It took thirty years to get here. On September 16, 2026, the 30th Anniversary expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game hit stores at the same time all over the world. It’s a first in TCG history: no gap of several months between Japan and the West, everyone gets to open their boosters at the same moment. For an expansion celebrating three decades of cards, it’s a fitting symbol.
We told you about it as soon as it was announced in June. Now that the expansion is out, here’s what the boosters contain.
Everything shines, even the Energy cards
First, and not least: every card in the expansion is shiny, basic Energy cards included. Each booster contains five cards, so every pack opening should come with a little holographic flair.
Another new feature: a brand-new rarity makes its debut, the “Futuristic Rare”. These highly graphic cards are entrusted to YOSHIROTTEN, a renowned Japanese artist, and the first ones feature Mewtwo-ex and Mew-ex. You’ll either love or hate this neon, psychedelic look, but it stands apart from anything the TCG has offered so far.
30 Pikachu for 30 years
The mascot naturally takes the lead role: every 30th Anniversary booster contains one of the 30 “Pikachu Rare” cards, each with a different illustration. That’s the start of a great Pikachu hunt for collectors. The most dedicated will obviously want the complete set.
The expansion also plays on a day-and-night visual theme, with Pokémon illustrated at different times of the day and evening. The Espeon / Umbreon duo is the best example. As for playable ex cards, Sylveon-ex and Greninja-ex are the headliners.
The Classic Collection: 30 iconic cards are back
Nostalgic fans will surely love this part: 30 classic Pokémon cards are making a comeback, led by the Base Set Charizard, but also more recent cards like Pikachu & Zekrom-GX. A word of caution if you play in tournaments, though: these reprints are not legal in the Standard format. They can only be played in formats that already allow the original cards.
Products available at launch
Several products accompany the release in participating stores:
- 30th Anniversary Elite Trainer Box: nine boosters, a Nidorina promo card in “Illustration Rare” style and plenty of game accessories.
- 30th Anniversary Poster Collection: three boosters, promo cards of Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres, and a large double-sided poster.
- 30th Anniversary Repositionable Sticker Collection: three boosters, a shiny promo card of Alolan Exeggutor or Lucario and a matching sticker sheet to customize computers, tablets and other devices.
- 30th Anniversary Pokémon-ex Box: four boosters, a Sylveon-ex or Greninja-ex promo card and its jumbo version.
- 30th Anniversary Box: four boosters and a Sylveon-ex or Greninja-ex promo card.
The Pokémon Company states that more 30th Anniversary products will arrive later in 2026. We already covered part of the range in our article on the 30th anniversary products.
A new Pokémon area in Nantes
Good news for fans in western France: to celebrate the release, a new Pokémon area has opened in the KingDultes store in Nantes (1 rue Guépin). Set in a nautical décor, it offers TCG products, licensed toys and official merchandise. On Saturday, September 19, activities are planned: photos with Pikachu, a trading and play area, and a few gifts while supplies last. An important note: this is not a Pokémon Center, and the area does not offer any exclusive products.
And on Pokémon TCG Live?
The expansion is also available digitally on Pokémon TCG Live (iOS, Android, macOS and Windows). By logging in, you receive a set of deck accessories as well as a deck from the 30th Anniversary Battle Pass led by Mew-ex. A second deck built around Sylveon-ex unlocks as you keep playing. The Battle Pass is available until November 5, 2026 at 9 a.m. PST (6 p.m. Paris time).
With all-shiny cards, a new rarity and 30 Pikachu to find, the expansion has something for collectors and players alike. And you, which card are you hoping to pull first? Tell us in the comments!
👉 See also: our dedicated 30th Anniversary mini-site, with the 30 Pikachu tracker, the most sought-after cards, the Classic Collection and the full product range.
Source: The Pokémon Company International.
