The Pokémon franchise is celebrating a major milestone in 2026—its 30th anniversary. Since the original release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan on February 27, 1996, Pokémon has become one of the most iconic global entertainment and collectibles brands of all time.
Official Anniversary Date & Logo Release
The official 30th anniversary of Pokémon falls on February 27, 2026, marking exactly 30 years since the franchise’s beginnings. To kick off the celebrations, The Pokémon Company unveiled a special animated anniversary logo featuring Pikachu and nostalgic imagery from the series’ origins, delighting longtime fans worldwide.
Major Pokémon TCG 30th Anniversary Collectibles
A central part of the celebrations revolves around the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), which has been a cornerstone of the franchise and a major focus for collectors.
Pokémon Day 2026 Collection—January 30, 2026
To commemorate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, an official Pokémon Day 2026 Collection is scheduled for release on January 30, 2026. This set is designed for collectors of all levels and includes:
A foil promo card featuring Pikachu with a special Pokémon Day logo
A metallic 30th anniversary commemorative coin
3 Pokémon TCG booster packs from recent expansions
This special edition is available at many hobby stores and online retailers and is expected to be one of the first big anniversary products released.
Tip for collectors: This set is already on preorder at many TCG shops and may sell out quickly in some regions due to high demand.
New TCG Expansion & 30th Anniversary Wave
MEGA Dream ex—January 30, 2026 Launch
Coinciding with the anniversary celebrations, the MEGA Dream Ex set will launch on January 30, 2026, as part of the extended 30th anniversary festivities. This set brings Mega Evolution cards back into the TCG, including powerful cards like Mega Dragonite ex and Mega Charizard ex, and features rare Mega Attack Rare cards that are generating significant buzz among collectors and competitive players alike. This set promises one of the largest secret rare lineups in years, making it a must-open for collectors aiming to chase valuable pulls and complete milestone collections.
McDonald’s Pokémon TCG Promotion (Feb–Mar 2026)
Pokémon and **McDonald’s are reportedly teaming up for a 30th anniversary Pokémon TCG Happy Meal promotion running from February through March 2026.
The promo will likely mirror past collaborations where each Happy Meal includes a 4-card Pokémon booster pack featuring reprints of classic cards—a highly collectible format that often drives mass demand and hype.
Note: If this event follows past formats, collectors may be limited to one pack per meal to curb bulk buying and scalping.
Merch & Apparel Collaborations
The 30th anniversary isn’t just about cards and games—it’s also spawning special merchandise collaborations that appeal to lifestyle and casual fans:
UNIQLO UT Pokémon 30th Anniversary Collection
UNIQLO has launched an exclusive Pokémon 30th Anniversary T-shirt and apparel collection featuring classic watercolor artwork inspired by the franchise’s 1996 debut and iconic characters like Charizard and Mewtwo. Expect this spring-to-summer 2026.
Adidas Originals Pokémon Collection (Sep 2026)
A collaboration with adidas Originals will bring Pokémon-themed footwear (including Superstar and Samba silhouettes) and apparel in late 2026, celebrating the brand’s global footprint and iconic designs.
What Else Fans Are Expecting
Beyond TCG products and collaborations, fan speculation is rife about video games, special events, and digital content. While Nintendo has not confirmed specific titles tied directly to the 30th anniversary beyond regular releases, fans anticipate:
Possible rereleases or remasters of classic games
Pokémon Day global events and rewards in Pokémon GO
New anime or movie announcements around February 2026
Special online tournaments and community celebrations
(as has occurred in past milestone anniversaries)
Why This Anniversary Matters for Collectors
The 30th anniversary represents not just nostalgia but a renewed market catalyst for both new and veteran Pokémon collectors:
Collectors can expect high demand for anniversary TCG products (like the Pokémon Day 2026 Collection and MEGA Dream ex set)
The value potential for sealed anniversary products historically increases after launch
Merch crossovers and limited-edition drops (McDonald’s promos and apparel) often become sought-after resale items
Community engagement events and Pokémon Day celebrations offer shared experiences that bring new collectors into the hobby
For anyone invested in Pokémon cards or broader collectibles, early preorders and strategic acquisition of anniversary stock may be key to securing both keepsakes and long-term value
