Reprints of Classic Pokemon Cards Teased for Pokemon TCG 30th Anniversary Set
All eyes were on Pokemon Presents this morning at 6am PT for what the Pokemon Company International would reveal as part of their ongoing Pokemon 30th Anniversary campaign. While a ton of news was dropped, including games news like Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness and Pokemon: Wind and Waves coming to Switch 2 later this year, the biggest reveal for fans of the Pokemon TCG was an epic trailer that confirms the worldwide, simultaneous launch of a Pokemon 30th Anniversary set – the name of which is still unknown.
What we do know, however, is that this set will undoubtedly include reprints of classic Pokemon cards from throughout the game’s epic history. The teaser trailer dropped during the presentation highlights these Pokemon cards with the tagline:
““Iconic Pokémon from previous expansions unite to commemorate 30 years of the Pokémon TCG.” ”
Base Set Charizard and Lugia from Aquapolis get reprints for Pokemon’s 30th set
This yet-to-be officially named 30th Anniversary set has been rumored to be called “Celebration Collection” based on a trademark made by the company in Japan. It’s the first time ever that a Pokemon TCG set will be getting a simultaneous, worldwide release, as sets typically release in Japan well in advance before they make their worldwide debut. They also usually have different names in Japan than they do when released in English.
And while we may not know the official name of this set yet, or when it will be released (the trailer simply says “coming in 2026 Celebrating 30 Years”), we do know that several iconic cards will likely get reprints in this set. This includes legendary chase cards like the Base Set Charizard – a gold standard money card in the Pokemon TCG – as well as other classics like Lugia from Aquapolis (the original of which trends at over $2500 raw on TCGPlayer) and even a potential reprint of the original, base set Pikachu.
Beyond these legendary classics, even more popular cards were teased, including fan favorites from more recent sets like the Pikachu/Zekrom Tag Team combo, Zacian V from Sword and Shield, and additional classic cards printed in multiple languages.
Brand new Mew and Mewtwo cards teased
Lastly, the electric yet cryptic trailer teasing the upcoming 30th Anniversary set concludes with two never-before-seen artworks of some of Pokemon’s most memorable characters: Mew and Mewtwo.
These two visuals are accompanied by the words “The Future Awaits,” indicating that these cards are going to be brand new exclusives to the Pokemon 30th Anniversary set. Do these metallic looking Pokemon cards signify something new for the Pokemon TCG? Perhaps a brand new rarity, or unique card mechanic never before seen in the game?
While we can’t yet know for certain, we certainly do know that there’s a lot to be excited about this year for Pokemon’s 30th – it’s greatest year yet.
