To celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary in 2026, The Pokémon Company has unveiled a series of 9 "Illustration Rare" promotional cards. Entirely illustrated by the artist Saboteri, this series honors the starter trios of Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola. From Game Boy nostalgia to the landscapes of Alola, discover these marvels stamped with the "30" Pikachu seal!
Bulbasaur (037/MEP) - Kanto Nostalgia
The very first Pokémon in the Pokédex opens this magnificent series. Saboteri's illustration is full of references to the first generation, notably featuring an iconic red pokedex in the background. A must-have "Illustration Rare" card for purists, stamped with the famous "30" cheek Pikachu.
Charmander (038/MEP) - The Retro Spark
A loyal Fire-type companion from the Kanto region, Charmander leaps with energy on this card numbered 038. The pop and colorful style highlights the Pokémon's dynamism, surrounded by pixel objects and references to the first video games that made the franchise a global success.
Squirtle (039/MEP) - On the Road to Adventure
The Kanto trio ends beautifully with Squirtle. The artwork is swarming with memorable details for Blue version players, such as the mythical Bicycle (which cost 1,000,000 Pokédollars) and the S.S. Anne in Vermilion City. A true declaration of love to the 90s.
Turtwig (040/MEP) - The Sinnoh Era
We take a leap in time to arrive at the fourth generation! Turtwig represents the Sinnoh region. Saboteri slipped a superb red Pokédex into the foreground, the indispensable tool for any trainer setting off on an adventure in the Diamond and Pearl games. The harmony of greens and the commemorative seal make it a sumptuous card.
Chimchar (041/MEP) - The Mischievous Spirit
Sinnoh's fire monkey, Chimchar, shines in a frosty setting typical of its region. Players will recognize the famous Pokétch and Poffins (cakes for contests) scattered throughout the artwork. A card that will delight 2000s nostalgics.
Piplup (042/MEP) - The Underground Mysteries
The undisputed star of Gen 4, Piplup completes this second trio. The artist integrated statues and fossils in the background, direct nods to the exciting explorations of the Sinnoh Underground. With the exclusive 30th-anniversary holographics, this card is already highly sought after by collectors.
Rowlet (043/MEP) - The Charm of Alola
Immediate departure for the tropical climate of the seventh generation! Rowlet inaugurates the Alola trio. The Island Challenge Amulet and the Z-Ring recall the unique mechanics of the Sun and Moon games. A fresh and sunny card that contrasts beautifully with the red and gold 30th-anniversary logo.
Litten (044/MEP) - Tropical Heat
The phlegmatic Litten strikes a pose on card 044. We find the atmosphere of Alolan festivals and the typical architecture of the region in the background. The very "pop art" style chosen by Saboteri gives a true visual identity to this series of 9 cards, linking them all together despite the different eras.
Popplio (045/MEP) - The Big Dive
To close this anniversary collection, here is Popplio. Surrounded by Z-Rings and crystals, the Alola Water starter unleashes all its energy with its "Disarming Voice" attack. This is the 9th and final card of this superb fresco that unites fans of both the first and seventh hours.
The Artist Behind These Masterpieces: Saboteri
This exclusive 30th-anniversary set draws all its magic and coherence from the talent of illustrator Saboteri. Their pop, dynamic style full of retro nods perfectly unifies these three generations. While waiting for the official launch of the virtual binders on PokéFolio, dive into the universe of this artist and discover all their work on our database!
