The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is launching its 30th Celebration expansion, a special release designed to commemorate three decades of the game. The set is notable for including reprints of 30 iconic cards from the game's history, marked with a special 30th Celebration stamp. These classic cards, such as Charizard from the Base Set and Zekrom GX Tag Team, will feature special foiling. The expansion also introduces a new rarity called 'Futuristic' rare, exemplified by cards like Mewtwo ex and Mew ex.
Set Contents and Distribution
Each Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration booster pack will contain six foil cards, including one foil Basic Energy card, and one Pokémon TCG Live code card. All cards within the set, including Basic Energy, will feature a holofoil design, and a unique 30th Anniversary logo is present on every card revealed so far.
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New Rarity and Card Pool
The 'Futuristic' rarity tier is identified with a specific symbol. Alongside the reprints and new rarities, the set will feature illustrated cards, including 'Illustration Rare' cards, depicting various Pokémon such as Espeon, Umbreon, Lapras, Hisuian Zorua, and Lycanroc. A uniquely numbered subset of 30 Pikachu cards, each with a different holofoil pattern and the anniversary logo, will also be included. Confirmed cards in the set include Greninja ex, Pikachu, Espeon, Sylveon ex, Umbreon, Lapras, Drifloon, Lycanroc, Hisuian Zorua, Mew ex, and Mewtwo ex.
Global Release and Potential Purchase Restrictions
The 30th Celebration expansion is set for a worldwide launch on the same date, a first for the TCG, including markets like Simplified Chinese. While exact launch times may vary by region, preorders are also being considered. There are also indications that some fans might require government identification to purchase products from this expansion.
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Companion Products and Format
In addition to the main booster packs, the release will include companion products such as the Elite Trainer Box and the 30th Celebration Premium Deck Set featuring Espeon and Umbreon. The set introduces a new pack format, with six cards per pack instead of the usual five, and every card being foil. Cards included in the 30th Celebration set will not be legal for play in the Standard format, but are eligible for formats that allow original prints of these cards.
Background
The Pokémon Trading Card Game initially launched in Japan in 1996. The announcement of this 30th Anniversary set follows its initial reveal during Pokémon Day back in February.
