There has simply never been a more iconic or universally loved Pokémon over the franchise’s 30 years than Pikachu. Since debuting in the original Pokémon Red & Green in Japan in 1996, the adorable electric mouse has grown into the unmistakable face of the entire franchise. Pikachu’s starring role alongside Ash Ketchum in the anime helped turn it into a global mascot, while decades of games, movies, merchandise, trading cards, and crossover appearances have cemented the Mon as a fixture of global pop culture.
As Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, the franchise is almost unrecognizable compared to its humble beginnings. What started as a pair of handheld RPGs has expanded into one of the biggest entertainment properties in the world, spanning more than 1,000 Pokémon, countless games, a massively successful TCG, animated series, films, and mountains of merchandise. Through every era, however, Pikachu has remained right at the center of it all.
And to celebrate Pokémon‘s incredible 30-year run, Pikachu is officially getting a stunning new redesign that’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.
The Pokémon TCG’s 30th anniversary celebration is continuing in a major way with another look at the upcoming 30th Celebration expansion, this time spotlighting acclaimed Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN and his striking vision for the future of Pokémon card artwork.
In a new video interview with Creatures Inc. Art Director Satoru Nagaya, YOSHIROTTEN discusses the influences behind the expansion’s brand-new Futuristic Rare style, which combines vivid lighting, metallic textures, and futuristic graphic elements. His work can be seen on the newly introduced Mew ex and Mewtwo ex Futuristic Rare cards, as well as the expansion’s foil Basic Energy cards. You can watch the full interview here:
However, the announcement and interview also feature new Pikachu Future Rares, giving the longtime fan-favorite a particularly stunning overhaul for the anniversary. Two Pikachu ex designs illustrated by YOSHIROTTEN have been revealed as special promos, with contrasting day- and night-inspired aesthetics that fit 30th Celebration’s broader visual theme. Internationally, the two versions are tied to the upcoming Day and Night Ultra-Premium Collections, which pair Pikachu ex with Espeon ex or Umbreon ex, respectively.
The larger 30th Celebration expansion launches worldwide on September 16, with every booster pack containing foil cards and one of 30 unique Pikachu illustrations. The set also brings back classic cards while introducing new Pokémon ex and the Futuristic Rare treatments, making it one of the TCG’s most ambitious anniversary releases yet.
Overall, these newly unveiled Pikachu designs are just the beginning, and Pokémon fans should look forward to many more unique designs from various artists in the coming weeks.
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Pokemon Red and Blue, Pokemon Yellow, Pokemon Gold and Silver, Pokémon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokemon Sapphire, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon Black and White, Pokemon Black and White 2, Pokemon X and Y, Pokemon Sun and Moon, Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Pokemon Winds and Waves, Pokemon Legends Arceus, Pokemon Legends Z-A
