The Pokémon Trading Card Game is continuing its massive 30th anniversary celebration with the reveal of the First Partner Collection Series 2, bringing a brand-new wave of collectible starter Pokémon promo cards to fans and collectors later this year.
The upcoming release focuses on three major Pokémon generations, featuring starters from Johto, Unova, and Galar. Just like the first wave released earlier in 2026, the new collection places a strong focus on nostalgic artwork, iconic locations, and memorable moments from the Pokémon games.
Series 2 is currently scheduled to launch on June 19 and is already attracting heavy attention from collectors due to the growing popularity of anniversary-themed Pokémon products.
Nine Starter Promo Cards Confirmed
The new First Partner Collection Series 2 will contain nine promotional cards in total, split across three different regional collections. Each product box will include one region-specific trio of starter Pokémon.
The confirmed regions featured in Series 2 are:
- Johto
- Unova
- Galar
That means players and collectors can expect promo cards for:
- Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile
- Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott
- Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble
The artwork direction appears to continue the nostalgic and cinematic style introduced in the first First Partner Collection release earlier this year.
Artwork References Iconic Pokémon Moments
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the reveal is the artwork itself. Pokémon appears to be leaning heavily into fan-favorite moments and recognizable locations from the mainline games.
Among the standout examples already revealed is Totodile appearing alongside the legendary Red Gyarados at the Lake of Rage, a direct callback to one of Pokémon Gold and Silver’s most iconic story moments.
Another featured card places Oshawott in front of the famous Ferris wheel located in Nimbasa City from Pokémon Black and White, further reinforcing the collection’s nostalgia-driven approach.
The combination of starter Pokémon with recognizable locations is quickly becoming one of the defining themes of the First Partner Collection series.
Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary Push Continues
The First Partner Collection Series 2 is only one part of Pokémon’s aggressive 30th anniversary celebration throughout 2026.
The Pokémon TCG has already seen multiple major releases this year, including Ascended Heroes and Perfect Order, while Chaos Rising is still planned for later in the year. Pokémon Day 2026 also introduced several anniversary-themed products, including a special promotional Pikachu release that immediately became highly sought after.
Earlier in the year, the first First Partner Collection wave launched with starter Pokémon from Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola, helping establish the foundation for the ongoing promo series.
The anniversary strategy appears to be heavily focused on nostalgia, long-time fans, and collector-driven products rather than purely competitive releases.
Secondary Market Demand Expected To Spike Again
Collectors are already expecting Series 2 to become another high-demand release shortly after launch.
The first wave of First Partner Collection products proved extremely popular on the secondary market, especially the Kanto starter promos featuring Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Individual cards from those collections quickly climbed above $20 each in resale value in several regions.
Because of that early demand, many collectors are anticipating supply shortages or inflated resale prices once Series 2 becomes available.
Johto starters in particular are expected to attract significant attention due to the generation’s long-standing popularity within the Pokémon community.
A Third Collection Wave Is Already Expected
Although not officially confirmed in full detail yet, reports and release expectations suggest a third First Partner Collection wave is already planned for later in 2026.
The rumored final wave would reportedly focus on:
- Hoenn
- Kalos
- Paldea
If Pokémon follows the same release structure, the third wave will likely continue pairing starter Pokémon with memorable in-game environments and nostalgic references tied to their original adventures.
Current expectations point toward a possible late summer or early autumn release window, potentially around August or September.
For now, however, collector attention is firmly locked onto Series 2 as Pokémon’s anniversary celebration continues building momentum across 2026.
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