Kettering Pokémon fans queue for hours as trading cards mark 30th anniversary release
Scores of Pokémon fans have queued outside Geek Retreat in Kettering to be some of the first to get their hands on the 30th anniversary release of the latest trading cards.
The High Street outlet had a range of the special drop of Pokémon Trading Card Game cards in stock available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Some fans had already reserved cards back in July with collections waiting them.
Mawsley mum-of-two Vikki Grimbley was at the head of the line ready to purchase Pokémon goodies for her sons, as store manager Loz Bone opened the door at midday.
She said: “My youngest, he absolutely loves anything Pikachu. So this set is going to be quite good for him. I think it's just grown with us as we've grown up. And then it's just been passed down to the next generation. It’s nice that they’re into something we can share.”
Sons, six-year-old Isaac and Spencer (eight), will be allowed some now, with others being stashed for Christmas.
She added: “My husband used to play and he still plays now. So I think it's just something that you kind of stick with. You stay with Pokémon."
Famous for its ‘Gotta Catch 'Em All’ phrase, Pokémon trading cards are popular with all ages, attracting players, collectors and people who are looking to get lucky to make a quick quid.
Based on video games, the first set of 102 cards came out in 1996 – originally on sale for pocket money prices, some cards now sell for vast sums.
The basic goal of the Pokémon Trading Card Game is to win by taking all of your prize cards, knocking out all of your opponent's Pokémon in play, or winning if your opponent cannot draw a card at the start of their turn.
Store manager Loz thinks the popularity of the trading cards has increased with the latest release seeing the the shop’s biggest ever demand.
Another successful buyer holding tight to his cards was Shaun Craig, a Pokémon fan since a schoolboy, who was looking forward to sharing the trading cards with his wife.
He said: “Obviously I was there when it first came out and then just got back into it in the last year. And I've just gone mad for it.
"I think some of the value is nostalgia. You grow up and you've got more money, and then you can do it with your kids as well. You can sort of pass that, you know, not on. So I think it's to do with that as well.”
Characters on the cards have powers with the most famous and iconic characters Charizard, Pikachu and Mewtwo.
One of the rarest and most sought-after Pokémon cards in the world sold in 2026 for a record-breaking amount.
A Pikachu Illustrator card that belonged to American influencer and wrestler Logan Paul sold for just over £12m – its value had tripled in five years.
But sadly for Shaun, his original card collection is long gone.
He added: “My mum would give them to the neighbours when I grew out of them. I did have some very good cards when I was younger as well, but they probably wouldn't have been very good condition!”