SODA, Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Yuta Uchiyama), which operates the marketplace app "SNKRDUNK," is opening special content on September 9 (Wednesday), 2026 that looks back on the history of the Pokémon Trading Card Game ahead of its 30th anniversary this October. Starting the same day and running through November 3 (Tuesday), the company is also holding a campaign in which famous cards from throughout the game's history are given away by weekly lottery.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game marks 30 years since its release on October 20 (Tuesday), 2026. Pokémon cards rank at the top of SNKRDUNK's hobby category by trading volume, and with this milestone year, SODA wanted to share the game's history and appeal not only with longtime fans but with anyone who has taken an interest in it.
Content Overview
(1) Special content: "30 Years of Pokémon Cards — Looking Back at It All"
A special in-app page presents the 30-year history of the Pokémon Trading Card Game in timeline form, from the original cards released in 1996 through the latest series. Looking back at standout cards from each series, it highlights popular cards from each era alongside SNKRDUNK's latest market prices and tips for spotting counterfeits.
(2) Weekly lottery campaign for famous cards that have colored the game's 30-year history
Famous Pokémon cards that have already passed authentication are given away by lottery over eight weeks in total. The lineup includes rare cards long supported by collectors and cards that caused a stir at the time of their release — items that are hard to find today.
Campaign Overview
Title: Weekly lottery campaign for famous Pokémon cards that have colored the game's 30-year history
Period: September 9 (Wed) to November 3 (Tue), 2026
Prizes: Famous Pokémon cards from throughout the game's history. See the special site for each week's prize details. Prizes may change without notice.
How to enter:
- Download the SNKRDUNK app and register as a member
- Tap "Post first" on the special site and post about the week's theme along with the hashtags "#スニダン" and "#ポケカ30周年"
- Tap "Enter the lottery" to complete your entry
Entry also requires completing SMS verification and registering a shipping address and SNS (X) account. See the special site for each week's participation conditions.
Special site: https://snkrdunk.com/lp/pokemoncard-30th
Notes:
- Lottery entry is only available through the SNKRDUNK app
- Each person may enter only once per item
- Due to unavoidable circumstances such as market-driven procurement difficulty, condition issues, or changes/outages related to the X (formerly Twitter) API, prizes may be changed (including substitution with items of equivalent value) or the campaign may be canceled or altered without prior notice
Weekly Prizes
Week 1 | Pikachu ex SAR [MC 764/742] (Start Deck 100 "Battle Collection") (1 winner)
The SAR (Super Art Rare) version of Pikachu from Start Deck 100 "Battle Collection." One of the most popular current Pikachu cards, it has drawn attention since its release.
Entry period: September 9 (Wed) to September 15 (Tue)
Winners announced: September 18 (Fri)
Week 2 | Mew ex FUR [M6a 135/103] (expansion pack "30th CELEBRATION") / Mewtwo ex FUR [M6a 134/103] (expansion pack "30th CELEBRATION") (1 winner for the set)
Cards symbolizing FUR (Futuristic Rare), a new rarity introduced with the 30th-anniversary expansion pack "30th CELEBRATION." Mew and Mewtwo, leading characters popular since the original games, are rendered in vivid color.
*Items included in "30th CELEBRATION" are subject to change depending on stock availability.
Entry period: September 16 (Wed) to September 22 (Tue)
Winners announced: September 25 (Fri)
Week 3 | Pikachu ex promo [131/M-P] ("30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX") / Pikachu ex promo [132/M-P] ("30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX") (1 winner for the set)
Limited promo cards bundled with "30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX," a special set commemorating the 30th anniversary. They feature an adorable illustration of Pikachu created by graphic artist YOSHIROTTEN.
*Items included in "30th CELEBRATION" are subject to change depending on stock availability.
Entry period: September 23 (Wed) to September 29 (Tue)
Winners announced: October 2 (Fri)
Week 4 | Mega Charizard X ex SAR [M2 110/080] (expansion pack "Inferno X") (1 winner)
The SAR version of Mega Charizard X ex from the MEGA expansion pack "Inferno X." It is a particularly popular card within the current "MEGA series," which brought back Mega Evolution.
Entry period: September 30 (Wed) to October 6 (Tue)
Winners announced: October 9 (Fri)
Week 5 | Mega Gengar ex SAR [M2a 240/193] (high-class pack "MEGA Dream ex") (1 winner)
The SAR version of Mega Gengar included in the high-class pack "MEGA Dream ex." Known for its artistic design capturing the character's personality, it has also won support from collectors overseas.
Entry period: October 7 (Wed) to October 13 (Tue)
Winners announced: October 16 (Fri)
Week 6 | Pikachu promo [SVP EN 085] ("Van Gogh Exhibition" promo card "SVP EN") [English version] (1 winner)
Born from an official collaboration between the Van Gogh Museum and Pokémon, this card became a major talking point worldwide. It depicts Pikachu in an oil-painting style inspired by Van Gogh's "Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat."
Entry period: October 14 (Wed) to October 20 (Tue)
Winners announced: October 23 (Fri)
Week 7 | ___'s Pikachu promo (Birthday Pikachu) [S8a-P 007/025] (promo card pack 25th ANNIVERSARY edition) / Pikachu V, without vinyl packaging [S8a-G 001/015] (25th Anniversary Golden Box) (1 winner for the set)
A set pairing "___'s Pikachu (Birthday Pikachu)," which depicts Pikachu surrounded by presents and a cake, with a specially gold-finished Pikachu V. Both drew strong attention during the 25th-anniversary year and remain supported by collectors today.
Entry period: October 21 (Wed) to October 27 (Tue)
Winners announced: October 30 (Fri)
Week 8 | Secret (1 winner)
The final week's prize will be announced later on the special site.
Entry period: October 28 (Wed) to November 3 (Tue)
Winners announced: November 6 (Fri)
For full details, check the special site.
