These English cards also featured a “1st Edition” stamp on the left side below the artwork, marking them as part of the initial print run for the Western market. These cards quickly became highly sought after, especially holographic versions of popular Pokémon like Charizard, which are now some of the most valuable Pokémon cards in existence[3].
The earliest print runs, especially the 1st Edition cards, are prized for their rarity and historical importance. They often have unique printing characteristics and occasional errors, such as ink smears or misprints, which can further increase their value among collectors[5].
In summary, the **first Pokémon card print run ever released** was the **Japanese Base Set in October 1996**, followed by early promotional campaigns like the Masaki Promo cards in 1997-1998, and then the English Base Set 1st Edition in 1999. These initial releases established the Pokémon TCG as a collectible and competitive card game, sparking a worldwide craze that continues today.
