It’s hard to believe that the Pokémon brand has been with fans for three decades. Starting from the very first games, the franchise quickly grew into one of the world’s most iconic cultural phenomena, spanning video games, trading cards, anime, toys, and countless merchandise.
The year 2026 is especially significant as Pokémon officially celebrates its 30th anniversary. While fans eagerly await news about the next generation of Pokémon, the brand continues to roll out special activities to mark this memorable milestone.
One standout character is Meowth, the Normal-type Pokémon that has appeared since the very first generation.
Meowth gets a fresh new look for Pokémon’s 30th anniversary
Meowth first appeared in Pocket Monsters Red & Green in 1996. Since then, this feline Pokémon has become one of the franchise’s most familiar faces, especially thanks to its frequent appearances in the anime.
To celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, Meowth will appear alongside Alolan Meowth in the Pokémon TCG expansion titled 30th Celebration.
Both versions were revealed on August 8 to coincide with International Cat Day. According to the announcement, the new designs are inspired by day and night themes, giving each Meowth a distinct look.
Notably, Meowth is not just featured on new cards this time. The Pokémon also boasts completely new artwork with vibrant, eye-catching artistic styles.
Alolan Meowth shines in a nighttime setting
One of the new artworks for Alolan Meowth was created by artist Natsumi Yoshida. It depicts Alolan Meowth enjoying a peaceful evening stroll in a beautifully crafted, artistic environment.
The rare version of Alolan Meowth offers a completely different vibe. Here, the cat is shown sneaking around at night on a tall staircase.
This piece was created by OKUBO. Sharp-eyed fans can spot hidden details within the artwork, including appearances by a regular Meowth and a Galarian Meowth.
These subtle touches make the artwork not only visually stunning but also invite players to explore every corner of the image.
The original Meowth features bright, sunny colors
While Alolan Meowth is set against nighttime scenes, the original Meowth embraces a completely opposite style.
In the new artwork by MINAMINAMI Take, Meowth is shown basking in sunlight, enjoying a restful nap. The image of the cat Pokémon resting under the sun conveys a gentle, adorable vibe true to Meowth’s classic character.
The rare version, also created by OKUBO, places Meowth in the same urban setting as Alolan Meowth. However, instead of moving through the shadows, this Meowth is catching some sleep in a precarious pose perched on a railing. This version also includes other Pokémon hidden in the scene for fans to discover.
According to sources, the Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration set is scheduled for release on September 16. As Pokémon celebrates 30 years, this card set promises to be a standout collectible for fans and collectors alike.