First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2: everything to know before June 19, 2026

The First Partner Illustration Collection is one of the most anticipated initiatives of Pokémon's anniversary year. After a first wave centered on Kanto, Sinnoh and Alola released in March 2026, The Pokémon Company confirms Series 2 for June 19, 2026, this time with the starters of Johto, Unova and Galar in the spotlight. Here's everything you need to know before release.

The context: 30 years of Pokémon, 30 years of starters

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, and the First Partner Illustration Collection is one of the flagship productions of this commemoration. The idea is simple but effective: pay tribute to each generation's starter Pokémon through promo cards in the Illustration Rare format, that full-card visual treatment that appeared with the Scarlet & Violet era, unanimously praised by collectors for the quality of its artistic compositions.

The series is split into three waves across 2026, each covering three regions. Series 1 (Kanto, Sinnoh, Alola) kicked things off in March. Series 2 (Johto, Unova, Galar) follows in June. A third wave will complete the calendar later in the year.

Contents of a box

Each box in the Collection is identical in structure, regardless of region:

The promo booster is the centerpiece: it contains 3 illustrated cards corresponding to a region's three starter Pokémon. Each box is dedicated to a specific region, which means you'll want three different boxes to complete the nine Series 2 promos.

The 9 Pokémon of Series 2: Johto, Unova, Galar

Series 2 honors nine starter Pokémon spread across three iconic regions.

Johto box, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile

The Johto region, introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver, sees its three starters brought together for the first time in this format. Totodile's card is already drawing attention from the community: its illustration shows it alongside the famous Red Gyarados of the Lake of Rage, one of the most iconic scenes of the Johto games. A nod immediately recognizable to a whole generation of players.

Unova box, Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott

The starters of the Unova region (Pokémon Black and White) make up a trio much loved by adult collectors. Oshawott's card stands out for its urban backdrop: the illustration places the Pokémon in front of the Ferris wheel of Nimbasa City, a direct reference to one of the liveliest areas of the Unova games. This kind of narrative staging, rooted in the games' geography, is precisely what the Illustration Rare format makes possible.

Galar box, Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble

The Galar starters (Pokémon Sword and Shield) round out the regional trio. Less nostalgic than Johto but very popular with players of the 2010-2020 era, they offer a balance between familiarity and artistic freshness.

Why this box interests collectors

The Illustration Rare format is in demand. Since its introduction, this type of treatment has systematically generated sustained demand on the secondary market, well beyond classic ex or V cards. The Series 1 box promos quickly found buyers, especially the cards with strong nostalgic pull.

The narrative dimension of the illustrations. Unlike a classic illustration centered on the Pokémon, the First Partner series cards place each starter in a setting drawn from its original game. This editorial choice creates an immediate emotional connection for collectors who grew up with these games, and reinforces the perceived value of each card.

9 promos to collect per series. The structure of 3 distinct boxes (one per region) with fixed contents, no randomness on the promos themselves, is a plus: you know exactly what you're buying. No frustration tied to the random.

A format that's accessible in price. With a suggested retail price around 14.99 USD (roughly €14-16 in France depending on the retailer), these boxes stay in an entry-level range that makes them attractive for a first purchase as much as for completing an existing collection.

Series 1, Series 2, Series 3: the summary table

Series 3 should logically cover the remaining regions, Hoenn, Kalos, Paldea are the natural candidates, but no official confirmation has been shared to date.

Should you wait for release or pre-order?

The Series 1 boxes saw stock shortages in the first few weeks, particularly the Kanto boxes (strong nostalgia effect). Series 2 benefits from a wider pre-order window and better anticipation from retailers, but Johto remains a region with strong nostalgic capital that draws real demand.

If you're after the Johto cards as a priority (and especially the Totodile/Red Gyarados promo), don't wait too long after June 19.

Tracking the promos' market value

From the June 19 release, the first raw sales of the promo cards will begin to settle. To track their market value in real time on the French market, you can use PokéItem or download the app directly to your phone, available on iOS and Android.