Pokémon TCG Set Guide
Every Pokémon EX Series Set in Order: Complete 2003–2007 Guide
Explore all 16 English Pokémon TCG EX Series expansions from EX Ruby & Sapphire through EX Power Keepers. Compare release dates, checklist sizes, set themes, major mechanics and notable Pokémon-ex, Gold Star and Delta Species cards.
Last updated: August 13, 2026
What are all the Pokémon EX Series sets in order?
The 16 main English EX Series sets are EX Ruby & Sapphire, EX Sandstorm, EX Dragon, EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua, EX Hidden Legends, EX FireRed & LeafGreen, EX Team Rocket Returns, EX Deoxys, EX Emerald, EX Unseen Forces, EX Delta Species, EX Legend Maker, EX Holon Phantoms, EX Crystal Guardians, EX Dragon Frontiers and EX Power Keepers. They were released from June 2003 through February 2007.
Complete Pokémon EX Series Set List
This chronology covers the 16 main English expansions. POP Series cards, Nintendo Black Star Promos, Trainer Kits and World Championships decks were released during the same period, but they are separate products rather than numbered EX expansions.
| # | Expansion | English release | Total cards | Defining theme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EX Ruby & Sapphire | June 18, 2003 | 109 | Hoenn debut and Pokémon-ex |
| 2 | EX Sandstorm | September 17, 2003 | 100 | Desert Pokémon and Fossil revival |
| 3 | EX Dragon | November 24, 2003 | 100 | Dragon Pokémon and Base Set tribute secrets |
| 4 | EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua | March 15, 2004 | 97 | Competing villain teams and dual ownership |
| 5 | EX Hidden Legends | June 14, 2004 | 102 | Regi trio, Groudon and Kyogre |
| 6 | EX FireRed & LeafGreen | August 30, 2004 | 116 | Kanto return and original starters |
| 7 | EX Team Rocket Returns | November 8, 2004 | 111 | Dark Pokémon, Rocket’s Pokémon-ex and Gold Stars |
| 8 | EX Deoxys | February 14, 2005 | 108 | Deoxys formes, Rayquaza and space |
| 9 | EX Emerald | May 9, 2005 | 107 | Pokémon Emerald and Hoenn legends |
| 10 | EX Unseen Forces | August 22, 2005 | 145 | Johto, Unown and legendary beasts |
| 11 | EX Delta Species | October 31, 2005 | 114 | Type-shifted Delta Species Pokémon |
| 12 | EX Legend Maker | February 13, 2006 | 93 | Ancient ruins, Mew and the Regi trio |
| 13 | EX Holon Phantoms | May 3, 2006 | 111 | Holon research and dual-type Delta Species |
| 14 | EX Crystal Guardians | August 30, 2006 | 100 | Mirage islands and Delta Species |
| 15 | EX Dragon Frontiers | November 8, 2006 | 101 | Dragon frontier and near-total Delta Species focus |
| 16 | EX Power Keepers | February 14, 2007 | 108 | Hoenn Elite Four and final EX-era set |
Totals include secret cards where they are part of the recognized English checklist. Individual databases may display the advertised numbered set and secret cards separately.
What Is the Pokémon TCG EX Series?
The EX Series is the group of English Pokémon TCG expansions released between EX Ruby & Sapphire in 2003 and EX Power Keepers in 2007. It corresponds primarily to the third generation of Pokémon games and covers Hoenn, the FireRed and LeafGreen return to Kanto, the Battle Frontier and the Holon storyline.
EX Ruby & Sapphire was the first English expansion published after control of the game moved from Wizards of the Coast to Pokémon USA. That makes the EX era both a gameplay period and a major publishing transition. The first three EX expansions overlap with the end of the period covered in our complete vintage Pokémon set guide for 1999–2003.
Pokémon-ex is not the same as modern Pokémon ex
The lowercase “ex” cards introduced in the EX Series are mechanically and historically distinct from the lowercase Pokémon ex returned in the Scarlet & Violet era. They are also different from the uppercase Pokémon-EX used during Black & White and XY. Match the exact card name, number, set and era when searching or checking prices.
Pokémon EX Series Sets Released in 2003
The beginning of a new publishing era
The first three EX expansions introduced Hoenn Pokémon, Pokémon-ex and a revised card design. EX Ruby & Sapphire retained limited e-Reader compatibility, while the series quickly developed its own identity.
1. EX Ruby & Sapphire
The first EX Series expansion brought Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip and other Hoenn Pokémon into the English TCG. Pokémon-ex became the era’s headline mechanic: powerful cards that gave up two Prize cards when Knocked Out. The set also marked the publishing transition away from Wizards of the Coast.
Notable examples include Mewtwo ex, Scyther ex, Sneasel ex, Chansey ex and the Hoenn starter evolutions. Because “Ruby & Sapphire Base Set” is sometimes used informally, always search using the full expansion name and collector number.
2. EX Sandstorm
EX Sandstorm explored desert and archaeological themes, bringing Fossil Pokémon back into focus. It expanded the Pokémon-ex roster with cards such as Wailord ex, Gardevoir ex, Raichu ex and Aerodactyl ex.
The expansion should not be confused with the much earlier Fossil set. Its symbol, border style and collector numbers place it firmly in the EX Series.
3. EX Dragon
EX Dragon emphasized Dragon Pokémon without introducing a separate Dragon Energy type. Rayquaza ex is one of its defining cards. Secret rare Charmander 98/97, Charmeleon 99/97 and Charizard 100/97 reinterpret the original Base Set evolution line with artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita.
Shop Pokémon Singles From Every Era
Browse Game 3’s current Pokémon singles inventory or search specifically for EX-era cards. Inventory changes as collections are processed.
Pokémon EX Series Sets Released in 2004
4. EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua
This expansion centres on the conflict between Team Magma and Team Aqua. Pokémon carry team ownership directly in their names, while Groudon and Kyogre embody the two groups’ competing goals. It was the final English expansion to retain e-Reader compatibility.
Team Magma’s Groudon, Team Aqua’s Kyogre, Team Magma’s Aggron and the team-owned Pokémon-ex cards make it visually and thematically different from a normal Hoenn set.
5. EX Hidden Legends
EX Hidden Legends draws on ancient and legendary Pokémon, particularly Regirock, Regice and Registeel. It also includes Groudon ex and Kyogre ex, connecting the expansion to the larger Ruby and Sapphire storyline.
The set arrived before Gold Star Pokémon were introduced, so its chase structure is built around Pokémon-ex, holographic rares and its legendary theme rather than the Gold Star cards that define several later EX expansions.
6. EX FireRed & LeafGreen
Based on the Game Boy Advance remakes, EX FireRed & LeafGreen returned the TCG’s focus to Kanto. Charizard ex, Blastoise ex and Venusaur ex headline a checklist filled with familiar first-generation Pokémon.
The set also includes secret rare versions of Charmander, Charmeleon and Charizard. Collectors should use the collector number because several Charizard cards from the era can appear in broad “EX Charizard” searches.
7. EX Team Rocket Returns
Team Rocket Returns revived Dark Pokémon with a more advanced EX-era design and introduced Pokémon Gold Star cards to English collectors. Gold Star Pokémon show a Shiny colouration and typically feature artwork breaking through the character window.
Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, Rocket’s Snorlax ex, Rocket’s Scizor ex and Gold Star Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip are among the expansion’s best-known cards. The combination of Dark Pokémon, Rocket ownership and the first English Gold Stars gives the set a distinct collector identity.
Pokémon EX Series Sets Released in 2005
Gold Stars, Johto and the Holon storyline
The 2005 releases widened the era beyond Hoenn. EX Deoxys focused on space, EX Unseen Forces revisited Johto, and EX Delta Species introduced type-shifted Pokémon connected to Holon.
8. EX Deoxys
EX Deoxys features different Deoxys formes and their conflict with Rayquaza. Rayquaza Gold Star 107/107 became one of the most recognizable Gold Star cards, while multiple Deoxys ex cards reflect the Pokémon’s changing formes.
The set’s space theme, powerful competitive cards and high-profile Rayquaza give it appeal beyond collectors completing the entire EX block.
9. EX Emerald
EX Emerald adapts Pokémon Emerald and returns to the central Hoenn cast. It includes Pokémon-ex such as Deoxys ex, Milotic ex and Rayquaza ex, plus Gold Star Groudon and Kyogre.
EX Emerald was released only outside Japan as a standalone English-language expansion assembled from cards with different Japanese origins. That makes one-to-one Japanese set comparisons less straightforward.
10. EX Unseen Forces
EX Unseen Forces is one of the largest EX Series checklists. It revisits Johto, features a large Unown group and includes Pokémon-ex such as Lugia ex, Ho-Oh ex, Umbreon ex and Espeon ex.
Gold Star Entei, Raikou and Suicune form a celebrated trio. The set’s broad character selection and deep rare-card checklist make a master set considerably more ambitious than the raw card total suggests.
11. EX Delta Species
EX Delta Species introduced Pokémon δ, altered Pokémon whose printed type may differ from the type normally associated with the character. The concept is tied to electromagnetic research in the fictional region of Holon.
Metagross Gold Star, Groudon Gold Star and Kyogre Gold Star join Delta Species versions of popular Pokémon. Identifying the exact card requires attention to both its expansion and its unusual printed type.
Pokémon EX Series Sets Released in 2006–2007
12. EX Legend Maker
EX Legend Maker is a compact expansion built around ruins, ancient power and legendary Pokémon. Mew ex is a central card, while Gold Star Regirock, Regice and Registeel extend the Gold Star lineup.
Its smaller checklist does not necessarily make a complete set easy: rare Pokémon-ex, Gold Stars, stamped reverse holos and condition-sensitive cards can still form substantial hurdles.
13. EX Holon Phantoms
EX Holon Phantoms continued the Holon storyline and developed Delta Species with many dual-type Pokémon. The expansion contains Mew Gold Star, Gyarados Gold Star and Pikachu Gold Star, three prominent cards with broad character appeal.
Stamped reverse-holographic versions and unusual type combinations are central to master-set collecting. A normal card and its stamped reverse holo are separate variants even when the name and collector number match.
14. EX Crystal Guardians
EX Crystal Guardians places Delta Species Pokémon in a tropical, crystal-influenced setting. Charizard Gold Star and Alakazam Gold Star are major collector cards, while Celebi ex and Jirachi ex support the legendary theme.
The word “Crystal” in the set name does not mean its cards belong to the earlier Crystal Pokémon mechanic from Aquapolis and Skyridge. These are separate eras and card categories.
15. EX Dragon Frontiers
EX Dragon Frontiers returns to a dragon-centred environment and uses Delta Species for nearly every Pokémon in the expansion. Charizard Gold Star and Mew Gold Star are major targets, and their unusual types make them immediately recognizable.
The set also introduced Shock-wave and Imprison markers on a small number of cards. Its concentrated Delta Species identity makes it one of the most visually cohesive late-EX expansions.
16. EX Power Keepers
EX Power Keepers concluded the English EX Series shortly before Diamond & Pearl began. Its theme loosely draws on the Hoenn Elite Four, and Stadium cards reference Sidney, Phoebe, Glacia and Drake.
Gold Star Vaporeon, Jolteon and Flareon form the era’s final Gold Star group. The set does not continue the Delta Species focus of the preceding expansions, giving the EX block a more traditional conclusion.
Pokémon EX Series Mechanics and Card Types Explained
Pokémon-ex
Pokémon-ex are powerful cards that generally surrender two Prize cards when Knocked Out. Their names use a lowercase “ex,” and the mechanic appears throughout the block. They are not interchangeable with Pokémon-EX or modern Pokémon ex.
Pokémon Gold Star
Gold Star cards debuted in EX Team Rocket Returns and continued through EX Power Keepers. They depict Shiny Pokémon and use a gold star beside the Pokémon’s name. Decks were restricted in how many Pokémon Gold Star cards they could contain, adding a gameplay identity to their collectible rarity.
Delta Species Pokémon
Pokémon δ first appeared in EX Delta Species. Their printed type may differ from the character’s usual type, reflecting exposure to electromagnetic forces in Holon. Later sets explored dual-type Delta Species and built entire environments around the concept.
Dark and Rocket’s Pokémon
EX Team Rocket Returns revived Dark Pokémon and used Rocket-owned Pokémon-ex. The structure connects to Team Rocket and Gym-era naming conventions, but the cards belong to a separate expansion with EX-era mechanics.
Stamped reverse holographic cards
Several EX-era reverse holos include the expansion logo stamped directly on the card. These variants are especially important to master-set collectors. Surface scratches, edge wear and print lines can strongly affect their condition.
Ancient Traits are not from the EX Series
The term “EX era” is sometimes used loosely because later sets contain uppercase Pokémon-EX. Ancient Traits, Mega Evolution Pokémon-EX and full-art Pokémon-EX belong to later eras, not the 2003–2007 EX Series.
Notable Pokémon Cards From Every EX Series Set
| Set | Frequently searched cards | Collector significance |
|---|---|---|
| EX Ruby & Sapphire | Mewtwo ex, Scyther ex, Sneasel ex | First English Pokémon-ex expansion |
| EX Sandstorm | Wailord ex, Gardevoir ex, Raichu ex | Early EX-era chase cards and desert theme |
| EX Dragon | Rayquaza ex, Charizard 100/97 | Dragon focus and Base Set tribute secrets |
| EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua | Team Magma’s Groudon, Team Aqua’s Kyogre | Team ownership and villain storyline |
| EX Hidden Legends | Groudon ex, Kyogre ex, Regi cards | Ancient legendary focus |
| EX FireRed & LeafGreen | Charizard ex, Blastoise ex, Venusaur ex | Kanto starter Pokémon-ex |
| EX Team Rocket Returns | Gold Star Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip; Rocket’s Mewtwo ex | First English Gold Stars |
| EX Deoxys | Rayquaza Gold Star, Deoxys ex | High-profile Gold Star and multiple formes |
| EX Emerald | Gold Star Groudon and Kyogre, Rayquaza ex | Hoenn legends and Emerald theme |
| EX Unseen Forces | Gold Star Entei, Raikou and Suicune; Lugia ex | Legendary beast trio and large checklist |
| EX Delta Species | Gold Star Metagross, Groudon and Kyogre | First Delta Species expansion |
| EX Legend Maker | Mew ex; Gold Star Regirock, Regice and Registeel | Compact legendary-themed checklist |
| EX Holon Phantoms | Gold Star Mew, Gyarados and Pikachu | Three major characters and dual types |
| EX Crystal Guardians | Gold Star Charizard and Alakazam | Popular Gold Stars and tropical theme |
| EX Dragon Frontiers | Gold Star Charizard and Mew | Near-total Delta Species set |
| EX Power Keepers | Gold Star Vaporeon, Jolteon and Flareon | Final EX-era Gold Stars |
A famous name is not enough to identify a card
The EX block contains multiple Charizard, Rayquaza, Mew and Deoxys cards. Search with the collector number and full set name, then compare the same holo treatment and condition. Our guide on how to check Pokémon card prices explains how to choose meaningful sold comparisons.
How to Identify a Pokémon EX Series Card
- Read the collector number. A number such as 107/107 or 100/97 can identify both the card and whether it sits beyond the standard checklist.
- Find the expansion symbol. It appears near the lower portion of the card and distinguishes sets with similar borders.
- Check the exact naming style. Pokémon-ex, Rocket’s Pokémon-ex, Pokémon δ and Gold Star cards each use meaningful text or symbols.
- Confirm the finish. Standard, holographic and stamped reverse-holographic copies should not be treated as the same variant.
- Inspect the copyright line and language. English and Japanese cards follow different expansion structures and release histories.
Use our full walkthrough on finding a Pokémon card’s set and collector number if you are starting with an unidentified card. If the texture, colour, font or back appears wrong, compare it with the checks in our fake Pokémon card guide.
Which Pokémon EX Series Sets Are the Most Valuable?
No set has one fixed value. Complete-set cost depends on condition standards, reverse-holo requirements, secret cards and whether Gold Stars are included. However, several expansions commonly receive strong collector attention:
- EX Team Rocket Returns introduced English Gold Stars and combines them with Dark and Rocket’s Pokémon.
- EX Deoxys contains Rayquaza Gold Star and multiple Deoxys formes.
- EX Unseen Forces includes the Gold Star legendary beast trio and desirable Johto Pokémon-ex.
- EX Holon Phantoms contains Gold Star Mew, Pikachu and Gyarados.
- EX Dragon Frontiers includes Gold Star Charizard and Mew within a highly distinctive Delta Species checklist.
That does not mean every card from those sets is expensive. Rarity, popularity, print variation and condition still control individual value. Read our broader guide on whether old Pokémon cards are worth anything before using the expansion name as a price signal.
How to Start Collecting Pokémon EX Series Sets
Choose a numbered set or a master set
A numbered set focuses on one copy of every checklist number. A master set may add reverse holos, stamped variants, secrets and promotional connections. Define the goal before purchasing expensive Gold Stars.
Collect by mechanic
Instead of completing all 16 expansions, some collectors focus on Pokémon-ex, Gold Stars, Delta Species, stamped reverse holos or one character across the era. This creates a coherent collection without requiring every common and uncommon.
Use exact condition standards
EX-era foils and stamped reverse holos can reveal scratches, edge wear and print lines. Review Game 3’s Pokémon card condition guide before comparing prices across Near Mint, Lightly Played and lower-grade copies.
Store holo cards carefully
Sleeve cards before placing them in a binder or rigid holder, avoid pressure and keep the collection away from humidity and sunlight. See our complete Pokémon card storage guide for protection levels.
Decide whether grading makes sense
Grading may be useful for authentication, protection or resale clarity, but fees and condition matter. Do not assume every old Pokémon-ex or Gold Star should be graded. Use the Pokémon card grading guide to evaluate the specific copy.
Find Pokémon Singles for Your Collection
Search Game 3’s in-stock Pokémon singles, including cards for binders, decks and era-focused collections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pokémon EX Series Sets
How many Pokémon EX Series sets are there?
There are 16 main English EX Series expansions, beginning with EX Ruby & Sapphire and ending with EX Power Keepers.
What was the first Pokémon EX set?
EX Ruby & Sapphire was released in English on June 18, 2003. It introduced third-generation Pokémon and the Pokémon-ex mechanic.
What was the last Pokémon EX Series set?
EX Power Keepers, released on February 14, 2007, was the final main English expansion of the EX Series.
Which set introduced Pokémon Gold Star cards?
EX Team Rocket Returns introduced Pokémon Gold Star cards to the English Pokémon TCG in November 2004.
Which set introduced Delta Species Pokémon?
EX Delta Species introduced Pokémon δ in October 2005. The concept continued through several later EX expansions.
Are Pokémon-ex and Pokémon-EX the same?
No. Pokémon-ex from the 2003–2007 EX Series, uppercase Pokémon-EX from later eras and modern lowercase Pokémon ex are distinct mechanics and card generations.
Are POP Series cards part of the EX set list?
POP Series cards were released during the EX era, but they are separate promotional mini-sets rather than the 16 main EX expansions.
Are all EX Series Pokémon cards valuable?
No. Value depends on the exact card, rarity, variation, condition and demand. Many commons and uncommons remain affordable, while certain Gold Stars, Pokémon-ex and stamped reverse holos can be much more valuable.
Sources and Editorial Method
Expansion order, English release dates and checklist sizes were cross-checked using the Bulbapedia expansion index, individual historical set records and the official Pokémon TCG expansion archive. The distinction between the 16 expansions and contemporaneous POP Series or promotional releases follows their original product structure.
