3 min read

There's big news for every Pokémon fan: 30th Celebration has been announced, the anniversary set for 30 years of Pokémon TCG. In this blog you'll read when the set comes out, which products you can expect and why this could well be the most important release of the year.

When does 30th Celebration come out?

30th Celebration comes out on 16 September 2026. That's no ordinary release date: it's the very first time Pokémon is releasing a set worldwide at the same time. English, Japanese and Chinese all come out on exactly the same day, something that has never happened before with a Pokémon TCG set.

Which products are coming?

The release list is enormous and rolls out in several waves. On 16 September itself, the releases include:

  • The main set boosters
  • Elite Trainer Box (including a Pokémon Center exclusive variant)
  • Poster Collection
  • Tech Sticker Collection
  • Pokémon ex Box
  • Knock Out Collection
  • 2-Pack Blister
  • Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon

More waves follow after that: on 2 October the Booster Bundle, Binder Collection and Mini Tins, on 30 October the Battle Decks Espeon ex and Umbreon ex, on 6 November the Ditto Premium Collection and the Ultra-Premium Collections, and on 4 December the Pokémon ex Tins. In short: this is going to be the biggest and longest-rolling release of the year.

Why is 30th Celebration so interesting?

Every card in this set is foil, including the basic energy cards. That's unique: never before has Pokémon built a full set around this look. On top of that, every booster contains one of the 30 unique Pikachu illustrations, so collectors who want to complete the full run have a nice challenge on their hands.

A brand-new rarity also debuts: the Futuristic Rare. The first cards in this style are Mewtwo ex and Mew ex, illustrated by the well-known Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN. Expect strong cards from Umbreon ex, Salamence ex and Greninja ex as well.

For collectors this is a set you don't want to miss: the anniversary theme, the limited-run feel and the simultaneous worldwide launch all drive extra demand. For players it's mainly a treat to see which new ex cards earn a place in the current format.

Don't miss out: join our WhatsApp group!

Want to be the first to know as soon as the 30th Celebration pre-order goes live? Then join our WhatsApp group and stay up to date with every update.

The Japanese and Chinese edition

Because 30th Celebration comes out worldwide at the same time for the first time, the Japanese edition also arrives on 16 September, including its own 30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX with Pikachu ex promos. A month later, on 16 October, a separate 30th CELEBRATION Card Set follows in Japan with nine regional first-partner promos. In mainland China, an Iridescent Future Memorial Gift Box comes out on release day. As soon as these variants can be ordered separately at RareCards, we'll let you know.

Frequently asked questions

When can I pre-order 30th Celebration at RareCards? As soon as the pre-order goes live, we'll put it straight on the site and let you know via our WhatsApp group. Follow us so you don't miss anything.

What makes this set different from a normal Pokémon expansion? Besides the anniversary theme, this is the first set in which every card is foil, including the basic energy cards, and the first set with a simultaneous worldwide release.

Can I buy single 30th Celebration boosters? No, just like with earlier special sets, the boosters aren't sold separately. You'll only find them in the Elite Trainer Box, booster bundles and other product lines.

Conclusion

30th Celebration isn't just another new set: it's the celebration of 30 years of Pokémon TCG, with a unique worldwide release, fully foil cards and a brand-new rarity. Want to be sure you're there as soon as the pre-order starts? Join our WhatsApp group and don't miss a thing about this historic release.