The Pokemon TCG is delivering one of its biggest years ever in 2026, with Mega Evolution dominating the competitive and collector scene alongside Pokemon's 30th anniversary celebrations. Whether you're a collector hunting rare Special Art Rares or a competitive player building meta decks, this complete release calendar covers every confirmed set and product launch coming to Australia.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
🎯 Right now (May 2026): Chaos Rising pre-orders are live ahead of the May 22 drop — AU allocation is tight on Mega Greninja products. Perfect Order, First Partner Series 1, and the full Ascended Heroes lineup are all in stock and shipping from Melbourne.
Pre-order Chaos Rising → Shop Perfect Order Shop Ascended Heroes
Jump to a release
- Pitch Black — July 17, 2026
- Chaos Rising — May 22, 2026
- Perfect Order — Released Mar 27, 2026
- First Partner Illustration Collection — Released Mar 20, 2026
- Ascended Heroes — Staggered: Feb–Apr 2026
- Pokemon Day 2026 Collection — Released Jan 30, 2026
- Mega Charizard X UPC — Released Nov 2025
- Q4 2026 Looking Ahead — To be announced
Mega Evolution — Pitch Black
July 17, 2026
The fifth English Mega Evolution set lands mid-2026 with a darker, dual-Mega lineup. Pitch Black is the English version of Japan's "Mega Symphonia" expansion (set code ME05) 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
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.
⚡ ETB pre-orders open now — Pitch Black drops July 17, 2026.
The Elite Trainer Box (with Zarude promo) is live at Drop Store. AU allocation is tight on Mega Darkrai products — lock yours in to avoid the post-launch markup.
Mega Evolution — Chaos Rising
May 22, 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 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
- Pre-orders expected to open in April 2026
Further product details and card reveals are expected in March–April 2026. Given the popularity of Greninja and the ninja theme, Chaos Rising is anticipated to be one of the year's most sought-after sets.
⚡ Pre-orders open now — Chaos Rising drops May 22, 2026.
AU allocation is tight on Mega Greninja products. Lock yours in to avoid the post-launch markup.
Mega Evolution — Perfect Order
Released Mar 27, 2026
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:
- Elite Trainer Box (standard and Pokemon Center exclusive)
- Booster Box (36 packs)
- Booster Bundle (6 packs and 3 packs)
- Sleeved Booster
- Checklane Blister
- Build & Battle Box — arrives April 10, 2026
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
First Partner Illustration Collection — Series 1
Released Mar 20, 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.
Mega Evolution — Ascended Heroes
All Waves Released
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
Australian Release Schedule
- February 13, 2026 — ReleasedTech Sticker Collection — 3 packs + foil promo + sticker sheet
- February 20, 2026 — ReleasedElite Trainer Box (9 packs + N's Zekrom promo + accessories), Mini Tins (2 packs + art card + sticker sheet), Erika/Larry Collection (2 packs + foil promo + metallic coin)
- March 20, 2026 — ReleasedPremium Poster Collection — 10 packs + Mega attack rare-style promo + double-sided poster
- April 24, 2026 — ReleasedMega Ex Boxes (4 packs + foil promo + oversize lenticular card) and Booster Bundle (6 packs)
All Ascended Heroes products are in stock at Drop Store and shipping from Melbourne. See our Ascended Heroes chase cards guide →
Pokemon Day 2026 Collection
Released Jan 30, 2026
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.
Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection
Released Nov 14, 2025
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 — a must-have for serious collectors.
Prismatic Evolutions — Originally released January 2025, restocks continue into early 2026 due to massive collector demand. Booster bundles, mini tins, and surprise boxes remain available at Drop Store while supplies last.
What to Expect
To Be AnnouncedBeyond Pitch Black in July, official set announcements for late 2026 haven't dropped yet. 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
- 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.
Australian Release Dates vs. Global
Pokemon TCG release dates in Australia typically align with global English-language releases, though availability can vary. Street dates are usually the same as the US and UK, pre-orders open 2–4 weeks before release, allocation can be limited for high-demand sets, and pricing in AUD is generally higher than USD equivalents.
Tips for Australian Collectors in 2026
Pre-Order Early — For high-demand sets like Ascended Heroes and Perfect Order, pre-ordering is essential. Products can sell out within days of pre-orders opening — Ascended Heroes ETBs are already trading at significant premiums on the secondary market.
Budget Planning — With multiple major releases throughout 2026 plus 30th anniversary products, plan your collecting budget carefully. Consider which sets matter most to you and allocate accordingly.
Storage and Protection — As your collection grows, invest in proper storage. Card binders, top loaders, and climate-controlled storage will protect your investment long-term.
Stay Informed — Follow Drop Store's blog for the latest release date announcements, product reveals, and collecting tips specific to the Australian market.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Pokemon TCG set releasing in Australia?
The next Pokemon TCG set releasing in Australia is Chaos Rising on May 22, 2026 — pre-orders are open now. After that, Mega Evolution — Pitch Black follows on July 17, 2026 with Mega Darkrai ex and Mega Zeraora ex.
What Pokemon TCG sets are coming in 2026?
Confirmed Pokemon TCG sets for 2026 include: Ascended Heroes (out now in waves through April), First Partner Illustration Collection — Series 1 (March 20), Perfect Order (March 27), Chaos Rising (May 22), and Mega Evolution — Pitch Black (July 17). Additional sets for Q4 2026 will be announced later in the year, with at least 5-6 main expansions expected total.
When does Perfect Order release in Australia?
Perfect Order releases in Australia on March 27, 2026, with prereleases running beforehand at local game stores. The digital version launches on Pokemon TCG Live one day earlier on March 26, 2026.
What is Chaos Rising Pokemon TCG?
Chaos Rising is the fourth Mega Evolution set for the Pokemon TCG, releasing May 22, 2026. It features Mega Greninja ex as the headline card and is based on Japan's "Ninja Spinner" set. The expansion includes shadow and ninja-themed mechanics with approximately 86 main cards plus secret rares.
How many Pokemon TCG sets will release in 2026?
At least 5 main Pokemon TCG sets are confirmed for 2026 so far: Ascended Heroes, Perfect Order, Chaos Rising, Mega Evolution — Pitch Black, plus more expected for Q4. This doesn't include special collections and anniversary products celebrating Pokemon's 30th anniversary.
What is Pitch Black Pokemon TCG?
Mega Evolution — Pitch Black is the fifth English Mega Evolution set, releasing July 17, 2026. It features Mega Darkrai ex and Mega Zeraora ex as the headline cards, plus Chandelure, Excadrill, and a Zarude promo in the Elite Trainer Box. The expansion is the English version of Japan's "Mega Symphonia" set (set code ME05).
Where to Buy 2026 Pokemon TCG Sets in Australia
Stay ahead of every new release by shopping at Drop Store Melbourne.
- Early pre-orders on all upcoming sets
- Competitive pricing in AUD
- Fast shipping from Melbourne Australia-wide
- 100% authentic, brand new & factory sealed
- Free shipping on orders over $150