Pokémon celebrates 30 years: everything we know about the Pokémon TCG 30th Anniversary in 2026

2026 is a special year for Pokémon. It has been 30 years since Pokémon first appeared in Japan, and The Pokémon Company is celebrating this milestone throughout the year with special events, merchandise, and especially a lot of news for collectors of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

For Pokémon TCG collectors, the absolute highlight will be the new Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration, but the First Partner Illustration Collections are also part of a year where nostalgia and new cards come together.

30 years of Pokémon

Pokémon officially celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026. The festivities began around Pokémon Day and will continue throughout the year.

A key theme of the celebration is “What’s Your Favorite Pokémon?”, inviting Pokémon fans worldwide to share their favorite Pokémon and memories from three decades of Pokémon.

In addition to the Pokémon TCG, video games, Pokémon GO, Pokémon TCG Pocket, Pokémon Center, and various events are also involved in the celebration.

Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration releases on September 16, 2026

For collectors, Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration is particularly important.

The special expansion officially releases on:

September 16, 2026

Notably, Pokémon has announced that this expansion will be released simultaneously worldwide. According to Pokémon, this is the first Pokémon TCG expansion with a simultaneous global release.

The set combines new cards with references to the rich history of the Pokémon TCG.

Every card will be foil

Pokémon has confirmed that every card in Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration will be foil.

This even applies to Basic Energy cards.

In addition, the expansion introduces a new rarity and brings back several classic cards from the history of the Pokémon TCG.

The concept therefore resembles a true anniversary set: not only new Pokémon and illustrations, but also a look back at 30 years of collecting and playing.

Base Set Charizard returns

One of the most striking announcements is the return of classic Pokémon cards.

Pokémon has confirmed, among other things, that the iconic Charizard from Base Set will reappear in honor of its place in the history of the Pokémon TCG.

Pikachu & Zekrom-GX from Sun & Moon—Team Up will also receive a new release.

These classic reprints will not be legal in the current Standard format, but can be used in formats where the original versions are allowed.

For collectors, the nostalgic value of this is particularly interesting: for its 30th anniversary, Pokémon directly refers back to cards from different generations of the TCG.

30 different Pikachu Rare cards

Pikachu will naturally play a special role during the anniversary.

Pokémon has confirmed that there will be no fewer than 30 different Pikachu rare cards with special Pikachu numbering to collect.

Each version will have a different illustration, artist, and attacks.

In addition, two Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rares have already been shown. These cards play into the Day & Night theme that recurs throughout the 30th Celebration expansion.

And there's another striking detail:

every 30th Celebration booster pack contains a Pikachu card.

For Pikachu collectors, 30th Celebration promises to be one of the most interesting modern Pokémon sets for that reason alone.

New Illustration Rares and Pokémon ex

The set doesn't just consist of nostalgic reprints.

Pokémon has announced several new cards and illustrations.

Among others, Espeon and Umbreon will receive new artwork, while Pokémon such as Lapras, Drifloon, Zorua, and Lycanroc will appear as Illustration Rares.

Greninja ex and Sylveon ex have also been announced.

Pokémon also indicates that Pokémon from different regions will be represented, making 30th Celebration truly a look back at different generations.

First Partner Illustration Collections

Leading up to the major 30th Celebration release, three First Partner Illustration Collections also appeared in 2026.

These collections feature the starter Pokémon from different generations.

Series 1 – March 20, 2026

Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola.

Series 2 – June 19, 2026

Johto, Unova, and Galar.

Series 3 – August 7, 2026

Hoenn, Kalos, and Paldea.

Each collection contains a special Pokémon TCG pack with 3 out of 9 possible Illustration Rare-style promo cards, plus 2 regular Pokémon TCG booster packs and a sticker sheet.

With the three series, the First Partner Pokémon from all nine current regions are thus represented.

First Partner Illustration Collection – Series 3

The newest collection is Series 3, released on August 7, 2026.

This time, the First Partner Pokémon from Hoenn, Kalos, and Paldea are central.

This means the promo selection consists of Pokémon from the starter lines around:

Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip

Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie

Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly

Each Collection contains three of the nine possible Illustration Rare-style promos.

In addition, the Collection includes:

• 2 Pokémon TCG booster packs

• 1 First Partner sticker sheet

For collectors who want to collect all Illustration Rare-style First Partner promos, Series 3 is the third and final regional part of this series.

Special 30th Celebration products

Pokémon has also announced an extensive product line around 30th Celebration.

These include a 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box, Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box, Binder Collection, Poster Collection, Figure Collection, and special Greninja ex and Sylveon ex boxes.

In addition, Battle Decks around Espeon ex and Umbreon ex will be released, and even special 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collections – Day & Night.

The various products make it clear that Pokémon is making the 30th anniversary a much bigger TCG celebration than just one expansion.

A special year for Pokémon collectors

Pokémon has now existed for three decades, and several generations of collectors have grown up with the franchise.

The 30th Anniversary therefore combines two worlds: nostalgia for cards and Pokémon from the past and completely new illustrations, rarities, and products.

With classic cards such as Base Set Charizard, dozens of different Pikachu cards, new Illustration Rares, and a full range of anniversary products, Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration looks set to be one of the most important Pokémon TCG releases of 2026.

The official global release is scheduled for September 16, 2026.

At Energy Vault, we are of course closely following the Pokémon 30th Anniversary releases. Keep an eye on our webshop and channels for new products, availability, and further updates on Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration.