Pokémon TCG’s 30th Anniversary Expansion Includes 30 New Pikachu Cards
The Pokémon Trading Card Game has officially revealed a first look at an upcoming anniversary expansion to mark 30 years of the game’s history, revealing 30 different new Pikachu cards.
Every single booster pack contains a guaranteed encounter with Pikachu, offering collectors one of 30 unique cards featuring completely distinct artwork.
The newly revealed Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration set is scheduled to launch simultaneously worldwide on September 16, 2026.
This global launch allows fans to open booster packs and hunt for these unique Pikachu variants at the exact same moment across the world.
The first look at this collection includes an adorable preview of three specific Pikachu variants, which have been drawn by OKACHEKE, Yuu Nishida, and Atsuko Nishida.
Collectors opening these specialized packs will notice a unique twist, as every single card included in the set is a foil variant, extending even to the Basic Energy cards.
Alongside the massive selection of Pikachu cards, the series is introducing a completely new “Futuristic rare” rarity tier that features evocative visual styles.
The initial cards confirmed for this tier feature Mewtwo and Mew, both illustrated by the Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN.
The rest of the expansion showcases a wide range of Pokémon from various regions to appeal to all kinds of collectors.
Umbreon and Espeon are depicted going about their daily lives as illustration rares alongside Lapras, Drifloon, Zorua, and Lycanroc.
Greninja and Sylveon are also slated to arrive as brand-new Pokémon ex.
Longtime fans of the hobby can look forward to the return of classic cards that have been given top-notch treatment to celebrate their place in the game’s history.
These special reprints include the Charizard from Base Set alongside the Pikachu & Zekrom-GX card from Sun & Moon-Team Up.
While these reprinted cards will not be legal for use within the Standard format, players can still utilize them in formats that allow the original prints of these cards.
Fans who want a closer look at the expansion artwork and the remaining Pikachu designs can watch the official promotional trailer online while waiting for release day:
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