Pokémon celebrates 30th anniversary with new cards and major auctions

The Pokémon franchise is celebrating its 30th anniversary through various high-profile releases and market activities. The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has launched the ‘30th Celebration’ expansion, featuring new rarities and artwork by YOSHIROTTE. In Sweden, collectors have queued for these new releases, though some noted that the high economic value of unique cards can sometimes detract from the hobby's charm.

In the secondary market, the 30th-anniversary sets have impacted resellers. In Japan, reports indicate that higher-than-expected pull rates for rare cards caused resale prices to drop, leading to losses for those who had stockpiled inventory. Meanwhile, high-end collecting continues to reach massive heights; six PSA 10 graded LV. X cards from the Diamond & Pearl era recently sold for a combined $2,196,000 via Fanatics Collect, with a single Garchomp LV. X card fetching $900,000.

Other anniversary commemorations include a limited-edition, life-sized Eevee statue by Sideshow Collectibles, priced at $530 and scheduled for release in late 2026. Additionally, Target is hosting in-store events featuring giveaways and promotional items like the Mewtwo promo card.