Pokémon’s ‘ugly’ 30th anniversary cards are redeemed in new look

The Pokémon Company is releasing a highly anticipated 30th anniversary expansion set, introducing a new card type called “Future rare” with a distinctive chromatic aesthetic. The new cards feature muted color schemes and unique ornate textures that have generated mixed reactions among collectors—while some fans embrace the premium look, others view the subdued coloring as unappealing.

The Pokémon Company previously revealed close-up footage of the Mew and Mewtwo Future rare cards in an official trailer, though the animations didn’t fully capture the true appearance. Recent real-life footage has now provided collectors with a clearer view of how these special cards look when held in hand, revealing authentic details about their texture and finish.

The 30th anniversary set has generated significant anticipation within the Pokémon collecting community, though concerns persist around secondary market impacts. Scalping and reselling speculation have historically plagued major Pokémon card releases, and this anniversary set is expected to face similar pressures as collectors compete for limited inventory.

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