Pikachu has been at the heart of Pokémon for three decades, so it makes sense that the iconic Electric-type Pokémon has a major role in Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration.
For the special 30th anniversary expansion, Pokémon has confirmed something particularly exciting for collectors:
Every 30th Celebration booster pack will contain one Pikachu card from a collection of 30 unique Pikachu illustrations.
Why Are There 30 Pikachu Cards?
The number is no coincidence.
Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, and the special expansion reflects that milestone with 30 individually illustrated Pikachu cards.
These cards aren't simply identical cards with different artwork. Pokémon states that each Pikachu features its own illustration, artist and attacks, giving collectors 30 distinct cards to chase.
One Pikachu in Every Booster
Normally, pulling a specific Pokémon from a booster pack isn't guaranteed.
30th Celebration changes that.
Every booster contains one of the 30 special Pikachu cards, alongside five foil cards and a foil Basic Energy.
For Pikachu collectors, this makes opening the set especially interesting because every pack directly contributes to the 30-card Pikachu collection.
Of course, getting all 30 unique versions could still require plenty of trading and collecting.
Special Pikachu-ex Cards
The anniversary expansion goes beyond the standard Pikachu collection.
Pokémon has also revealed Pikachu-ex Special Illustration Rare cards representing the set's Day and Night aesthetic.
This visual theme can also be found across some of the major 30th Celebration products, including the Day and Night Ultra-Premium Collections featuring Espeon-ex and Umbreon-ex.
A Set Designed for Pikachu Collectors
Pikachu cards have always been an important part of the Pokémon TCG collecting world.
But having 30 different Pikachu cards inside one anniversary expansion, with one guaranteed in every booster, gives collectors a completely new objective.
You could collect:
- All 30 Pikachu cards
- Your favourite artwork
- Pikachu-ex cards
- Classic Collection cards
- A full 30th Celebration master set
- Sealed 30th anniversary products
There are plenty of ways to approach the anniversary depending on what type of collector you are.
Release Date
Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration releases worldwide on September 16, 2026.
Several additional anniversary products are scheduled to arrive later in 2026, making the celebration much bigger than a single release day.
The Pikachu Chase Begins
Thirty years of Pokémon deserves a memorable celebration, and Pikachu is naturally right at the centre of it.
Whether you're aiming for all 30 Pikachu illustrations, hunting the rarest cards or keeping anniversary products sealed, 30th Celebration looks set to become an important release for Pokémon TCG collectors.
Stay tuned to Kardaria for more official Pokémon TCG news, upcoming releases and collector guides.