Pokémon 30th Anniversary: 5 Cards Worth Chasing (And Where to Find Them)

The Pokémon TCG has officially hit a huge milestone: 30 years of collecting, battling, trading and shouting “I got a holo!” across the living room.

To celebrate, the Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration expansion launched worldwide on September 16, 2026. It is packed with nostalgic reprints, colourful new artwork and one very shiny reason to keep opening packs: the debut of a brand-new rarity called Futuristic Rare, or FUR.

Whether you are a longtime collector, a Pokémon fan starting your first binder, or a family looking for a fun gift, this set has plenty to chase. Here are five cards we think deserve a spot on your wishlist, plus where to look for them at a trusted local hobby shop.

Quick note: Card availability and market prices can change quickly after release. Think of these as standout chase cards, not guaranteed investments. The best card is always the one you are excited to own!

What makes 30th Celebration special?

The expansion combines three decades of Pokémon TCG history with a futuristic new visual direction. According to the official Pokémon announcement, every card in the set is foil, including Basic Energy. Each booster pack also includes one of 30 different Pikachu cards, giving collectors a built-in mini-collection to chase.

The set also brings back classic cards in commemorative form, including Base Set Charizard and Pikachu & Zekrom-GX. And then there are the two English Futuristic Rares: Mew ex and Mewtwo ex, both illustrated by Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN.

1. Mew ex: Futuristic Rare #158/128

Let’s start with the card currently making the biggest splash: Mew ex #158/128.

This is one of the only two confirmed English Futuristic Rares in 30th Celebration, making it an essential chase card for anyone building a complete set. The artwork gives Mew a dreamy, colourful, almost digital appearance, with soft neon tones and futuristic details that make the card feel completely different from a traditional Mew illustration.

It is playful, strange and extremely eye-catching, in other words, very Mew.

Because this is a brand-new rarity, collectors are still learning how Futuristic Rare cards will fit into the wider Pokémon card hobby. That novelty alone gives Mew ex serious binder appeal. It is also a natural choice for fans who collect Psychic-type Pokémon, mythical Pokémon or different versions of Mew throughout the years.

Why chase it?

• One of only two confirmed English Futuristic Rare cards

• Illustrated by YOSHIROTTEN

• Features one of the most popular mythical Pokémon

• Bright, futuristic artwork that stands out in a collection

2. Mewtwo ex: Futuristic Rare #157/128

If Mew is the playful side of the story, Mewtwo ex #157/128 is the dramatic one.

This Futuristic Rare presents Mewtwo in a bold, high-energy style filled with deep purple, pink and orange tones. The artwork feels powerful and cinematic, which is a perfect match for one of the most iconic Pokémon ever created.

Like Mew ex, this card is illustrated by YOSHIROTTEN and sits beyond the main 128-card numbering. That makes the “157/128” and “158/128” cards easy to spot when you are checking your pulls. If the card number is higher than the main set total, your eyebrows should immediately go up.

Mewtwo has been a fan favourite since the earliest days of Pokémon, so this card also has strong nostalgia appeal. It works equally well as a centrepiece for a modern collection or as a gift for someone who grew up with the original Pokémon games and movies.

Why chase it?

• The second confirmed English Futuristic Rare

• A standout card for Mewtwo and Psychic-type collectors

• Dramatic YOSHIROTTEN artwork

• A memorable anniversary-era version of a legendary Pokémon

3. Pikachu ex: Special Illustration Rare #150/128

Pikachu was always going to be part of the party, but Pikachu ex #150/128 takes the celebration to full-voltage mode.

This Special Illustration Rare shows Pikachu surrounded by a huge cast of Pokémon and a fireworks-filled background. It feels like a snapshot of the entire Pokémon journey: colourful, energetic and packed with details to discover.

For newer collectors, this is an especially fun card because it is instantly recognisable. You do not need to know every rarity symbol or set abbreviation to understand why this Pikachu is exciting. It looks like a celebration, and that is exactly what the 30th Anniversary set should do.

It is also a strong choice for gift shoppers. If you are buying for someone who says, “I like Pokémon, but I do not know where to start,” a striking Pikachu card is a pretty safe critical hit.

Why chase it?

• Features Pikachu in a celebration-worthy scene

• Packed with other Pokémon for fans to spot

• Special Illustration Rare treatment

• Beginner-friendly appeal with serious collector charm

4. Base Set Charizard, Classic Collection reprint

Some Pokémon cards do not need an introduction. Base Set Charizard is one of them.

The 30th Celebration version brings back the legendary original-era artwork in a commemorative reprint. It gives longtime collectors a nostalgic trip back to the early days of the Pokémon TCG, while giving newer fans a more accessible way to appreciate one of the hobby’s most famous cards.

Important distinction: this is a reprint, not an original 1999 Base Set card. That is good news for beginners who want the iconic artwork without immediately diving into the world of vintage card condition, grading and extremely serious binder-page negotiations.

For families, Charizard is also a great conversation starter. Parents and longtime fans may recognise it instantly, while younger collectors can enjoy adding a classic Pokémon to a modern anniversary set.

Why chase it?

• A beloved piece of Pokémon TCG history

• Features the iconic original Charizard artwork

• Easier for newer collectors to understand and enjoy

• Perfect for nostalgia-focused binders

5. Pikachu & Zekrom-GX, Classic Collection reprint

The final spot goes to a card that represents a more recent era of the Pokémon TCG: Pikachu & Zekrom-GX.

Originally associated with the Sun & Moon: Team Up era, this Tag Team card combines Pikachu’s cheerful energy with Zekrom’s thunderous presence. The result is a card that feels powerful, dramatic and unmistakably collectible.

It is also a fun reminder that “classic” does not only mean Base Set. Pokémon TCG history now stretches across multiple generations of cards, mechanics and artwork styles. A modern collector may chase Charizard for vintage nostalgia and Pikachu & Zekrom-GX for memories of a later favourite era.

Why chase it?

• A popular Tag Team-era card

• Combines two instantly recognisable Pokémon

• A great bridge between older and newer collecting eras

• A strong choice for Pikachu, Zekrom and GX collectors

Where to find 30th Celebration Pokémon cards

If you are searching for a pokemon cards shop near me, a dedicated local store can make collecting much easier, and a lot more fun.

At Box Of Cards, we have been helping collectors find sports cards, Pokémon products and other collectibles since 2002. We are a local hobby shop with more than 20 years of experience, a strong focus on sports cards and Pokémon, and a wide variety of products for beginners, longtime collectors, families and gift shoppers.

All products are available in store, so you can browse in person, compare options and ask questions before choosing your next pack, box or collectible. Our team can also help you decide whether you want to:

• Open booster packs for the thrill of the chase

• Start with an Elite Trainer Box

• Build a themed binder around Mew, Mewtwo, Pikachu or Charizard

• Look for collectible trading cards from earlier Pokémon eras

• Find a gift for a Pokémon fan who is just getting started

You can browse the Box Of Cards website, check new arrivals, or explore all products. For Pokémon fans specifically, see the available Pokémon Mega Evolution products and ask in store about current 30th Celebration availability.

Whether you searched for a pokemon tcg store, a local hobby shop pokemon destination or simply somewhere to find your next great pull, Box Of Cards is ready to help you build a collection with competitive prices and plenty of choice.

Final thoughts: chase your favourites

The best thing about 30th Celebration is that it gives different collectors different reasons to get excited.

Mew ex and Mewtwo ex introduce the future with the first English Futuristic Rares. Pikachu ex brings the anniversary energy. Charizard reconnects the set to the earliest days of the hobby. Pikachu & Zekrom-GX celebrates the eras that came later.

You do not need to chase every card at once. Pick a favourite Pokémon, choose a budget, grab a few packs or a sealed product and start your next collecting adventure. Just remember to bring sleeves, because the Pokémon TCG’s 30th birthday party is looking very shiny.

For official set details, visit the Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration announcement and the 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box product page.