First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 — Complete Guide for UAE Collectors
The First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 is here — the first wave of Pokemon's 30th anniversary celebration and one of the most sought-after collector products of 2026. Each box contains a special promo pack with three of nine exclusive Illustration Rare cards featuring beloved starter Pokemon from the Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola regions. Whether you are chasing the full connected artwork or picking up your first anniversary product, here is everything you need to know.
What Is the First Partner Illustration Collection
The First Partner Illustration Collection is a limited product line created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pokemon. Three series are planned throughout 2026, each spotlighting starter Pokemon from different regions. Series 1 covers Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola — three generations that defined how millions of players began their Pokemon journey. Each collection box contains one special booster pack with three of nine possible Illustration Rare promo cards, two standard Pokemon TCG booster packs, and a sticker sheet featuring the first partner Pokemon. The product is designed as an affordable, collectible entry point — not a competitive deck-building tool — making it ideal for collectors, nostalgic fans, and anyone who appreciates premium Pokemon card art.
All 9 Illustration Rare Promo Cards
Series 1 features nine Illustration Rare promo cards split evenly across three regions. From Kanto, you get Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle — the original trio — with artwork packed with Gym Badges and classic Pokedex imagery that transports you back to Generation 1. The Sinnoh trio of Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup showcases the iconic Poketch and region-specific gadgets from Diamond and Pearl. Rounding out the set, the Alola starters Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio are depicted alongside Z-Crystals that evoke the island challenge trials of Sun and Moon. Every card is rendered in the Illustration Rare style — a premium designation that signals top-tier artwork — and each regional trio forms a connected panoramic scene when placed side by side.
What Makes These Cards Special
These nine Illustration Rare promos are exclusive to the First Partner Illustration Collection — they cannot be pulled from any regular booster set, Elite Trainer Box, or other sealed product. That built-in scarcity is the primary driver of collector interest. The connected artwork is another standout feature: line up all three cards from a single region and they form one continuous panoramic illustration, rich with Easter eggs and callbacks to each generation. Because each promo pack contains only three of the nine cards at random, completing a full set requires multiple purchases or trading with other collectors. The 30th anniversary branding adds a layer of historical significance — these are commemorative pieces that mark a milestone, and Pokemon anniversary products have consistently appreciated in value over time.
How It Differs from Regular Pokemon TCG Products
The First Partner Illustration Collection is not a booster box and it is not an Elite Trainer Box. It is a compact collector product with a focused purpose. You get five cards total — three Illustration Rare promos plus whatever you pull from the two standard boosters — compared to the dozens of packs in a booster display. There is no gameplay angle here: the promos are art-first collectibles, not tournament staples. The price point reflects that accessibility — this is one of the most affordable ways to get your hands on Illustration Rare cards. With only three series planned for 2026, the product line is inherently limited. Once Series 1 allocation is gone, restocks are not guaranteed, which is a sharp contrast to mainline sets that receive multiple print runs throughout the year.
Market Value and Collector Demand
Demand for the First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 has been exceptional. The product sold out at most global retailers within days of release, and secondary market prices quickly tripled from retail. Collectors are drawn to the combination of 30th anniversary exclusivity, nostalgia for the original starter trios, and the Illustration Rare card quality. Early market trends suggest the Kanto trio — Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle — commands the highest individual card prices, driven by Generation 1 nostalgia. The connected artwork display factor also adds a premium for complete regional sets. If you are looking to pick up a box at a fair price, Apex Vault has the First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 available for UAE collectors with fast local delivery.
Completing the Full 9-Card Set
Each promo pack contains three randomly selected cards from the pool of nine, so a single box will not complete your set. On average, collectors report needing three to four boxes to pull all nine unique cards, though luck varies. The most efficient approach is to buy two or three boxes and trade duplicates with friends or local collectors. Once you have the full set, the real payoff is displaying the three connected panoramas — Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola each form a single wide illustration that looks stunning in a frame or binder spread. Protect your cards immediately after opening with penny sleeves and toploaders, especially the Kanto starters which carry the highest individual value. A completed Series 1 set in mint condition is already trading at a significant premium over the cost of individual cards.
Where to Buy in the UAE
The First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 is available now at Apex Vault with delivery across the UAE. Shopping online saves you the hunt across multiple physical stores — browse, order, and have it delivered to your door in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere in the Emirates. Orders over AED 150 ship free across the UAE. Stock is limited due to global demand, so if you have been waiting to pick this up, do not sit on it. Grab a few boxes to maximise your chances of completing the set, and check our full range of sealed products for other new releases dropping alongside the 30th anniversary line.
What Comes Next — Series 2 and Series 3
Series 1 covers Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola, which means six regions are still on deck. Series 2 and Series 3 will arrive later in 2026, likely featuring the remaining starter trios from Johto, Hoenn, Unova, Kalos, Galar, and Paldea. Each future series is expected to follow the same format — nine Illustration Rare promos with connected regional artwork, two standard boosters, and a sticker sheet. For collectors aiming to assemble the complete 30th anniversary collection across all three series, starting with Series 1 now puts you ahead. Follow Apex Vault on Instagram for restock alerts, Series 2 announcements, and early access to new Pokemon TCG releases throughout the anniversary year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cards are in First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1?
Series 1 contains 9 Illustration Rare promo cards: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle (Kanto), Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup (Sinnoh), and Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio (Alola). Each regional trio features connected panoramic artwork.
How many cards do you get in a First Partner Illustration Collection box?
Each box contains 1 special promo pack with 3 of 9 random Illustration Rare cards, 2 standard Pokemon TCG booster packs, and 1 sticker sheet.
Can you complete the First Partner set from one box?
No. Each box gives you 3 of the 9 cards at random. Most collectors need 3-4 boxes to complete the full set, or you can trade duplicates with other collectors.
When do First Partner Series 2 and 3 release?
Series 2 and 3 are confirmed for later in 2026 but exact dates have not been announced. They will cover the remaining starter regions: Johto, Hoenn, Unova, Kalos, Galar, and Paldea.
Where can I buy First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 in the UAE?
Apex Vault stocks the First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 with delivery across the UAE. Free shipping on orders over AED 150.