🧙 OUT NOW — Magic: The Gathering Reality Fracture Shop Magic →
🏴‍☠️ ONE PIECE — Pre-order OP-18 & Extra Booster EB-05 (out Oct 30) Pre-order →
✨ DISNEY LORCANA — Set 14 The City of Hyperia: pre-order now Pre-order Lorcana →
⚔️ RIFTBOUND — Radiance booster displays & cases: pre-order now Pre-order Riftbound →
Navigation Menu
• Universe TCG

The Sword & Shield era: all Japanese and Korean sets (2019–2022)

asia era guide history japanese korean pokemon pokemon tcg sword shield

The Sword & Shield era in Japan ran from Sword (S1W) and Shield (S1H) on 1 December 2019 to VSTAR Universe (S12a) in December 2022. It introduced V / VMAX / VSTAR mechanics and the iconic alt-art culture that still defines modern Pokémon TCG collecting. Standard booster packs: 5 cards. High Class Pack: 10 cards. Enhanced Expansion: 6 cards.

Set-by-set

  • S1W / S1H — Sword / Shield — 1 Dec 2019 — 5/30 — KR 「소드」 EAN 8809286677706 (S1W) / 「실드」.
  • S1a — VMAX Rising — 7 Feb 2020 — Enhanced Expansion, 6/20 — KR 「VMAX라이징」 EAN 8809286677720.
  • S2 — Rebellion Crash — 6 Mar 2020 — 5/30 — KR 「반역크래시」 EAN 8809286677737.
  • S2a — Explosive Walker — 3 Aug 2020 — 5/30 — KR 「폭염워커」 EAN 8809286677881.
  • S3 — Infinity Zone (ムゲンゾーン) — 24 Apr 2020 — 5/30 — KR 「무한존」 EAN 8809286677959.
  • S3a — Legendary Heartbeat — 10 Jul 2020 — Enhanced Expansion, 6/20.
  • S4 — Astonishing Volt Tackle (仰天のボルテッカー) — 18 Sep 2020 — 5/30 — KR 「앙천의 볼트태클」 EAN 8809581508118.
  • S4a — Shiny Star V — 20 Nov 2020 — High Class Pack, 10/10.
  • S5I / S5R — Single Strike Master / Rapid Strike Master — 19 Mar 2021 — 5/30.
  • S5a — Matchless Fighters (双璧のファイター) — 2 Jul 2021 — Enhanced Expansion, 6/20 — KR 「마천퍼펙트」 EAN 8809581508514.
  • S6a — Eevee Heroes — 28 May 2021 — Enhanced Expansion, 6/20 — KR 「이브이 히어로즈」 EAN 8809581508460. The iconic alt-art Vaporeon VMAX set.
  • S6H / S6K — Silver Lance / Jet-Black Spirit — 9 Jul 2021 — 5/30 — KR 「백은의 랜스」 EAN 8809581508415.
  • S7D / S7R — Towering Perfection / Blue Sky Stream — 10 Sep 2021 — 5/30.
  • S8 — Fusion Arts — 24 Sep 2021 — 5/30 — KR 「퓨전아츠」 EAN 8809581508682.
  • S8a — 25th Anniversary Collection — 22 Oct 2021 — HCP 10/10.
  • S8b — VMAX Climax — 3 Dec 2021 — HCP 10/10.
  • S9 — Star Birth — 14 Jan 2022 — 5/30 — KR 「스타버스」 EAN 8809581508897.
  • S9a — Battle Region — 11 Mar 2022 — Enhanced 6/20 — KR 「배틀리전」 EAN 8809581508965.
  • S10D / S10P — Time Gazer / Space Juggler — 15 Apr 2022 — 5/30 — KR 「타임게이저」 EAN 8809581509047.
  • S10a — Dark Phantasma — 13 May 2022 — Enhanced 6/20 — KR 「다크판타스마」 EAN 8809581509436.
  • S10b — Pokémon GO — 1 Jul 2022 — Enhanced 6/20.
  • S11 — Lost Abyss — 15 Jul 2022 — 5/30 — KR 「로스트어비스」 EAN 8809581509535.
  • S11a — Incandescent Arcana (白熱のアルカナ) — 23 Sep 2022 — Enhanced 6/20.
  • S12 — Paradigm Trigger — 21 Oct 2022 — 5/30.
  • S12a — VSTAR Universe — 2 Dec 2022 — HCP 10/10 — KR 「VSTAR 유니버스」 EAN 8809581509757.
  • sH — Sword & Shield Family Pokémon Card Game — 9 Jul 2021.
  • sPD, sPZ — Deoxys, Zeraora VSTAR & VMAX High Class Decks — 15 Jul 2022.
  • sLD — Darkrai VSTAR Starter Set — 25 Feb 2022.

Era index: MEGA · Scarlet & Violet · Sword & Shield · Sun & Moon · XY · Black & White · LEGEND / DP / Platinum · ADV / PCG · e-Card / VS / Web · Neo · Original.

Back to the Japanese & Korean Pokémon TCG history index.

Also available at Universe TCG

Best Sellers

View All →

Read Next

Frequently Asked Questions

At Universe TCG, we don't just sell cards, we build an elite competitive community. Operating entirely online, we are the ultimate battleground for TCG players across Europe.

We specialize in 100% authentic, factory-sealed products and mint-condition single cards for Pokémon, One Piece, Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana, and Flesh & Blood. Whether you are a competitive player aiming to dominate the meta, or a high-end collector seeking graded grails, we provide top-tier inventory.

We guarantee ultra-fast, securely packaged domestic and international shipping, ensuring every Booster Box and Single card reaches you in flawless condition. Step into the Universe and elevate your game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! We ship to all EU countries and most international destinations. In-stock orders are dispatched within 1–3 business days from our warehouse in Spain, always with tracking.

Are your products 100% authentic?

Absolutely. Every product we sell is sourced exclusively from official distributors. We are an authorised retailer for all major TCG brands.

Can I return a product if I change my mind?

Yes. You can return sealed, unopened products within 14 days of delivery; return shipping is paid by the customer.

Do you buy or trade TCG cards?

Yes! Universe TCG actively buys singles, sealed product, and full collections. Visit our Sell Your Cards page for an instant estimate.

Why buy from Universe TCG