Pokemon TCG Sets Coming in 2026: Complete Release Calendar

Pokemon TCG ME06: Delta Reign

Releases 6 November 2026. Delta Reign is the next major Mega Evolution-era main set and the early chase focus is Mega Rayquaza. If the main chase card lands well, this has the kind of demand setup that could track close to Phantasmal Flames, but it is still too early to treat that as guaranteed.

Expected products:

• Booster Box and Booster Box Case
• Elite Trainer Box
• Booster Bundle
• Sleeved Boosters
• Three pack blisters

Release and preorder timing:

• Australian release date: 6 November 2026
• Pre-orders are likely around late September, but timing and allocation still need confirmation
• EB Games and JB Hi-Fi are likely to be among the first major retailers to open pre-orders
• Kmart, Big W, Target, Myer, David Jones, Mr Toys and Games World are more likely to appear closer to release or on release day

Mega Evolution: Pitch Black

Released 17 July 2026. The fifth English Mega Evolution set landed mid-2026 with a darker, dual-Mega lineup. Pitch Black is the English version of Japan's "Abyss Eye" expansion (set code M5) and headlines the Q3 2026 release slate.

What we know:

• Mega Darkrai ex headlines the set as the cover Mega Pokemon
• Mega Zeraora ex is the second headline Mega Evolution in the expansion
• Official Pokemon pages confirm over 115 cards, including Mega Chandelure ex and Mega Excadrill ex, with Zarude also featured
• Special Illustration Rares, Illustration Rares, Hyper Rares and Mega Hyper Rares confirmed
• The Elite Trainer Box features a Zarude promo card
• The Booster Box ships sealed with 36 booster packs, but has sold through at Drop Store

Release timeline:

• Prereleases: 4 to 12 July 2026 at participating local game stores
• Digital PTCGL release: 16 July 2026
• Physical release: 17 July 2026
• Pitch Black has now released in Australia
• Elite Trainer Box stock is currently available at Drop Store; Booster Box stock has sold through

Pitch Black continues the Mega Evolution era's run of strong product releases. Mega Darkrai has been a fan-favourite request for years, and pairing it with Mega Zeraora gives the set two genuinely sought-after chase Megas. Pitch Black has now released in Australia. Elite Trainer Box stock is currently available at Drop Store, while Booster Box stock has sold through. You can browse the full Pitch Black range at Drop Store.

First Partner Illustration Collection: Series 3

Releases 7 August 2026. The third wave of Pokemon's 30th anniversary First Partner Illustration Collection lands in August, spotlighting Hoenn, Kalos and Paldea starters. Series 1 covered Kanto, Sinnoh and Alola. Series 2 covered Johto, Unova and Galar. Series 3 completes the current run with another nine Illustration Rare-style promo cards to chase.

What's in each box:

• 1 promo booster pack with 3 of 9 Illustration Rare-style cards (one starter line from each region)
• 2 Pokemon TCG booster packs
• 1 commemorative First Partner sticker sheet

Featured starter Pokemon:

• Hoenn: Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip
• Kalos: Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie
• Paldea: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly

Release timeline:

• Physical release: 7 August 2026
• Pre-orders are open now while current allocation lasts
• Orders ship from Melbourne 2 to 5 business days from release once stock lands

Like the earlier First Partner waves, this is a collector-focused 30th anniversary product rather than a competitive release. The pull is the regional starter promo set, especially Hoenn's Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip, Kalos favourites like Froakie, and the Paldea trio from Scarlet & Violet. You can check current Pokemon TCG products at Drop Store while allocation lasts.

Mega Evolution: Chaos Rising

Released 22 May 2026. The fourth English Mega Evolution set brings shadow and ninja-themed mechanics to the Pokemon TCG. Based on Japan's "Ninja Spinner" set (released 13 March in Japan), Chaos Rising features stealth-focused gameplay and stunning artwork.

What we know:

• Mega Greninja ex is the headline card, a fan-favourite Pokemon finally getting the Mega Evolution treatment
• Shadow and ninja theme with stealth mechanics and strategic gameplay depth
• Around 86 main set cards plus secret rares
• 11 or more ultra-rare cards including Special Illustration Rares, Illustration Rares, Hyper Rares and Mega Hyper Rares
• Based on Japan's highly successful "Ninja Spinner" set

Release timeline:

• Prereleases: 9 to 17 May 2026 at local game stores
• Digital PTCGL release: 21 May 2026
• Physical release: 22 May 2026

Given the popularity of Greninja and the ninja theme, Chaos Rising is one of the year's most sought-after sets. Mega Greninja demand is strong, with Booster Box, Elite Trainer Box and Booster Bundle stock still available in the Chaos Rising range at Drop Store while allocation lasts.

First Partner Illustration Collection: Series 2

Released 19 June 2026. The second wave of Pokemon's 30th anniversary First Partner Illustration Collection spotlights Johto, Unova and Galar starters. Series 1 covered Kanto, Sinnoh and Alola. Series 2 picks up the run with another nine Illustration Rare-style promo cards to chase.

What's in each box:

• 1 promo booster pack with 3 of 9 Illustration Rare-style cards (one starter line from each region)
• 2 Pokemon TCG booster packs
• 1 commemorative First Partner sticker sheet

Featured starter Pokemon:

• Johto: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile
• Unova: Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott
• Galar: Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble

Like Series 1, this is a collector-focused product rather than a competitive one. The draw is the nine new Illustration Rare-style promos. Australian allocation is limited and the first run sold through quickly. Series 2 allocation is currently sold through; if you want the next starter promo wave, Series 3 pre-orders are open now for the 7 August 2026 release.

Mega Evolution: Perfect Order

Released 27 March 2026. The second Mega Evolution expansion brings balance to the battlefield with over 120 cards featuring Pokemon tied to the Legends: Z-A video game. Perfect Order expands the Mega Evolution mechanic with new strategic options for both collectors and competitive players.

Confirmed cards and details:

• Mega Zygarde ex headlines the set as the flagship card
• Mega Starmie ex and Mega Clefable ex bring fan-favourite Pokemon into the Mega Evolution era
• Meowth ex featured alongside other classic Pokemon
• 120 or more cards in the set including secret rares
• Over 25 Trainer cards and more than 30 Pokemon with special illustrations
• Strong thematic connection to the Legends: Z-A storyline and Kalos region

Available products:

• The Booster Box has sold through at Drop Store
• Elite Trainer Box has sold through at Drop Store
• Other sealed products including Booster Bundle, sleeved boosters, checklane blisters and Build & Battle products may vary by retailer

Release timeline:

• Prereleases ran before 27 March at participating local game stores
• Digital PTCGL release: 26 March 2026 (one day before physical launch)
• Physical release: 27 March 2026

For the best pulls ranked by price, see our Perfect Order chase cards guide.

First Partner Illustration Collection: Series 1

Released 20 March 2026. Part of Pokemon's 30th anniversary celebrations, the First Partner Illustration Collection brings back beloved starter Pokemon with stunning Illustration Rare-style artwork. The collector-focused product series spans throughout 2026, with Series 1 kicking things off in March.

What's included:

• 1 promo booster pack containing 3 of 9 possible Illustration Rare-style promo cards
• 2 regular Pokemon TCG booster packs
• 1 commemorative sticker sheet

Featured starter Pokemon:

• Kanto: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle
• Sinnoh: Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup
• Alola: Rowlet, Litten, Popplio

This is a celebration and collector piece rather than a competitive product. Later First Partner series cover the remaining regions: Series 2 (Johto, Unova, Galar) released in June and Series 3 (Hoenn, Kalos, Paldea) follows in August.

Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes

Released in waves from 13 February to 24 April 2026. The first major expansion of 2026 introduced the Mega Evolution mechanic to the modern Pokemon TCG era. Ascended Heroes features over 290 cards including Mega-evolved Pokemon from multiple generations. Unlike typical set launches, Ascended Heroes products released across four separate dates in Australia.

Key highlights:

• Mega Meganium ex, Mega Emboar ex and Mega Feraligatr ex headline the set
• New Mega Evolution ex mechanic adds strategic depth
• Stunning Special Art Rares of all three Mega starters
• Trainer Full Arts featuring Erika and Larry
• 7 Mega Attack Rare cards with katakana-style attack text
• N's Zekrom Illustration Rare-style promo exclusive to the ETB

Australian release schedule:

• 13 February 2026 (released): Tech Sticker Collection, 3 packs plus foil promo plus sticker sheet
• 20 February 2026 (released): Elite Trainer Box (9 packs plus N's Zekrom promo plus accessories), Mini Tins (2 packs plus art card plus sticker sheet), Erika and Larry Collection (2 packs plus foil promo plus metallic coin)
• 20 March 2026 (released): Premium Poster Collection, 10 packs plus Mega Attack Rare-style promo plus double-sided poster
• 24 April 2026 (released): Mega ex Boxes (4 packs plus foil promo plus oversize lenticular card) and Booster Bundle details (6 packs)

Ascended Heroes Booster Bundles are in stock at Drop Store at $159.95 AUD and shipping from Melbourne; there are no ETB accessories, just packs to rip. Most earlier Ascended Heroes products have sold through, though you can check the full Ascended Heroes range for what remains. For the top pulls, see our Ascended Heroes chase cards guide.

Pokemon Day 2026 Collection

Released 30 January 2026. Celebrating Pokemon's 30th anniversary on 27 February, this special collection includes a stamped foil Pikachu promo card, a metallic coin featuring the anniversary logo, and three booster packs from different Pokemon TCG expansions.

Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection

Released 14 November 2025. Originally released alongside Phantasmal Flames, this premium product features exclusive metal Charizard cards and 16 booster packs. Limited stock remains available at select retailers, and you can buy Pokemon cards in Australia through the Drop Store Pokemon TCG range.