Guide: Pokémon 30th Anniversary Partner Set Vol. 1

February 12, 2026

The high energy and electrifying Rising Volt Tacklers have sailed back into the Gem Pack Series. They will officially feature as the main theme for Gem Pack Vol. 5. Gem Pack Vol. 1 featured the Pokémon Horizons characters along with their Pokémon in their first evolution line. For Gem Pack Vol 5, we will see the trainers and their Pokémon in their secondary evolution line. One may assume that we’ll see a final evolution in a future Gem Pack too…

Fun Facts: Their name is derived from the signature Electric-type move used by Pikachu (Volt Tackle) and seeing that the group’s mascot and second-in-command is Captain Pikachu… well, we don’t really need to explain the rest if that right?! Anyway, Rising comes from the flying airship they use to get around. But it’s ‘Tacklers…’ Correct you are. The group is always tackling difficult problems and challenges head-on. So now you know.

Extra Fun Fact: The airship’s name is the Brave Olivine.

Additional Fun Fact: Brave Olivine is Brave (see above section about tackling problems and challenges). Olivine is a coastal port city known for the ocean, trade, travel, and a famous lighthouse. Now, if you put all that in a pot and let it simmer, you end up with: a courageous vessel of exploration, inspired by a place associated with perilous journeys, difficult navigation, and a cool lighthouse? Well, it made sense before it was all written out.

Bonus Additional Fun Fact: Electricity is dangerous. So, Pikachu (while cute and cuddly) needs to be treated with care.

Release details

Name: “Gem Pack Vol. 5” | 宝石包VOL. 5 | CBB5C
Release date of set: 24 April 2026
Location: Mainland China
Language of cards: Simplified Chinese
Booster Box contents: 4 x cards per pack | 18 x packs per box

Gem Pack Vol 5 Booster Pack Design

Unlike earlier Simplified Chinese sets, Gem Pack series only releases one type of booster box (4 cards per pack). No slim or jumbo boxes are available. Boo!

Gem Pack Vol. 5 Rarity System

The unique rarity system continues in Gem Pack Vol. 5, exclusive to this series:

Common ●
Uncommon ◆
Rare ★
Double Rare ★★
Triple Rare ★★★

Each pack contains 3× ● or ◆ cards, plus 1 guaranteed ★, ★★, or ★★★ card. Translation: you’re always going to get something worth showing off from this set. That’s a promise! 😉

Collector’s Tip: In previous Gem Series boxes, you were guaranteed one “3-star” rarity per box.

Revealed Cards

Unlike Gem Pack Vol. 4 (that had only ONE exclusive card), Gem Pack Vol. 5 will feature four Simplified Chinese exclusive cards. All four cards will include the Pokémon Horizons Stamp on the card (same as Gem Pack Vol. 1 did), and who doesn’t love a stamp?

Unrelated trivia: A question to see how smart your friends are… What sits in a corner and travels around the world? Answer at the end of the article… 😊

These will be great additions to the binder for anyone that collects cards of Pokémon eating food (we know we’re not alone in this collection piece). Or is it cards of food being eaten by Pokémon – a mystery for the ages that one!

There is a little mixed opinion when it comes to Captain Pikachu, due to the artworks being so similar… We consider it an upgrade for Friede and Captain Pikachu, but lowkey hoping the third feature will Friede’s Charizard 👀 That captain’s hat sure looks good on our little yellow buddy.

The Booster Pack Pull rates have confirmed there will be a total of 28 Pokémon illustrations (just like Gem Pack Vol. 4). Only six other illustrations have been revealed so far.

Interestingly, the Growlithe had previously been released alongside Perrin in both English and Japanese, due to the connecting artworks. The Perrin card has been released in Bright Fantasy (CSV8C), so we’ve been eagerly awaiting to see which set would feature the Growlithe.

A Deeper Dive into the Artists

Keita Hagiwara (Captain Pikachu): An actual key animator for the Pokémon TV anime. This marks his debut into the Pokémon TCG artist scene!

Lyu YiFei (Liko & Floragato): Also a key animator for Pokémon Horizons (and DAN DA DAN). She has worked on TCG art in pools before but this is a standout feature.

Kouki Yanagihara (Crocalor & Roy): Another animation veteran with no previous TCG artworks until now.

Yamazaki Rei (Dot & Quaxwell): A Chief Animation Director who also illustrated the Pokémon 30th Anniversary art below. Unlike the others, Rei is no stranger to the TCG (see Vol. 1).