First Partner Illustration Collection: Pokémon 30th Anniversary First Look 

First look at the Pokémon 30th Anniversary First Partner Illustration Collection, including Illustration Rare promos, Series 1 details, and what to expect next. 

The First Partner Illustration Collection is shaping up to be one of the most meaningful Pokémon TCG releases tied to the Pokémon 30th Anniversary in 2026. First hinted at earlier this year, Pokémon has now officially revealed the Illustration Rare promo artwork for Series 1, giving collectors their first clear look at what to expect from this multi-wave anniversary product line.

Three separate First Partner Illustration Collection sets are scheduled to release throughout 2026, each celebrating different generations of Pokémon starters and the regions that defined them.

Pokémon 30th Anniversary First Partner Illustration Collection Overview

To commemorate Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary, The Pokémon Company is releasing three First Partner Illustration Collection series across 2026.

Each series focuses on starter Pokémon from specific generations and includes exclusive Illustration Rare promo cards created specifically for the anniversary.

Confirmed Series Structure 

• Series 1: March 30, 2026
  
  

• Series 2: Later in 2026
  
  

• Series 3: Later in 2026
  
  

This staggered release mirrors past anniversary strategies and helps keep collector interest active throughout the year rather than concentrating everything into a single release window.

Series 1 Details (March 30, 2026) 

Series 1 of the First Partner Illustration Collection launches on March 30, 2026 and features starter Pokémon from Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola.

The newly revealed Illustration Rare promos immediately set this product apart from earlier First Partner releases.

Illustration Rare Promo Artwork Highlights 

The artwork for Series 1 places each starter trio within a scene inspired by its home region. These illustrations incorporate iconic regional elements, including:

• Kanto: Gym Badges and classic Pokédex imagery
  
  

• Sinnoh: Region-specific landmarks and trainer symbolism
  
  

• Alola: Z-Crystals and island-themed design cues

Rather than simple character portraits, these cards function as visual tributes to each generation, blending Pokémon, place, and history into a single composition. 

What’s Included in Each First Partner Illustration Collection 

Each First Partner Illustration Collection box includes a curated mix of promo and sealed content designed for both collectors and casual fans.

Box Contents

• 1 promo booster pack containing 3 of 9 Illustration Rare promo cards
  
  

• 2 Pokémon TCG booster packs
  
  

• 1 themed sticker sheet
  
  

The promo booster format introduces an element of collectability and variation, as no single box contains all Illustration Rare promos.

What to Expect From Series 2 and Series 3

While full details have not yet been officially announced, current information and release patterns strongly suggest the following breakdown:

Expected Generation Coverage

• Series 2: Johto, Unova, and Galar
  
  

• Series 3: Hoenn, Kalos, and Paldea
  
  

If this structure holds, all nine Pokémon generations will be represented across the three series, making the First Partner Illustration Collection one of the most comprehensive anniversary products ever released.

How This Compares to Past First Partner Releases

The Pokémon 30th Anniversary First Partner Illustration Collection is reminiscent of the First Partner Packs released during Pokémon’s 25th Anniversary in 2021. However, there are key differences.

• Illustration Rare promos replace jumbo reprints
  
  

• Artwork is original and region-themed
  
  

• Promos are randomized within each series
  
  

These changes significantly increase long-term collector interest, especially for sealed product and complete promo sets.