Quick answer:The Pokémon 30th Anniversary expansion celebrates 30 years of the Pokémon Trading Card Game with a simultaneous worldwide release set for September 16, 2026. It is the first expansion in the history of the TCG to be released on the same day worldwide. The set includes approximately 150 cards, all foil, a new rarity called Futuristic Rare (FUR), 30 Pikachu cards each illustrated by a different artist, and 30 classic cards reissued in homage to the history of the game.
The Pokémon Company hits hard for the 30th anniversary of the franchise. After the 20th and 25th anniversary celebrations, it is the turn of the third decade to be marked by an extraordinary expansion: simultaneous worldwide release, all cards in glossy version, signature of Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN on a new rarity, and 30 unique Pikachu signed by 30 different artists. The official announcement was revealed by The Pokémon Company International on June 1, 2026.
A simultaneous worldwide release: a first in Pokémon TCG history
September 16, 2026 will mark a special day for Pokémon card collectors. For the first time since the launch of the TCG in 1996, an expansion is released at the same time in all territories: Japan, United States, Europe, Asia. Gone is the usual gap of several weeks between the Japanese release and the Western release. Boosters will open around the world on the same day, with the exact release time varying depending on the local time zone.
This global synchronization reflects the Pokémon Company's desire to make these 30 years a collective event. The calendar for products stamped 30 years will then be spread over several months, until the end of 2026, like what was done for Évolutions Prismatiques or 151.
The content of![]()
n Pokémon 30th Anniversary booster pack
Each booster from the 30th Anniversary expansion contains:
- 5 shiny cards
- 1 basic shiny Energy card
- 1 code card for Pokémon TCG Live
It's a clear break from the classic Pokémon booster format. Usually, a booster pack contains a mix of matte common cards and shiny rarer cards. Here, all the cards are foil. Even basic Energy cards, usually the most mundane in the game, get the shiny treatment.
The complete set announces around 150 cards including secret cards, with around twenty cards already revealed at the time of official communication.
The new Futuristic Rare (FUR) rarity signed YOSHIROTTEN
The Pokémon TCG introduces a new rarity with this expansion: the Futuristic Rare, abbreviatedFURat the bottom of the cards. This new category is added to the existing rarities: common, uncommon, rare, holographic, ex, AR, SAR, UR, MUR.
To embody this rarity, the Pokémon Company entrusted the illustrations to Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN, known for his visual creations with saturated colors and urban pop imagination. His theme for these cards: “the hope of an unknown future”. The first FUR cards revealed feature Mewtwo and Mew.
The expansion will also offer thematic cards playing on the cycle of day and night, illustrating favorite Pokémon at different points in time.
30 different Pikachu cards: a collection challenge
One of the most striking promises of the set: each Pokémon 30th Anniversary booster must contain a shiny Pikachu card. And there is30 different versionscollectible, each illustrated by a distinct artist.
Among the artists already confirmed for this Pikachu series:
- OKACHEKE
- Yuu Nishida
- Atsuko Nishida
Bringing together all 30 Pikachu cards will be one of the major objectives of collectors at the end of 2026, in line with the "Master Set" challenge known from old special series.
The return of 30 classic cards in homage to the history of the TCG
The 30th Anniversary expansion also features the reissue of 30 classic cards that have shaped the Pokémon TCG since 1996. These cards are brought up to date with a new holographic treatment, while retaining their original visual identity.
Two officially confirmed examples:
- Charizard(Base Set, 1999) in holographic reprint version
- Pikachu and Zekrom-GX(Sun and Moon, Shock Duo) with a new treatment
⚠️ Important point for competitive players: these reprints will not benot legal in Standard format. However, they can be used in formats that accept the original editions of these cards, such as the Extended format.
Pokémon-ex and Rare Illustration cards expected
Beyond Pikachu, several Pokémon have already been announced as appearing in the expansion.
On the new Pokémon-ex side:
- Amphinobi-ex(final evolution of Grenousse, Water/Dark type)
- Nymphali-ex(Eevee Fairy evolution)
On the Rare Illustration (AR) card side, several scenes highlight Pokémon beloved by the community:
- Mentali and Noctali, going about their business in narrative illustrations
- Lokhlass on an AR map
- Baudrive
- Zorua
- Lyugaroc
Other Pokémon remain to be revealed in the weeks leading up to release.
Pokémon 30th anniversary boxes and products announced
The expansion is not limited to boosters. A long list of collector's products is expected throughout fall 2026, staggered until the end of November or December.
Provisional list of products, subject to official confirmation:
- Pokémon 30 Years Sticker Tech Box
- Pack 2 boosters
- Trainer's Deck
- Poster Collection Box
- Binder Collection Box (5 boosters + binder)
- Box of 4 Boosters (two visuals)
- Elite Trainer ETB Box
- Mini Tins
- Bundle 6 boosters
- Premium Collection Box with Figurine (two visuals)
- Premium Collection Box 8 boosters
- Ultra-Premium Collection Box (two visuals)
Please note: not all of these box sets will be released on September 16. The Pokémon Company plans waves spread out over time, similar to what was practiced for series 151, Prismatic Evolutions and Transcendent Heroes.
M6A 30th Celebration: the Japanese version of the set
In Japan, the expansion has the code M6A and the official name "Pokémon 30th Celebration". The Japanese Display M6A is already available for pre-order from several specialized resellers. The Japanese version and the international version will be released simultaneously on September 16, 2026, a historic first for the Pokémon TCG which marks the end of geographic gaps between markets.
This synchronization should strongly influence the secondary market: the price differences between Japanese cards and Western cards, traditionally significant at release, should be more moderate in 2026.
Massive production to limit stock shortages
The Pokémon TCG anniversary series have historically enjoyed enormous success, sometimes accompanied by significant stock pressures. The release of Pokémon Celebrations 25 Years in 2021 was marked by queues, express shortages and strong speculation on prices.
The situation in 2026 should be different. The Pokémon Company has significantly increased its printing volumes over the past two years, and the 30-year expansion should benefit from massive print runs. The implicit promise: that all fans can actually buy the products at their official price, without having to go through speculative resales.
How to prepare for the September 16, 2026 release
Four points to anticipate for collectors:
- Pre-order early:Pokémon Center ETBs and Ultra-Premium Collection Boxes are selling out quickly for the anniversary series, which have historically been in high demand.
- Follow the revelation of the cards:around 130 cards remain to be revealed out of the 150 announced. The weeks leading up to the release will see the missing visuals arrive.
- Plan the budget for the Pikachu Master Set:bringing together the 30 different Pikachu requires opening a significant volume of boosters or going through the single card market.
- Keep boosters sealed:anniversary series retain their value over time. The Sealed Displays for 20 and 25 year olds have seen their prices rise significantly.
While waiting for September 16, extending the Pokémon atmosphere on a daily basis remains a good way to wait. Bakashop offers amanga pajamas collectionfor the opening evenings of boosters,manga plushiesto display alongside the sealed cards, andmanga pinsto display your favorite Pokémon at conventions or on a daily basis.
Pokémon 30 Years Anniversary FAQ
When does the Pokémon 30th Anniversary expansion come out?
The Pokémon 30th Anniversary expansion releases worldwide on September 16, 2026, in a simultaneous global release. This is the first time in the history of the Pokémon TCG that an expansion has been released at the same time in Japan, Europe and America.
How many cards does the 30 year expansion contain?
The 30th Anniversary expansion contains approximately 150 cards in total, including secret cards. The official Japanese Pokémon website lists 6 different card types for the series.
Are all cards shiny?
Yes. All cards in the Pokémon 30th Anniversary expansion are printed in foil, including basic Energy cards, which are usually non-holographic.
What is Futuristic Rare (FUR) rarity?
The Futuristic Rare is a new rarity introduced by the Pokémon 30th Anniversary expansion, abbreviated FUR on the cards. FUR cards are illustrated by Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN on the theme "hope for an unknown future". The first FUR cards feature Mewtwo and Mew.
How many different Pikachu cards does the set contain?
The expansion contains 30 different Pikachu cards, each illustrated by a separate artist. Each booster guarantees one. Artists confirmed so far include OKACHEKE, Yuu Nishida and Atsuko Nishida.
Are the 30 reissued classic cards tournament legal?
No, the 30 reissued classic cards are not allowed in the Standard format. However, they can be used in formats that accept the original editions of these cards, such as the Extended format.
Which Pokémon-ex are included in the expansion?
Two new Pokémon-ex have been confirmed to date: Amphinobi-ex and Nymphali-ex. More Pokémon-ex is expected to be revealed in the weeks leading up to the September 16, 2026 release.
What is the code for the Japanese Pokémon 30th Anniversary set?
The corresponding Japanese set has the code M6A and is called "Pokémon 30th Celebration". It is released on the same day as the international version, September 16, 2026.
How many different products are planned for the 30 year series?
At least fifteen different products are announced or expected, including the ETB Elite Trainer Box, Collection Boxes with Figure, Ultra-Premium Collection Boxes, Mini Tins, 6 Booster Bundles, Tech Sticker, Trainer Decks, and Poster Collection Boxes. Not all of them will be released on September 16, the waves will last until the end of 2026.
Pokémon 30 years old: what to remember before the release
The Pokémon 30th Anniversary expansion promises to be one of the most significant TCG events of the year 2026. Simultaneous global release on September 16, all shiny cards, new Futuristic Rare rarity signed YOSHIROTTEN, 30 unique Pikachu cards signed by 30 different artists, and the nostalgic return of 30 classic cards (including Charizard Base Set and Pikachu and Zekrom-GX): all the ingredients come together to make this series a major collection event at the end of 2026. The Pokémon Company is planning massive print runs this time, which should limit the stock shortages experienced during the 25th anniversary in 2021.
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