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Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Revealed

The Pokémon Trading Card Game turns 30 with a worldwide anniversary expansion, every card as foil, new Futuristic rares, 30 Pikachu cards, classic reprints, and a global release on September 16, 2026.

Updated 6 min read By Lockett Labs
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Official Reveal

Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration arrives worldwide on September 16, 2026

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is turning 30 years old, and Pokémon is celebrating the occasion with a new expansion releasing simultaneously worldwide on September 16, 2026: Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration.

This expansion will be the first Pokémon TCG set to have a simultaneous global release, allowing fans across the world to enjoy collecting new cards at the same time. Keep an eye on our Pokémon pre-orders and sealed product pages for availability.

Collector headline Every card in Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration is foil, including Basic Energy cards.
Key Facts — free to cite

Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration at a glance

Writing about the 30th Celebration set? You're welcome to use these facts — a link back to this page is appreciated.

  • Release date: 16 September 2026 (worldwide).
  • First-ever simultaneous global Pokémon TCG launch.
  • Every card is foil — including Basic Energy cards.
  • New rarity: Futuristic rares debut (Mewtwo & Mew by YOSHIROTTEN).
  • 30 different Pikachu cards, one guaranteed per pack.
  • Classic reprints: Base Set Charizard, Pikachu & Zekrom-GX.

Source: Lockett Labs — Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration

Watch the Trailer

Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration trailer

Get a first look at the anniversary expansion, including new artwork, returning classics, foil cards, Pikachu cards, and the next major collector moment for Pokémon TCG fans.

Official Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Trailer

Watch the reveal again while waiting for the expansion’s worldwide debut on September 16, 2026.

Expansion Breakdown

What makes 30th Celebration special?

🌍

Worldwide release

Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration releases simultaneously worldwide, making it the first Pokémon TCG expansion to launch globally at the same time.

Every card is foil

Every card inside the expansion is foil, including Basic Energy cards, giving each booster pack a premium collector feel.

New rarity debut

A snazzy new rarity will debut in this expansion, creating another exciting chase element for collectors to watch.

🚀

Futuristic rare cards

Futuristic rare cards debut with bold new visuals, including Mewtwo and Mew illustrated by Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN.

30 Pikachu cards

Every booster pack includes one of 30 different Pikachu cards, each featuring unique artwork from different illustrators.

🔥

Classic cards return

Fan favourites like Base Set Charizard and Pikachu & Zekrom-GX return with commemorative treatment.

New Artwork

Futuristic rare cards make their debut

The Pokémon TCG is celebrating 30 years of rich history, but the game is still pushing toward the future with brand-new artwork and experiences.

In the 30th Celebration expansion, Futuristic rare cards will debut as the latest addition to the Pokémon TCG. These first revealed cards feature Mewtwo and Mew, illustrated by famed Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN.

Design watch Mewtwo and Mew could become early chase favourites thanks to their new Futuristic rare treatment.
Pikachu Celebration

30 different Pikachu cards to collect

As you open each Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration booster pack and discover the foil cards inside, you are guaranteed to find one of 30 different Pikachu cards, each featuring unique illustrations.

The first three revealed Pikachu cards are illustrated by OKACHEKE, Yuu Nishida, and Atsuko Nishida. With 30 total Pikachu cards to discover, this could become one of the most exciting collector challenges of the set.

Featured Pokémon

Fan favourites across different regions

Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration will feature Pokémon from different regions for all kinds of collectors.

Revealed highlights include Espeon and Umbreon going about their days, plus Lapras, Drifloon, Zorua, and Lycanroc appearing as illustration rares.

The set also brings new Pokémon ex cards, including Greninja ex and Sylveon ex, giving both players and collectors more to watch as additional reveals continue.

Classic Reprints

Iconic cards return with commemorative treatment

Long-time Pokémon TCG fans should keep an eye out for classic cards receiving special treatment to commemorate their place in the game’s rich history.

Revealed examples include Charizard from Base Set and Pikachu & Zekrom-GX from Sun & Moon: Team Up. These reprinted cards celebrate important moments across the Pokémon TCG timeline.

Gameplay note These reprinted cards will not be legal in the Standard format, but can still be used in formats that allow the original versions.
Stay Ready

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Join the Lockett Labs mailing list and keep an eye on our Pokémon TCG updates. We’ll share product news, collector guides, pre-order updates, and availability as soon as we can.

FAQ

Common questions

When does Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration release?

Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration is set to release worldwide on September 16, 2026.

Is every card foil?

Yes. Every card in the expansion is foil, including Basic Energy cards.

How many Pikachu cards are in the set?

The expansion includes 30 different Pikachu cards with unique illustrations.

Are the classic reprinted cards Standard legal?

No. The reprinted classic cards will not be legal in the Standard format, but they can be used in formats that allow the original versions.

Will Lockett Labs stock Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration?

We’ll share availability, pre-order, and stock alert updates once product information becomes available.

Source & further reading: the official Pokémon website, pokemon.com.