Pokemon Company marks 30th anniversary with trading card expansion, website launch

MANILA, Philippines — Three decades in, and the Pokemon craze is showing no signs of slowing down. 

As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Pokemon Company International said it will release a commemorative expansion for the best-selling Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) later this year. 

The Pokemon TCG, one of the most popular games based on the beloved media franchise, will have its first-ever expansion that will be available worldwide beginning September 16. 

It will have a simultaneously coordinated global launch in participating markets, followed by additional product releases throughout the year.

The expansion will also have foil cards and the return of fan-favorite classic cards. 

“In 30th Celebration, fans can look forward to discovering an all-new card rarity, Futuristic rare, which will feature vibrant new visuals illustrated by the renowned Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN,” Pokemon said in a statement. 

“Each Futuristic rare card will depict Pokémon in striking artwork evocative of hope toward an unknown future.” 

Every 30th Celebration booster pack will also include one of 30 unique foil cards featuring Pikachu, each illustrated by a different artist. 

Additional new cards in 30th Celebration will depict an array of Pokémon during different moments throughout daytime and nighttime.

Aside from these, fans could also discover 30 classic Pokemon cards from across the game’s decades-long history that are making a return in 30th Celebration. Each of these classic cards will feature a stunning foil treatment. 

The new trailer for the new Pokemon TCG cards could be checked out on the official Pokémon YouTube channel.  

30th anniversary website

This year marks the 30th year since the original Pokemon games, Pokemon Red Version and Pokemon Green Version, were launched in Japan in 1996. 

Aside from the new Pokémon TCG, the new Pokemon Asia 30th Anniversary Official Site was launched on Wednesday. 

“This celebration is a tribute to everyone who has journeyed with us over the decades. Whether you are a current Trainer or a longtime fan returning to the world of Pokemon, we invite you to join us for this milestone experience,” said Susumu Fukunaga, corporate officer of The Pokemon Company.

“Of course, we’re also thrilled to bring the world of Pokemon to new fans in the Asian region. Therefore, we hope that this event creates a wonderful opportunity for people who are not yet familiar with Pokemon to discover it for the first-time,” he added. 

“We are pleased to bring to you a dedicated website to officially connect to our fans in Asia for each celebration in the seven cities. We hope everyone can look forward to the celebration together.”

The website is available in multiple languages, and can be viewed in the Philippines via https://ph.portal-pokemon.com/30th/.

Visitors can expect to see familiar faces such as their favorite starter Pokémon from different generations, as well as party-like decorations and upbeat vibes. They can likewise take a trip down memory lane to understand and discover Pokemon’s original history and storylines.