# Card Notes The Base Set launched the Pokémon Trading Card Game in 1999 and became a cultural phenomenon that defined the entire hobby for a generation. As the inaugural set, it introduced collectors to the franchise and established the foundational card designs and mechanics that would shape the game for decades. Base Set remains central to Pokémon collecting, representing the earliest official cards and the gateway through which millions first encountered these creatures. Bulbasaur, the Grass-type starter Pokémon, appears here as card 44 in the Base Set numbering. The card features the iconic creature in its original artwork, making it a key piece for collectors building complete Base Set runs or pursuing starter Pokémon across generations. These early starter cards carry particular appeal for enthusiasts seeking to complete foundational collections or celebrate the beginnings of the franchise.