The Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection is a three-part series of small boxes released through 2026 to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, each one built around brand-new artwork of the starter Pokémon from three regions. Across Series 1, 2 and 3 there are 27 promo cards in total, covering the first partners from all nine regions.
This guide explains what’s inside each Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection box, which starters appear in which series, and how the regional trios join up into one wider illustration. We look at First Partner Series 3 in detail, and also cover the Simplified Chinese and Japanese versions, so you can see how the English boxes compare before you choose.
What Is the Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection?
A “first partner” is the starter Pokémon you choose at the beginning of a main-series Pokémon game: one Grass type, one Fire type and one Water type. Every region from Kanto to Paldea has its own trio, which gives the Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection nine regions and 27 Pokémon to work with.
The Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection gives each of those 27 starters a new full-art illustration. The cards were released as MEP Black Star Promos, numbered from 037 to 063, so they sit in the same promo series as other Mega Evolution era promos rather than in a main expansion. Bulbapedia’s MEP Black Star Promos list shows all 27 cards and the series each one comes from.
All 27 promos were illustrated by the same artist, Saboteri. Within each region, the three starters are drawn so their cards join up into one connected scene when you lay them side by side. That design is what makes the Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection so popular with binder collectors: it rewards you for finishing a regional trio, not just pulling a single favourite.
Because these are promo cards, you won’t find them in the booster packs of any expansion. In English they only come from the promo packs in Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection boxes, which is why each series has become a small collecting project of its own.
How the Collections Fit Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary
Pokémon began in Japan on 27 February 1996, and 2026 marks 30 years since then. The Pokémon Company spread its anniversary releases across the year, and the starter boxes were among the first to arrive, with Series 1 in March, Series 2 in June and Series 3 in August.
They lead neatly into 30th Celebration, the all-foil anniversary expansion that launched worldwide on 16 September 2026. If you’d like to know more about that set and its products, read our guide to the 30th Celebration expansion. You can also browse every anniversary product we list in our 30th Celebration category.
The starter theme is a fitting choice for an anniversary. For many fans, picking a first partner is their first memory of Pokémon, and this series lets you collect that moment for every generation at once.
What’s Inside Each Box
Every box in the English Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection follows the same format, whichever series it belongs to. According to PokéBeach’s original report and later product listings, each one contains:
- 1 special promo booster pack holding 3 of that series’ 9 illustration-rare-style promo cards, chosen at random
- 2 Pokémon TCG booster packs
- 1 sticker sheet featuring the series’ first partner Pokémon
The promo pack is the heart of the product. Because it holds three of nine possible cards at random, one box won’t complete a series, and you may get duplicates. Most collectors who want a full set of nine plan on opening several boxes or trading with friends.
The two booster packs come from recent Mega Evolution series expansions. Early reports for Series 1 listed a Mega Evolution pack and a Phantasmal Flames pack. We haven’t seen the exact expansions confirmed for every series and print run, so treat the booster packs as a bonus and the promos as the reason to buy.
Series 1: Kanto, Sinnoh and Alola
Series 1 arrived in March 2026 and features the first partners from Kanto, Sinnoh and Alola. Its nine promos are MEP 037 to MEP 045.
- Kanto: Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle
- Sinnoh: Turtwig, Chimchar and Piplup
- Alola: Rowlet, Litten and Popplio
The Kanto trio is the natural starting point for many collectors, since these are the three Pokémon that began it all in Pokémon Red and Green. Sinnoh’s starters come from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, and the Alola trio from Pokémon Sun and Moon, so Series 1 spans three quite different eras of the games.
That spread is part of the appeal. Fans who grew up in the late 1990s, the late 2000s and the mid-2010s each get a trio of their own in the same box. Bulbapedia’s entry for Bulbasaur (MEP 037) confirms the illustrator and lists the same card’s Chinese and Japanese releases. You’ll find it as the English Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 in our shop.
Series 2: Johto, Unova and Galar
Series 2 released on 19 June 2026 with the starters from Johto, Unova and Galar. Its nine promos are MEP 046 to MEP 054.
- Johto: Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile
- Unova: Snivy, Tepig and Oshawott
- Galar: Grookey, Scorbunny and Sobble
Series 2 is a good pick for fans of Pokémon Gold and Silver, Black and White or Sword and Shield. The Johto trio in particular has a loyal following, and seeing it drawn as one connected scene is a highlight of the whole series. Our listing is the English Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2.
First Partner Series 3: Hoenn, Kalos and Paldea
First Partner Series 3 is the final wave, released on 7 August 2026. It completes the set of nine regions with the starters from Hoenn, Kalos and Paldea, and its nine promos are numbered MEP 055 to MEP 063. Here’s what each regional trio includes.
Hoenn: Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip
The Hoenn starters come from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Mudkip has been a fan favourite for years, and all three evolve into Pokémon that have Mega Evolutions (Sceptile, Blaziken and Swampert), so this trio fits the Mega Evolution era of the card game nicely.
Kalos: Chespin, Fennekin and Froakie
The Kalos trio comes from Pokémon X and Y, the games that introduced Mega Evolution in the first place. Fennekin is promo MEP 059, and Bulbapedia’s Fennekin (MEP 059) entry confirms its release in this series on 7 August 2026. Froakie fans will also recognise its evolution Greninja, which appears as Greninja ex in 30th Celebration and as Mega Greninja ex in Chaos Rising.
Paldea: Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly
The newest trio comes from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly round off the 27-card run, so with First Partner Series 3 you can finally complete a binder page for every generation.
Why Series 3 is worth a closer look
First Partner Series 3 brings together three very different generations, from the Game Boy Advance era to the latest games, which makes it a strong all-round choice. First Partner Series 3 also completes the full run of the Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection, so collectors who started with Series 1 often treat it as the last piece of the puzzle. You’ll find the English Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3 in our shop.
If you love Fennekin, it’s worth knowing that a different full-art Fennekin promo, which Bulbapedia numbers MEP 080, also comes in the Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Boxes. Our guide to standard and Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Boxes explains where that one fits.
All 27 First Partner Promos at a Glance
This table lists every region in the Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection, with its series, starters and promo numbers. The numbers follow Bulbapedia’s MEP list and match the regional order within each series.
| Series | Region | First partners | Promo numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series 1 | Kanto | Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle | MEP 037–039 |
| Series 1 | Sinnoh | Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup | MEP 040–042 |
| Series 1 | Alola | Rowlet, Litten, Popplio | MEP 043–045 |
| Series 2 | Johto | Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile | MEP 046–048 |
| Series 2 | Unova | Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott | MEP 049–051 |
| Series 2 | Galar | Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble | MEP 052–054 |
| Series 3 | Hoenn | Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip | MEP 055–057 |
| Series 3 | Kalos | Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie | MEP 058–060 |
| Series 3 | Paldea | Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly | MEP 061–063 |
Each series mixes three regions from different eras, so no single box is tied to one generation. If you’re only after one region, you’ll still be drawing from a pool of nine cards, which is worth keeping in mind before you buy.
Chinese 30th Anniversary First Partner Series
The same 27 illustrations were also released in mainland China, in the Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG. Bulbapedia lists these as the 30th Celebration First Partner Pokémon Special Illustration Holofoil Card Sets, Vol. 1 to Vol. 3, released on the same days as the English Series 1, 2 and 3.
The Chinese boxes are put together differently. Based on retailer listings, each box holds one random card from the series’ nine, one Simplified Chinese booster pack and an acrylic magnetic display frame. That makes them a neat way to display the card you pull straight out of the box, rather than filing it away in a binder.
We list the Chinese Pokémon 30th Anniversary First Partner Series 1, Series 2 and Series 3. There’s also the Chinese Pokémon First Partner Gift Box Set of 3, a gift option worth a look; check the listing for its exact contents.
Japanese 30th CELEBRATION Card Sets
Japan is getting the same artwork in a different format again. Bulbapedia lists nine Japanese 30th CELEBRATION Card Sets, one for each regional trio, such as the Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle set and the Chespin, Fennekin and Froakie set. Bulbapedia gives the same Saboteri cards Japanese promo numbers, such as 101/M-P for Bulbasaur, and the sets are due on 16 October 2026.
According to PokéGuardian and Samurai Sword Tokyo, each Japanese set holds the three promo cards of its trio, one of each, plus two 30th CELEBRATION booster packs and a paper card stand. Unlike the English and Chinese boxes, each Japanese set is named after its three Pokémon, so you know exactly which trio you’re buying. If you’ve struggled to finish a regional trio from random English promo packs, that’s worth knowing, although the cards will of course be in Japanese.
English, Chinese or Japanese: Which Version Suits You?
The same 27 illustrations now exist in three languages, but each version is packaged for a different kind of collector. Knowing the differences helps you pick the right box first time.
The English Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection gives you the most cards per box: three random promos from a pool of nine, plus two booster packs and a sticker sheet. It’s the best choice if you want English cards, enjoy opening packs and don’t mind trading to finish a trio.
The Chinese boxes, going by retailer listings, hold one random promo, one booster pack and an acrylic magnetic display frame. They suit collectors who want to show off a single card on a shelf or desk. The Japanese 30th CELEBRATION Card Sets are named after their trio and, going by PokéGuardian and Samurai Sword Tokyo, hold all three of its promos, which appeals if you’d rather know exactly which three Pokémon you’re getting.
If you play in English at your local store or simply want cards you can read, the Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection is the natural pick. For display pieces or a different language edition, the Chinese and Japanese versions are worth a look.
Displaying the Connected Artwork
Because each regional trio forms one scene, the Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection was clearly designed with display in mind. A few simple choices make the artwork look its best.
- Use nine-pocket pages. Put each regional trio on its own row, so the three cards sit side by side and the scene can join up.
- Keep sleeves consistent. Matching clear sleeves stop the trio looking uneven, and clear sleeves don’t hide the borders where the artwork joins.
- Try a three-card frame. A frame that holds three cards side by side is a simple way to show a single region on a shelf.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Strong light can fade printed cards over time, so keep binders and frames out of bright windows.
If you’re collecting all three series, a single binder with one page per series keeps everything in order and shows the full nine-region run at a glance.
Other First Partner Products in 2026
The starter theme turns up in other 2026 products too, so it’s worth knowing what’s separate from the Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection. The Ascended Heroes First Partners Deluxe Pin Collection, released in spring 2026, contains five Ascended Heroes booster packs, a deluxe pin and three foil promos of Chikorita, Tepig and Totodile. Those promos are different cards from the ones in Series 2.
The 30th Celebration expansion also includes first partners and their evolutions, such as Fuecoco ex and Greninja ex. These come from booster packs rather than promo boxes, so they’re a separate collecting goal.
How to Complete a Series
Because each English promo pack holds three of nine cards at random, completing a series takes a little planning. These are the habits we’d recommend.
- Decide on your goal first. A full series of nine, a single regional trio and one favourite starter all need different numbers of boxes.
- Open boxes in batches. Opening several at once makes it easier to see which cards you’re still missing.
- Trade duplicates. Swapping spares with friends or at your local game store is often the quickest way to finish a trio.
- Sleeve as you go. These are full-art foil promos, so sleeve them straight away and use top loaders for your favourites.
- Plan your binder page. A nine-pocket page fits one series perfectly, with each regional trio on its own row so the connected artwork lines up.
The Pokémon Company hasn’t published how the nine promos in each series are distributed across promo packs, so we don’t quote odds, and nobody can promise a particular card from a sealed box. What is confirmed is that every Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection promo pack holds three cards from the series’ pool of nine.
If you only want one specific card, buying a box is a gamble on which three you’ll get. In that case, it’s worth thinking about whether a different product, such as one of the Japanese card sets named after a single trio, suits you better.
Which Pokémon First Partner Series Should You Buy?
The best series for you usually comes down to your favourite generation. Here’s a quick way to decide.
- Started with Red, Blue or Yellow? Series 1, for the Kanto trio.
- A Gold and Silver fan? Series 2, for Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile.
- Grew up with Ruby and Sapphire? Series 3, for Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip.
- Playing the newest games? Series 3 includes the Paldea starters from Scarlet and Violet.
- Can’t choose? Buy one of each and start a nine-region binder.
For a gift, any single box is a good size for a stocking filler or a small present, with promos, packs and stickers to open. For a collector who already owns the English versions, the Chinese boxes add a display frame and a different language edition of the same art.
You can also browse our wider English Pokémon range and our collection boxes for other promo products.
Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection FAQs
How many cards are in the Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection?
There are 27 promo cards across three series, nine per series, covering the three starters from all nine regions. They’re numbered MEP 037 to MEP 063.
What’s in each Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection box?
One promo pack with 3 of the series’ 9 promos at random, two Pokémon TCG booster packs and a sticker sheet.
Which starters are in First Partner Series 3?
Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip from Hoenn; Chespin, Fennekin and Froakie from Kalos; and Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly from Paldea.
Can I choose which promos I get?
No. The promo pack holds three of the nine cards in that series at random, so you may need several boxes, or some trades, to complete a set.
Who illustrated the cards?
All 27 promos were illustrated by Saboteri, and each regional trio forms one connected scene when placed side by side.
Is there a Chinese version?
Yes. Mainland China received the same artwork in three volumes, released alongside the English series. Retailer listings show one random card, one booster pack and an acrylic display frame per box.
Where to Buy the Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection
Whether you’re starting with the Kanto trio or finishing your set with Series 3, we list every English series and the Chinese editions. Pick up the English Series 3 box, go back to the start with English Series 1, or browse the 30th Celebration category for more anniversary releases.
For more guides like this, visit the Obsidia TCG blog. If you have a question about any product, email sales@obsidiatcg.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
