Mega Evolution returns today: products in stores, top chase cards, and how to track the full Pokémon TCG checklist

• Posted: September 26, 2025, 12:10 am
• in Sports Card News
• by bionic

* We may earn a commission from purchases made through our affiliate links.

Pokémon’s new Mega era landed today and it feels like a true tentpole release. Big-box aisles and local shops rolled out two different Elite Trainer Boxes, fresh Booster Bundles, and stacks of 3-pack blisters. With Mega Evolution returning, a deeper parallel rainbow, and a couple of brand-new rarities, plan on early lines and quick sellouts in a lot of places.

Here’s a clean, collector-first breakdown of what’s on shelves, what’s worth chasing, and how to keep track of the full set while you rip.

What hit stores today
• Two Elite Trainer Boxes
There are two ETB versions at mass retail, each with its own full-art promo. One features Riolu, the other features Alakazam. The Pokémon Center ETB online is a premium configuration that includes both promos and 11 packs instead of the usual 9.

• Booster Bundles
Six-pack Booster Bundles are back for anyone who wants “just the packs” without ETB extras.

• 3-Pack blisters
Standard 3-packs are out, matching the blister setup previewed before launch.

• Enhanced Booster display
Some shops received a 24-pack Enhanced Booster display. Watch for the Bulbasaur box topper and the themed inserts that connect across displays.

Availability and lines
This is the first release in the new Mega Evolution series and it introduces higher chase tiers. Demand is high. Expect early queues at big retailers and rolling restocks at game stores through the weekend. The set size clears 180 cards and the first wave includes nearly a dozen Mega Pokémon ex, which usually drives traffic.

What makes the Mega set feel different
• Mega Evolution returns, updated for modern play
Megas are back as Pokémon ex that evolve within the normal line. Evolving into a Mega no longer ends your turn, but knocking out a Mega still yields three Prize cards, so there is real risk with the power.

• New rarities and more full arts
This launch starts a broader refresh. There are new chase tiers up top and expanded full-art treatments for Items, Tools, and Stadiums. Mirror holofoils return across the set for parallel fans and binder builders.

Top chase cards on day one
• Mega Gardevoir ex, a centerpiece with multiple premium treatments
• Mega Lucario ex, fan-favorite art and real competitive potential
• Mega Venusaur ex, big HP, splashy ability, showcase variants
• Mega Manectric ex, aggressive attacks, low retreat, premium versions
• Mega Latias ex, Dragon type chase with sleek art
• Mega Kangaskhan ex, colorless favorite that plays well in displays

Market watchers are also flagging a new top rarity tier for key cards. Track early breaks and sales to see which treatments emerge as the peak versions.

Products, pull cadence, and smart buys
• ETBs are the easy route to a guaranteed full-art promo, plus sleeves, dice, and energy. There are two different promos in retail today, while the Pokémon Center ETB is the only box with both promos and 11 packs.
• Booster Bundles deliver six packs at solid value if you do not need ETB extras.
• 3-pack blisters are a compact rip with chances at early SIRs and golds. Many blisters include a small promo, good for gift builds or trade bait.
• Enhanced Booster displays add a box-topper angle that works well for groups splitting packs.

Launch-day game plan
Show up early, set a spending cap, and decide whether you are ripping for the big hits or trying to build the set. With a large checklist and several chase tiers, buying singles can be the smarter path if you only want specific Megas or trainers. For sealed, Booster Bundles are efficient for pure pack ripping, ETBs make sense if you want the promos and accessories, and Enhanced displays are best for shared rips.

Full checklist and tracking
The set spans more than 180 cards across commons, uncommons, rares, multiple Pokémon ex, Special Illustration Rares, full-art Items and Stadiums, and the new top-tier chases. Use an up-to-date English set list that includes card numbers, names, rarities, and images. Keep a printable or spreadsheet version nearby so you can sort by card number and mark pulls as you go.

Quick digest for hits and notables
Major Pokémon ex and Mega Pokémon ex in this wave
Mega Venusaur ex, Mega Gardevoir ex, Mega Lucario ex, Mega Manectric ex, Mega Latias ex, Mega Kangaskhan ex, plus additional non-Mega Pokémon ex to round out the types.

Trainer full arts and new full-art Items, Tools, Stadiums
Expect full-art prints for staple cards that usually see play, now expanded to more trainer card types so binders have better variety.

Special Illustration Rares to watch
Look for premium art treatments on the headline Megas, including Gardevoir, Lucario, and Latias, along with a handful of fan favorites that tend to lead early break recaps.

Mirror holofoils and parallel paths
Mirror foils run throughout the set. If you like parallel pages, this is a good year to build color-matched lines for your favorite Pokémon or trainers.

If you want, I can format a checklist spreadsheet grouped by rarity and card number so you can track pulls, plan trades, and price out singles without scrolling a thousand lines.