Prepare Now: The Pokémon 30th Anniversary Is Coming – Here’s What to Expect in 2026

July 8, 2025

"Build your boat before the flood comes."

If you're a collector or reseller in the Pokémon TCG world, now is the time to get serious. 2026 marks the 30th Anniversary of Pokémon, and all signs point to it being one of the biggest years the franchise has ever seen.

Whether you're flipping cards for profit or collecting for the love of the hobby, this is your early warning. Let’s break down what’s coming—and how to prepare before prices skyrocket and stock disappears.

What's the Next Big Thing in Pokémon TCG?

I’ve been getting the same questions over and over again:

What’s going to blow up next?
What cards should I be buying?
What’s coming down the pipeline?

Here’s what you need to know heading into 2026.

Two Major Sets Incoming (Late 2025)

Pokémon has already confirmed two high-profile TCG sets expected to drop later this year. These will likely serve as a prelude to the anniversary event:

One set will focus on Charizard, the perennial fan favorite and market driver.
The other is rumored to center around Lucario and Gardevoir, two popular Pokémon with dedicated fanbases.

Charizard Ex - 276/XY - P

These sets are expected to include high-rarity chase cards and new mechanics—possibly including Mega Evolutions, which could make a comeback alongside the new video game content.

What to Expect from the 30th Anniversary in 2026

If you weren’t around for the 10th or 20th anniversaries, it’s hard to overstate how much product and hype Pokémon generates during major milestones. Here’s what history—and current rumors—suggest we’ll see.

1. Japanese Promos and Exclusive Releases

Collectors take note: Japan always gets some of the most sought-after items during anniversaries. During the 20th anniversary, for example:

A Gold Pikachu promo was released in Japan, limited to just 2,000 units. Originally priced at $2,000, it now sells for astronomical amounts.
The Team Rocket Special Case and other exclusive promos from that era are nearly impossible to find at reasonable prices today.

Gold Pikachu - 20th Anniversary

Expect a flood of promo cards ranging from common to ultra-rare, with many being Japanese exclusives or tied to specific events.

2. Anniversary Sets with Classic Nostalgia

Pokémon tends to celebrate anniversaries with specialty sets that tap into nostalgia. Think:

Generations (20th Anniversary)
Celebrations (25th Anniversary)
Legendary Treasures, Cosmic Eclipse, and Crown Zenith (end-of-era sets)

Expect the return of the original 151 Pokémon, creative reprints, and possibly a heavier focus on trainer cards, which have been gaining popularity in recent years.

3. Transition to Generation 10

Looking at the release timeline:

Scarlet and Violet launched in 2022.
Sword and Shield came out in 2019.

Pokémon typically operates on a three-year cycle for mainline games. That puts Generation 10 on track for 2025 or early 2026. If that happens, we’ll likely see:

A farewell set to close out the Scarlet and Violet era (similar to Crown Zenith).
A massive new game launch, potentially tied to the Switch 2 hardware.
Black and White remakes could drop as well, adding even more fuel to the collector fire.

This means 2026 could bring multiple high-profile releases from both the TCG and video game sides of the franchise.

How to Prepare for 2026

Whether the year turns out to be moderately busy or wildly unpredictable, it’s critical to prepare in advance.

Start Saving and Budgeting

High-demand items will sell out fast, and prices will spike on both retail and secondary markets. Allocate funds now if you're serious about collecting or reselling.

Track Product Announcements and Pre-Orders

Watch official channels, distributor news, and leaks closely. Japanese pre-orders in particular sell out in minutes. Being early gives you the edge.

Focus on Proven Winners

Stick to historically strong categories:

Promos with limited availability
Full-art trainer cards
Reprints of nostalgic characters (especially the original 151)
Japanese sets and exclusive releases

Diversify Your Collection

Mix English and Japanese cards. Japanese cards often feature better print quality, more exclusivity, and tend to appreciate in value more reliably.

What I'm Personally Doing

I’m focusing on:

Japanese exclusives that are hard to get later on
Specialty sets and anniversary promos
Staying in the loop for Gen 10 news and early pre-order opportunities

I missed some big opportunities during the 20th anniversary and regret it. I don’t plan to repeat that mistake for the 30th.

Final Thoughts

If you're in this hobby for the long haul, 2026 is a milestone year you cannot afford to ignore.

Between the likely debut of Generation 10, anniversary sets, potential remakes, and major TCG releases, the Pokémon world is gearing up for something huge. Whether it turns out to be a calm year or a frenzy unlike anything we’ve seen, the only smart move is to prepare for both scenarios.

Build your boat now—before the flood comes.

References

Nintendo (2019) Pokémon Sword and Shield. [Video game]. Nintendo.

Nintendo (2022) Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. [Video game]. Nintendo.

Pokémon Company International (2016) Pokémon Generations. [Trading card set]. Available at: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-cards/sets/generations/ [Accessed 7 July 2025].

Pokémon Company International (2021) Celebrations. [Trading card set]. Available at: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-cards/sets/celebrations/ [Accessed 7 July 2025].

Pokémon Company International (n.d.) Crown Zenith. [Trading card set]. Available at: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-cards/sets/crown-zenith/ [Accessed 7 July 2025].

Pokerado (2024) You all should be building your boat right now before the flood comes [TikTok video]. 6 July. Available at: https://www.tiktok.com/@pokerad0/video/7510192937934834990?lang=en-GB [Accessed 7 July 2025].

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PSA 9 Alakazam ex 201/165 51 - Illustrated by Shinya Kamatsu

GBP 35.00

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