The full Japanese card list for Pokémon 30th Celebration has been revealed. Known in Japan as MEGA Expansion Pack 30th CELEBRATION (set code M6a), it is the anniversary set the entire hobby has been waiting for — 30 different Pikachu, a Classic Collection of reprints spanning three decades, and the debut of a brand new rarity. Every card revealed so far is in the galleries on this page.
Pokémon 30th Celebration Release Date
30th Celebration releases in Japan on 16th September 2026, with products rolling out worldwide from the same date. Japanese booster boxes contain 20 packs at 6 cards per pack.
Additional products including the Mini Tin Display and Booster Bundle follow on 2nd October, and a 30th CELEBRATION Premium Deck Set featuring Espeon and Umbreon has also been confirmed.
The 30 Pikachu — One in Every Pack
The headline feature of the set. 30th Celebration contains 30 different Pikachu cards, each illustrated by a different artist drawn from across the TCG's 30-year history, and every booster pack contains one of them. Each Pikachu carries a glimmering "fireworks" foil layer across the entire card.
The first card in the set is a Pikachu illustrated by Ken Sugimori, Pokémon's original artist — fittingly drawn in the chubbier original style rather than the slimmer modern design. It is the most obvious chase card of the thirty for collectors who care about provenance rather than pull rates.
Futuristic Rare — A Brand New Rarity
30th Celebration introduces Futuristic Rare, an entirely new rarity making its debut in this set. The cards are illustrated by Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN and cover marquee names including Mewtwo ex, Mew ex and Pikachu ex.
New rarities tend to define a set's secondary market, and a debut rarity attached to Mewtwo and Mew in an anniversary set is about as strong a combination as the TCG produces. Expect these to be the cards driving box prices.
The Classic Collection — 30 Reprints From 30 Years
The set includes a Classic Collection subset of 30 iconic cards from across the game's history, reprinted with a special 30th anniversary foil treatment. Confirmed inclusions span the full timeline of the game:
- Crystal Lugia — originally from Aquapolis
- Dark Tyranitar — originally from EX Team Rocket Returns
- Magikarp — originally from Paldea Evolved
- Charizard, Greninja ex and Pikachu and Zekrom-GX
One quirk worth knowing: the English Crystal Lugia does not exactly match its original Aquapolis printing. The "Crystal Type" text has been centred, the e-Reader logo removed, and there are various spacing and font changes throughout — it appears to have been recreated rather than reproduced from the original print file. Something to be aware of if you were expecting a true one-to-one reprint.
Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares
A deep run of Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares has been confirmed, including Maushold, Morpeko, Salamence ex, Sylveon ex, Meowth and Alolan Meowth.
The day and night Pikachu ex cards also appear in both Double Rare and Special Illustration Rare versions, with promo printings included in the Ultra-Premium Collections alongside Espeon ex and Umbreon ex.
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30th Celebration FAQ
When does Pokémon 30th Celebration release?
16th September 2026 in Japan, with worldwide products beginning to release from the same date. Mini Tins and the Booster Bundle follow on 2nd October.
Is there a Pikachu in every pack of 30th Celebration?
Yes. Every booster pack contains one of the 30 Pikachu cards, each illustrated by a different artist and finished with a fireworks foil layer.
What is a Futuristic Rare?
A brand new rarity debuting in 30th Celebration, illustrated by YOSHIROTTEN. Confirmed Futuristic Rares include Mewtwo ex, Mew ex and Pikachu ex.
What is the Classic Collection?
A 30-card subset of iconic reprints drawn from across the game's 30-year history, given a special anniversary foil treatment.
How many cards are in a Japanese 30th Celebration booster box?
A Japanese booster box contains 20 packs of 6 cards, for 120 cards in total — including 20 of the 30 Pikachu.
30th Celebration UK Pre-Orders
We are stocking 30th Celebration in both Japanese and English, including Japanese Booster Boxes and Booster Packs, English Booster Packs and the 30th Celebration Battle Decks. Keep checking back for updates on when products are going in stock.
Anniversary sets live or die on whether they feel like a genuine celebration rather than a cash-in, and on paper 30th Celebration is doing the right things: thirty artists given a Pikachu each, a reprint subset that reaches back to Aquapolis and the EX era, and a new rarity handed to Mewtwo and Mew. Scroll through the full galleries below to see every card revealed so far — we will keep this page updated as any remaining cards are confirmed.
