Pokemon 30th anniversary art books launch December 18 in Japan
The three-volume set spans over 1,500 pages and covers the series from 1996 to 2025, priced at 5,500 yen per book.
The Pokemon Company and Game Freak have announced three Pokemon 30th anniversary art books for release in Japan on December 18, 2026, according to gamerant.com. The volumes cover 30 years of the franchise's game history.
Each book costs 5,500 yen in Japan, roughly $35, or about $105 for the complete set. Every volume runs around 500 pages, putting the bundle at over 1,500 pages in total, printed in full color at B5 size.
The collection is divided by era: Volume 1 covers games from 1996 to 2009, Volume 2 spans 2010 to 2017, and Volume 3 takes in 2018 to 2025. The books feature development history images, unpublished concept art, 3D material and a developer interview.
Availability is limited to Japan, where the books will be sold only through the website of official partner Overlap.
An anniversary year
Throughout 2026, The Pokemon Company has marked the franchise's 30th anniversary with new games, the Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen ports, events in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and Pokemon GO, spin-off releases and a dedicated anniversary Pokemon TCG set. In December 2025, Pokemon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC was released.
Quick answers
When do the Pokemon 30th anniversary art books come out?
They are set for release on December 18, 2026, in Japan.
How much do the art books cost?
Each volume is priced at 5,500 yen in Japan, roughly $35, or about $105 for the full set.
Where can I buy the books?
They will only be available in Japan through the website of official partner Overlap.