The Pokémon Company has confirmed a new commemorative art book to mark the franchise’s 30th Anniversary.
Titled the Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide, the volume is scheduled to go on sale in August 2026 and collects 300 pages of artwork and historical material drawn from the series’ video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), the anime and other franchise media.
Context and significance
The Pokémon franchise launched in 1996 and has since expanded across multiple formats, including core titles on Nintendo platforms, the long-running anime and a globally popular TCG.
The Deluxe Character Guide arrives as a retrospective release intended for collectors and long-time fans, offering a consolidated look at character designs and visual history that span three decades.
Release formats and Limited Edition contents
The Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide will be offered as a Standard edition (art book only) and a Limited Edition Box Set Collection.
According to the announcement, the Limited Edition Box Set includes several physical bonuses designed for collectors:
- A Certificate of Authenticity placed in a customized envelope featuring Pikachu.
- Two collectible video game prints printed on premium art paper and housed in a unique video game–inspired folio.
- Two collectible animation prints housed in a unique animation–inspired folio.
- An exclusive premium Pokémon Trading Card Game playmat (24" x 14") featuring Pikachu and over 130 other Pokémon.
Paraphrasing the announcement
The Pokémon Company said the Deluxe Character Guide will be available from August 2026 as a special commemorative publication celebrating 30 years of Pokémon across games, the trading card game and the anime.
The statement framed the book as a curated collection intended to highlight the franchise’s visual evolution and character roster.
What this means for fans and collectors
The Deluxe Character Guide offers a physical showcase of Pokémon art at a time when the franchise remains highly visible on Nintendo platforms.
Pokémon titles continue to be a core presence on Nintendo Switch, and the brand’s releases and announcements frequently intersect with Nintendo’s broader publishing and promotional channels.
Collectors who prioritize physical memorabilia and art books are the main audience for this August 2026 release.
Availability and further details
The Pokémon Company provided the release month and Limited Edition contents; pricing, pre-order windows and regional distribution were not included in the initial announcement.
Fans should watch official Pokémon channels and retailers for full pre-order and availability information as August approaches.
Titled the Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide, the volume is scheduled to go on sale in August 2026 and collects 300 pages of artwork and historical material drawn from the series’ video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), the anime and other franchise media.
Context and significance
The Pokémon franchise launched in 1996 and has since expanded across multiple formats, including core titles on Nintendo platforms, the long-running anime and a globally popular TCG.
The Deluxe Character Guide arrives as a retrospective release intended for collectors and long-time fans, offering a consolidated look at character designs and visual history that span three decades.
Release formats and Limited Edition contents
The Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide will be offered as a Standard edition (art book only) and a Limited Edition Box Set Collection.
According to the announcement, the Limited Edition Box Set includes several physical bonuses designed for collectors:
- A Certificate of Authenticity placed in a customized envelope featuring Pikachu.
- Two collectible video game prints printed on premium art paper and housed in a unique video game–inspired folio.
- Two collectible animation prints housed in a unique animation–inspired folio.
- An exclusive premium Pokémon Trading Card Game playmat (24" x 14") featuring Pikachu and over 130 other Pokémon.
Paraphrasing the announcement
The Pokémon Company said the Deluxe Character Guide will be available from August 2026 as a special commemorative publication celebrating 30 years of Pokémon across games, the trading card game and the anime.
The statement framed the book as a curated collection intended to highlight the franchise’s visual evolution and character roster.
What this means for fans and collectors
The Deluxe Character Guide offers a physical showcase of Pokémon art at a time when the franchise remains highly visible on Nintendo platforms.
Pokémon titles continue to be a core presence on Nintendo Switch, and the brand’s releases and announcements frequently intersect with Nintendo’s broader publishing and promotional channels.
Collectors who prioritize physical memorabilia and art books are the main audience for this August 2026 release.
Availability and further details
The Pokémon Company provided the release month and Limited Edition contents; pricing, pre-order windows and regional distribution were not included in the initial announcement.
Fans should watch official Pokémon channels and retailers for full pre-order and availability information as August approaches.
