Timeline

Feb 27, 1996

Pokémon Red & Green released on the Gameboy in Japan.

Oct 20, 1996

Pokemon's first TCG set (Base Set) released in Japan.

Dec 12, 1996

First TCG product, "Starter Gift Box Set," released in stores.

Mar 5, 1997

Jungle TCG expansion released in Japan.

Apr 1, 1997

Pokémon anime premiers in Japan.

June 5, 1997

Fossil TCG expansion released in Japan.

June 14 - 15, 1997

First ever official Pokémon Trading Card Game Tournament takes place in Japan during the 6th "Next Generation World Hobby Fair."

Translated Tournament Report era event

Nov 21, 1997

Team Rocket TCG expansion released in Japan.

Dec 15, 1997

First illustration contest winners announced, where 23 contestants won the elusive "Illustrator Card."

Detailed Contest Info era event

Mar 23, 1998

First series of special cards distributed through Japanese vending machines released.

Apr 26, 1998

Charizard Mega Battle takes place in Japan. (First Official National Championship w/ more than 21,500 people in attendance! Remaining one of the largest TCG events in history.)

Tournament Info era event

"Leader's Stadium" pre-constructed decks (Brock & Misty) released. These decks built up to the release of the TCG expansion, Gym Heroes. (Other Leader's decks released later on.)

July 18, 1998

Pokémon the Movie "Mewtwo Strikes Back" premiers in Japan.

July 19 - Sept 3, 1998

2nd official Tournament Series "Blastoise Mega Battle" starts regional tournament circuit.

Tournament Info era event

Sept 8, 1998

Pokémon anime premiers in America

Sept 12, 1998

Pokémon Yellow released on the Gameboy in Japan

Sept 28, 1998

Pokémon Red & Blue released on the Gameboy in America.
(Other countries varied)

October, 1998

Japan's Gym Series kicks off, begining the start of TCG local organized play tournaments.

Oct 24, 1998

Gym Heroes TCG expansion released in Japan.

Dec 18, 1998

Pokémon Tading Card Game released on the Gameboy Color in Japan.

Jan 9, 1999

WOTC releases the first TCG set (Base Set) in America.

Late Jan, 1999

Brian Brokaw launches the Brokamon Center Website which quickly morphs into the Psylum PokeGym, the first incarnation of "PokeGym.net". Wizards took over the PokeGym forums after Psylum Network was shut down, and used it as a foundation for their message boards, renaming it to “The Wizards' PokeGym.”

cited: pokumon.com

March 1999

WOTC launches protoype Leagues to test out what could become of the TCG in America.

Late Jan, 1999

WOTC & Nintendo begin "mall tours" along the East Coast to scout interest in the TCG. Attendance exceeded their expectations so much so, that many people were turned away due to capacity