Trainers and collectors, get ready for a wave of nostalgia! The Pokémon TCG is celebrating its 30th anniversary in style with a new product series called First Partner Illustration Collections. Three sets are scheduled throughout 2026, and Series 1 will launch on March 30, 2026, featuring the first partner Pokémon from the Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola regions. That means fans will see the iconic Kanto trio (Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle) alongside Sinnoh’s starters (Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup) and Alola’s team (Rowlet, Litten, Popplio) in this initial wave. For those who remember the 25th anniversary’s jumbo First Partner Packs in 2021, this new collection feels like a spiritual successor – but now with standard-size Illustration Rare cards boasting brand-new artwork for our beloved starters.
Illustration Rare Promos Packed with Nostalgia
The Illustration Rare promo cards for Series 1 have now been revealed, and they’re a nostalgic delight for collectors. Each card’s artwork is packed with Easter eggs and iconic imagery from its respective region. For example, Kanto’s starter Pokémon are depicted alongside familiar sights like the region’s Gym Badges and even a classic Pokédex, instantly transporting fans back to their first steps in Pallet Town. Sinnoh’s trio likewise features touches from their adventures (keep an eye out for Sinnoh’s distinctive badges and gadgets in the background), and Alola’s cards even showcase Z-Crystals to evoke the island challenge trials! The attention to detail is incredible – long-time Trainers will recognize these items and locations, making the cards feel like little stories of a Trainer’s journey. The artwork not only looks stunning, but it also celebrates the history of each region, which is perfect for the 30th anniversary.
Series 2 and 3: More Starters on the Horizon
This is just the beginning. Later in the year, Series 2 and Series 3 will release to cover the remaining starter Pokémon from the other six generations. While official details haven’t been announced yet, it’s widely speculated that Series 2 will feature the Johto, Unova, and Galar starters, and Series 3 will highlight the Hoenn, Kalos, and Paldea starters. In total, all 27 first-partner Pokémon from Kanto through Paldea should get their moment to shine by the end of Series 3. Collectors are already buzzing with excitement and theories about what those future cards might include. Will the Johto cards feature the region’s Apricorn Poké Balls or Pokégear? Could Galar’s starters be shown with a Dynamax Band or Gym symbols in the art? We’ll have to wait and see, but the prospect has fans thrilled. There’s even some hopeful chatter that perhaps Pikachu or Eevee – often considered “honorary” starters – might make a surprise appearance as special secret promos to cap off the celebration. Whatever happens, the First Partner Illustration Collections are shaping up to be an exciting trip down memory lane for Pokémon lovers across all generations.
Product Contents & Release Info
Enthusiastic about grabbing one of these collections? Here’s what you can expect inside a First Partner Illustration Collection – Series 1 box:
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Promo Card Pack: 1 special booster pack containing 3 of the 9 Illustration Rare promo cards for Series 1 (each pack has a random assortment, so you’ll need a bit of luck – or trading with friends – to collect all nine Kanto/Sinnoh/Alola promo cards).
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Booster Packs: 2 regular Pokémon TCG booster packs to further grow your collection (additional cards for your decks and collection, contents will vary).
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Sticker Sheet: 1 fun sticker sheet featuring first partner Pokémon friends, perfect for decorating binders or accessories.
Series 1 hits stores on March 30, 2026, kicking off this three-part celebration of starter Pokémon. With gorgeous art, beloved characters, and a heavy dose of nostalgia, the First Partner Illustration Collections are poised to be a must-have for collectors. Get ready to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon adventures – and don’t miss the chance to start your journey anew with these classic first partners in a whole new light!
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