Pokémon's 30th Celebration Set Commemorates Three Decades of Battling and Collecting
Posted by Magic Madhouse on 16th Sep 2026
The day is finally here. September 16th marks the launch of the Pokémon TCG's 30th Celebration set. Back in 1996, the first two Pokémon games (Red and Green) launched in Japan. From those humble beginnings, Pokémon would eventually become a multimedia juggernaut, branching out into the realms of anime, plushies, and of course, trading cards.
The day is finally here. September 16th marks the launch of the Pokémon TCG's 30th Celebration set. Back in 1996, the first two Pokémon games (Red and Green) launched in Japan. From those humble beginnings, Pokémon would eventually become a multimedia juggernaut, branching out into the realms of anime, plushies, and of course, trading cards.
This unique TCG expansion commemorates all of the years of entertainment that Pokémon has provided to trainers across the world, and includes a beloved mixture of pocket monsters drawn from all nine generations.
Features of the 30th Celebration Set
There are several features that make the Pokémon TCG's 30th Celebration expansion special. Let's break them all down...
- Every single pack contains a Pikachu card, with 30 different possible art treatments.
- You may find a card from the '30th Celebration Classic Collection', a series of iconic cards from the game's past that have been reprinted to fill packs once again.
- Brand new full art 'Futuristic Rare' cards with distinctive swirling energy card inspired artwork.
A Pikachu in Every Pack
Given that Pikachu is the mascot of the entire Pokémon series, it makes sense that the electric mouse has seized the spotlight during the 30th anniversary. You'll find a Pikachu card, drawn from a pool of 30 possible options, inside each 30th Celebration booster.
These Pikachu cards have been drawn by a variety of Pokémon's most noteworthy artists, including Ken Sugimori (Who illustrated the original promotional artwork for all of generation one's Pokémon), Shinji Kanda (one of the TCG's most celebrated artists, who drew the most beloved Magikarp card in the game), and Asako Ito (who has knitted Pokémon have featured on many cards over the years).
Not only that, but there are two additional Pikachu ex cards to be found in 30th Celebration packs. You might find a daytime Pikachu and a night time Pikachu, both of which are available with regular, Special Illustration Rare, and new Futuristic Rare artwork.
30th Celebration Classic Collection
The "30th Celebration Classic Collection" is a selection of 30 iconic cards from the Pokémon TCG's long history that have a chance of showing up inside 30th Celebration boosters. All of these cards are holofoil and have the 30th Celebration logo stamped on them,
These classic cards come from a variety of different eras. You might find a Base Set Charizard, Scizor ex from the Ruby and Sapphire years, Arceus V Star from Brilliant Stars, or a variety of other famous cards drawn from all across the generations.
Futuristic Rares
Of course, the Pokémon TCG's 30th Celebration isn't just a look back into its past, it's also a glimpse into its future. There's no better way to celebrate the days to come than by introducing a brand new art style: 'Futuristic Rares'.
Futuristic Rare cards are full art, they feature translucent Pokémon in the foreground and a scattered selection of energy card symbols in the background. Only four Pokémon have currently been printed in this brand new style: Mew ex, Mewtwo ex, and both of the Pikachu ex cards are currently the only available "Futuristic Rares" in the game. Will more come in the future?
Celebrating 30 Years of Pokémon
Due to the incredible demand for products from the 30th Celebration set, we're operating a drop system where products from the set will be available to invited customers.
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