The Top 5 Pokémon Base Set Cards That Defined My Childhood
These are the cards that hold a special place in my heart and my collection. They might not all be the “best” in terms of value or competitive play, but they were the ones I actually pulled or traded for as a kid — and that made them priceless to me.
These days, they’re incredibly hard to find in mint condition, so I’m speaking purely from my own nostalgic point of view. Your list might look completely different, and that’s what makes collecting so personal.
5. Venusaur (015/102)
Venusaur makes this list for reasons you probably wouldn’t expect. Back in Base Set 1, pull rates were ridiculously good (thank you, Wizards of the Coast). Like most kids, I wanted the big prize — Charizard.
So when I bought my first three packs and pulled Venusaur instead… I was still thrilled. I mean, a starter Pokémon holographic? At 10 years old, that was jackpot territory. I didn’t play competitively, so straight into my binder he went — protected like a treasure.
Of course, I had no real concept of money back then, but pulling a starter with only $20 to my name was pure excitement. I can still remember exactly where I bought it, the walk I took to get there (which I probably shouldn’t have been doing alone, but hey — different times), and the rush of seeing that green giant shine in the light.
4. Gyarados (006/102)
One of my all-time favorite Water-types (sorry, Blastoise). Once you got him onto the field, it was basically lights out. The real challenge? Surviving long enough to evolve that Magikarp.
Gyarados also had one of my favorite artworks in the set — intense, dramatic, and full of personality. The only thing that confused me as a kid was his weakness: grass. In the games, thanks to his Flying typing, Grass moves barely did any damage. My guess is that the TCG just didn’t have enough Electric-types at the time (sorry Electrode and Raichu).
But none of that mattered to me back then. Gyarados wasn’t just a card — he was a flex.
3. Ninetales (012/102)
In Pokémon Red, I wanted Ninetales so badly… but he was exclusive to Blue. In the card game, though? Anyone could have him — if you were lucky.
Ninetales had, in my opinion, one of the best holographics in Base Set 1. The sparkles mixed with that deep blue background made it look absolutely premium. If I wasn’t already a die-hard Charizard fan, this might’ve been my #1 card just for the aesthetics alone.
I even traded my Hitmonchan plus a bunch of other cards for a scratched Ninetales, just to get him in my binder. No regrets — he was worth it.
2. Mewtwo (010/102)
Mewtwo had to be near the top of my list. In the games, he was a complete powerhouse and catching him felt like the ultimate endgame challenge. (Pro tip my 10-year-old self learned too late: use the Master Ball.)
In the TCG, he wasn’t particularly overpowered compared to Psychic heavy-hitters like Gengar or Alakazam. But his vibe? Untouchable. This was a card you showed off just to let people know you had one. Mewtwo was all about the aura — mysterious, intimidating, and endlessly cool.
1. Charizard (004/102)
Who else could it be? Charizard was the chase card, the crown jewel of Base Set 1, and probably every kid’s dream pull.
On my second trip to buy packs, I actually pulled him. I nearly fell over. Then I sprinted home like I had just won the lottery. The shop owner even offered me $35 for it right on the spot — but there was no way I was letting it go. This was the card I had been chasing, and besides, I didn’t even really understand how much money that was.
Today, I still collect Charizard cards — including some Base Set versions — and while none of mine are worth crazy amounts, they’re priceless to me.
Looking back, I wish I had stored my cards better and not fallen out of collecting for a while (I go through hobby phases — just ask my wife). I missed entire sets like Neo Genesis and so many others before Sun & Moon.
But these five? They’ll always be the ones that take me back to being 10 years old, ripping open booster packs with shaky hands, and believing that anything could be inside.
What about you? What cards from Base Set 1 are burned into your memory? Share your story — I’d love to hear which ones defined your Pokémon journey.