The Pokemon TCG’s 30th Celebration set keeps delivering the goods, and this latest reveal might be the most sentimental one yet. A brand-new Pikachu card drawn by Ken Sugimori, Pokemon’s original artist, has been officially unveiled, and it’s a proper love letter to where it all began.
Sugimori’s Pikachu Returns to Its Roots
According to the reveal, this Pikachu is appropriately labelled as the first Pikachu in the set, a fitting nod to Sugimori’s role as the artist who originally brought the franchise’s mascot to life. Eagle-eyed fans will notice that this Pikachu sports a chubbier design, calling back to the rounder, pudgier look the character had in the early days of the franchise before it was gradually slimmed down over the years. It’s a gorgeous bit of nostalgia that long-time collectors will absolutely love.
For context, Sugimori designed the original Pikachu artwork seen on cards from the Base Set and Jungle era, so seeing him return for a milestone anniversary set feels genuinely special. This is the kind of card that transcends playability and becomes a must-have purely on artistic merit.
What We Know About 30th Celebration
The set releases worldwide on 16 September 2026. Every booster pack will include one of 30 different Pikachu cards, and each of those Pikachu cards will feature a glimmering “fireworks” layer across the entire card surface.
Beyond the Sugimori Pikachu, the set is shaping up to be absolutely stacked. Here’s a look at the cards officially revealed so far from both the main set and its Classic Collection:
The revealed lineup includes heavy hitters like Greninja ex, Jirachi ex, Pikachu ex, Espeon ex, Sylveon ex, Umbreon ex, Mewtwo ex, and Mew ex, alongside fan favourites such as Eevee, Lapras, Lycanroc, Zeraora, and Hisuian Zorua. The Classic Collection portion features iconic reprints including Charizard and Pikachu & Zekrom-GX. With 30 unique Pikachu cards, fireworks foiling on every one, and Sugimori himself back at the drawing board, this is shaping up to be one of the most collectible celebration sets the TCG has ever produced.
FAQ
How many Pikachu cards are in the 30th Celebration set?
Every booster pack includes one of 30 different Pikachu cards, each featuring a glimmering fireworks layer across the entire card.
Who drew the new Pikachu for 30th Celebration?
The Pikachu was drawn by Ken Sugimori, Pokemon's original artist. It features a chubbier design as a callback to Pikachu's original look.
