30 years from the first booster
In 1996, the first Pokémon TCG set dropped in Japan. Thirty years later, it's the best-selling trading card game in the world — 64+ billion cards printed, active communities across five continents.
2026 is special for two reasons: it's the official 30th anniversary, and it's the return of a mechanic players have been begging for — Mega Evolution.
Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes
The year's main set (released Feb 20, 2026) brings 290+ cards including 78 Secret Rares — the most Secret Rares in a single Pokémon TCG set in three years.
What makes it significant:
- Return of Mega Evolution after 7 years
- Exclusive 90s-style art from original illustrators
- New booster format with guaranteed holo per pack
- Pokémon Day 2026 Collection with special promos
Why it matters for collectors
Anniversary sets historically hold value better than regular expansions. Look at Celebrations (25th) or 151 — well-kept sealed boxes have doubled in value within years.
That doesn't mean Ascended Heroes will moon — but keeping a few sealed boxes makes sense if you're in it long-term.
The rest of 2026
Three more main sets are planned after Ascended Heroes. We'll keep our set overview updated — check the Sets section.
Got a great Ascended Heroes pull to share? Drop us a line at hello@bladers.cz.
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