A fresh batch of cards from the Classic Collection in the upcoming 30th Celebration set has surfaced this week, and there are some genuinely exciting throwbacks in the mix. From a Crystal-type Lugia to a fan-favourite Dark Tyranitar, plus a couple of brand-new cards with playful mechanics, here is everything we know.
Classic Collection Highlights
Three reprints form the core of this reveal. Crystal Lugia originally appeared in the Aquapolis set, Dark Tyranitar hails from EX Team Rocket Returns, and the Magikarp reprint is based on its appearance in Paldea Evolved. All three are part of the Classic Collection subset within 30th Celebration, and the set’s products are due to begin releasing worldwide on 16 September 2026.
Sharp-eyed collectors have already spotted something curious about the English Crystal Lugia. According to early comparisons, the card does not perfectly match its original Aquapolis printing. The “Crystal Type” text, which sat further to the right on the 2003 version, has been centred on the new card. The e-Reader logo has been removed entirely, and there are additional spacing and font differences throughout. The consensus is that The Pokémon Company International appears to have recreated the card from scratch rather than using the original print file, a detail that will no doubt spark debate among purists.
Whether that bothers you probably depends on how closely you scrutinise your reprints, but it is worth noting for anyone chasing a pixel-perfect homage to the original.
New Cards: Gimmighoul and Ditto
Alongside the nostalgia-driven reprints, two brand-new cards have also been revealed. Both lean into coin-flip mechanics with potentially powerful payoffs.
Gimmighoul is a Psychic-type Basic with 60 HP. Its single attack, Strolls So Much, costs one Colourless Energy and lets you flip a coin. On heads, you search your deck for any card and add it to your hand. That is an incredibly flexible search effect for a single Energy, balanced only by the coin flip. It carries Darkness weakness, Fighting resistance at minus 30, and a retreat cost of one.
Ditto is a Colourless-type Basic with 70 HP and an attack called Surprisingly Transform, costing two Colourless Energy. On a successful heads flip, you search your deck for any Pokémon and switch it with Ditto on the field. Crucially, all attached cards, damage counters, Special Conditions, turns in play, and any other effects transfer to the new Pokémon, while Ditto gets shuffled back into your deck. It is a wild, flavourful effect that fits Ditto’s shape-shifting identity perfectly. It has Fighting weakness, no resistance, and a retreat cost of one.
Both cards feel designed more for fun and flavour than hard competitive play, but Ditto in particular could lead to some entertaining moments in casual and League settings.
With the worldwide release kicking off on 16 September 2026, expect plenty more reveals in the coming weeks as the 30th Celebration set continues to take shape. Between the Classic Collection reprints and quirky new additions like these, there should be something for collectors and players alike.
FAQ
Is the Crystal Lugia reprint identical to the original Aquapolis card?
No. The English Crystal Lugia has differences from the original, including centred Crystal Type text instead of the original right-aligned position, removal of the e-Reader logo, and other spacing and font changes. It appears to have been recreated rather than printed from the original file.
What does the new Ditto card do in 30th Celebration?
Ditto's Surprisingly Transform attack costs two Colourless Energy. On a heads coin flip, you search your deck for a Pokemon and switch it with Ditto. All attached cards, damage counters, Special Conditions, turns in play, and other effects transfer to the new Pokemon, and Ditto is shuffled back into your deck.
