The Complete Guide to Pokémon Cards from Generation 1 to Generation 3
Pokemon its trading card game evolved alongside each generation of the franchise. Generation 1 to Generation 3.offer some of the most iconic valuable and highly demanded Pokémon cards ever printed.
These early generations shaped the competitive sceneIn this guide, we will explore the entire journey, from Gen 1’s classic Base Set to Gen 3’s EX Ruby & Sapphire era, along with insights into card values, artwork evolution, rarity types, and collector trends.
Generation 1 The Origin of Pokémon Cards
Generation 1 is where everything began: Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, Mewtwo, Pikachu, Alakazam, and dozens of other beloved Pokémon. These cards came from early sets like Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, and Team Rocket, which introduced the world to the TCG.
Some of the most iconic Gen 1 cards include:
Base Set Charizard (Holographic)
Pikachu Yellow Cheeks
Shadowless Blastoise
Jungle Snorlax
Fossil Dragonite
Team Rocket Dark Gyarados.Collectors appreciate Gen 1 cards because of their historical value, classic artwork, and the nostalgia factor.
Shadowless and 1st Edition cards, in particular, are among the most valuable trading cards in the entire Pokémon franchise.
The textured holos didn’t exist yet; instead, the holographic pattern was simple, reflective, and instantly recognizable. Many of today’s collectors prefer this original aesthetic, calling it the “purest” form of Pokémon card art.
Generation 2 The Neo Era
The Gen 2 era introduced.New Darkness and Metal types,Shining Pokémon cards,Crystal-style holographics,Neo-era symbols and unique holo patterns
Some notable favorites include.Shining Tyranitar,Shining Charizard (Neo Destiny),Lugia (Neo Genesis),Espeon & Umbreon (Neo Discovery),Suicune (Promo & Holo variants)
Generation 3 The EX Era
Gen 3 introduced
EX Cards (high HP, powerful moves),Gold Star Pokémon,Dual-type cards,New holofoil patterns,Modern styled artwork with sharper graphics
Some of the most iconic Gen 3 cards include
EX Blaziken,EX Gardevoir,Gold Star Rayquaza,Gold Star Kyogre & Groudon,EX Deoxys Attack Forme,EX Salamence
. These cards feature shiny alternate-color Pokémon with a gold star next to their name.
Artwork Evolution from Gen 1–3
Across these three generations, Pokémon artwork evolved tremendously:
- Gen 1 → simple, nostalgic illustrations
- Gen 2 → dramatic and detailed artwork
- Gen 3 → dynamic poses, 3D-style shading, and high-energy art
Popular Rarity Types in Gen 1–3
Across these early generations, collectors often search for
1st Edition,Shadowless,Holographic Rare,Shining Pokémon,Gold Star,Reverse Holo,Crystal Type,Promo cards,e-Reader cards.These rarities help collectors build valuable, diverse binders with cards from different eras.
For Pokemon Fans
Pokémon fans often search for information like Pokémon 5 generation starters, Pokémon fifth generation starters, Pokémon first generation, Pokémon generation 2, all first generation Pokémon, and all Pokémon by generation.
Many players explore generation 4 Pokémon games, Pokémon 2. generation starter, Pokémon 4th generation, and even how Pokémon almost ended after generation 2.
Others dive into Pokémon generation 3, Pokémon starters by generation, fifth generation Pokémon, fourth generation Pokémon, and generation 1 Pokémon cards.Collectors love exploring generation 2 Pokémon list, generation 8 Pokémon, generation V Pokémon, Pokémon 2nd generation list, and Pokémon 4 generation. Many guides sort Pokémon by generation, Pokémon games by generation, Pokémon new generation, V generation Pokémon,
You Can Create
and 1st generation Pokémon cards. Fans often search all generation 1 Pokémon, first generation Pokémon cards, generation 10 Pokémon, and generation 3 Pokémon starters
Lists like list of generation 1 Pokémon, new generation of Pokémon, Pokémon advanced generation, and Pokémon generation 1 remain highly popular.
Even searches for Pokémon generation 8, Pokémon generation IV, 1st generation of Pokémon, 4th generation Pokémon, 6th generation Pokémon, and all generation 2 Pokémon are common.
Fans debate the best Pokémon generation, search generation 5 Pokémon games, generation one Pokémon, Pokémon generation 6, Pokémon generation 8 starters, and Pokémon generation starters.
Frequently explored topics include Pokémon list generation 2, Pokémon quiz generation 1, Pokémon ultimate distribution generation 3 4 5 event ROM, second generation Pokémon, and 4th Pokémon generation. all generation 9 Pokémon, generation 3 Pokémon list, generation IV Pokémon, and
list of Pokémon by generation
list of Pokémon by generation. Anime fans look up Pokémon advanced generation series, Pokémon first generation quiz, or Pokémon fusion generation.
Starter-related searches include Pokémon generation 2 starters Pokémon generation 3 games Pokémon third generation list, and what generation is Pokémon Emerald. More lists include 2nd generation of Pokémon, all generation 3 Pokémon, all generation 6 Pokémon, Pokémon 1st generation games, and Pokémon games generation. The Pokédex searches include Pokémon generation 1 Pokédex, Pokémon generation 5, Pokémon generation 5 Pokédex, and Pokémon generation list.
Hack players search Pokémon hack with all Pokémon up to a generation. Others explore 1 generation Pokémon, 1st generation Pokémon list, 2nd generation Pokémon list, all Pokémon generation starters, first generation Pokémon list, and generation 2 starter Pokémon. Search trends extend to generation 4 Pokémon list, generation 5 Pokémon list, generation five Pokémon, generation starters Pokémon, and generation three Pokémon.
Many explore the new Pokémon generation, Pokémon 6 generation, Pokémon 6th generation, Pokémon advanced generation episodes, and Pokémon cards first generation.
Card collectors
Card collectors follow Pokémon first generation cards, Pokémon fourth generation. Players study Pokémon generation 7 starters, what generation is Pokémon X, 3 generation Pokémon, best generation 2 Pokémon, and every Pokémon generation.
Others love searching generation 9 Pokémon starters, generation four Pokémon, generation III Pokémon, list of generation 3 Pokémon, and new generation Pokémon. Information on Pokémon 1st generation, Pokémon 5 generation, Pokémon Emerald generation, Pokémon generation 3 Pokédex, and Pokémon generation 3 starters is frequently researched. More search queries include Pokémon generation 4 Pokédex, Pokémon generation V,
Pokémon third generation, Pokémon Y generation, Pokémon advanced generation, and what generation is Pokémon Black. Fans look up what generation is Pokémon Platinum, what generation is Pokémon X and Y, 4th generation of Pokémon, all generation Pokémon starters, and best generation 3 Pokémon.
Competitive players research best generation 5 Pokémon, current Pokémon generation, generation 1 water Pokémon, and generation 2 Pokémon cards. Starter searches continue with generation 4 Pokémon starters, generation 4 Pokémon, generation 5 Pokémon starters, and generation 6 Pokémon list.
Many look into Pokémon generation 2 games, Pokémon generation 2 Pokédex, and Pokémon generation 5 starters. Others explore Pokémon generation X, Pokémon newest generation, Pokémon Platinum generation, and Pokémon generation 4. Starter lists continue with 2nd generation Pokémon starters, 3rd generation Pokémon starters, and 7th generation Pokémon
search all starter Pokémon
Collectors search all starter Pokémon by generation, generation 3 Pokémon cards, generation 7 Pokémon list, and generation 8 Pokémon games. Many explore generation II Pokémon, generation nine Pokémon, how many Pokémon in generation 1, and latest Pokémon generation. Competitive fans check list of generation 3 Pokémon by base stats, newest generation Pokémon, and Pokémon 1 generation.
Others explore Pokémon 10th generation, Pokémon 3rd generation, Pokémon 7th generation, and Pokémon generation 6 Pokédex.
Legendary hunters explore Pokémon legendaries by generation, Pokémon X generation, and what Pokémon generation are we on.
Many search 4 generation Pokémon, 9 generation Pokémon, all generation starter Pokémon, all Pokémon generation, and all Pokémon starters by generation. Fans love guides on each generation starter Pokémon, generation 1 Pokémon starters, generation 1 starter Pokémon, and generation 3 starter Pokémon.
Pokémon starters, generation 8 Pokémon starters, generation 9 starter Pokémon, and generation I Pokémon. Pokédex fans search generation IX Pokémon, how many Pokémon in each generation, next generation of Pokémon, and Pokémon 2nd generation.
More searches include Pokémon 7 generation Pokédex, Pokémon 9th generation, Pokémon badges generation 1, and Pokémon Black and White generation. Many explore Pokémon Black generation, Pokémon games in order of generation, Pokémon generation 1 badges, and Pokémon generation 1 games. Players look up Pokémon generation 1 list,
Pokémon generation 7 Pokédex, Pokémon generation 8 Pokédex, and Pokémon generation 9 Pokémon, Pokémon generation I, Pokémon generation VI, and Pokémon generation VI Pokédex.
Collecting Tips for Gen 1–3 Cards
1. Always check print variations:
Shadowless vs Unlimited, 1st Edition vs Non-1st Edition, and different holo patterns.
2. Condition matters the most:
Grading companies like PSA, CGC, and Beckett heavily influence market prices.
3. Store cards properly:
Use sleeves, semi-rigid holders, and keep cards away from humidity and sunlight.
4. Focus on your favorite Pokémon or sets:
Collecting should be enjoyable, not stressful.
5. Start with affordable cards:
Not every card needs to be a Charizard or Gold Star. Many uncommon cards have stunning artwork and great value.
Market Value Trends
Gen 1–3 cards have shown stable and consistent growth over the past decade.
They are no longer being printed,Nostalgia demand increases every year,High-grade copies are extremely rare,Competitive collectors seek complete sets.These generations remain the most trusted long-term investment in the Pokémon TCG.
generation 5 pokemon,generation 4 pokemon,6 generation pokemon,generation 1 pokemon
generation 2 pokemon,pokemon starters by generation,generation 6 pokemon.generation 3 pokemon generation of pokemon starters pokemon generation 10 starter pokemon by generation 5th generation pokemon pokemon 7 generation pokemon generation 9
generation 7 pokemon generation vii pokemon pokemon generation pokemon generation 7
first generation pokemon generation 6-9 pokemon sprites generation pokemon pokemon generation 4 2nd generation pokemon all generation 4 pokemon 1st generation pokemon
2 generation pokemon 3rd generation pokemon generation 1 pokemon list generation 9 pokemon generation vi pokemon pokemon 1 generation list pokemon 3 generation starter
Conclusion
Pokémon cards from Generation 1 to Generation 3 represent the foundation of the entire TCG. They offer unmatched nostalgia, iconic artwork, rare card types, and some of the most valuable cards ever created.
