Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection (2026) — Series 1, 2 & 3 Guide (Australia)
Every series’ exact contents and starter trios, the Illustration-Rare chases, live AUD pricing, and how this 30th-anniversary promo line has moved on the secondary market. All three series are in stock at Grailborne, shipped Australia-wide.
The First Partner Illustration Collection is a three-part, 30th-anniversary promo line celebrating the starter Pokémon of every region. Each box centres on a promo pack of Illustration-Rare starters — the cheapest official way into the anniversary program, and one that has already appreciated firmly above its Australian retail price.
The three series — what’s in each
All three link straight to their Grailborne page with live AUD pricing. Series 1 (Kanto) is the most sought-after; all three are in stock — Series 1 at A$129, Series 2 at A$69 and Series 3 at A$74.90.
The chase cards
The value sits in the Illustration-Rare starters — especially the Kanto trio in Series 1, which trade well above the ~A$30 retail box price:
| Series 1 chase (AUD secondary) | RRP / retail | Sealed now | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charmander — Illustration Rare | ~A$30 box RRP | ~A$56 | ↑ ~1.9× box |
| Squirtle — Illustration Rare | ~A$30 box RRP | ~A$50 | ↑ ~1.7× box |
| Bulbasaur — Illustration Rare | ~A$30 box RRP | ~A$39 | ↑ ~1.3× box |
Raw ungraded near-mint, indicative AUD secondary values (PriceCharting / TCGplayer / eBay-sold market data, July 2026). High-value chases move week to week.
AUD single-card estimates vs the ~A$30 Target/Kmart/Big W box RRP. Kanto nostalgia makes Series 1 the strongest of the three.
🏆 The Grailborne Take
| Anniversary comparable (AUD) | RRP / retail | Sealed now | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Partner S1 box | ~A$30 RRP (Target/Kmart/Big W) | A$100–150 at Grailborne | ↑ 3–5× |
| 25th “Celebrations” UPC (precedent) | ~A$60 retail (2021) | ~A$1,400–2,200 sealed | ↑ 25–35× (4–5 yrs) |
Retail = AU RRP; secondary = current sealed market. Celebrations (25th) is the closest anniversary comparable.
Indicative AUD sealed figures. Celebrations (the last anniversary set) is the closest comparable for trajectory.
Our read — firm: the cheapest entry into the 30th-anniversary story, and it has already proven it can 4–5× off Australian retail. Best played as a nostalgia hold — buy Series 1 (Kanto) sealed with conviction, keep Series 2/3 for the complete set, and treat it as a percentage play rather than a big-ticket grail.
Grailborne’s mission: as always, Grailborne strives to get modern Pokémon sets into the hands of collectors, investors and rippers — securing inventory in high volumes from the secondary market so there’s always something available for everyone.
Grailborne Index is our own editorial rating, not financial advice. Figures cite indicative sealed-market prices; collectibles can fall as well as rise. Do your own research and buy what you enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
What’s inside a First Partner Illustration Collection box?
Which series is the best to buy?
When did each series release in Australia?
Is First Partner a good investment?
Set facts per official reveals (Pokemon.com) and secondary data (PriceCharting/TCGplayer); card values are estimates that vary by condition and time. Australian pricing and stock per Grailborne. General market information, not financial advice.