Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with today's massive global launch of the highly anticipated 30th Celebration TCG expansion alongside major video game, merchandise, and live event announcements.
Table of Contents
- The 30th Celebration TCG Drop.
- Video Game Re-Releases and Future Roadmaps.
- Real-World Events and Entertainment Activations.
- Exclusive Anniversary Merchandise Collections.
The Pokémon 30th Anniversary celebration is actively underway, marking three decades since the historic release of Pokémon Red and Green on February 27, 2026. Rather than a single-day event, The Pokémon Company is rolling out a year-long marketing cycle filled with massive global releases and events. The most significant current updates across the franchise include:
Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Expansion
The highly anticipated Pokémon Card Game 30th Celebration special expansion officially releases worldwide today, September 16, 2026. This is the first time a major Pokémon TCG anniversary set is experiencing a simultaneous global launch, driving massive international collector demand.
Booster Pack Breakdown: Each pack contains 6 cards (5 foil cards plus 1 basic energy card). Every single card in the set features a foil/holo finish.
The Pikachu Chase: Every single booster pack is guaranteed to include 1 of 30 unique Pikachu illustration cards.
Nostalgia and New Rarities: A brand-new card rarity is being introduced. Prominently featured Pokémon include Mew, Mewtwo, and exclusive Pikachu ex promo cards.
Premium Products: Alongside booster packs, special collateral sets are dropping, including a Premium Deck Set featuring Espeon ex and Umbreon ex and a starter trio special card set (Bulbasaur/Charmander/Squirtle).
Video Games and Future Announcements
Following the initial Pokémon Presents showcase earlier in the anniversary year, the roadmap features a mix of immediate ports and long-term targets:
Game Boy Classics on Switch: Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are officially playable via the Nintendo Switch Online service.
Legends Z-A DLC: Paid DLC content has been outlined for the Pokémon Legends: Z-A era.
Next Generation Mainline Titles: The next generation of mainline games, titled Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Wave, have been officially announced for a global launch in 2027.
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Pokémon GO and Interactive Events
Upcoming Pokémon Run 2026: Scheduled for October 3–4, 2026, this real-world family-friendly event will feature an active Pokémon GO tie-in. Players participating during the run can catch starter Pokémon from multiple generations and access exclusive Timed Research.
Global Event Formats: Moving forward into the latter half of the anniversary year, local communities are hosting dual-style events: Pokémon Day Out (family-focused activations) and Pokémon Night Out (surprises tailored for long-time, older fans).
PokeXciting Series: A major event party series bringing trainers together has been locked in for January 23–24, 2027.
The Verdict
The Pokémon 30th Anniversary beautifully bridges three decades of nostalgia with massive modern TCG releases, Switch ports, and global live events, ensuring that the franchise's historic legacy continues to thrive for years to come.
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