Published 18 September 2026
The Pokémon Trading Card Game’s 30th Celebration expansion launched on 16 September, giving collectors a fresh set of high-rarity cards, returning classics and anniversary-themed artwork to chase.
Early interest has been especially strong around the elusive RGB Rare Mew ex, which remained secret until release day. Initial reactions have also pointed to more generous hit rates for some of the set’s most desirable cards than in several recent releases. If that trend continues, singles may settle at more approachable prices once the opening rush fades.
Here are the standout cards and card groups drawing the most attention, from futuristic Mew artwork and a complete Pikachu run to Classic Collection reprints and sought-after Special Illustration Rares.
Mew ex and Mewtwo ex: Futuristic Rares
Mew ex 158/128 and Mewtwo ex 157/128
The two Futuristic Rares introduce an art direction unlike anything previously seen in the Pokémon TCG. Artist YOSHIROTTEN places Mew and Mewtwo in a cyberpunk-inspired setting, while a chrome-like finish gives both cards a distinctly futuristic appearance.
They are among the scarcest cards in 30th Celebration. Their values have fallen from the very high prices seen before release, but both remain defining chase cards for the expansion. Collectors can compare the individual cards through Mew ex and Mewtwo ex.
All 30 Pikachu Rares
Every five-card 30th Celebration booster pack guarantees one of 30 different Pikachu Rares. Each design represents a year of Pokémon’s history, making the group an appealing collecting project rather than a single-card chase.
The anniversary treatment extends to the Basic Energy cards, which also feature illustrations by YOSHIROTTEN. The Pikachu cards bring together a notable list of Pokémon TCG artists, including Shinji Kanda, Tomokazu Komiya, sowsow, OKACHEKE, Asako Ito and original Pokémon designer Ken Sugimori.
Crystal Lugia: Classic Collection
The Classic Collection is one of the main reasons collectors are opening 30th Celebration. Like the Classic Collection in 2021’s 25th-anniversary Celebrations set, it revisits recognisable cards from across the Pokémon TCG’s history.
Notable inclusions include Base Set Charizard, the Paldea Evolved Magikarp Illustration Rare and Neo Destiny Shining Celebi. The headline card, however, is Crystal Lugia, based on the card first printed in 2003’s Aquapolis.
The anniversary version costs a fraction of the original, while adding a gold border and a bold foil treatment that gives the classic design a fresh presentation.
Greninja ex: Special Illustration Rare
Greninja ex 148/128
The set contains numerous Special Illustration Rares, and Greninja ex is likely to be one of the most pursued. Its full-art scene was created by GIDORA and follows the character’s appearance as one of the major chase cards in the SIR lineup.
The timing is notable: this release arrives soon after Mega Greninja ex from Chaos Rising became a major chase. That quick succession is unlikely to diminish interest in another detailed Greninja card. The anniversary version is listed as Greninja ex 148/128.
Gengar ex: Special Illustration Rare
Gengar ex 154/128
Gengar’s popularity makes it a natural candidate for collector attention, and artist CHORISO gives this Special Illustration Rare a playful yet spooky setting. The Ghost-type Pokémon wears a mischievous expression while appearing in a scene reminiscent of a Halloween cartoon.
The card also marks CHORISO’s first full-art Pokémon TCG card. The artist had previously contributed illustrations to recent Mega Evolution-era sets, making this a notable milestone as well as an attractive Gengar release.
Why these cards stand out
30th Celebration offers much more than the cards listed here. Its appeal comes from the combination of new rarity treatments, guaranteed Pikachu variety, historical reprints and artwork from both established and newer contributors.
For Australian collectors, the sensible approach is to decide whether the goal is completing the 30 Pikachu Rares, finding a favourite Pokémon, or chasing the most unusual finishes. Those planning a dedicated display can also browse RETROCADE’s arcade blog for more collecting and gaming coverage, or explore arcade machines and compact bartop arcades for a games-room setup.
From chrome-finished Mew cards and 30 different Pikachu designs to Crystal Lugia, Greninja ex and Gengar ex, the expansion gives collectors several distinct reasons to keep opening packs. Three decades into the Pokémon TCG, 30th Celebration shows how strong artwork, familiar characters and carefully chosen callbacks can still make a new set compelling.
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