Neo Genesis: How to Identify Cards From This Set

• Neo Genesis is the first set in Pokémon TCG history to feature 'Generation II (Johto)' Pokémon, which can be used as an initial clue by checking whether the Pokémon on the card is a Gen II species.
• This set introduced two new Energy card types for the first time, Darkness Energy and Metal Energy; seeing either of these Energy types confirms the card is from a Neo set rather than an earlier WOTC set.
• This set introduced the 'Baby Pokémon' card type for the first time, cards that evolve into ordinary Basic Pokémon.

• 1st Edition: One of the sets between Base Set and Neo Destiny (except Base Set 2) that had a 1st Edition print run, with the same stamp rule as other sets.

Darkness Energy, Metal Energy, and Baby Pokémon were all introduced for the first time in Neo Genesis, which are the key content features that distinguish it from earlier WOTC sets (Base Set through Gym Challenge).

• Bottom-left or bottom-right corner: the set symbol and the collector number (e.g. 4/102) tell you the set; older cards have no symbol at all, which itself narrows them to Base Set.
• Left of the number: a 1st Edition stamp, if present, sits below the art on WOTC-era cards.
• Regulation mark (a letter in a box near the bottom, D through H so far) dates modern cards to a two-year window.
• Back of the card: the blue Poké Ball back has changed little since 1999; a washed-out, blurry or wrongly colored back is the first sign of a fake.

Lay the card flat on a dark surface in daylight, straight on, with the whole card in frame, then a close-up of the bottom edge where the set symbol, number and any edition stamp sit. Tilt holo cards under the light for a second shot to show the foil pattern. Photograph the back too. The app reads the card and set; the edition and rarity checks above tell you which version you have.