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Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black Expansion Announced
The Pokémon Company International has officially announced Mega Evolution — Pitch Black, the fifth mainline English expansion in the Mega Evolution era. The set launches worldwide on July 17, 2026, and introduces powerful new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex drawn from the Mega Dimension DLC of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. 🌑
📋 Set Overview
Release Date - July 17th, 2026
Prerelease Dates - July 4th–12th, 2026
Set Number - ME05
Total Cards - 115+
Japanese Source - Abyss Eye (May 22nd, 2026)
🃏 Featured Cards
Pitch Black is headlined by four confirmed Mega Evolution Pokémon ex:
- 🌑 Mega Darkrai ex — Set mascot. The first Dark-type Mega in the TCG since Mega Gengar ex in Phantasmal Flames. Emerges from the shadows with commanding presence.
- ⚡ Mega Zeraora ex — An Electric-type Mythical receiving its Mega Evolution debut. Strikes back with electrifying power.
- 🔥 Mega Chandelure ex — The Ghost/Fire-type chandelier Pokémon joins the Mega Evolution roster.
- ⛏️ Mega Excadrill ex — The Ground/Steel-type mole Pokémon makes its Mega Evolution TCG debut.
✨ Pull Rates & Rarities
The set features the standard English rarity structure for the Mega Evolution era:
- 6 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
- 4 Pokémon ex
- 11 Illustration Rare (IR) Pokémon
- 18 Ultra Rare (UR) Pokémon & Trainer cards
- 6 Special Illustration Rare (SIR) Pokémon & Supporter cards
📦 Products Available at Launch
ProductContents
Booster Box - 36 booster packs with 10 cards per pack
Elite Trainer Box - 9 booster packs · Promo card · Accessories
Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box - 11 booster packs · Promo card with stamp · Exclusive accessories
Booster Bundle - 6 booster packs
Sleeved Booster Case - 24 sleeved booster packs
Booster Pack - 10 cards · Single pack
Check Lane Blister - 1 booster pack · Promo coin
Build & Battle Box - 4 booster packs · 40-card ready-to-play deck (Prerelease only)
📅 Key Dates
DateEvent
May 22, 2026 - 🇯🇵 Japanese source set Abyss Eye releases
July 4–12, 2026 - 🎮 Prerelease events at participating local game stores
July 16, 2026 - 📱 Digital release on Pokémon TCG Live (iOS, Android, macOS, Windows)
July 17, 2026 - 🌍 Worldwide physical release
🌑 About the Name
Darkrai is known in Pokémon lore as the "Pitch-Black Pokémon" — a Mythical Darkness-type that haunts dreams and cloaks itself in pure shadow. The English set name is a direct nod to this epithet, continuing the Mega Evolution era's tradition of naming expansions after the featured Pokémon's character or lore (as seen with Phantasmal Flames, Perfect Order, and Chaos Rising).
📱 TCG Live Early Access
Players will be able to collect and battle with Mega Evolution — Pitch Black cards one day early on Pokémon TCG Live, starting July 16, 2026. In-game login bonuses will be available at launch.
🛒 Where to Buy
Mega Evolution — Pitch Black will be available at participating retailers worldwide from July 17, 2026. Browse all Pitch Black products on TCGGO, including:
We'll update this article with the full card list, SIR breakdowns, and collector analysis as cards are revealed in the coming weeks. Stay tuned. 🔔