A 2-player starter package was also available, which included two half-sized decks, markers, a player's guide, a rulebook, and a playmat.
Merchandising also included four theme decks, based on different strategies (offensive, defensive, tactical and speed). The set also contained Double Colorless Energy, the first special Energy card. It is one of limited number of sets to include a full set of basic Energy cards.
It is the only set not to have a set logo or symbol (except error 'no symbol' Jungle cards). Released in Japan on October 20, 1996, one month after Bandai Pokémon Carddass 100 Pocket Monster Part 1 and in the United States on January 9, 1999. Set, ( Japanese: 第1弾スターターパック & 第1弾拡張パック 1st Starter & Expansion Pack) is the name given to the first expansion of cards and Theme Decks for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. This Pokémon pack consists of 24 Base Set shadowless cards and an instruction manual. The 1998 Pokémon Demo Game Pack were the earliest cards to be released in the English Pokémon TCG and served as the introduction to Pokémon cards in the United States. First Generation Sets 1998 Pokémon Demo Game Plastic Pack
