Pokémon marks 30 years with global trading card launch

As Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Japanese entertainment giant is rolling out a special commemorative expansion for its globally popular Trading Card Game (TCG), underscoring the enduring appeal of one of the world’s most successful multimedia franchises.

The Pokémon Company International announced that Pokémon Trading Card Game: 30th Celebration will be released at participating retailers worldwide beginning Sept. 16, 2026, offering collectors and players a new set designed to honor three decades of Pokémon history.

The release is significant as it marks the first Pokémon TCG expansion to debut through a coordinated global launch across participating markets, reflecting the franchise’s vast international reach and the continued growth of the trading card collectibles sector.

Among the highlights of the anniversary collection is the introduction of a new card rarity called Futuristic Rare, featuring artwork by acclaimed Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN. The cards showcase vibrant visuals inspired by themes of optimism and the future while presenting Pokémon in a distinctive artistic style.

Collectors can also look forward to one of the expansion’s most anticipated features: 30 unique foil Pikachu cards, each illustrated by a different artist. Every booster pack will contain one of the collectible cards, placing Pokémon’s most recognizable character at the center of the anniversary celebration.

The expansion will also introduce new cards depicting Pokémon in various daytime and nighttime settings, offering fresh artistic interpretations of fan-favorite characters.

For longtime fans, 30th Celebration will bring back 30 classic Pokémon cards from different eras of the Trading Card Game. Each returning card will receive a special foil treatment, blending nostalgia with modern collectible appeal.

Since its debut in Japan in 1996, Pokémon has grown from a pair of video games into a global entertainment powerhouse spanning animation, mobile gaming, merchandise, live events, and one of the world’s most successful trading card businesses.

The anniversary release comes as Pokémon stages a series of 30th anniversary celebrations across Asia, including activities planned in Manila, reflecting the franchise’s strong following among Filipino fans, collectors, and gaming enthusiasts.

Fans can preview cards from the upcoming expansion through a newly released trailer on Pokémon’s official YouTube channel, while additional product announcements are expected ahead of the September launch.