✧ Tracking Treasures & TCG Trends #2: Pokémon 30th Anniversary Around the Corner ✧

As a long-time TCG seller, few moments have generated as much buzz as the upcoming Pokémon TCG 30th Anniversary celebration in 2026. Every five years, Pokémon tends to go big—but this milestone is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious yet.

When Is the 30th Anniversary?

Pokémon officially turns 30 years old in February 2026, marking three decades since the franchise first launched in Japan in 1996. Historically, Pokémon begins rolling out anniversary products months before the actual date, often with teasers, premium sets, and special collaborative releases.

If the pattern from the 20th and 25th anniversaries continues, we can expect:

• Pre-anniversary hype starting late 2025

• First wave of products landing early 2026

• A year-long release cycle featuring multiple limited-edition sets

What Will the Anniversary Bring?

While details aren’t fully confirmed, Pokémon’s past anniversary behaviour gives us a good idea of what’s coming:

1. Premium & Collector-Focused Products

Think along the lines of 25th Anniversary Celebrations, but even larger:

• Special “Anniversary Collection” booster sets

• Reimagined or reprinted iconic cards from the last 30 years

• Gold, etched, or textured limited editions

• Ultra-premium deck boxes, binders, and playmats

2. Nostalgia-Driven Chase Cards

The 20th and 25th anniversary sets leaned heavily into nostalgia, and there’s no doubt the 30th will follow:

• Base-set inspired Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur

• Retro-themed Pikachu promos

• Full-art reprints of classics from EX / Diamond & Pearl / Black & White eras

Expect these to become the must-have hits for collectors.

3. Cross-Media Celebrations

Pokémon loves synergy across games, anime, and merch. We’ll likely see:

• Special Pokémon GO events

• Anniversary-themed Switch or mobile titles

• Collaborative merch with big-name brands

All of this drives more eyes back to the TCG—meaning more demand.

Will It Be Popular?

In a word: yes—and likely even bigger than the 25th Anniversary.

Here’s why:

• The global TCG market has grown dramatically since 2021.

• Collectors entering during the Sword & Shield boom are now nostalgic for Sun & Moon and XY.

• Pokémon’s fanbase is broader than ever—kids, adults, collectors, investors, and competitive players.

• Anniversary sets tend to be short print, creating natural hype and rapid sellouts.

If Celebrations taught us anything, it’s that anniversary sets don’t sit on shelves. They sell out instantly and hold strong long-term value, especially sealed.

Final Thoughts from a Seller’s Perspective

As a shop that deals heavily in sealed product and singles, I’m already preparing for demand. Customers are asking months in advance, wholesalers are bracing themselves, and the Pokémon community is buzzing louder every week.

If you’re a collector, this is the kind of moment you don’t want to miss.
If you’re a sealed investor, this might be the most important release of the decade.

As we get closer to 2026, expect more updates, product breakdowns, and preorder info—because the Pokémon 30th Anniversary is shaping up to be an unforgettable chapter in TCG history.