An all-holo trading card set is on the way from The Pokémon Company to mark three decades of the Trading Card Game, bringing back iconic favorites including Base Set Charizard alongside Mew and Mewtwo ex cards, plus 30 fresh Pikachu illustrations.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game: 30th Celebration expansion arrives worldwide on September 16. Collectors are already eager to see if local game stores can secure adequate inventory for the anticipated release.
For the first time, every single card in the set will carry a foil finish. Booster packs will hold five foil cards and one foil basic energy card. The total card count for the complete set remains unconfirmed.
A trailer released today showcases the 30 new Pikachu illustrations slated for the set, which appear to be distributed across at least three separate Pikachu cards. Legendary Pokémon will also feature prominently, with Dialga, Ho-Oh, Xerneas, Miraidon, Lunala, Kyogre, Zacian and Zekrom all included.
Sylveon, Greninja, Slowpoke and Meowth round out the fan-favorite selections, with a combination of brand-new and returning cards. The ever-popular Base Set Charizard is among the classics making a comeback.
“Fans can discover 30 classic Pokémon cards from across the game’s decades-long history that are making a return in 30th Celebration. Each of these classic cards will feature a stunning foil treatment,”
The Pokémon Company noted in its announcement, adding that the set introduces a new rarity tier. For more context on the industry’s recent challenges, readers can review last year’s Pokémon card run hit 10 billion printed, yet shortages and scalping persisted.
“In 30th Celebration, fans can look forward to discovering an all-new card rarity, Futuristic rare, which will feature vibrant new visuals illustrated by the renowned Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN. Each Futuristic rare card will depict Pokémon in striking artwork evocative of hope toward an unknown future.”
The Pokémon Company previously reported that manufacturing surpassed 10 billion cards in 2025 alone, pushing the lifetime total to roughly 85 billion. That milestone comes despite ongoing headaches for collectors, as last year’s Pokémon card run hit 10 billion printed, yet shortages and scalping persisted. New releases continue to face disruption from resellers and in-store conflicts.
The massive demand for Pokémon cards has fueled a relentless wave of thefts. Across the U.S. alone, numerous break-ins at trading card retailers have been reported, including one incident where a chainsaw was linked to a $12,000 Pokémon card theft in Florida. The 30th Celebration set is expected to be highly sought-after, though availability remains uncertain for buyers.
