Pokémon Advanced Trading Cards

A comparison between a foil card and a non-foil card

Pokémon Advanced Trading Cards was a set of Pokémon cards manufactured by Topps in 2003. There were 90 cards in total: 8 character cards, 81 Pokémon cards, and a checklist card. Each of these 90 cards also had a foil card version. In addition, there were 28 bonus "chase cards" not included on the checklist: 18 embossed evolution cards and 10 pop-up cards.

Cards were sold in randomly distributed packets of seven. One card in each packet would be a randomly chosen foil card.

Collecting summary

Set	No. of cards	Cards each pack	Packs needed to finish
Non holo	90/90 cards	6 out of 8 cards each pack	15 packs
Silver foil / holo	90/90 cards	1 out of 8 cards each pack	90 packs
Diecut cards	18/18 cards	1 every 2 packs	36 packs
Pop-up cards	10/10 cards	1 every 6 packs	60 packs

Cards in the Pokémon Advanced series

Characters

The first eight cards in the set feature a character or group of characters from Pokémon the Series. On the back of each card is a short bio explaining their role in the series.

Back text/notes:
#1	Ash
Front Back
Never in his wildest dreams did Ash think he'd see the things he's seen or do the things he's done. With his friend Pikachu by his side, Ash's life is one adventure after another!

Back text/notes:
#2	Team Aqua
Front Back
Led by Archie, Team Aqua is perhaps the most unscrupulous team around, stopping at absolutely nothing to capture and control the Pokémon Kyogre, who can summon torrential rainstorms from a clear sky.

Back text/notes:
#3	Prof. Birch
Front Back
A Pokémon expert, Professor Birch lives in Houen where he studies Pokémon day and night in his laboratory. A little careless, Birch is nonetheless helpful, and gave May her very first Pokémon.

Back text/notes:
#4	Brock
Front Back
One of Ash's best friends, Brock and Ash have had many adventures together through many different lands. More than a little girl-crazy, Brock hopes to be the world's best Pokémon Breeder one day.

Back text/notes:
#5	Team Rocket
Front Back
Jessie, James, and Meowth are the three members of this team whose goal it is to get their hands on every rare and special Pokémon they can find the world over — including Ash's Pikachu!

Back text/notes:
#6	Team Magma
Front Back
Just as bad as Team Aqua, these two will stop at nothing to get their hands on Groudon, who can calm rainstorms, dry oceans, and create new land. They don't like Team Aqua at all.

Back text/notes:
#7	May
Front Back
A young girl who wanted to train Pokémon just so she could travel. May met Ash in Houen, and the two have traveled together on many adventures. May's favorite Pokémon is her Torchic.

Back text/notes:
#8	Max
Front Back
A walking Pokémon encyclopedia, May's brother Max joined Ash, Brock, and his sister on their journeys in Houen. He may not have any Pokémon himself, but he knows everything about them.

Pokémon

The remaining cards feature Pokémon. Unlike in Topps's previous sets, these Pokémon cards are ordered alphabetically instead of by their Pokédex numbers. All Pokémon appearing in this set were introduced in Generation III.

Back text/notes:
#9	Absol
Front Back
A non-evolving Pokémon, Absol is still a mysterious creature, one of the very rare Dark type Pokémon. Quick to disappear into the shadows, to see an Absol is quite an event. To catch one is a lifetime achievement.

Back text/notes:
#10	Aggron
Front Back
A Steel/Rock type Pokémon, Aggron is a well-known defender of its habitat, and a large habitat it is — Aggron has been known to claim an entire mountain as its own, defending it from intruders!

Back text/notes:
#11	Altaria
Front Back
Look, up in the sky! It's an...Altaria! This Dragon/Flying type Pokémon can often be seen flitting around in the clouds, or making a home on the tallest levels of buildings and mountains.

Back text/notes:
#12	Anorith
Front Back
This low-lying Pokémon looks fierce thanks to being a Rock/Bug type. One of the toughest Pokémon around, Anorith is hardy and stubborn — frequently it will act like a rock itself, and refuse to move!

Back text/notes:
#13	Armaldo
Front Back
The evolved form of Anorith, this Pokémon is taller and even tougher than its earlier version — and that's saying a lot. It's a good thing it just likes to be left alone!

Back text/notes:
#14	Aron
Front Back
A sturdy little Pokémon, Aron loves to dig and can often be found in caves of its own making. Aron is also very social and tends to stay in large groups.

Back text/notes:
#15	Azurill
Front Back
One of the friendliest Pokémon, Azurill's blue color and perpetual smile make it one of the cutest a trainer can hope to obtain. Azurill loves to bounce on its tail.

Back text/notes:
#16	Bagon
Front Back
A Dragon type Pokémon, Bagon is obsessed with the idea of flying. Don't tell it that it can't, though — it will keep trying and trying all day, jumping up and landing on its head.

Back text/notes:
#17	Banette
Front Back
Often found alone in abandoned houses and buildings, this Ghost type Pokémon will scare the yell out of anyone coming near it. Like other Ghost Pokémon, Banette likes to be left alone.

Back text/notes:
#18	Beautifly
Front Back
While Bug type Pokémon freak some trainers out, this pretty Pokémon always wins them over. Dozens and dozens often soar aloft together — a swarm of Beautifly is a very beautiful sight.

Back text/notes:
#19	Blaziken
Front Back
The final evolution of Torchic, Blaziken hates fires and will always do whatever it can to put them out — whether it's a building burning or its trainer's campfire in the woods at night!

Back text/notes:
#20	Cacnea
Front Back
Like the cactus, this Grass type Pokémon is covered with pointy spikes that you always want to stay clear of, as Ash and May have learned. Luckily, Cacnea tend to stay in the desert.

Back text/notes:
#21	Cacturne
Front Back
Found in deserts and dry areas, these evolved Cacnea look almost like people with two arms, two legs, and a goofy hat. Unlike people, these powerful Grass type Pokémon are covered with needles.

Back text/notes:
#22	Camerupt
Front Back
This large Fire/Ground Pokémon is a wonder of nature — it actually has two volcanoes on its back! Slow-moving and gentle, when this Pokémon gets angry, watch out!

Back text/notes:
#23	Carvanha
Front Back
This Water/Dark type Pokémon lives up to its ferocious appearance and can empty swimmers out of any body of water when it's spotted. Only the boldest trainers think of capturing it.

Back text/notes:
#24	Castform
Front Back
One of the smallest Pokémon around, this cute non-evolving creature can be trained to mimic different conditions — taking on the characteristics of water, ice, and fire. It's a multi-tasking Pokémon!

Back text/notes:
#25	Combusken
Front Back
The first evolution of the Torchic, the Combusken is a Fire/Fighting Pokémon, a creature that;s intent to put out any fire it sees. Trainers thinking it's merely a chicken are in for a surprise!

Back text/notes:
#26	Corphish
Front Back
This crab-like Water Pokémon makes its home on the bottom of the sea, content to walk along avoiding all other Pokémon and snapping its massive claws at anything that gets too close.

Back text/notes:
#27	Cradily
Front Back
Content to sit and look like a plant, the Cradily is the evolved form of Lileep. Thousands of years ago, Cradilys were plentiful, but now, only a few are found around the world.

Back text/notes:
#28	Crawdaunt
Front Back
This evolved form of a Corphish lives on the bottom of the ocean, and rarely ventures into sunlight — a perfect home for a Water/Dark type Pokémon. And watch out — those claws mean business!

Back text/notes:
#29	Delcatty
Front Back
This evolved form of a Skitty is just as shy and ready to run as its earlier form, but a whole lot cuter. Delcatty takes tremendous pride in its appearance, and spends hours grooming.

Back text/notes:
#30	Duskull
Front Back
Like others of the same type, this creepy Ghost type Pokémon haunts old houses and buildings — floating around and scaring anyone who comes close. It prefers to live with other Ghost types.

Back text/notes:
#31	Dustox
Front Back
The pretty colors on Dustox aren't there for show — they're a warning, as many trainers have learned. Its mean look makes it a favorite of Team Rocket's Jessie.

Back text/notes:
#32	Exploud
Front Back
This Pokémon loves to be loud, and it's built for it, too. One look at its big mouth lets you know that when the Exploud yells, it's going to be seriously loud, so cover your ears!

Back text/notes:
#33	Feebas
Front Back
Like other Water type Pokémon, the Feebas loves to live far away from land in the deep sea where it can, over time, naturally evolve into Milotic. Trainers find it easy to teach.

Back text/notes:
#34	Gardevoir
Front Back
The final evolution of the Psychic Pokémon Ralts, Gardevoir is one of the rarest Pokémon in the world. It's easy to see, given its beauty, why many trainers seek it out.

Back text/notes:
#35	Glalie
Front Back
The evolved form of a Snorunt, Glalie is an Ice type Pokémon that likes to freeze its opponents solid. Bring a coat, though — this Pokémon isn't very nice, and thinks everyone is its opponent!

Back text/notes:
#36	Groudon
Front Back
A mammoth Ground type Pokémon, Groudon is the object of Team Magma's ceaseless hunt. Once they control this legendary Pokémon, they will be able to use it to create more land.

Back text/notes:
#37	Grovyle
Front Back
This evolved form of a Treecko loves forests, especially dense ones that allow it to jump from tree to tree. A Grass type Pokémon, Grovyle is characteristically many shades of green.

Back text/notes:
#38	Grumpig
Front Back
Rarely seen with a smile on its face, this Psychic type Pokémon can always be identified thanks to its curly tail. Unlike its earlier version, though, the Grumpig rarely bounces on its tail.

Back text/notes:
#39	Hariyama
Front Back
A giant Fighting type Pokémon, Hariyama is a wonder to behold, causing even experienced trainers to tremble. Thanks to its thick layer of fat, the Hariyama is one of the toughest Pokémon ever!

Back text/notes:
#40	Illumise
Front Back
A sweet-looking Bug Pokémon, Illumise is recognized thanks to its glow. Its shine is about the only thing going for it. As many trainers have learned, this Pokémon isn't the brightest bulb.

Back text/notes:
#41	Kecleon
Front Back
One of a handful of Pokémon that doesn't evolve, this Pokémon can change its body color to match its surroundings — allowing it to sneak up and surprise trainers and even other Pokémon.

Back text/notes:
#42	Kirlia
Front Back
The first evolution of the Ralts, this delicate Psychic Pokémon is always looking to be mischievous. It's also recognizable due to its shorter skirt compared to the long, elegant gown of Gardevoir.

Back text/notes:
#43	Kyogre
Front Back
The object of Team Aqua's never-ending hunt, Kyogre is a giant Pokémon that can cause rain — even on a clear day. Team Aqua hopes to capture Kyogre and raise the sea level everywhere.

Back text/notes:
#44	Lairon
Front Back
This formidable Steel/Rock type Pokémon is a true wonder to behold. Compact and looking like a stone, Lairon often hides itself in boulder fields — avoiding other Pokémon and even trainers.

Back text/notes:
#45	Latias
Front Back
Fiercely independent, Latias would fly all day if it could. Legendary even among other Pokémon, every trainer would love to one day have a Latias in their own collection.

Back text/notes:
#46	Latios
Front Back
Similar to Latias, Latios is likewise a Dragon/Psychic Pokémon. While the Latias is gentle, though, the Latios is aggressive. It takes a strong trainer to control this legendary Pokémon.

Back text/notes:
#47	Lileep
Front Back
This ancient Pokémon is only rumored to exist, and stories are told that it has been extinct for thousands of years. However, there are other stories that some Pokémon Centers have brought the species back.

Back text/notes:
#48	Linoone
Front Back
This small Pokémon is at home in the woods and near streams of Houen. While it looks cute and lovable, watch out! Those claws mean business, and it can scare off many other Pokémon.

Back text/notes:
#49	Lotad
Front Back
This Water/Grass type Pokémon is perfectly at home in ponds and still water, where it blends in with other plants. Many times, people and other Pokémon pass it by without knowing it!

Back text/notes:
#50	Loudred
Front Back
Plug your ears, the Loudred's near! How can such a noisy Pokémon evolve from a Whismur? It seems that this Pokémon always has something to say, and it says everything very loudly!

Back text/notes:
#51	Ludicolo
Front Back
This jovial-looking Water/Grass Pokémon loves the water, even though it can walk on land. On rainy days, it loves to stand in a storm, and collect water in its broad, hat-like head.

Back text/notes:
#52	Makuhita
Front Back
Think Makuhita's hands look like boxing gloves? You're right! This Fighting type Pokémon may not be very big, but what the compact Makuhita lacks in stature is made up for in attitude!

Back text/notes:
#53	Marshtomp
Front Back
At home in swamps and muddy ground, this Water/Ground type Pokémon have been the reason many trainers have found themselves covered in mud from head to toe!

Back text/notes:
#54	Masquerain
Front Back
Thanks to the spots on its wings, this Pokémon looks a lot scarier than it is. Even though it's small in size, many trainers have mistaken it for a much larger, scarier Pokémon.

Back text/notes:
#55	Medicham
Front Back
Looking like it's always got a good thought in its mind, this Fighting/Psychic Pokémon likes to keep to itself, and lives in remote locations where it can sit and think. Do not disturb!

Back text/notes:
#56	Meditite
Front Back
The unevolved form of Medicham, this Pokémon looks like it is always sitting and thinking. Many a trainer has been fooled by its innocent and cute appearance, though — it's one tough customer!

Back text/notes:
#57	Minun
Front Back
An Electric type Pokémon, perpetually cheerful Minun has a characteristic minus sign on its cheek and tail. Like Pikachu and others of its type, this Pokémon gives quite a jolt!

Back text/notes:
#58	Mudkip
Front Back
A cute Pokémon who is at home in mud puddles, this Water type Pokémon is known on sight by many trainers by its tail fin. Try to catch it and you'll get muddy!

Back text/notes:
#59	Nosepass
Front Back
This Pokémon lives in the mountains and caves of Houen, and rarely, if ever, ventures too far from its rocky home. And if you think its nose is something, you should see it sneeze!

Back text/notes:
#60	Numel
Front Back
Sleepy-looking Numel can always be found near fire or volcanoes — an appropriate home for this Fire/Ground type Pokémon. While it looks gentle and easygoing, Numel is very independent.

Back text/notes:
#61	Nuzleaf
Front Back
Living in the dark recesses of the forest, Nuzleaf's mysterious eyes can often be seen peering at travelers behind leaves and branches. Shy and very skittish, Nuzleaf prefers its own company.

Back text/notes:
#62	Pelipper
Front Back
A Water/Flying type Pokémon, Pelipper's most distinguishing characteristic is its huge mouth — which allows it to scoop up its dinner or occasionally drop water on an unsuspecting opponent. Splash!

Back text/notes:
#63	Plusle
Front Back
This non-evolving Electric type Pokémon is easily identifiable by the mark on its cheek and tail. Cute as a button, Plusle is a favorite with many new trainers in Houen.

Back text/notes:
#64	Poochyena
Front Back
Appearing after the sun goes down, Poochyena (a Dark type Pokémon) will make the hair on its tail bristle to scare away enemies. Combined with its fangs, it's almost always successful.

Back text/notes:
#65	Ralts
Front Back
This small Psychic Pokémon can sense the moods of people nearby, so a happy trainer means a happy Ralts. Unfortunately, a sad or angry trainer means a Ralts in the same mood.

Back text/notes:
#66	Roselia
Front Back
Roselias are red, Roselias are blue, and if you are a trainer, you'll want two! But watch out for their thorns, they hurt! These delicate Pokémon are very hard to find.

Back text/notes:
#67	Sableye
Front Back
Spookiest of the Dark/Ghost type Pokémon, Sableye is at home in the places that give most people the shivers. Luckily, Sableye is as shy as it is scary, so it's rarely, if ever, seen.

Back text/notes:
#68	Salamence
Front Back
The final evolution of the Bagon, the glorious Salamence is the only version with wings, which it uses to soar with other Dragon types. It's a dream of every Bagon to become a Salamence.

Back text/notes:
#69	Sceptile
Front Back
A resident of the jungles and forests of Houen, the Grass type Sceptile is very, very rare in the wild. Even an experienced trainer like Ash rarely, if ever, sees one.

Back text/notes:
#70	Sealeo
Front Back
Making its home in the chilly waters, this Pokémon is known by its whiskers. But watch out — a natural clown, Sealeo often steals its trainer's Poké Balls and balances them on its nose!

Back text/notes:
#71	Seedot
Front Back
This sun-loving Grass type Pokémon is quiet and shy, and often gathers in large groups with others. With the right trainer, sun, and water, Seedots can evolve into Nuzleaf, and even Shiftry!

Back text/notes:
#72	Seviper
Front Back
As Ash has found out, a wild Seviper can be very dangerous. Seviper's bite is deadly to both trainers and other Pokémon, and often requires recuperation in a Pokémon Center.

Back text/notes:
#73	Sharpedo
Front Back
At home in the deep sea depths near the islands off of Huaon, Sharpedo often travels in schools and poses a danger to any traveler whom it sees as a threat.

Back text/notes:
#74	Shiftry
Front Back
By the time Seedot fully evolves into Shiftry, this Pokémon has come to love the darker areas of forests, preferring to hide in the shadows rather than see the sun.

Back text/notes:
#75	Shroomish
Front Back
This short, Grass type Pokémon is very shy, as Ash and Masato have learned. Along with living in grass and fields, Shroomish often takes up residence in abandoned buildings.

Back text/notes:
#76	Skitty
Front Back
This sugary-sweet Pokémon is the favorite of female trainers everywhere. Thanks to its happy face and ever-present smile, any trainer with a Skitty can't help but smile themselves.

Back text/notes:
#77	Slakoth
Front Back
This sleepy Pokémon can often be found in jungles, but chances are it won't be awake — it prefers to sleep the entire day away, only waking up to eat and scratch.

Back text/notes:
#78	Spinda
Front Back
This non-evolving Pokémon seems to always be happy, as if it's listening to a happy song. At home in many places, Spindas can be identified by their spiral eyes and spots.

Back text/notes:
#79	Spoink
Front Back
A bouncing, Psychic Pokémon, Spoink looks like a pig with a ball balanced on its head. While it is friendly, like other Psychic Pokémon, it prefers to be left alone.

Back text/notes:
#80	Swampert
Front Back
With its large fins, Swampert is able to tell if storms are approaching. If it senses one, this Water/Ground Pokémon will pile stones up around itself for protection.

Back text/notes:
#81	Taillow
Front Back
Often mistaken for a songbird, Taillow can fly with the best of the birds, yet will evolve into a Swellow with the right trainer and the proper attention and nutrition over time.

Back text/notes:
#82	Torchic
Front Back
This Fire type Pokémon may look cute, but trainers would do well to remember what their mothers told them — never play with fire. This adorable Pokémon can accidentally set fires when started.

Back text/notes:
#83	Trapinch
Front Back
This Ground type Pokémon can chomp, chew, and cut its way through any field or forest with ease. Its evolution is spectacular, as it changes from a small, round creature to a delicate, winged Pokémon.

Back text/notes:
#84	Treecko
Front Back
This small Grass type Pokémon is unflappable — nothing ever seems to bother it. Facing down the largest Pokémon, nothing can shake the Treecko's calm, cool, and collected nature.

Back text/notes:
#85	Vigoroth
Front Back
The first evolution of Slakoth, this Pokémon is a little more active — but not by much. As many trainers have found, Vigoroth is very rare in the wild, but some Centers have taken them in.

Back text/notes:
#86	Volbeat
Front Back
A small, non-evolving Bug type Pokémon, Volbeat is very proud of its appearance and its delicate wings. Rarely, if ever, seen in the wild, many trainers wonder if Volbeat even exists.

Back text/notes:
#87	Whiscash
Front Back
While small, this Water/Ground Pokémon is very territorial, and vigorously protects any pond it lives in with shakes of its powerful tail. When it's upset enough, this Pokémon can cause small earthquakes.

Back text/notes:
#88	Wynaut
Front Back
One of the sweetest Pokémon a trainer will ever see, the Wynaut is a Psychic Pokémon with a lot of potential. Small and unassuming, this Pokémon always keeps its trainer happy.

Back text/notes:
#89	Zigzagoon
Front Back
This furry Pokémon is at home in the forests of Houen, living a quiet life in packs. While they're normally quite docile, when the pack is threatened, they can be quite dangerous.

Other

Back text/notes:
#90	Checklist
Front Back
All different cards of the set with checkmark boxes

Chase cards

Embossed evolution cards

There are 18 embossed evolution cards in the set, representing six three-stage evolutionary lines. Each evolution card is die-cut in a way that when the three stages of the evolutionary line are placed together, the shapes of the cards will fit together. Additionally, the image of the Pokémon and the Pokémon logo are embossed.

Set #	Front	Back	Pokémon
D1			Treecko
D2			Grovyle
D3			Sceptile
D4			Mudkip
D5			Marshtomp
D6			Swampert
D7			Torchic
D8			Combusken
D9			Blaziken
D10			Ralts
D11			Kirlia
D12			Gardevoir
D13			Whismur
D14			Loudred
D15			Exploud
D16			Aron
D17			Lairon
D18			Aggron

Pop-up cards

There are 10 pop-up cards in the set. Each pop-up card has an image of a Pokémon which can be punched out and then propped up using the rest of the card for support.

Set #	Front	Back	Pokémon
P1			Torchic
P2			Mudkip
P3			Pikachu
P4			Treecko
P5			Combusken
P6			Groudon
P7			Latios & Latias
P8			Sceptile
P9			Kyogre
P10			Absol

Trivia

Errors

On several cards, Hoenn is misspelled as "Houen". This may be a translation oversight rather than a true error as "Houen" is a common romanization for the Japanese name of the region.
- This is further misspelled on Sharpedo's card, which spells it as "Huaon".
Another possible translation/localization oversight is card #75 Shroomish, which refers to Masato, Max's Japanese name (despite that card #8 mentions Max by his English name).

Topps Pokémon Trading Cards
Pokémon Trading Cards series 1 • series 2 • series 3 Pokémon Johto Trading Cards series 1 • Pokémon Johto Series 3 Pokémon Johto League Champions Trading Cards • • Pokémon Advanced Challenge Trading Cards Pokémon the First Movie Trading Cards • Pokémon the Movie 2000 Trading Cards Pokémon Top 10 Collector Cards • Pokémon Chrome Trading Cards (series 1, series 2)

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