The Pokemon Company has announced a new expansion, Pokemon TCG: 30th Celebration, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. This expansion is scheduled for a worldwide release on September 16, marking the first time a Pokemon TCG set will launch simultaneously across the globe.
Foil Cards and New Rarity
According to the company, every card in the expansion will be foil, including Basic Energy cards. The set introduces a new card rarity called "Futuristic rare," which debuts with cards featuring Mewtwo and Mew. The artwork for these inaugural Futuristic rare cards has been created by Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN.
Pikachu Collection
Each booster pack in the Pokemon TCG: 30th Celebration expansion will include one of 30 different Pikachu cards, each with unique illustrations. The company has already revealed three Pikachu cards illustrated by OKACHEKE, Yuu Nishida, and Atsuko Nishida.
Pokemon from Multiple Regions
The expansion will feature Pokemon from various regions, including Espeon, Umbreon, Lapras, Drifloon, Zorua, and Lycanroc as illustration rares. Additionally, Greninja and Sylveon will appear as Pokemon ex cards.
Reprints of Classic Cards
Alongside new cards, the anniversary set will include reprints of older Pokemon TCG cards, such as Charizard from the original Base Set and Pikachu & Zekrom-GX from the Sun & Moon—Team Up expansion. The company noted that these reprinted cards will not be legal in the Standard format but can be used in formats where the original versions are permitted.
Worldwide Simultaneous Release
The launch on September 16 will be the first worldwide simultaneous release for a Pokemon TCG expansion. The company stated that this move will allow collectors and players around the world to obtain the new cards at the same time.
Continuing the franchise's anniversary activities, Pokemon TCG: 30th Celebration features new card designs alongside reprints from earlier years, adding a new rarity category and a set of 30 Pikachu cards based on the milestone year.
