Thirty years of Pokémon, and we’re still finding new reasons to get excited about opening a pack. The Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration brings together three decades of cards and artwork. With familiar favorites, returning classics, and a whole lot of Pikachus, there’s a ton to celebrate. Curious what caught our eye? Here’s a look at what we’re chasing!
A Little Early 2000s Nostalgia
We gotta give some love to the classics. There’s something really special about seeing the artwork you remember from years past get another moment in the spotlight. Lugia is of course the big hit, but Celebi and Sneasel are going straight onto our wish lists too.
The Classic Collection also gives collectors a chance to own anniversary versions of some seriously sought-after cards. Yes, we’re looking at you, Paldea Evolved Magikarp. If the original release has just been a dream on a binder page for years, this is a fun way to make that artwork a reality in your collection (plus word on the street is that hit-rates are a lot more generous than those earlier sets).
Thirty Pikachus. One Very Happy Binder.
There are 30 different Pikachu rare cards to collect, with one included in every booster pack. Each card celebrates a different Pokemon artist’s Pika-POV and your favorite artist may be in the mix! You can explore more in Pokémon’s official Pikachu preview.
It seemed a little crazy when Pokémon first announced 30 Pikachus, but it’s actually really cool to see all the different interpretations of the same Pokémon back-to-back. Art legends like Tomokazu Komiya, Shinji Kanda, and sowsow are all featured, bringing their own style and flair to a Pokémon that’s already been reimagined so many times over the last three decades.
And of course, what’s a Pokémon anniversary celebration without the OG himself? We also welcome back the one and only Ken Sugimori (the original artist behind the Base Set Charizard and many others) who hasn’t illustrated a Pokémon card since the Sword & Shield era, to bless us with a vintage Chonkachu!
Our suggestion: give collecting all 30 a try! This could be one of the most fun Pikachu collections to master set. With a Pikachu in every pack, bring your duplicates to your next meetup and help your friends fill their missing spots too.
Our Team’s Bonus Pick: One of our team members specifically collects Pokémon cards featuring food, so we’re hunting for Pikachu #28/30 by Shimaris Yukichi. How can you say no to a Pikachu stuffing its cheeks with berries?
Looking to get in on the action? Check out our selection of English, Japanese and S-Chinese 30th Celebration sealed and singles to help fill those last few spots in your collection!
