2026 marked the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, and if you’ve been following the Trading Card Game scene lately, you know things are getting busy.
We just finished the chaos of the first wave of First Partner collection, and the Pokémon Company is already moving on to the next set.
If you missed out on Series 1 back in March, don’t worry too much. Series 2 is on the way, and it shifts the spotlight to some of the best starters in the franchise.
First Partner Illustration Collection (Series 2)
1
These First Partner collections aren’t a full expansion set; it’s a nod to that first big decision you made on your journey – your First Partner Pokémon! These collections are small, curated series meant for display or specific pulls. Series 2 takes us back to Johto, Unova, and Galar region, with some familiar faces making an appearance.
The star of the collection is the special promo pack that celebrates the bond between Trainer and Pokémon. This single pack contains 3 of 9 illustration rare-style promo cards consisting of stunning artwork of beloved first partner Pokémon.
For Trainers who started their journey in Johto on the Game Boy, you’ll want to reunite with Totodile, Chikorita, and Cyndaquil. Next, we leap across the pond to Generation 5 with Tepig, Snivy, and Oshawott. Finally, we find ourselves in Galar with Sobble, Scorbunny, and Grookey. It’s a random pull, so you’ll need a minimum of 3 sets if you want to collect ’em all.
But that’s not everything! Inside each box, alongside the special promo pack, you also get two standard Booster Packs from Perfect Order and Chaos Rising, which is a nice way to fish for some modern hits while you’re at it. Last, but certainly not least, you’ll get a sticker sheet that features the starters from these generations. I know you’re buying these for the stickers, don’t lie to me.
Release Date and Where to Preorder
The First Partner Illustration Collection—Series 2 is set to release on June 19, 2026. Expect to pay around $14.99 USD (£14.99 in the UK). You can find these at the usual spots, but keep an eye on stock levels. The first series went fast.
Retailers have been hit or miss lately with anniversary stock. Some stores get flooded, while others seem to sell out before the doors even open. You’ll want to check the usual spots, but keep a close eye on the smaller hobby shops too.
US Retailers to Watch
Unsurprisingly, Pokémon Center US is usually the first place to go live. It typically has a “Queue” system in place for big releases now. It can be annoying, but it’s the most reliable way to get a box at the actual retail price. Pre-orders aren’t live yet, so check back later!
Target and Best Buy are great options for local pickup. If you can’t get a pre-order anywhere online, it’s worth checking the physical shelves at these two retailers on release morning.
Finally, if you miss the initial retail drop, TCGplayer is a reputable third-party reseller. Just be careful with the pricing here as it fluctuates based on demand.
First Partner Illustration Collection (Series 2)
1
UK Retailers to Watch
Much like the US version, Pokémon Center UK is your safest bet for MSRP.
Chaos Cards and Magic Madhouse are two heavy hitters for UK hobbyists. They often have reward programs, so if you buy a lot of cards, check your points before you pay.
Finally, Smyths Toys is surprisingly good for TCG stock. They don’t always do online pre-orders for these smaller boxes, but they usually have plenty of stock in-store on release day.
The question you might have now is ‘will I even be able to get my hands on one of these?”. Because Series 1 focused on the Gen 1 starters (Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle), the hype was off the charts. Notably, GameStop faced criticism from fans for pricing a $15 box at $50.
But there is some good news here. Resellers usually swarm for Gen 1 or Gen 3 nostalgia. Since Series 2 skips both, you might actually have a fighting chance to buy these at a normal price. If you’re still hunting for Series 1, check the shelves of overpriced retailers; they may finally drop Series 1 prices now that the hype has shifted.
How Many Series Are Left?
We’ve had Series 1 (Gens 1, 4, 7) and now we have Series 2 (Gens 2, 5, 8).
While a Series 3 hasn’t been officially announced, it’s all-but-guaranteed to round out the remaining starters. We can expect to see the First Partner Pokémon from Gen 3 (Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip), Gen 6 (Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie), and Gen 9 (Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly). This is likely to drop in Fall 2026.
Slightly more speculative, but there is a lot of chatter about a potential fourth series in Winter 2026. With Pokémon Winds and Waves launching in 2027, this would be the perfect time to drop a teaser set for the Generation 10 starters.
What’s Coming Next for the Pokémon TCG?
The biggest expansion on the horizon is Chaos Rising, set to release on May 22, 2026. Mega Greninja ex is just one of the new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex that can be found in this huge upcoming expansion. This expansion features over 120 cards, including more than 20 Trainer cards and over 35 cards with special illustrations of both Pokémon and Trainers.
The 30th Anniversary Pokemon Set is also set to release in 2026. While we only saw a teaser in February’s Pokémon Presents livestream, it’s likely that fan-favourites like Pikachu, Charizard, Palkia, and more will all be getting reprints, similar to the 25th Anniversary Celebrations set.
But for now, mark your calendars for June 19 and the release of First Partner Illustration Collection—Series 2. Whether you’re a Johto long-time fan, or a Galar newcomer, this brand-new collection is a fun way for everyone to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon without (hopefully) breaking the bank.
Sara Heritage is a journalist and freelance contributor, with 8 years of experience in gaming journalism. When she’s not gaming, you’ll probably find her building yet another LEGO set I absolutely did not need (yes, I’ve got thoughts on the Pokémon LEGO).
