The Pokémon Trading Card Game’s highly anticipated 30th Celebration set released on September 16th, bringing with it a mix of sought-after cards that appeal to both collectors and players. A notable aspect of this set is its generous pull rates for some of its most desirable cards, which may help to stabilize secondary market prices.
Mew ex and Mewtwo ex – Futuristic Rare, 158/128 and 157/128
The Futuristic Rare cards, featuring Mew ex and Mewtwo ex, showcase a distinct art style from modern artist YOSHIROTTEN. These cards depict the Pokémon in a cyberpunk-inspired environment with a unique chromed finish. Despite their scarcity, these cards are considered central chase cards of the 30th Celebration set.
All 30 Pikachu Rares
A unique feature of the 30th Celebration set is the inclusion of 30 different Pikachu Rare cards in every five-card booster pack, with each card representing a different year of Pokémon's existence and featuring artwork from various artists. Basic Energy cards in the set also include illustrations by YOSHIROTTEN. Notable artists contributing to the Pikachu cards include Ken Sugimori, the original Pokémon designer, alongside other prominent figures like Shinji Kanda and Tomokazu Komiya.
Crystal Lugia – 30th Celebration Classic Collection
The Classic Collection within the 30th Celebration set includes iconic cards from the game's history. Among these, Crystal Lugia, originally from the 2003 Aquapolis set, is a particularly sought-after card. The 30th Celebration version features a gold border and a new foil finish, making it a desirable collector's item.
Greninja ex – Special Illustration Rare, 148/128
Special Illustration Rares (SIRs) are a significant draw for collectors. The Greninja ex SIR, illustrated by GIDORA, is one of the most popular SIRs in the set. This follows the high demand for the Mega Greninja ex SIR from the Chaos Rising set, indicating continued collector interest in elaborately designed full-art cards.
Gengar ex – Special Illustration Rare, 154/128
This Gengar ex SIR, with artwork by CHORISO, features the Ghost-type Pokémon in a playful yet slightly sinister setting, fitting Gengar's character. This card marks CHORISO's first full-art Pokémon TCG contribution. Given Gengar's popularity and the distinctive artwork, this card is a major chase item within the 30th Celebration set.
30 Years Later, Pokémon TCG Still Delivers the Thrill of the Chase
The 30th Celebration set offers a wide array of attractive cards, combining nostalgic elements with new artistic interpretations. The combination of unique art styles, beloved Pokémon, and a strong sense of nostalgia makes this set a compelling reminder of the enduring appeal of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.