Target is celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with a wave of nostalgic merchandise, from trading cards to special-edition Owala bottles. But fans hoping to catch ’em all may have to move quickly — some of the most anticipated items are already proving difficult to snag.
The Pokémon Company unveiled a full slate of Pokémon Trading Card Game products for the franchise’s 30th anniversary, including Elite Trainer Boxes, Booster Bundles and an Ultra-Premium Collection. Many of the releases also feature special promotional cards aimed squarely at collectors, according to Polygon, a video game and entertainment website.
One of the most sought-after releases is the Pokémon Trading Card Game: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box, priced at $69.99 at Target.
As of Sept. 16, Target’s website listed the box as out of stock.
The box includes nine 30th Celebration booster packs, a full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 card sleeves, dice, a collector’s box and other accessories. The anniversary set also features fan favorites including Mewtwo, Mew, Umbreon, Salamence and Greninja, along with 30 different Pikachu rare cards to collect.
The sellout has already frustrated some fans.
The Elite Trainer Box had a 1.64-star rating based on 200 reviews on Target’s website early Sept. 16, with many of the reviews focused not on the product itself but on difficulties purchasing it.
“Never even saw the option to purchase, wasted night,” one reviewer wrote. Another simply said the item “never showed stock.”
Trading cards aren’t the only way Target is marking three decades of Pokémon.
The retailer is also selling Pokémon-themed Owala 16-ounce stainless steel FreeSip water bottles for $29.99. The special-edition designs include Charizard, Pikachu, Gengar, Eevee evolutions and the Kanto region’s first partner Pokémon. Target listed the bottles as in stock on Sept. 16, though availability can change quickly.
Target notes that inventory for high-demand products can change quickly and that adding an item to an online shopping cart does not guarantee it will still be available by checkout. Shoppers can also use Target’s website or app to check inventory at nearby stores.
Fans hoping to buy the anniversary trading cards in person may also encounter additional crowd-control or purchase procedures surrounding the high-demand release, according to Polygon. Exact rules can vary by location, so shoppers planning to line up may want to check with their local Target before heading out.
When is Pokémon 30th anniversary?
The franchise marked its 30th anniversary on Feb. 27, 2026, commemorating the original Pokémon games’ 1996 debut in Japan. The latest Target drop is part of Pokémon’s yearlong 30th anniversary celebration.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Target drops Pokémon 30th anniversary merch and it’s selling out
