HeartGold and SoulSilver

Status: Released (February 2010)

A Golden Era: HeartGold & SoulSilver

Stepping back into the history books, the HeartGold & SoulSilver expansion remains one of the most beloved eras in the Pokémon TCG. Released in February 2010 to coincide with the video game remakes, this set completely overhauled the card design with a beautiful gold and silver marbling effect that fans still adore today. HeartGold & SoulSilver is famous for introducing "Pokémon Prime"—powerful cards with zoomed-in "face-shot" artwork—and the magnificent dual-card "LEGEND" mechanics.

The Legacy of HeartGold & SoulSilver

Collecting HeartGold & SoulSilver today is a journey into nostalgia. The set is iconic for its "Lithograph" cards, which required players to actively read Unown text to understand the card effects. It also brought back Double Colorless Energy, a staple that changed the game's pace for years. The artwork in this era, which often blended 3D renders with traditional backgrounds, captured the Johto region's traditional aesthetic perfectly. For vintage collectors, securing a mint condition Lugia LEGEND or a Donphan Prime from HeartGold & SoulSilver is the ultimate badge of honor.