First Partner Illustration Collection
Every Pokémon Trainer has a first partner.
From Bulbasaur and Charmander to Sprigatito and Fuecoco, starter Pokémon have been part of the Pokémon adventure since the beginning. The Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection celebrates that tradition with a series of special collections featuring beloved first partner Pokémon from different regions.
The 2026 First Partner Illustration Collection series combines illustration rare-style promo cards, Pokémon TCG booster packs, and first partner-themed stickers.
The collection is divided into three series, with each release highlighting first partner Pokémon from three different regions.
What Is the First Partner Illustration Collection?
The First Partner Illustration Collection is a special Pokémon TCG product series built around the Pokémon that Trainers choose at the beginning of their adventures.
Each collection contains:
- 1 special promo pack containing 3 of 9 possible first partner promo cards
- 2 additional Pokémon TCG booster packs
- 1 sticker sheet featuring first partner Pokémon
The three promo cards are selected from nine possible Pokémon associated with the regions featured in that particular series. Pokémon describes the cards as illustration rare-style promo cards.
The three series together celebrate nine Pokémon regions and their first partner Pokémon.
First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1
Series 1 launched on March 20, 2026.
It focuses on first partner Pokémon from:
- Kanto
- Sinnoh
- Alola
The collection contains a promo pack with three of nine possible illustration rare-style promo cards, two additional Pokémon TCG booster packs, and a sticker sheet.
Series 1 First Partner Pokémon
The nine possible Pokémon come from the three featured regions.
Kanto:
- Bulbasaur
- Charmander
- Squirtle
Sinnoh:
- Turtwig
- Chimchar
- Piplup
Alola:
- Rowlet
- Litten
- Popplio
This gives collectors three generations of starter Pokémon to discover in one collection.
First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2
Series 2 launched on June 19, 2026.
This release moves to three different regions:
- Johto
- Unova
- Galar
Like Series 1, it contains three of nine possible illustration rare-style promo cards, two additional Pokémon TCG booster packs, and a sticker sheet.
Series 2 First Partner Pokémon
Johto:
- Chikorita
- Cyndaquil
- Totodile
Unova:
- Snivy
- Tepig
- Oshawott
Galar:
- Grookey
- Scorbunny
- Sobble
Series 2 is particularly interesting for collectors who enjoy the starter Pokémon from the Johto, Unova, and Galar generations.
First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3
Series 3 launched on August 7, 2026.
The final collection focuses on:
- Hoenn
- Kalos
- Paldea
It follows the same product structure as the first two series, with three of nine possible promo cards, two additional booster packs, and a sticker sheet.
Series 3 First Partner Pokémon
Hoenn:
- Treecko
- Torchic
- Mudkip
Kalos:
- Chespin
- Fennekin
- Froakie
Paldea:
- Sprigatito
- Fuecoco
- Quaxly
With Series 3, the collection completes the nine-region lineup represented across the three products.
First Partner Illustration Collection Contents
Although the featured Pokémon change from series to series, the basic product format remains consistent.
Each collection contains:
1 Promo Pack
The special promo pack contains three of nine possible first partner Pokémon promo cards.
These cards have an illustration rare-style appearance and are exclusive to the collection.
Because the cards are selected from a pool of nine, opening a collection does not guarantee a specific trio.
2 Pokémon TCG Booster Packs
Each collection also includes two additional Pokémon TCG booster packs.
These packs are separate from the special promo pack and provide another opportunity to discover cards from the Pokémon TCG.
The contents of the booster packs are randomized, so a particular Pokémon or rarity is not guaranteed.
3 First Partner Sticker Sheet
Every collection includes a sticker sheet featuring first partner Pokémon friends.
The stickers complement the starter Pokémon theme and give the product a small merchandise component in addition to the cards.
What Makes the Promo Cards Special?
The promo cards are the centerpiece of the First Partner Illustration Collection.
Instead of using standard booster-pack artwork, the cards have an illustration rare-style design.
The artwork celebrates the Pokémon as first partners rather than simply presenting them as cards for gameplay.
This makes the cards particularly suitable for collectors who enjoy:
- Starter Pokémon
- Illustration cards
- Promo cards
- Regional Pokémon
- Character-focused collections
The three cards included in each collection are selected from nine possible Pokémon, adding a small surprise element to every opening.
Collecting All Three Series
Collectors who want to experience the complete First Partner Illustration Collection can collect all three series.
The regional structure makes the series easy to organize.
| Series | Regions Featured | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Series 1 | Kanto, Sinnoh, Alola | March 20, 2026 |
| Series 2 | Johto, Unova, Galar | June 19, 2026 |
| Series 3 | Hoenn, Kalos, Paldea | August 7, 2026 |
The three releases together cover:
- Kanto
- Johto
- Hoenn
- Sinnoh
- Unova
- Kalos
- Alola
- Galar
- Paldea
This creates a broad first partner collection spanning the main Pokémon regions represented in the products.
First Partner Pokémon From Kanto
Kanto introduced the original starter trio:
- Bulbasaur
- Charmander
- Squirtle
These Pokémon helped establish the Grass, Fire, and Water starter tradition that continues throughout the Pokémon series.
Their inclusion in Series 1 gives collectors an opportunity to add the original first partners to a modern Pokémon TCG promo collection.
First Partner Pokémon From Johto
Johto’s trio consists of:
- Chikorita
- Cyndaquil
- Totodile
These Pokémon appeared in Pokémon Gold, Pokémon Silver, and Pokémon Crystal.
Their appearance in Series 2 connects the modern collection to one of the earliest generations of Pokémon.
First Partner Pokémon From Hoenn
Hoenn’s starter Pokémon are:
- Treecko
- Torchic
- Mudkip
They represent the Grass, Fire, and Water choices associated with the Hoenn adventure.
These three appear in Series 3 alongside the Kalos and Paldea starters.
First Partner Pokémon From Sinnoh
Sinnoh introduced:
- Turtwig
- Chimchar
- Piplup
They are the first partner Pokémon associated with Pokémon Diamond, Pokémon Pearl, and their related titles.
Series 1 gives collectors an opportunity to collect these alongside Kanto and Alola starters.
First Partner Pokémon From Unova
The Unova trio consists of:
- Snivy
- Tepig
- Oshawott
These Pokémon are featured in Series 2 together with the Johto and Galar starters.
Tepig also appears in the separate Ascended Heroes First Partners Deluxe Pin Collection, giving collectors another way to collect one of the Unova starters.
First Partner Pokémon From Kalos
Kalos introduced:
- Chespin
- Fennekin
- Froakie
These three starters appear in Series 3 alongside Hoenn and Paldea.
Their inclusion helps complete the regional structure of the First Partner Illustration Collection.
First Partner Pokémon From Alola
The Alola starters are:
- Rowlet
- Litten
- Popplio
They are included in Series 1 with the Kanto and Sinnoh starters.
This gives Series 1 a mixture of classic and newer first partner Pokémon.
First Partner Pokémon From Galar
Galar’s starter trio consists of:
- Grookey
- Scorbunny
- Sobble
These appear in Series 2 alongside Johto and Unova.
The three Pokémon represent the beginning of the Galar adventure in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
First Partner Pokémon From Paldea
Paldea’s starter Pokémon are:
- Sprigatito
- Fuecoco
- Quaxly
They appear in Series 3 with Hoenn and Kalos.
As the starters from the Scarlet and Violet generation, they bring the collection into the modern Pokémon era.
First Partner Illustration Collection for Collectors
The collection offers several different collecting possibilities.
Collect the Three Series
The simplest approach is to collect Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3.
This gives you products representing all nine featured regions.
Collect the Promo Cards
Another approach is to focus specifically on the illustration rare-style promos.
Since each series has nine possible promo cards and three are included per collection, collectors may need multiple openings or trades to assemble the complete promo lineup.
Collect One Pokémon From Each Region
You could also build a regional collection by choosing one favorite first partner from each region.
For example:
- Bulbasaur — Kanto
- Cyndaquil — Johto
- Mudkip — Hoenn
- Piplup — Sinnoh
- Oshawott — Unova
- Froakie — Kalos
- Rowlet — Alola
- Scorbunny — Galar
- Sprigatito — Paldea
This creates a nine-card display representing nine different Pokémon regions.
First Partner Illustration Collection for New Collectors
The product is also accessible to people who are just beginning to collect Pokémon cards.
Each collection has a simple structure:
3 promo cards + 2 booster packs + 1 sticker sheet
There are no complicated gameplay accessories to manage.
This allows new collectors to focus on discovering Pokémon, opening booster packs, and organizing their cards.
First Partner Illustration Collection for Pokémon Fans
You do not have to be a competitive Pokémon TCG player to enjoy this collection.
The focus is strongly connected to the Pokémon characters themselves.
Fans can collect their favorite starter Pokémon regardless of whether they play the trading card game.
The sticker sheet also adds a non-card collectible to the product.
First Partner Illustration Collection vs. Original First Partner Products
The 2026 First Partner Illustration Collection should not be confused with the original First Partner products released for Pokémon’s 25th anniversary.
The original First Partner program featured oversized cards representing starter Pokémon from different regions.
The 2026 First Partner Illustration Collection uses standard Pokémon TCG promo cards with illustration rare-style artwork.
This distinction is important for collectors searching for specific First Partner products.
How to Organize a First Partner Collection
A binder is an easy way to organize the promo cards.
You can arrange them chronologically by region:
- Kanto
- Johto
- Hoenn
- Sinnoh
- Unova
- Kalos
- Alola
- Galar
- Paldea
Alternatively, arrange the cards by type:
- Grass starters
- Fire starters
- Water starters
A nine-pocket binder page can also be used to display one complete regional trio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the First Partner Illustration Collection?
It is a 2026 Pokémon TCG product series celebrating first partner Pokémon from different Pokémon regions through illustration rare-style promo cards, booster packs, and stickers.
How many First Partner Illustration Collections are there?
There are three series: Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3.
What comes in each collection?
Each collection includes a promo pack containing three of nine possible promo cards, two Pokémon TCG booster packs, and one first partner-themed sticker sheet.
Which regions are in Series 1?
Series 1 features Kanto, Sinnoh, and Alola.
Which regions are in Series 2?
Series 2 features Johto, Unova, and Galar.
Which regions are in Series 3?
Series 3 features Hoenn, Kalos, and Paldea.
How many promo cards are included?
Each collection contains three promo cards, selected from nine possible first partner Pokémon.
Are the promo cards randomly selected?
Yes. The product contains three of nine possible promo cards for its featured regions.
Are the booster packs guaranteed to contain starter Pokémon?
No. The two additional booster packs are randomized and do not guarantee specific Pokémon.
When did Series 1 release?
Series 1 launched on March 20, 2026.
When did Series 2 release?
Series 2 launched on June 19, 2026.
When did Series 3 release?
Series 3 launched on August 7, 2026.
Celebrate Every First Partner
The Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection gives collectors a new way to celebrate the Pokémon that begin each Trainer’s journey.
Across Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3, the collection brings together first partner Pokémon from nine regions, from Kanto’s Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle to Paldea’s Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.
With illustration rare-style promo cards, booster packs, and first partner stickers, each collection combines card collecting with a strong character-focused theme.
Whether you collect one favorite starter, complete individual regional trios, or aim to collect all three series, the First Partner Illustration Collection offers a simple way to celebrate the Pokémon that have been there from the very beginning.
First Partner Illustration Collection – Pokémon TCG Guide
Discover the Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection, including Series 1, 2 and 3, promo cards, booster packs, stickers, regions, and starter Pokémon.
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First Partner Illustration Collection
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