Pokémon TCG · Generation III
EX Series
The Hoenn era that introduced Pokémon-ex — and the moment Nintendo took over the TCG.
The EX Series (2003–2007) launched Generation III and the Hoenn region, and introduced Pokémon-ex — high-risk, high-reward cards worth two Prizes that became the blueprint for every “ex” and “EX” card since.
Spanning sixteen expansions from 2003 to 2007, it was also the era in which publishing passed from Wizards of the Coast to Nintendo, tying in with Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire and their sequels. Holographic full-art backgrounds and the first Shiny “star” Pokémon made its cards especially collectible.
Sets in this series
16 expansions · in release order
EX Ruby & Sapphire02
EX Sandstorm03
EX Dragon04
EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua05
EX Hidden Legends06
EX FireRed & LeafGreen07
EX Team Rocket Returns08
EX Deoxys09
EX Emerald10
EX Unseen Forces11
EX Delta Species12
EX Legend Maker13
EX Holon Phantoms14
EX Crystal Guardians15
EX Dragon Frontiers16
EX Power KeepersFurther reading
Before and after
The EX Series followed the Legendary Collection & e-Card Series and led into the Diamond & Pearl Series.