The question of what constitutes the very first Pokémon card ever made is indeed a captivating topic that opens a window into the early days of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) and the broader Pokémon phenomenon. While many fans immediately think of Pikachu—the franchise’s iconic mascot—as the face of the first card, the reality is a bit more nuanced and reflects the origins of Pokémon as both a cultural and commercial force.

The Pokémon TCG was initially released in Japan in 1996 by Media Factory (later by Wizards of the Coast for the international market), and the earliest cards were part of the “Base Set.” It’s difficult to pinpoint a singular “first” card because the sets were produced with multiple cards meant to be released simultaneously. However, some of the earliest and most notable cards from this original lineup feature the starter Pokémon—Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle—as well as legendary and popular characters like Pikachu, which had already gained massive popularity through the video games and anime series.

Interestingly, before the TCG was a global sensation, the card game itself was conceived as a way to extend the Pokémon experience beyond video games, allowing fans to engage with their favorite creatures on a new interactive platform. The art and design choices were crucial—the cards needed to capture the charm and personality of each Pokémon, which helped build a tangible connection between fans and the franchise. Ken Sugimori’s original Pokémon artwork played an integral role in defining the look and feel of the cards, blending gameplay with collectible art.

The cultural impact of these early cards cannot be overstated. They symbolized a burgeoning movement that blended gaming, animation, and social trading, which was relatively novel at the time. The cards served not only as game components but also as artifacts of childhood nostalgia, friendship, and competition. The stories embedded in these cards—whether of thrilling battles, rare pulls, or the joy of trading—continue to resonate decades later, underscoring why the original Pokémon cards, regardless of which was literally produced first, remain deeply cherished.

In essence, the “first” Pokémon card is less a question of chronology and more about understanding the foundational role these early cards played in the explosive growth of a franchise that continues to captivate millions worldwide.