The Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration expansion stands out as one of the most artistically diverse collections in the game's history, featuring a range of new card rarities with unique finishes alongside coveted reprints of classic cards. This set aims to appeal to all types of collectors, balancing artistic merit, fan reception, playability, and collector demand, with options available to suit various budgets.
For those looking to acquire booster packs, the 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is recommended, with Amazon currently offering an invite-based preorder system for the product.
Top Card Picks
10. Pikachu ex — ME: 30th Celebration #149/128
This "daytime" Pikachu ex card, illustrated by kantaro, is part of a matching set with its "nighttime" counterpart. It features Espeon in the background and is priced around $89.03 on TCGplayer, making it more accessible than the nighttime version, which retails for approximately $116.07. The card has become an iconic representation of the 30th Celebration set.
9. Hisuian Zoroark — ME: 30th Celebration #123/128
Illustrated by Kamome Shirahama, known for her work on Witch Hat Atelier, this card features Hisuian Zoroark with intricate linework and a dark-fantasy aesthetic. It is available for approximately $1.25 on TCGplayer.
8. Pikachu — ME: 30th Celebration #029/128
Each 30th Celebration booster pack includes one of 30 unique foil Pikachu rare cards. This particular design by Pokémon Art Director James Turner showcases a quirky, pop-art style and is priced at an average of $1.48 on TCGplayer.
7. Alolan Exeggutor — ME: 30th Celebration #129/128
Artist AYUMI ODASHIMA captures the quirky nature of Alolan Exeggutor in this card, depicting it as a towering palm tree in an Alolan beach scene. The card has a median market price of approximately $3.50 on TCGplayer.
6. Mew ex — ME: 30th Celebration #152/128
This Special Illustration Rare by Kuroimori depicts Mew in a lush, sun-dappled forest. As one of the first Mythical Pokémon and a significant figure in the Pokédex's history, this card is a popular chase item, with an average market price of $231.14 on TCGplayer.
5. Lapras — ME: 30th Celebration #131/128
Amelicart's artwork for this card presents a serene ocean scene with Lapras and a Spheal. It is valued at around $19.98 on TCGplayer.
4. Meowth — ME: 30th Celebration #144/128
OKUBO's illustration shows a Meowth lounging over a staircase banister, a relatable scene for cat owners. This card is priced at $28.53 on TCGplayer.
3. Sylveon ex — ME: 30th Celebration #153/128
Illustrated by You Iribi, this Sylveon ex card features a sleek design framed by ribbons and soft pastel lighting. It has an average market price of $89.63 on TCGplayer.
2. Maushold — ME: 30th Celebration #146/128
Artist osare captures the family energy of Maushold in this card, showing them waving. The card is priced around $36.44 on TCGplayer.
1. Jirachi ex — ME: 30th Celebration #155/128
Legendary TCG illustrator AKIRA EGAWA created this Special Illustration Rare featuring Jirachi ex. The artwork has a cosmic, galactic feel and is considered by many to be a masterwork. It is priced at an average of $98.18 on TCGplayer, making it one of the standout cards of the 30th Celebration set.