Char's Journal · News
Pokémon 30th Anniversary is a blast!
by @char · October 17, 2026
Just a collectors view of the 30th Celebration set.
The 30th Celebration set, which had some interesting pre-release woes in terms of stolen product, and certain types of items being delayed. Has finally arrived as of a couple of weeks ago, and the feeling around the trade table, the counter at your LCS is one of love.
If the 30th Celebration set was supposed to be a celebration, then in my opinion the Pokémon company knocked it out of the park. The hit rates mean everyone you know has at least hit an Illustration Rare, if not one of the amazing reprinted 30th Celebration: Classic collection.
The Classic collection, is a subset of reprinted cards from various eras that are rimmed with a gold glittery edge, and while not all that glitters is gold, every single one of these reprinted cards is!
Ripping into my first 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box (ETB) was a blast. The Nidorina promo is incredible, and if you didn't know it. Nidorina is the 30th Pokémon in the Pokédex. This one is even more special since it has 30 Nidorina's on it as well.
Nidorina
No. 101 / 112 · PromoSometimes, ripping an ETB is an experience that leaves you wanting more, that was not the case with mine, and many others I've seen opening them up on various social media platforms. The hit rates for this set, make opening even a Knockout collection an incredible experience, but back to my first ETB, I ended up with 6 "hits" out of 9 packs. Including my chase for this set, the 30th Celebration: Classic Collection Crystal Lugia.
Lugia
No. 149 / 30 · Rare SecretThe nostalgia that emanates off of this card, makes you feel like you are back in 2003-2004 ripping E-Series packs. The gold foil accentuates the classic artwork, bringing a tasteful yet flashy gold border to the former neon bright (but plain) yellow. I know for me, it's nice to be able to have a former grail back in my collection, that had grown out of reach in recent years.