Jungle proved Pokémon cards weren't a one-set wonder — it was the release that turned a single game into an ongoing collecting habit.
The first true expansion
Released in 1999 not long after Base Set, Jungle was the Pokémon TCG's first expansion set. It was noticeably smaller than Base Set, but it gave the game something new: a reason to keep collecting beyond the original 102 cards.
New Pokémon, new chase cards
Jungle introduced holo rares for Pokémon absent from Base Set, including Snorlax, Scyther, Pinsir and Vileplume, which quickly became sought-after pulls in their own right. The set is also known among longtime collectors for a few printing quirks and variant errors typical of the era's production process.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Jungle expansion release for the Pokémon TCG?
Jungle followed Base Set in 1999, becoming the game's very first expansion and adding a smaller roster of new Pokémon to the game.
What new Pokémon did Jungle bring to the TCG?
It introduced cards for Pokémon that hadn't appeared in Base Set, including holo rares like Snorlax, Scyther and Vileplume, giving collectors a reason to keep opening packs after the first set.
Why do some Jungle cards get special attention from collectors?
A handful of Jungle cards are known for printing quirks and errors from the era, which makes certain copies more interesting to variant collectors than the average card from the set.