Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and apparently the appropriate way to celebrate is by convincing millions of parents to spend even more money on tiny pieces of shiny cardboard.

But here’s the surprise: I actually love this set.

Unlike some recent releases that require opening approximately 400 packs before seeing anything exciting, 30th Celebration has refreshingly generous pull rates. Apparently, Pokémon remembered that children are supposed to enjoy this hobby, too.

What’s So Special?

This set is a nostalgic celebration of 30 years of Pokémon, featuring classic favorites, gorgeous artwork, and 30 collectible Pikachu cards.

Yes, 30 Pikachus.

And the best part? Every pack includes a collectible Pikachu, so even when you don’t pull something spectacular, there’s still a little excitement.

And they’re so shiny. And you know we love shiny.

Let’s Talk Pull Rates

This is where things get interesting.

Early community opening data suggests the pull rates are significantly better than many recent sets:

• Illustration Rare: Approximately 1 in 5 packs
• Special Illustration Rare (SIR): Approximately 1 in 18–20 packs
• Classic Collection: Approximately 1 in 10 packs
• Futuristic Rare: Approximately 1 in 100 packs
• RGB Rare Mew: Somewhere between winning the lottery and finding a matching pair of socks in my house.

These are community estimates, not official odds or guaranteed pulls.

For perspective, an SIR pull rate roughly every 20 packs is fantastic compared with sets where you can open an entire booster box and walk away questioning your financial decisions.

And while the RGB Mew cards are nearly impossible to pull, there’s plenty of beautiful artwork to enjoy without needing to win the Pokémon equivalent of Powerball.

What Are People Saying?

Collectors are generally loving the artwork, nostalgia, and generous pull rates.

Some investors are less thrilled because easier pulls could mean lower resale values.

Personally, I consider that a feature, not a bug. If my child can pull a beautiful card without me needing to liquidate his college fund, that’s a win.

Of course, finding sealed products at retail price is another story. Apparently, the only thing harder than pulling an RGB Mew is beating a Pokémon reseller to the Target checkout.

My Pokémon Mom Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is exactly what I want from a Pokémon set.

Beautiful cards, lots of excitement, and a reasonable chance of pulling something that makes your kid jump off the couch.

Could I keep these boxes sealed for 15 years and hope they appreciate?

Absolutely.

But then I’d miss Logan screaming, “MOM! LOOK WHAT I GOT!” while sprinting around the kitchen with a card held triumphantly over his head.

The finance person in me understands the value of sealed inventory.

The mom in me knows that watching him open it is the better investment.

I’d rather collect memories than cardboard.

Besides, if I wanted something expensive sitting untouched in my closet for 15 years, I’d buy another designer handbag.

Bottom line: If you can find 30th Celebration at a reasonable price, this is one I’d happily recommend opening with your kids. Pokémon only turns 30 once, and your kid is only little once, too.

Two Kids, a Pile of Pokémon Packs, and Absolutely No Adult Supervision (Well, Almost)

Want to see what 30th Celebration looks like in the hands of its actual target audience?

Meet Logan and his neighbor Luka, two aspiring Pokémon influencers who take their pack openings very seriously. The production quality? Questionable. The enthusiasm? Off the charts. The number of times I questioned my parenting decisions? Let’s not discuss it.

And whatever you do, don’t skip the bloopers at the end. Turns out the only thing harder than pulling a rare Pokémon card is getting two boys to cooperate long enough to film a YouTube video.