Theme Deck (TCG)

A Theme Deck, previously known as a Preconstructed Theme Deck, is a playing deck of Pokémon Trading Card Game cards sold pre-packaged alongside mainstream card sets. Most Theme Decks are designed with a specific strategy (such as Special Conditions) or theme (such as starter Pokémon) in mind.

Theme decks are mostly seen only alongside English-language releases and are seldom released in Japan, released only alongside debut sets such as Base Set and Neo 1, as well as alongside the original Gym sets. The vast majority of Japanese decks released are half decks and are released alongside almost all sets.

For English-language set releases, most expansions are assigned two theme decks affiliated with the set, with the next most common number being four theme decks for releases such as Base Set, Base Set 2 and the two Gym sets. Only five sets have included three theme decks so far (EX Crystal Guardians, Diamond & Pearl, Great Encounters, HeartGold & SoulSilver and Black & White) and the only mainstream set to include no theme decks is Neo Revelation. In addition, there are exclusive theme decks for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online.

English/Global Theme Decks

First generation

Classical series

Base Set
  Jungle
  Fossil
  Base Set 2
  Team Rocket

Gym series

  Gym Heroes
  Gym Challenge


Second generation

Neo series

  Neo Genesis
  Neo Discovery
  Neo Destiny

E-card series

  Legendary Collection
  Expedition Base Set
  Aquapolis
  Skyridge


Third generation

EX series

  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
  EX Power Keepers


Fourth generation

Diamond & Pearl series

  Diamond & Pearl
  Mysterious Treasures
  Secret Wonders
  Great Encounters
  Majestic Dawn
  Legends Awakened
  Stormfront
  Platinum
  Rising Rivals
  Supreme Victors

Platinum series

  Arceus

HeartGold & SoulSilver series

  HeartGold & SoulSilver
  Unleashed
  Undaunted
  Triumphant

Call of Legends series

  Call of Legends


Fifth generation

Black & White series

  Black & White
  Emerging Powers
  Noble Victories
  Next Destinies
  Dark Explorers
  Dragons Exalted
  Boundaries Crossed

Plasma series

  Plasma Storm
  Plasma Freeze
  Plasma Blast


Japanese Theme Decks

First generation

Classical series

Booster Pack

Gym series

Gym 1
Gym 2


Second generation

Neo series

Neo 1

E-card series

e-Card 1


Third generation

EX series

The Furthest Ends of Offense and Defense


Fourth generation

Diamond & Pearl series

Space-Time Creation

Platinum series

Advent of Arceus

Japanese Deck Kits


Special Theme Decks

EX Decks

EX Master Trainer Decks

EX Epic Collection


Online Exclusive Decks

Color Decks

Other Decks


World Championships Decks

2004 World Championships

2005 World Championships

2006 World Championships

2007 World Championships

2008 World Championships

2009 World Championships

2010 World Championships

2011 World Championships

2012 World Championships


  This article is part of Project TCG, a Bulbapedia project that aims to report on every aspect of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.