The 30th anniversary Pokémon starters are the nine Japanese 30th CELEBRATION Card Sets in the Pokémon Card Game MEGA line, one for each regional starter trio from Kanto to Paldea. Each set costs JPY 1,200 and holds three full-illustration promo cards, two 30th CELEBRATION packs and a paper card stand. All nine released on October 16, 2026.
- There are nine card sets, one per starter trio: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle through Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly.
- Each set is JPY 1,200 (tax included) officially and contains 3 promo cards, 2 packs and 1 paper card stand.
- The full run is 27 promo cards, 18 packs and 9 card stands; all nine sets released October 16, 2026.
- The starter promos are in the card sets, not named on the M6a booster pack page.
- Our shop lists the all-nine bundle as a separate order that ships after existing pre-orders.
Updated November 7, 2026
Key Facts: What Are the 30th Anniversary Pokémon Starters at a Glance?
They are nine sets sold under one name, and the table below fixes the exact product names, line, date and contents so the entity is unambiguous.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| English name | Pokémon Card Game MEGA “30th CELEBRATION Card Set” (all 9 types), Japanese edition |
| Japanese name | ポケモンカードゲーム MEGA「30th CELEBRATION カードセット」 |
| Line | Pokémon Card Game MEGA line; the 30th CELEBRATION expansion pack in the same line is M6a |
| Release date | October 16, 2026 (Friday), same date for all nine |
| Official price | JPY 1,200 each, tax included; the nine-set total is JPY 10,800 |
| Inside each set | 3 promo cards (one of each trio member, full illustration), 2 packs of 30th CELEBRATION (6 random cards each), 1 paper card stand for 3 cards |
| Inside all nine | 27 promo cards, 18 packs, 9 card stands |
What Are the 30th Anniversary Pokémon Starters?
They are a series of nine card sets built around the nine regional starter trios, released to mark the Pokémon Card Game’s 30th anniversary. The Pokémon Company says the Pokémon TCG turns 30 in October 2026, and the card sets arrived in Japan on October 16, 2026, one month after the main 30th CELEBRATION expansion on September 16, 2026.
The idea is simple. Each set is named for one regional starter trio. You get one promo card for each of the three Pokémon, so a set is a complete trio in card form. Across all nine sets you get 27 promo cards.
The sets sit inside the same celebration as the expansion. The expansion itself is the first Pokémon Card product to release worldwide at the same time, per the Pokémon TCG announcement. The card sets, however, are listed on the official 30th anniversary site as Japanese products with a Japanese release date and yen price, and that is the edition this guide covers.
One gap is worth stating once: the official card set page lists no card numbers for the 27 promos and shows rarity only as holo (キラ). Everything below sticks to what the official pages and our product pages do say.
Which Starter Trios Are in the Nine Card Sets?
The nine sets cover every regional starter trio from Kanto through Paldea, in the order shown on the official card set page. Each trio is one set, and all nine share the same price and release date.
| # | Region | Starter trio in the set |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kanto | Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle |
| 2 | Johto | Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile |
| 3 | Hoenn | Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip |
| 4 | Sinnoh | Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup |
| 5 | Unova | Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott |
| 6 | Kalos | Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie |
| 7 | Alola | Rowlet, Litten, Popplio |
| 8 | Galar | Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble |
| 9 | Paldea | Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly |
The official page lists the Kanto trio first and the Paldea trio last. Everything in between is a full trio, so there are no half sets and no starter that appears in two sets.
If you only care about one Pokémon, for example Piplup or Cyndaquil, you still buy the whole trio set, because the three promos are packaged together. The set is the smallest unit the official page describes.
What Is Inside Each 30th Anniversary Starter Card Set?
Each starter card set contains three holo promo cards, two 30th CELEBRATION packs and one paper card stand, and the official price is JPY 1,200 including tax. The promos are one of each of the three Pokémon in the trio, printed as full-illustration cards.
| Component | One set | All nine sets |
|---|---|---|
| Promo cards (full illustration, holo) | 3 | 27 |
| 30th CELEBRATION packs (6 random cards each) | 2 | 18 |
| Paper card stand (for 3 cards) | 1 | 9 |
| Official price, tax included | JPY 1,200 | JPY 10,800 |
The arithmetic matches across sources. Nine sets at JPY 1,200 equal JPY 10,800, which is the nine-set total shown in the Pokémon Card official notice dated June 8, 2026. Our own listing describes the same totals: 27 promo cards, 18 booster packs and nine paper card stands.
Each set includes one paper card stand for 3 cards, matching the three promos in the set.
Packs and promos are different in kind. The three promos are one of each Pokémon in the trio. The cards in the two packs are randomized, and no official page guarantees specific cards or rarities from them. Treat the packs as a bonus draw on top of the promos.
What Do the Two 30th CELEBRATION Packs in Each Starter Set Add?
The two packs are 30th CELEBRATION expansion packs, and the official set page gives six random cards for each pack. The official expansion page lists the pack at JPY 360 with six holo cards, randomly inserted, and one guaranteed basic energy card with special YOSHIROTTEN artwork in each pack.
At the official pack price, two packs equal JPY 720 of the JPY 1,200 set. That is plain arithmetic, not a statement about value. What it shows is that the packs are a real part of the set, not a token item.
The expansion they come from has its own card list. According to the official expansion page, the 30th CELEBRATION expansion includes:
- FUR (Futuristic Rare) Mew ex, No. 135, and Mewtwo ex, No. 134;
- 30 Pikachu illustration cards by different illustrators, one guaranteed per pack;
- 30 special anniversary cards, Nos. 136 to 165, which are reprints of earlier cards, such as Charizard, Misty, Lugia and Gengar.
Those reprints cannot be used in the current Standard regulation but are usable in any regulation where the original card is legal. The pack contents inside a starter set are random, and no official page says which of these cards a given pack holds, so buy a starter set for the trio promos first.
The Pokémon Company does not publish per-box pull rates for this set, and we do not quote any. If a number is not on an official page, it does not belong in a buying decision.
What Else Does the 30th CELEBRATION Expansion List Beyond the Starters?
The expansion page lists a block of special anniversary cards numbered 136 to 165, all reprints of earlier cards, plus the FUR cards at Nos. 134 and 135. These are the cards the official expansion page names.
| Card numbers | Cards listed on the official page |
|---|---|
| 134, 135 | FUR (Futuristic Rare) Mewtwo ex and Mew ex |
| 136 to 142 | Pikachu, Charizard, Misty, Erika’s Jigglypuff, Sneasel, Shining Celebi, Lugia |
| 144 to 150 | Dark Tyranitar, Scizor ex, Metagross, Palkia, Uxie, Crobat G, Gengar |
| 151, 152 | Darkrai & Cresselia LEGEND |
| 153 to 157 | N, Rayquaza EX, Genesect EX, M Gardevoir EX, Greninja BREAK |
| 158 to 161 | Solgaleo GX, Buzzwole GX, Pikachu & Zekrom GX, Zacian V |
| 162 to 165 | Raikou, Mew VMAX, Arceus VSTAR, Magikarp |
The official page also names a few other numbers: Greninja ex 015/125, Pikachu ex 048/127, Mew ex 057, Umbreon 077, Mewtwo 054, Ho-Oh 007 and Lugia 097. The page does not list card numbers for the 27 starter promos.
The Pokémon TCG announcement adds illustration rares for Espeon, Umbreon, Lapras, Drifloon, Zorua and Lycanroc, and Pokémon ex for Greninja and Sylveon. It also reveals three of the 30 Pikachu cards, by OKACHEKE, Yuu Nishida and Atsuko Nishida, and names a Charizard reprint from Base Set. For single-card detail, see our guides to Greninja cards and Sylveon cards.
Should You Buy One Starter Set or All Nine?
Buy a single trio if you collect one region; buy all nine only if you want the complete run of 27 promos. Our shop lists the nine-set bundle, so that is the practical route from us, and it is sold factory-sealed.
Here is the reasoning by collector type:
- You love one starter line. The official price of one set is JPY 1,200. Choose the trio you care about and treat the two packs as a small bonus.
- You collect regional starters across the games. The full run covers Kanto to Paldea in one purchase: 27 promos, 18 packs, 9 stands. This is the case for our all-nine listing.
- You want to open packs. The 18 packs in a bundle are a modest amount. If packs are your goal, the M6a booster box is a better fit, because it is built around the packs.
- You want display only. Keep the sets sealed. Each set already includes a paper card stand for 3 cards for the day you decide to open one.
The 30th CELEBRATION Card Set All 9 Types listing is the complete run, factory-sealed, Japanese edition. It must be bought as a separate order. The page states that the bundle cannot be combined with other products in the same order, so if your cart already has items, check out first or clear your cart before adding it.
A damaged-box version of the same bundle also has a listing page, 30th CELEBRATION Card Set All 9 Types – Damaged Box (update: currently sold out — restock requests via Quick Order). The product is unopened but the outer packaging has cosmetic damage. It is sold as-is, and returns and refunds are not accepted. Its photos are samples, and the first image only identifies the regular product. If outer-box condition matters to you, buy the regular listing.
How Do the Starter Sets Differ From the M6a Booster Box?
The starter sets are small, trio-focused products, while the M6a booster box is the full expansion with many packs. The official box is priced at JPY 7,200 for the booster box, against JPY 1,200 for one starter set, per the June 8 notice.
| Question | Starter Card Set | M6a Booster Box |
|---|---|---|
| Main point | One starter trio, 3 promos | The full 30th CELEBRATION expansion |
| Official price | JPY 1,200 per set | JPY 7,200 |
| Release in Japan | October 16, 2026 | September 16, 2026 |
| Packs | 2 per set (18 in the full run) | Booster pack contents as the box |
| Starter promos | Yes, in every set | Not named on the official pack page |
The starter promos are in the card sets. The official M6a page does not name Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle as part of the pack, and the starter promos are listed on the card set page instead. If you buy a booster box hoping for the trio promos, you will not find them listed there.
Our M6a 30th CELEBRATION Booster Box listing is the sealed box. Our shop also lists an unsealed M6a booster box, whose product photos show the front of the box and the opened box seal. For buyers who want to buy by the case, the M6a carton listing is one full carton of 12 booster boxes, shipped as the carton itself.
When Did the 30th Anniversary Starter Sets Release, and When Do They Ship?
All nine starter sets released in Japan on October 16, 2026, and our bundle ships after all existing pre-orders have been shipped. The official card set page gives October 16 for every set, and the same page lists the expansion pack at September 16, 2026.
The timeline makes the sets easy to place:
- June 1, 2026: The Pokémon TCG announcement describes the expansion as the first to release simultaneously worldwide.
- June 8, 2026: The Pokémon Card notice lists the box, FUTURISTIC BOX, Premium Deck Set and the nine-set card bundle prices.
- September 16, 2026: The 30th CELEBRATION expansion, the FUTURISTIC BOX and the Premium Deck Set release in Japan.
- October 16, 2026: The nine card sets release.
Since the sets are out, the question is no longer when they come but when your order leaves Tokyo. Our listing states that orders placed on its page are dispatched once all existing pre-orders have been shipped. The shipping policy adds that most orders are processed and shipped within 5 business days after PayPal or Wise payment has cleared, and that this is an estimate, not a guarantee. It also says that stock for sealed Japanese trading card products fluctuates and that dispatch can take longer in some cases.
For a longer view of how all the announcements fit together, see our official timeline of 30th anniversary announcements.
How Do Overseas Buyers Pay for and Receive 30th Anniversary Starter Sets?
Overseas buyers pay in Japanese yen through Wise, PayPal or cards via PayPal, and the order ships from Tokyo by FedEx with tracking. The details below come from our payment methods page and shipping policy.
| Topic | What the policy says |
|---|---|
| Currency | All payments are made in Japanese yen (JPY); exchange rate and conversion fees are set by your card issuer, bank or PayPal. |
| Wise bank transfer | No payment processing fee; it is the only method without the 5% fee. |
| PayPal and cards | The Payment processing fee (5%) applies. Cards are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB, offered through PayPal. |
| PayPal Pay Later | Offered and operated by PayPal where available; options differ by country, such as Pay in 4 in the United States. |
| Standard shipping | FedEx International Connect Plus with tracking; usually 3-7 business days after dispatch, an estimate only. |
| Expedited shipping | FedEx International Priority with tracking; usually 2-5 business days after dispatch, an estimate only. |
| Minimum order | No minimum order amount or quantity. |
| Delivery address | FedEx cannot deliver to P.O. Boxes; give a physical address. |
For a small JPY 1,200 set or a JPY 10,800 bundle, the payment route matters. A Wise transfer carries no processing fee, while PayPal and cards carry the 5% fee. If you choose Wise, the payment deadline depends on whether you upload a screenshot: without one, an order is cancelled automatically if payment has not arrived within 12 hours, and the screenshot option needs an account.
After the parcel is handed to FedEx, timing is controlled by the carrier and destination-country authorities. The policy notes that customs inspections and import procedures may delay delivery, and that such delays do not by themselves create a right to cancel or refund after dispatch. Plan for that before you buy.
For a walkthrough of the full buying path, including the box, carton and sets, read our guide to buying 30th Celebration Japanese boxes.
What About Other Characters in the 30th Celebration Line?
Keep this section as a map, since the rest of this guide is about the starters.
- Pikachu: The official page lists 30 Pikachu illustration cards by different illustrators in the expansion.
- Mew and Mewtwo: Mew ex (No. 135) and Mewtwo ex (No. 134) are the FUR (Futuristic Rare) cards.
- Espeon and Umbreon: The Premium Deck Set holds one Espeon ex deck and one Umbreon ex deck, each of 60 cards, for JPY 6,200 officially. Our listing is 30th CELEBRATION Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon.
- Pikachu ex supply set: The FUTURISTIC BOX is JPY 27,500 officially and holds two Pikachu ex promos illustrated by YOSHIROTTEN, plus 64 deck shields, a rubber playmat and more. Our listing is 30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX.
The English-language side has its own decks. The Pokémon TCG site lists 30th Celebration Battle Deck-Espeon ex and Battle Deck-Umbreon ex with an October 30, 2026 launch. For Espeon and Umbreon singles, see our Umbreon and Espeon card guide, and for the full range, the 30th Celebration Japanese product lineup guide.
Which Starter Product Is Right for You? A Short Decision Guide
Pick the product that matches what you want to hold in your hands: a trio, a pack draw, or a display set. Use this quick list.
- “I want my favorite region’s starters.” Official card set, JPY 1,200 for one trio.
- “I want every starter from Kanto to Paldea.” The all-nine bundle: 27 promos, 18 packs, 9 stands.
- “I want to open many packs.” The M6a booster box or the carton of 12 boxes, not the starter sets.
- “I want play-ready decks.” The Premium Deck Set with two 60-card decks.
- “I want a display-style supply set.” The FUTURISTIC BOX.
Before ordering, check the dispatch note on the product page and the shipping policy’s handling time. Because all existing pre-orders ship first, the bundle’s dispatch follows that queue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 30th anniversary Pokémon starters sets are there?
There are nine 30th CELEBRATION Card Sets, one for each regional starter trio from Kanto to Paldea. Together they hold 27 promo cards, 18 packs and 9 paper card stands.
How much does each starter card set cost officially?
Each set is JPY 1,200 including tax according to the 30th anniversary site. The nine-set total is JPY 10,800 according to the official Pokémon Card notice dated June 8, 2026.
When did the 30th anniversary starter sets release?
All nine released in Japan on October 16, 2026. The 30th CELEBRATION expansion itself released earlier, on September 16, 2026.
What is inside one starter card set?
Each set contains three holo promo cards (one for each Pokémon in the trio, full illustration), two 30th CELEBRATION packs of six random cards each, and one paper card stand for three cards.
Are the starter promos in the M6a booster box?
No. The starter promos are listed on the card set page, and the official M6a pack page does not name the starters as part of the pack.
Can I buy the nine starter sets together from your shop?
Yes. The 30th CELEBRATION Card Set All 9 Types bundle is a factory-sealed Japanese-edition listing. It is a separate order that cannot be combined with other products and ships after existing pre-orders.
Which payment method has no processing fee?
Wise bank transfer is the only method without the 5% payment processing fee. PayPal and card payments through PayPal carry the 5% fee.
Does shipping have a minimum order?
No. The shipping policy says there is no minimum order amount or quantity. Shipping is by FedEx with tracking, and the cost is calculated at checkout.
Where Can You Read More About the 30th Celebration Line?
Start with the lineup, then move to the singles guides. These related articles stay with the same set:
- 30th Celebration (M6a) Japanese Pokemon Cards: The Full Product Lineup Explained
- Where to Buy 30th Celebration Japanese Boxes: M6a Box, Carton and Sets
- Pokemon 30th Anniversary Announcements 2026: The Official Timeline
- Most Expensive Pokemon 30th Anniversary Cards: Every SAR & FUR Priced
The short version: the 30th anniversary Pokémon starters are nine JPY 1,200 card sets with three promos each, and the whole run is 27 promos, 18 packs and 9 stands. Choose one trio for a favorite region, or the all-nine bundle for the full Kanto-to-Paldea set.
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