Pikachu is getting a major makeover for Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, with the franchise’s beloved mascot set to appear in two striking new designs inspired by day and night, states Collider.
The upcoming ‘Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration’ expansion will feature 30 different rare Pikachu cards, giving collectors a wide range of artwork celebrating the Electric-type Pokémon.
Among them, two newly revealed Pikachu ex cards stand out with contrasting day and night designs created by Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN.
The cards are part of the ‘30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collections’ and use bold lighting, metallic textures and graphic elements associated with the expansion’s Futuristic Rare style.
The redesign applies only to the trading card artwork and does not change Pikachu’s appearance in the Pokémon games or anime.
YOSHIROTTEN also worked on Futuristic Rare cards featuring Mew ex and Mewtwo ex, as well as foil Basic Energy cards.
The two Pikachu ex designs will be available separately. The Day Ultra-Premium Collection pairs Pikachu ex with Espeon ex, while the Night collection features Pikachu ex alongside Umbreon ex.
Collectors looking to own both Pikachu designs will therefore need to pick up both versions of the collection.
The new cards are part of a wider celebration marking three decades of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The ‘30th Celebration’ expansion launches worldwide on 16 September 2026, with its 30 Pikachu rare cards among the major highlights.
After three decades as the face of Pokémon, Pikachu is once again getting a fresh look — this time with a futuristic twist and two very different sides.
