Pokémon Set Releases to Watch in 2026
The Mega Evolution era is in full swing, and 2026 has already delivered some of the most talked-about Pokémon TCG sets in years. Here's our rundown of the cards collectors are chasing right now in Chaos Rising and Perfect Order — plus a first look at the brand-new Pitch Black set landing this July.
Mega Evolution cards are back at the heart of the modern Pokémon TCG, and the sets in this era have been running smaller than previous years. Smaller sets mean tighter pull rates, which pushes up the value of the top chase cards. Knowing what's hot and what's coming helps you decide the best moment to sell your collection.
Chaos Rising: Mega Greninja Steals the Show
Chaos Rising arrived on 22 May 2026 as the fourth main set in the Mega Evolution series. Built around the world of Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the Kalos region, it was one of the most hyped releases of the year — and most of that hype centred on a single card.
Chaos Rising
The fourth Mega Evolution set, headlined by Mega Greninja ex. Features five Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, six Special Illustration Rares, and a Mega Hyper Rare of Mega Greninja ex sitting at the very top of the pull sheet.
Most Desirable Chaos Rising Cards
Fans decided early that this was a "Mega Greninja ex or bust" set, and the market has largely agreed. These are the cards driving the most demand:
Mega Greninja ex (Special Illustration Rare)
The undisputed crown jewel and box-art star
Mega Greninja ex (Mega Hyper Rare)
The rarest pull in the set — a gold-tier grail
Roxie's Performance (SIR)
A fan-favourite Trainer card with punk styling
Mega Dragalge ex (SIR)
A striking dragon-type second-string chase
Perfect Order: The Meowth Surprise
Released on 27 March 2026 as the third Mega Evolution set, Perfect Order introduced four brand-new Mega Evolutions to the TCG — Mega Zygarde, Mega Starmie, Mega Clefable and Mega Skarmory. But the story of this set has been an unexpected one.
Perfect Order
The third Mega Evolution set, headlined by the gold Mega Zygarde ex. A compact set with six Special Illustration Rares — and a surprise breakout star that nobody saw coming.
Most Desirable Perfect Order Cards
While Mega Zygarde ex was the featured mascot, it's a nostalgic fan-favourite that has stolen the spotlight on the secondary market:
Meowth ex (Special Illustration Rare)
The shock top chase — nostalgia and gorgeous art
Mega Zygarde ex (Mega Hyper Rare)
The all-gold grail and rarest card in the set
Mega Zygarde ex (SIR)
The box-art mascot's Special Illustration Rare
Clefairy (Illustration Rare)
A dreamy, Ghibli-esque budget favourite
Both sets prove the power of nostalgia. In Perfect Order, the Meowth ex SIR outsold the far rarer gold Mega Zygarde ex Hyper Rare — a reminder that a beloved character with gallery-worthy artwork can beat pure rarity every time.
Coming Soon: Pitch Black
The next big release is almost here. Pitch Black is the fifth main Mega Evolution set, and it brings a darker, shadows-and-nightmares theme to the TCG.
If the pattern from Chaos Rising and Perfect Order holds, expect the Mega Darkrai ex Special Illustration Rare and its gold Hyper Rare to lead the chase, with plenty of demand for the darker, atmospheric artwork this set promises. It's one to watch when prereleases kick off in early July.
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