1st Edition (TCG)/Information

1st Edition cards are identified by the appearance of an "Edition 1" symbol on the card, often on the opposite side of the Expansion symbol (or next to it with early Japanese 1st Edition sets). This symbol is also present on 1st Edition booster packs and boxes.

The concept was used by Wizards of the Coast for the English and European releases from the beginning of the TCG's introduction to the West, starting with TCG Base Set. Japanese cards did not have 1st Edition runs at this time. 1st Edition runs were produced for every set (except TCG Base Set 2) up to and including TCG Neo Destiny. A factor that likely led to Wizards scrapping the idea of 1st Edition cards was down to the pressure they faced to release sets on dates they had specified, which became particularly apparent during the Neo-era. Wizards even ceased pre-planned timed releases in late 2001. This led to 1st Edition runs being released alongside or even after their Unlimited release, rendering them obsolete. Another factor was likely due to the increased pressure on Wizards to release the e-card sets quickly before their license expired in 2003. After Nintendo gained control of the TCG, 1st Edition runs were rejected altogether. Coincidentally however, around the time English 1st Edition cards were beginning to face scrutiny, Japanese 1st Edition runs began to be produced. Japanese 1st Edition runs began with the release of TCG Pokémon VS and have continued since.