TCGs and Non-sports Cards

A Collector's Guide to the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Set

The most anticipated Pokémon TCG set of the year is finally here! Here's everything collectors can look forward to while opening their packs.

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The Pokémon TCG's most anticipated set of the year is finally here! Commemorating 30 years of Pokémon, the highly anticipated Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration set comes with hundreds of cards ranging from reprinted classics to brand-new Secret Illustration rares, and even a brand-new card rarity. This set is chock-full of exclusive cards, so we've created a detailed summary of what collectors will be able to find in their 30th Celebration packs and products.

A Rundown of the Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Collection

Main Set Details

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The 30th Celebration main set includes 188 total cards. 128 of these cards are part of the unique main set, 30 are secret rare cards, and another 30 are part of the 30th Celebration Classic Collection (read on to learn more). Interestingly, there are no uncommon cards in the set — only commons and rares — and every single card has been given a foil treatment and a special “30” Pikachu stamp.

Each pack comes with six cards: four cards from the main set, one of eight energy cards, and one of 30 “Pikachu Rare” cards. Illustrated by some of the Pokémon TCG’s most beloved artists, these 30 Pikachu cards have their own rarity and sub-set, and their guaranteed pull rates make them the perfect starting point for creating a full 30th Celebration master set.

Meanwhile, the secret rare cards in the main set are bound to be some of the most valuable cards in the 30th Celebration expansion. Eighteen of these secret rare cards are parallel Illustration Rare variants of cards from the main set, including the three legendary birds: Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. There are also 10 Special Illustration Rares, including Sylveon ex and Jirachi ex, and a brand-new rarity: Futuristic Rares.

Mew & Mewtwo: The Two Futuristic Rares

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Mewtwo ex BK

30th Celebration introduces a brand-new rarity: the Futuristic Rare. Only two cards are adorned with this special rarity in this expansion. Mew ex and Mewtwo ex appear in a stunning 3D effect, with Mew ex sporting a lighter theme while Mewtwo ex broods in darker colors. The two cards are illustrated by YOSHIROTTEN, a renowned Japanese artist who developed the rarity’s design by taking themes from his 2018 FUTURE NATURE exhibition.

The 30th Celebration Classic Collection

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Gengar Classic Collection 30th Celebration

While opening 30th Celebration packs, collectors may come across reprints of iconic Pokémon cards from the past expansions. These cards are part of a sub-set called the Classic Collection, and they show off some of the TCG's most memorable cards from the past three decades. Examples include the iconic Base Set Charizard, Dark Tyranitar, Pikachu & Zekrom GX, Greninja BREAK, Gengar Prime, Shining Celebi, and the Magikarp Illustration Rare from Paldean Fates. Each card is adorned with the 30th Celebration stamp, setting them apart from their past counterparts.

These 30th Celebration Classic Collection cards can be found in base 30th Celebration packs at the same pull rate as other secret rare cards from the main set. Additionally, the Ultra Premium Collection (Day) and Ultra Premium Collection (Night) — releasing in November 2026 — will include special Classic Collection packs, which will contain three cards from the sub-set.

Products Released on September 16

Are you ready to get your hands on these exciting 30th Celebration cards? Head to your nearest trading card store or big-box retailer and keep an eye out for these products:

  • Tech Sticker Collections: Alolan Exeggutor & Lucario

  • Knock Out Collection Featuring Eevee

  • Poster Collection Featuring Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres

  • Pokémon ex Box: Sylveon ex & Greninja ex

  • Elite Trainer Box

  • Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box (available only on the Pokémon Center website)

Future Product Releases

The fun isn't over yet! There are still plenty of 30th Celebration products releasing throughout the rest of 2026. Here's what else you can look forward to seeing in the upcoming months:

  • Booster Bundles - October 2

  • Mini Tins - October 2

  • Battle Decks: Espeon ex and Umbreon ex - October 30

  • Ditto Premium Collection - November 6

  • Ultra Premium Collection: Day & Night - November 6

  • Figure Collection: Mew & Mewtwo - November 6

  • Binder Collection - December 4

Collecting 'em All? Send Your 30th Celebration Cards to CGC!

As you assemble your 30th Celebration master set, consider sending your cards to CGC for expert authentication, grading, and encapsulation. CGC’s grading experts ensure the authenticity of your cards before encapsulating them in our industry-leading holder, preserving their condition and value. Additionally, collectors can register their CGC-certified cards in the CGC Cards Registry, a fun and free interactive platform that lets you organize and display your collection using popular competitive set categories. Go here to learn how to submit.