Pokemon TCG Sets Coming in 2026: Complete Release Calendar

The fifth English Mega Evolution set lands 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 Mega Evolution in the expansion
• Featured Pokemon include Chandelure, Excadrill, and Zarude
• Approximately 86 main set cards plus secret rares. Same structure as prior Mega Evolution sets
• Special Illustration Rares, Illustration Rares, Hyper Rares, and Mega Hyper Rares confirmed
• Elite Trainer Box features a Zarude promo card
• Booster Box ships sealed with 36 booster packs. Best per-pack value for ripping or stocking the case

Release timeline:

• Prereleases: July 4–12, 2026 at participating local game stores
• Digital PTCGL release: July 16, 2026
• Physical release: July 17, 2026
• Pre-orders expected to open in late May / early June 2026

Pitch Black continues the Mega Evolution era's run of strong product releases. Mega Darkrai has been a fan-favorite request for years, and pairing it with Mega Zeraora gives the set two genuinely sought-after chase Megas. Expect Australian allocation to move quickly when pre-orders open.

Featured: pre-order pick

Pitch Black Booster Box

$389.95 AUD · 36 sealed booster packs. Pre-order allocation is live and set to ship from Melbourne from 17 July 2026 once stock lands.

Pre-order Booster Box →

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: August 7, 2026
• Pre-orders are open now at Drop Store while current allocation lasts
• Orders ship from Melbourne 2–5 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.

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

What we know:

• Mega Greninja ex is the headline card. A fan-favorite Pokemon finally getting the Mega Evolution treatment
• Shadow/ninja theme with stealth mechanics and strategic gameplay depth
• ~86 main set cards plus secret rares
• 11+ 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: May 9–17, 2026 at local game stores
• Digital PTCGL release: May 21, 2026
• Physical release: May 22, 2026
• Released May 22, 2026. Current stock is available at Drop Store while allocation lasts

Given the popularity of Greninja and the ninja theme, Chaos Rising is anticipated to be one of the year's most sought-after sets.

The second wave of Pokemon's 30th anniversary First Partner Illustration Collection lands in June, spotlighting 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

Release timeline:

• Physical release: June 19, 2026
• Series 3 (Hoenn, Kalos, Paldea) is reported for August 7, 2026, pending an official Pokemon product page

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; first run sold through quickly.

The second Mega Evolution expansion brings balance to the battlefield with over 120 cards featuring Pokemon tied to the upcoming 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-favorite Pokemon into the Mega Evolution era
• Meowth ex featured alongside other classic Pokemon
• 120+ cards in the set including secret rares
• Over 25 Trainer cards and 30+ Pokemon with special illustrations
• Strong thematic connection to the Legends: Z-A storyline and Kalos region

See our Perfect Order chase cards guide →

Available products:

• Booster Box (36 packs). Currently available at Drop Store
• Elite Trainer Box. 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 run before March 27 at participating local game stores
• Digital PTCGL release: March 26, 2026 (one day before physical launch)
• Physical release: March 27, 2026

Part of Pokemon's 30th anniversary celebrations, the First Partner Illustration Collection brings back beloved starter Pokemon with stunning illustration rare-style artwork. This collector-focused product series will span 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. More First Partner series releases are planned throughout 2026, likely covering other regions including Johto, Hoenn, and Unova.

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 are releasing in waves 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

Ascended Heroes Booster Bundles are in stock at Drop Store and shipping from Melbourne. Most earlier Ascended Heroes products have sold through. See our Ascended Heroes chase cards guide →

Featured value pick

Ascended Heroes Booster Bundle

$159.95 AUD · 6 sealed booster packs · in stock, ships from Melbourne. The cheapest per-pack way to chase Mega Gengar ex SIR, Mega Charizard Y MHR and Mega Dragonite ex MHR. No ETB accessories, just packs to rip.

Shop Booster Bundle →

Celebrating Pokemon's 30th anniversary on February 27, 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.

Originally released alongside Phantasmal Flames on November 14, 2025, this premium product features exclusive metal Charizard cards and 16 booster packs. Limited stock remains available at select retailers.

Beyond Pitch Black in July, official main-set announcements for late 2026 haven't dropped yet. First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3 releases August 7, 2026, while the next main expansion is still to be announced. Based on the typical Pokemon TCG release cadence and this being the 30th anniversary year, collectors can expect:

• At least 1–2 more main expansions continuing the Mega Evolution era after Pitch Black
• First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3, releasing August 7, 2026, featuring Hoenn, Kalos and Paldea starters
• Special 30th anniversary products and collections
• Legends: Z-A video game tie-in products when the game launches
• Premium collection boxes and holiday gift sets in Q4
• Potential new era or mechanic introduction late in the year

We'll update this calendar as new sets are officially announced by The Pokemon Company.