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Pokémon is turning 30, and its Trading Card Game is marking the milestone with Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration, a new anniversary expansion launching worldwide on September 16, 2026.

Fans get a mix of new cards, classic reprints, and 30 different Pikachu designs, giving longtime collectors and newer players plenty to chase.

For English-language collectors, there are 199 cards in total per VICE, and every card is foil. Each booster pack also contains one Pikachu card, making the character a central part of the anniversary release.

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Why is Pokémon celebrating 30 years?

Pokémon's 30th anniversary marks three decades since Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green launched in Japan on February 27, 1996.

Game Freak's Game Boy games grew into a franchise spanning video games, animation, films, and merchandise. The Trading Card Game joined that lineup later in 1996 and has since become one of Pokémon's most enduring products.

That history is a big part of 30th Celebration. Familiar Pokémon and cards from earlier eras sit alongside new designs, giving longtime fans something recognisable while keeping the release relevant to current players.

What is in the Pokémon 30th celebration set?

English collectors have 199 cards to chase, compared with 176 in the Japanese release. That total includes 128 main-set cards, 30 numbered Secret Rares, three special RGB Mew Secret Rares, 30 Classic Collection cards, and eight Basic Energy cards.

Every card is foil, while each booster pack contains five foil cards, including one of the 30 Pikachu designs and one foil Basic Energy card. A code card for Pokémon TCG Live is included too.

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