The Pokémon Trading Card Game will launch its 30th Anniversary expansion, 30th Celebration, on September 16, 2026, simultaneously worldwide and in Japan for the first time [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Every booster pack in the set will contain only foil cards, including basic energy cards, ensuring all cards in packs feature a foil treatment [2, 3, 4, 5].
Each booster pack will contain a Pikachu card, with 30 distinct Pikachu illustrations by various artists available across the set [1, 2, 4, 5]. Alongside the Pikachu cards, the set reprints 30 classic Pokémon cards, such as the iconic Base Set Charizard, all with a new foil treatment [2, 3, 4, 5]. The Pokémon Company said, "Fans can discover 30 classic Pokémon cards from across the game’s decades-long history that are making a return in 30th Celebration. Each of these classic cards will feature a stunning foil treatment" [3].
The 30th Celebration set features new cards and reprints of fan-favorites including Mew, Mewtwo ex, Sylveon, Greninja, Slowpoke, Meowth, Lapras, Drifloon, Zorua, and Legendaries like Dialga, Ho-Oh, Xerneas, Miraidon, Lunala, Kyogre, Zacian, and Zekrom GX [1, 2, 3, 4]. Classic cards reprinted with the 30th Celebration logo are not legal for Standard format play but remain usable in other formats [4].
The set introduces a new card rarity called Futuristic Rare with artwork by Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN. The Pokémon Company stated, "In 30th Celebration, fans can look forward to discovering an all-new card rarity, Futuristic rare, which will feature vibrant new visuals illustrated by the renowned Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN. Each Futuristic rare card will depict Pokémon in striking artwork evocative of hope toward an unknown future." [1]
A dispute exists regarding the exact number of cards per international booster pack. Multiple sources report each pack contains six foil cards: five regular foils plus one foil basic energy card [1, 2, 3, 4]. However, one source claims international packs have only five cards, while Japanese packs have six [5].
Concerns about high demand and scalping have surfaced ahead of the release, with difficulty expected in obtaining the 30th Celebration booster packs [1, 2, 3, 4]. To combat scalping, The Pokémon Company International has banned partnered vendors from selling graded slabbed products at official tournaments starting with the Indianapolis Regionals [4].
The official worldwide launch of the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration expansion set is set for September 16, 2026, with simultaneous release across all markets, including Japan [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
