1st Edition (TCG)
1st Edition cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game refer to those that are printed in the first print run of a particular set. 1st Edition cards are typically only available in booster packs for a limited period after the initial release of a particular Expansion, and are then replaced by an Unlimited Edition until the printing of that set ceases.
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 Base Set. Japanese cards did not have 1st Edition runs at this time. 1st Edition runs were produced for every set (except Base Set 2) up to and including 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.
Japan Release
Japanese 1st Edition runs began with the release of Pokémon VS and Pokémon Web in 2001, and continued through the release of Expansion Pack 20th Anniversary, the Japanese equivalent of Evolutions.
Quite a lot of Japanese sets have smaller unlimited print runs than 1st edition print runs, making unlimited cards often harder to find.
Value
In terms of value, 1st Edition cards are typically worth more than their Unlimited counterparts. However, as mentioned above, some of the last English 1st Edition sets were released either at the same time or after their Unlimited release, making them much less valuable compared to early TCG Expansion runs. The most valuable 1st Edition cards are regarded to be those from Base Set, as they were released before the Pokémon phenomenon got into full motion in the West. By the time the TCG became fully established, much of the 1st Edition had already sold out. With the first starter decks produced containing a foiled 1st Edition Machamp they laid down the style in which 1st Edition cards would appear.
1st Edition runs from later Expansions also showed card inconsistencies from their intended appearance (see Error cards). Many error cards provide additional material for collectors, as they are usually corrected in subsequent Unlimited runs. Those that are not (usually, text in attacks that do not match what was intended) are detailed in card errata issued by the gaming body.
Shadowless
The Shadowless print is the second English print of Base Set, released shortly after the 1st Edition print and before the Unlimited print. It is considered a transitional print, retaining nearly all of the characteristics of the 1st Edition cards while removing only the 1st Edition stamp. As a result, Shadowless cards share the same layout and typography as their 1st Edition counterparts, making them visually distinct from later Unlimited prints.
The most recognizable feature of Shadowless Pokémon cards is the absence of the drop shadow around the illustration window. In addition, Shadowless cards use thinner HP values and attack text than later Unlimited prints. These characteristics are shared with the 1st Edition print, making the presence or absence of the 1st Edition stamp the easiest way to distinguish between the two.
Compared to the Shadowless print, Unlimited cards feature a redesigned layout with a drop shadow around the illustration window and bolder HP values and attack text. A later Unlimited print was also released with an updated ©1999–2000 copyright line.
Unlike Pokémon cards, Trainer and Energy cards do not have an illustration window and therefore cannot be identified by the presence or absence of a drop shadow. Instead, Shadowless Trainer and Energy cards can be distinguished by their thinner text and the copyright line. Shadowless cards display the copyright line © 1995, 96, 98, 99 Nintendo, while Unlimited cards omit the 99, reading © 1995, 96, 98 Nintendo.
The Shadowless print was exclusive to the English release of Base Set. In all other languages, 1st Edition cards were printed using the same layout as their respective Unlimited prints, including the drop shadow around the illustration window and the thicker text. As a result, no non-English equivalent of the English Shadowless print exists.
Due to its relatively limited production and its close resemblance to the 1st Edition print, the Shadowless print is highly sought after by collectors. Individual Shadowless cards, particularly Holofoil cards in high grade, often command significantly higher prices than their Unlimited counterparts.
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This article is part of Project TCG, a Bulbapedia project that aims to report on every aspect of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. |