Mega Evolution is back. The first set of a brand-new era, Mega Evolution, released on September 26, 2025 and brought Mega Evolution Pokémon ex to the modern game, inspired by Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It also introduced the gold Mega Hyper Rare, the rarest cards in the new series. Here's the collector's guide: the dates, the mechanics, the chase cards and what came in every box.
Mega Evolution at a Glance
- Release date: September 26, 2025
- Set code: ME01, the first expansion of the Mega Evolution series
- Set size: 132 cards plus secret rares (188 in total)
- Headliners: Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex, plus Mega Venusaur ex, Mega Kangaskhan ex and Mega Latias ex
- New rarity: Mega Hyper Rare
- Japanese counterparts: Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia
Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
Mega Evolution Pokémon ex have huge HP and big attacks, but they give up three Prize cards when Knocked Out. The set includes ten of them. Mega Evolution also brought some fun collector firsts: Item, Pokémon Tool and Stadium cards as full-art Ultra Rares, and the return of mirror holofoil cards for the first time since the Black & White era.
The Chase Cards
Mega Hyper Rares. Gold Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex are the first cards of the new rarity and the top pulls of the set.
Mega ex Special Illustration Rares. Mega Lucario ex, Mega Gardevoir ex and Mega Venusaur ex in top-tier art.
Lillie's Determination Special Illustration Rare. The set's most popular Trainer card.
Full-art Items and Tools. Cards like Rare Candy and Night Stretcher in full art for the first time.
The Product Lineup
| Product | What's inside |
|---|---|
 Booster Pack
|
10 cards plus a basic Energy, in one of four pack artworks |
 Mega Heroes Mini Tin Display
|
A full display of Mega Heroes mini tins, each with booster packs and an art card |
| Build and Battle Box | 4 packs and a ready-to-play 40-card deck with 1 of 4 promos |
 Booster Bundle
|
6 packs |
| Elite Trainer Box | 9 packs and accessories, in Mega Lucario and Mega Gardevoir versions |
| Booster Box | 36 packs |
 Enhanced Booster Box
|
36 packs plus a stamped Bulbasaur promo in Illustration Rare style |
Our quick picks: The Enhanced Booster Box is the best way to chase the Mega Hyper Rares, and the Bulbasaur promo is a nice bonus. The Booster Bundle is an easy entry point, and the Mega Heroes Mini Tin Display is great for collectors who want every tin.
Tips for Collectors
- Know the new rarity. Mega Hyper Rares are gold and sit above Special Illustration Rares, so they're the rarest cards in each Mega Evolution set.
- Look for mirror holos. Mirror holofoil cards are back and make a fun side collection.
- Check sold listings. Compare recent eBay sold listings before buying or selling singles.
Keep Collecting With Booster Pack Cards
Browse our Pokémon TCG Booster Boxes, Booster Bundles and Tins, or shop the full Pokémon TCG collection. Catch up on the previous era with our Black Bolt and White Flare guide, or read on with our Phantasmal Flames collector's guide.
