Pokémon Turns 30: Everything You Need to Know About the 30th Celebration TCG Release

Thirty years ago, a small Japanese game company introduced the world to a colourful universe of creatures that could be caught, trained, and battled. Nobody could have predicted that Pokémon would become one of the most beloved and enduring franchises in human history. Three decades later, Pokémon is still going strong — and The Big Bang Shop is proud to be part of the celebration.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

From the original 151 Pokémon on the Game Boy to a global trading card phenomenon with over 45 billion cards sold worldwide, Pokémon has transcended generations, cultures, and borders. It has united grandparents and grandchildren, casual collectors and competitive champions, and everyone in between. The 30th Anniversary is not just a milestone for the franchise — it is a milestone for every Trainer who has ever held a card, opened a pack, or felt that rush of pulling something rare.

At The Big Bang Shop, we have watched this community grow firsthand. We have seen first-time players become seasoned competitors. We have seen collectors who started as children come back with their own kids. Pokémon is more than a game. It is a shared experience that spans a lifetime — and the 30th Celebration set honours that beautifully.

What Is the Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Set?

The Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration is a landmark anniversary expansion releasing in four waves between September and November 2026. With seventeen products spanning everything from Elite Trainer Boxes to Ultra Premium Collections, this is one of the most comprehensive and exciting anniversary releases in the history of the TCG.

Here is everything that has been announced so far:

🌟 Wave 1 — Wednesday, 16th September 2026

The launch wave kicks things off with a strong lineup of accessible and collector-focused products:

• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Poster Collection
  A stunning piece for any display, featuring iconic anniversary artwork.
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Binder Collection
  Keep your most prized anniversary pulls protected and beautifully organised.
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Tech Sticker Collection
  A fun and accessibly priced product perfect for new and younger collectors.
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — 2-Pack Blister
  A great entry point into the set featuring two booster packs.
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Elite Trainer Box
  The centrepiece of Wave 1. Everything a serious Trainer needs to dive deep into the set.
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — ex Box (Sylveon)
  A premium box featuring the beloved Sylveon with exclusive anniversary content.
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — ex Box (Greninja)
  The ninja frog gets the anniversary treatment in this beautifully presented ex Box.
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — ex Tin (Sylveon)
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — ex Tin (Greninja)
  Collectable tins featuring two fan-favourite Pokémon in stunning anniversary presentation.

🌟 Wave 1.5 — Friday, 2nd October 2026

• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Mini Tin
  A compact and collectible tin that makes a perfect gift for any Pokémon fan.
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Booster Bundle
  Multiple booster packs bundled together — ideal for those looking to build their collection.

🌟 Wave 2 — Friday, 30th October 2026

• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Battle Deck: Night (Umbreon ex)
  A ready-to-play deck built around the iconic Umbreon ex. Perfect for new and returning players.
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Battle Deck: Day (Espeon ex)
  The counterpart to the Night deck, featuring the elegant Espeon ex.

🌟 Wave 2.5 — Friday, 6th November 2026

The grand finale of the 30th Celebration lineup — and it is going out with a bang:

• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Premium Collection (Ditto)
  Ditto takes centre stage in what promises to be one of the most unique products of the anniversary.
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Ultra Premium Collection: Day (Espeon ex)
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Ultra Premium Collection: Night (Umbreon ex)
  The crown jewels of the entire 30th Celebration release. These Ultra Premium Collections are the ultimate collector items and are expected to be among the most sought-after Pokémon products ever produced.
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Figure Collection (Mew)
• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration — Figure Collection (Mewtwo)
  The original legendary duo — Mew and Mewtwo — immortalised in stunning figure collections to close out the anniversary in style.

How to Pre-Order at The Big Bang Shop

At The Big Bang Shop, we are committed to making this release as fair and accessible as possible for our incredible community. Here is what you need to know:

Early Access for Our Community
Early pre-order access will be made available to our in-store customers and regular community members first. We believe in rewarding loyalty and making sure the people who support us week after week get first priority.

Product Limits Apply
Due to the highly anticipated nature of this release and limited stock allocations from our distributors, product limits will apply per customer. This is to ensure as many Trainers as possible get access to what they need.

Order Integrity
The Big Bang Shop reserves the right to cancel any orders we believe to be improper, including bulk orders intended for resale. We are committed to keeping this release fair for every member of our community.

Wave Separation
Please note that Wave 1 and Wave 1.5 products must be ordered separately. Do not mix products from different waves in a single order.

Why This Release Matters

The Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration is more than just another product launch. It is a love letter to every person who has ever been part of this incredible journey. From the very first Base Set cards in 1996 to the stunning anniversary products dropping in 2026 — this is a moment to reflect on how far we have all come together.

At The Big Bang Shop we are honoured to be Durban's home for Pokémon TCG and to share this milestone with our amazing community. Whether you are a collector who has been with Pokémon since the beginning, a competitive player chasing the next meta-defining card, or a parent introducing your child to the magic for the first time — there is something in the 30th Celebration for you.

Here is to 30 years of Pokémon. And to many more. ⚡

Shop the Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration pre-order range at bigbangshop.co.za or visit us in store at Shop 4, The Auroras, 9 Aurora Drive, Umhlanga Rocks.