It is hard to believe that the Pokémon franchise has been part of our lives for the past three decades, but with 2026 celebrating the 30th anniversary of the beloved Nintendo series, it is most certainly true.
Now, with multiple video game entries under its belt, alongside thousands of Pokémon, collector’s cards, television shows, and all manner of merchandise you can think of, the franchise is as strong as ever, and the hype will kickstart in earnest once again next year with the launch of Pokémon Winds and Waves, which is set to welcome the start of Gen 10.
In the meantime, however, one instantly recognizable Pokémon is set to receive a redesign as part of 30th anniversary celebrations, and yes, it is none other than Meowth.
First introduced as one of the original Pokémon during 1996’s Pocket Monsters Red & Green, Meowth has become a key figure of the franchise and now, the Normal-type cat is back and looking better than ever.
Alongside Alolan Meowth, Meowth will be starring in the upcoming Pokémon TCG expansion titled 30th Celebration. The feline duo’s arrival was announced back on 8 August to celebrate International Cat Day, and they will be arriving in the card-collecting hit with “day-and-night-themed aesthetics to complement their appearances.”
The redesigns come courtesy of two brand-new pieces of art. The first shows Alolan Meowth enjoying an evening stroll thanks to stunning illustrations by Natsumi Yoshida. In the rare version, Alolan Meowth is back, this time creeping around at night on a towering staircase. This art is by OKUBO, and eagle-eyed fans will even notice a sneaky Meowth and Galarian Meowth making an appearance.
As for the Meowth versions, things are a lot more colorful and sun-soaked as we see the loveable ‘mon enjoying a nap in the sunshine, with art thanks to MINAMINAMI Take. In the rare version, again by OKUBO, Meowth can be seen in the same urban setting as Alolan Meowth, but unlike their counterpart, they are once again grabbing a catnap whilst hanging precariously over a railing. Once again, there are also some other sneaky Pokémon lurking around.
Luckily, you can get your hands on these stunning cards when Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration launches on 16 September. So, if you want to add some stunning art to your collection and help join anniversary celebrations, look no further. After all, what better way is there to celebrate International Cat Day?
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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
