Published Sep 9, 2026, 12:01 PM EDT
Carrie is a Senior Writer at ScreenRant who previously managed Geek to Geek Media and wrote for SwitchRPG. She is particularly knowledgeable when it comes to WoW, Diablo, and cozy games. She has a passion for supporting the indies and always enjoys sharing her passions with others through her writing.
2026 is a big year for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, Pokémon is releasing a special Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration set, which includes 30 specially numbered Pikachu cards. These cards run from numbers 023 to 052 of the 128-card base set, and although there are other Pikachu cards included in the set, these 30 are the only ones with the special second numbering.
At the time of writing, there are still a couple of Pikachu special cards that have not yet been revealed, particularly the infamous number 30 of the 30 special number cards. Given that 30 is such a big number for the game right now, it's likely that whatever surprise the Pokémon TCG has for us in that slot is sure to knock out one of these. However, as of right now, these are the best Pikachu cards in the Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration.
Pikachu Card 040/128, Special Number 18/30
The colorful explosion of electricity and flowers coming from this stylized Pikachu is mesmerizing. Each of the carefully placed details in the artwork by Shinji Kanda are exquisite and serves to help show both the power and joy that our little yellow Electric-type mouse holds within itself.
The card itself is also a useful one for players, particularly in a set with so many Pikachu cards included. The attack Overwriting Bolt may only do 10 damage, but will then make the Defending Pokémon weak to Electric attacks.
Pikachu Card 043/128, Special Number 21/30
Artist OOYAMA gives us this cheerful look at a Pikachu dozing on a tropical beach, with a Weedle peeking out from behind a nearby tree. The artist uses his characteristic style of bold outlines, bright colors, and cheerful presentation to make this card absolutely charming in every way.
In play, the card is good for the ever-necessary card draw mechanic that nearly every TCG requires. Although its attack does no damage, putting Pikachu to sleep allows the player to draw cards until they have six cards in their hand.
Pikachu Card 038/128, Special Number 16/30
This grumpy Pikachu is one that you certainly wouldn't want to stumble across while on a jungle hike. Partially hidden beneath a leafy cover, Pikachu's electric sacs on its cheeks are shown to be crackling with energy, ready to be spent on an attack.
Both this card and the one shown next have been created by artist Tetsu Kayama, despite each having very different art styles. Here, the card seems to be done entirely using a dot approach to art, creating an almost pixelated appearance.
Pikachu Card 036/128, Special Number 14/30
I mean, just one look at that adorable artwork and this card is immediately one that fans will want to collect. Showing a chubby Pikachu with their head presumably stuck in a stair railing, pushing their cheeks forward as they try to pull themselves out, is a quick look into this Pikachu's personality and can easily bring a laugh.
Artist Tetsu Kayama has been illustrating for the Pokémon TCG since Obsidian Flames and has a strong following of collectors. This card also adds a humorous nod to its artwork, with its attack also causing 10 damage to itself.
Pikachu Card 023/128, Special Number 01/30
Positioning in a series means more to collectors than many often realize, and with this chubby little Pikachu taking the leading slot at 01/30 for the special numbering, it's going to be one that people are naturally going to be looking for.
This Pikachu card showcases the Electric-type strengths of our yellow friend, as small bolts of lightning seem to be emanating from them. The artist behind this card is a notable one. Ken Sugimori is one of the two initial designers who handled the original concept of Pikachu's look, second only to Nishida. Sugimori was the official character designer for Pokémon Red and Green, and finalized the electric mouse's design.
Pikachu Card 034/128, Special Number 12/30
Artist USGMEN brings us Pikachu's card 034/128, where the comic-style look would actually be wonderful to have in a coloring book. With bold outlines and strong colors, Pikachu is seen looking back at the holder with a smile on its face.
In play, this card can be incredibly powerful when used strategically. The Pika Chain attack does 40 damage for each Pikachu and Pikachu ex card you have in play, which can add up to a mind-blowing amount of damage in a deck filled with these Pikachu Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration set cards.
Pikachu Card 032/128, Special Number 10/30
Pikachu's card 032/128 is one that immediately catches your attention. Its artwork is so different from the normal stylings and is instantly recognizable as coming from artist Tomokazu Komiya. Komiya has a devoted following of collectors, and follows a Primitivism style of art with distorted proportions and a strong use of color.
The card isn't really a playable card, which also makes it unique. The Scurry About attack does no damage but simply swaps it with one of your Benched Pokémon, and with a health of only 50 HP, it wouldn't last long anyway. It's purely a card for collecting purposes, as pulling it in a game would be an instant disappointment.
Pikachu Card 028/128, Special Number 06/30
That sad little look on this Pikachu, surrounded by pillows and clutching onto a Friend Ball cushion, is sure to tug at your heartstrings. With an image on the wall behind them of a young Pichu holding onto their trainer's leg, the artwork seems to be telling a story through its simple design, which is something that often does well for collecting.
Not only does this card feature a rather standard Pika Ball attack that can do 20 damage, but it carries the Lonely Gaze ability, cutting 20 damage off any attacks done against it while Active.
Pikachu Card 050/128, Special Number 28/30
Pikachu isn't usually seen in the middle of stuffing their face with berries, something that is more reserved for a Pokémon like Snorlax, which makes this artwork by Shimaries Yukichi even more charming. Its vibrant colors mixed with the comic book outlining of the character come together in a mini-artwork that just makes you smile.
However, this card is more than just pretty; it's also one of the most functional Pikachu cards. Its Satisfied Spark attack hits for 100 damage at a cost of two Lightning and two Colorless, and Pikachu has 80 HP, making it one of the stronger Pikachu cards. Perhaps eating all those berries helped them after all.
Pikachu Card 047/128, Special Number 25/30
Not only is this card's artwork showing us an absolutely adorable version of Pikachu frolicking through a flower field, but its artist is more important than you may realize. Atsuko Nishida is the original designer behind Pikachu, with Ken Sugimori then finalizing the design. Nishida is also the artist behind the most expensive Pikachu card of all time, the Pikachu Illustrator Card.
Therefore, having a Nishida-designed Pikachu card included in this set celebrating 30 years of Pikachu is not only a natural fit, but sure to be one of the most collectible cards in the set. Plus, the chibi style of this Pikachu is just too cute to pass up for any collector of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Released April 10, 2000
ESRB e
Developer(s) Hudson Soft
Multiplayer Local Multiplayer
English (US) ·