What was the first Pokémon card?

As a Pokémon fan, you’ve probably heard of the iconic cards that shaped the world of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). But what was the very first Pokémon card? What were its origins, and how have their values ​​changed over the years? Let’s go back to the roots of Pokémon cards and take a look at the first cards ever released.

The very first Pokémon card: The Bandai Carddass cards

It is important to know that the first Pokémon cards were not directly released by The Pokémon Company. The very first cards were the Bandai Carddass cards from 1996, released by Bandai, a Japanese company. These cards were the precursors to the official Pokémon TCG cards, but they were not playing cards as we know them today.

The Bandai Carddass cards were sold as vending machine cards, meaning they were found in vending machines, often as collectibles. So they were primarily intended for collectors, not for playing. What makes them unique is that they feature the first Pokémon images ever printed on cards. This not only made them a piece of history, but also a sought-after item for collectors.

The First Official Pokémon Cards: The Base Set

Although the Bandai Carddass cards were the first Pokémon cards, the cards that became known worldwide and laid the foundation for the Pokémon TCG were the Base Set cards. These were released in 1999 by The Pokémon Company and were the first official cards that were meant to be played with.

The Base Set included iconic cards such as Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur, which are still some of the most popular and valuable cards today. It was with this set that Pokémon really started a worldwide collecting craze. The cards were not only meant to be collected, but also to be played in the new TCG. This marked the beginning of the Pokémon card revolution.

The value of the first Pokémon cards

Nowadays, Bandai Carddass cards are extremely hard to find, especially in good condition. Because they were originally vending machine cards, they are often damaged or missing from many collections. Still, Bandai Carddass cards in good condition can have considerable value, especially if they are rare. These cards can fetch several hundred euros on auction websites or collectors' fairs, depending on the condition of the card.

As for the Base Set cards, they are of course still incredibly valuable. Charizard from the Base Set is one of the most iconic cards in Pokémon history, and a PSA 10 version of Charizard can be worth thousands of dollars. The value of the Base Set cards has increased dramatically over the years, mainly due to nostalgia and the influence they had on the Pokémon TCG.

Why are these cards so important?

The Bandai Carddass cards are significant because they were the first introduction to Pokémon on cards. They started a cultural movement that has inspired thousands, if not millions, of collectors worldwide to collect their cards.

The Base Set cards, on the other hand, are important because they kicked off the official Pokémon TCG. Without the Base Set, we wouldn’t have the Pokémon card world we know today. It’s the first set to officially introduce card play and set the foundation for the extensive collection and competitive TCG system we know today.