The Pokémon Company has added a 30th-anniversary promo pack to Japanese Gym Battle prizes, replacing part of the regular promo payout for about four and a half months. The same pack will also be given out at the 30th CELEBRATION EVENT. PokéGuardian reports that event runs on October 25 in Chiba and October 31 – November 1, 2026 in Osaka .
What does the 30th Promo Card Pack change at Gym Battles?
From Wednesday, September 16, 2026 to Sunday, January 31, 2027, Gym Battle players at Japanese Pokémon Card Gym stores receive one 30th Promo Card Pack. It replaces one of the two regular promo card packs normally handed out, according to the official 30th anniversary Gym page .
Quick Answer: At Japanese Pokémon Card Gym stores, each Gym Battle participant gets one 30th Promo Card Pack instead of one of the usual two regular promo packs. This runs from September 16, 2026 to January 31, 2027, or until stock runs out. The pack holds alternate-art versions of cards such as Greninja ex and Sylveon ex.
The change applies to the prize itself, not to the format. Players still get two packs per Gym Battle, but one of them is now the anniversary pack. A Gym Battle is an in-store organized play event held at shops registered as official Pokémon Card Gyms in Japan.
The official page adds these conditions to the distribution :
- Prizes are limited, and distribution ends when stock runs out, even if that happens before January 31, 2027.
- Prizes may change without notice.
- The pack may be distributed by other methods in the future.
Because of the stock limit, the January 31, 2027 end date is the latest possible date, not a promise. Individual stores may run out sooner.
The pack was first reported in English by PokéGuardian. The site says the promos use artwork from upcoming 30th Celebration products, which gives Japanese players a way to get those alternate-art versions .
Which cards are in the 30th Promo Card Pack?
The 30th Promo Card Pack draws from seven Pokémon, according to the official Japanese 30th anniversary site. Two of them are special-illustration ex cards: Greninja ex and Sylveon ex. The other five are Moltres, Zapdos, Articuno, Alolan Exeggutor and Lucario (source: Pokémon Card Game 30th official site, 2026-09).
All seven Pokémon also appear in the "30th CELEBRATION" expansion. The promo versions use different illustrations from the expansion cards. The official page notes that its card images were replaced on September 28, 2026 . Collectors comparing early screenshots with the current page should keep that change in mind.
| Card | Version | Detail on the official page |
|---|---|---|
| Greninja ex (ゲッコウガex) | Special illustration | Attack "Onmitsugiri" can hit the Active or a Benched Pokémon |
| Sylveon ex (ニンフィアex) | Special illustration | Attack "Colorful Harmony" scales with the number of Basic Energy types |
| Moltres | Alternate illustration | Also appears in the 30th CELEBRATION expansion |
| Zapdos | Alternate illustration | Also appears in the 30th CELEBRATION expansion |
| Articuno | Alternate illustration | Also appears in the 30th CELEBRATION expansion |
| Alolan Exeggutor | Alternate illustration | Also appears in the 30th CELEBRATION expansion |
| Lucario | Alternate illustration | Also appears in the 30th CELEBRATION expansion |
The official page describes the two ex attacks in more detail :
- Greninja ex, "Onmitsugiri" (おんみつぎり): it can target the opponent's Active Pokémon or one of their Benched Pokémon. It does extra damage depending on damage counters.
- Sylveon ex, "Colorful Harmony" (カラフルハーモニー): it does more damage for each Basic Energy type attached across the player's Pokémon. It reaches 400 damage with 8 types attached.
The official page does not cover two points: pull rates and the number of cards in each pack. It does not say whether every Pokémon is equally likely, or how often a special-illustration ex appears.
A sealed pack listed on eBay is described as holding one card . That comes from a reseller, not from The Pokémon Company, so it should not be treated as an official spec. Until the official site publishes pack contents or odds, any figure for the chance of pulling Greninja ex or Sylveon ex is a guess.
Where else can collectors get the pack: three official channels
The official 30th anniversary site lists three ways to get the 30th Promo Card Pack. They are Gym Battles at Pokémon Card Gym stores, the Pokémon Card Game 30th CELEBRATION EVENT, and other 30th-anniversary Gym events planned from October onward . All three are in Japan. Each one has its own dates and details, and some of those have not been announced yet.
Here is each channel and its source:
- Gym Battles at Pokémon Card Gym stores. These run from Wednesday, September 16, 2026 to Sunday, January 31, 2027. Each participant gets one 30th Promo Card Pack, which replaces one of the two regular promo packs normally given out . Source: Pokémon Card Game 30th official site (Gym page).
- The 30th CELEBRATION EVENT. PokéGuardian says the packs are part of the prizing at the events on October 25 in Chiba and October 31–November 1, 2026 in Osaka . Sources: PokéGuardian and the official event page.
- Other 30th-anniversary Gym events. More events at Pokémon Card Gyms are planned from October onward. The official site says details will come later . Source: Pokémon Card Game 30th official site.
The official site does not say how the pack is handed out at the 30th CELEBRATION EVENT, for example whether it is an entry gift or a match prize. The Gym page only says the pack will be distributed there. PokéGuardian calls it "prizing."
The official notes also add some conditions that apply to all channels:
- Prizes are limited and end when stock runs out.
- Prizes may change without notice.
- Prizes may be given out in other ways in the future.
Because of the stock limit, a store may run out before January 31, 2027. Players should check with their local Gym before going.
When and where are the Chiba and Osaka 30th CELEBRATION events?
The Japanese 30th CELEBRATION EVENT has two stops. The first is in Chiba on October 25, 2026. The second is in Osaka from October 31 to November 1, 2026. PokéGuardian reported both stops , and the official 30th event page lists the same dates . Admission is free, but entry is decided by an advance lottery.
| Stop | Date | Hours | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiba | Sun, Oct 25, 2026 | 9:00–19:30 | Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 4–7 |
| Osaka | Sat, Oct 31 – Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 9:00–19:30 | INTEX Osaka Hall 6, Zone B |
The Chiba stop runs for one day at Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 4–7, from 9:00 to 19:30 .
📍 View on Google Maps
The Osaka stop runs for two days at INTEX Osaka Hall 6, Zone B, with the same daily hours of 9:00 to 19:30 .
📍 View on Google Maps
The official page lists these rules for both venues :
- Reception closes at 17:30, two hours before the event ends.
- Admission is free, with entry by advance lottery (無料・事前抽選制).
- Times may change depending on conditions on the day.
- A commemorative T-shirt is sold only through Pokémon Center Online. It will not be sold at either venue.
The promo pack's role at the events is less clearly documented. PokéGuardian describes it this way:
"These are part of prizing during the Japanese 30th CELEBRATION EVENT," — PokéGuardian
The event page text we reviewed does not say how attendees get the pack. It does not say whether the pack is an entry gift, a match prize or a reward for a specific activity. The official Gym page only says the pack will be given out at the event . If you won a lottery spot, check the event page again closer to your date for the exact conditions.
What is still unconfirmed about the 30th Promo Card Pack?
The Pokémon Company has not published pull rates or a card count for the 30th Promo Card Pack. The pack contents listed on the official 30th Gym page come from that page, and the page's images were replaced on September 28, 2026 . Nothing on the page says how likely any one card is to appear in a pack.
Three details are still open:
- Pull rates: The official page gives no odds for the special-illustration Greninja ex and Sylveon ex or for the other five Pokémon.
- Cards per pack: The page does not give a count. An eBay resale listing says a sealed pack holds one card . That comes from a seller, not from The Pokémon Company.
- Event distribution terms: As noted above, the event page does not say whether the pack is an entry gift or a match prize.
The English-language reveal comes from PokéGuardian, a fan news site. It describes the packs as event "prizing" . The official Japanese pages confirm the event dates and the pack's contents, but not the word "prizing" or what it would mean in practice .
The official notes also say prizes are limited, end when stock runs out and may change without notice. They add that prizes may be given out in other ways later . Any of these details could change before the Gym promotion ends.
Sealed packs are already for sale on eBay and Japanese flea-market apps. These individual listings show asking prices, not completed sales, so they are not a reliable price guide. No official or aggregated data on demand for the pack has been published.
How does the promo pack relate to the 30th CELEBRATION expansion?
Every Pokémon in the 30th Promo Card Pack also appears in the "30th CELEBRATION" expansion pack. The promo versions use different illustrations from the expansion versions, according to the official Japanese 30th site (source: Pokémon Card Game 30th official site, 2026-09). The pack works as a companion to the set, not as a separate product line.
PokéGuardian reports that the promo artwork will also appear in upcoming 30th Celebration products. It says the pack gives Japanese collectors a way to get these alternate-art versions (source: PokéGuardian).
The expansion went on sale on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. That is the same day the Gym Battle promo period began. It is also the Pokémon TCG's first worldwide simultaneous release, with some regions excluded (source: PokéBeach, 2026-09).
PokéBeach lists the Japanese set like this :
- 176 cards in total, all foil
- 103 main-set cards, including 30 Pikachu
- 35 secret rares
- 30 Classic Collection cards
- 8 Basic Energy cards
A Japanese booster holds 6 cards and always includes a Pikachu and a Basic Energy . The official Japanese product page lists one expansion pack at ¥360, tax included (source: official 30th product page).
The Japanese and English versions of the set have different card lists. PokéBeach says some cards in the Japanese set will be released as promos in English products instead of in English boosters . The official English showcase lists 30th Celebration products such as an Elite Trainer Box and several collections (source: Pokémon.com product showcase; Pokémon TCG expansion page). Neither source has said whether the Japanese 30th Promo Card Pack art will appear in those English products.
What should collectors outside Japan watch next?
Collectors outside Japan should follow three things: the official English 30th Celebration product listings, Pokémon Card Gym announcements about the events planned from October onward, and any changes to the prizes. The official Japanese gym page says prizes are limited, may change without notice and may be handed out by other methods later . Any of those updates could change how the pack can be obtained.
For English-language releases, check two official pages for product details as they are published: the Pokémon.com product showcase and the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration expansion page. In Japan, the official gym page says more 30th-anniversary events at Pokémon Card Gyms are planned from October onward. Details have not been announced yet .
Key dates to track:
- September 16, 2026: the Japanese "30th CELEBRATION" expansion launched and the 30th Promo Card Pack began replacing one regular promo pack at Gym Battles .
- October 25, 2026: 30th CELEBRATION EVENT in Chiba, as reported by PokéGuardian .
- October 31 – November 1, 2026: 30th CELEBRATION EVENT in Osaka, also reported by PokéGuardian .
- January 31, 2027: last day of the Gym Battle distribution window, unless stock runs out first .
In short, the pack is a Japan-only prize for now. Its art has not been confirmed for any English product. Use the official pages above to check before buying or trading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 30th Promo Card Pack replace both regular Gym Battle promos?
No. The 30th Promo Card Pack replaces one of the two regular promo card packs that Gym Battle participants normally receive. According to the official Japanese 30th anniversary Gym page, this runs from Wednesday, September 16, 2026 to Sunday, January 31, 2027 at Pokémon Card Gym stores . The page says prizes are limited and end when stock runs out. It also says prizes may change without notice.
Which Pokémon are in the 30th Promo Card Pack?
The official Gym page lists special-illustration versions of Greninja ex and Sylveon ex, plus Moltres, Zapdos, Articuno, Alolan Exeggutor and Lucario . All seven Pokémon also appear in the Japanese "30th CELEBRATION" expansion. The promo versions use different illustrations from the expansion cards. The official page replaced its card images on September 28, 2026 .
When are the Chiba and Osaka 30th CELEBRATION events?
PokéGuardian reports that the Japanese 30th CELEBRATION EVENT takes place on October 25 in Chiba and from October 31 to November 1, 2026 in Osaka . The official event page lists two venues. Chiba is at Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 4–7, and Osaka is at INTEX Osaka Hall 6, Zone B. Both run 9:00–19:30, with reception closing at 17:30 . Admission is free but uses an advance lottery.
How many cards are in a 30th Promo Card Pack?
The Pokémon Company has not officially said how many cards each pack holds or what the pull rates are . One eBay resale listing describes a sealed pack as holding one card . That comes from a seller, not an official spec, so treat it as unverified.
Is the 30th Promo Card Pack available outside Japan?
No international distribution has been confirmed. The official Japanese pages list three ways to get the pack, and all of them are in Japan: Gym Battles, the Chiba and Osaka events, and later Pokémon Card Gym events whose details have not been announced yet . PokéBeach notes that some Japanese-set cards will come out as promos in English products . No source says that this applies to the 30th Promo Card Pack artwork.
SnapHolo prices for the cards and sets in this article
| Card | Edition | Rarity | SnapHolo price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mew R | English | RGB Rare | $6,000.27 |
| Mew B | English | RGB Rare | $3,746.75 |
| Mew G | English | RGB Rare | $3,738.75 |
| Mew ex 152 | English | Special Illustration Rare | $89.90 |
| Gengar ex 154 | English | Special Illustration Rare | $75.35 |
| Pikachu ex 150 | English | Special Illustration Rare | $58.32 |
| Mew ex 158 | English | Futuristic Rare | $52.32 |
| Mewtwo ex 151 | English | Special Illustration Rare | $50.27 |
| Pikachu ex 149 | English | Special Illustration Rare | $47.47 |
| Jirachi ex 155 | English | Special Illustration Rare | $43.46 |
| Sylveon ex 153 | English | Special Illustration Rare | $42.79 |
| Mewtwo ex 157 | English | Futuristic Rare | $41.44 |
| Greninja ex 148 | English | Special Illustration Rare | $21.12 |
| Salamence ex 156 | English | Special Illustration Rare | $15.71 |
| Fuecoco ex 147 | English | Special Illustration Rare | $14.97 |
| Maushold 146 | English | Illustration Rare | $10.53 |
| Meowth 144 | English | Illustration Rare | $9.92 |
| Galarian Meowth 141 | English | Illustration Rare | $7.15 |
| Alolan Meowth 139 | English | Illustration Rare | $6.68 |
| Zapdos 133 | English | Illustration Rare | $6.57 |
| Moltres 130 | English | Illustration Rare | $6.00 |
| Articuno 132 | English | Illustration Rare | $5.85 |
| Lapras 131 | English | Illustration Rare | $5.74 |
| Morpeko 135 | English | Illustration Rare | $5.21 |
| Hisuian Zorua 145 | English | Illustration Rare | $4.78 |
| Mew ex 66 | English | Double Rare | $3.07 |
| Toxtricity 134 | English | Illustration Rare | $2.63 |
| Pikachu 40 | English | Pikachu Rare | $2.48 |
| Drifloon 136 | English | Illustration Rare | $2.47 |
| Alolan Exeggutor 129 | English | Illustration Rare | $2.24 |
Ungraded card prices as of 2026-10-18 (KST).
Sources: official Gym page · PokéGuardian · eBay · official event page · View on Google Maps · View on Google Maps (2) · PokéBeach · official 30th product page · Pokémon.com product showcase · Pokémon TCG expansion page
