The Pokémon Trading Card Game is entering one of its most exciting periods in years, with a flood of new releases, unprecedented card mechanics, and a major anniversary celebration on the horizon. Whether you’re a competitive player or a collector chasing chase cards, understanding what’s coming can help you spend smarter.
Nihil Zero Changes the Game
Japan’s Nihil Zero expansion drops January 23, and the reveals have been nothing short of remarkable. The headliner, Mega Zygarde ex, boasts a staggering 310 HP as a Basic Pokémon—the highest ever printed on a non-VMAX card. Its signature attack flips coins for each of your opponent’s Pokémon, dealing 150 damage per heads. In a full bench scenario, that’s potential for 900 total damage across the board.
For collectors, this card will likely command premium prices at launch. High-HP record breakers historically hold value well, and Zygarde’s competitive viability only sweetens the deal.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Mega Starmie ex revives the beloved Wash Out ability, making it a potential staple for water decks. Mega Skarmory ex brings a devastating 220-damage snipe attack that could reshape how players approach bench management. Decidueye ex combines precision targeting with raw power through its Sniper Eye ability and 240-damage Crush Arrow attack.
Perhaps the sleeper hit is the new Meowth ex, which introduces “Trump Card Catch”—an ability drawing immediate comparisons to Lumineon V for its Supporter-searching capability. Cards that tutor for Supporters tend to see heavy competitive play, making this one worth watching.
Perfect Order: Small Set, Big Implications
English players will get their shot at this content through Perfect Order, releasing March 27 with prereleases starting March 14. Here’s where things get interesting for buyers: at only 88 cards, this is the smallest main English expansion in recent memory.
Smaller sets typically mean better pull rates for chase cards. With only four Mega Pokemon ex (Zygarde, Clefable, Starmie, and Skarmory) and nine total Pokemon ex, collectors should find completing this set far more manageable than recent bloated releases.
Notably absent is Mega Greninja ex, which Japan is getting separately in March through the Ninja Spinner set. This content will likely arrive in a later English expansion, so don’t expect the popular ninja frog in Perfect Order packs.
The 30th Anniversary Factor
Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary on October 20, 2026, and The Pokémon Company is clearly planning something special. A recently filed trademark for “Celebration Collection” strongly suggests a nostalgic special set similar to 2021’s Celebrations, which featured stamped Base Set reprints and became one of the most sought-after products of its era.
For collectors with an eye on the secondary market, anniversary products historically perform well long-term. The original Celebrations boxes have appreciated significantly since release. If Celebration Collection follows the same playbook with Base Set throwbacks and limited print runs, securing product at retail could prove wise.
What to Buy Now
January 30 brings two releases worth considering. Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes is a massive 290-plus card expansion introducing the new “Mega Attack Rare” rarity featuring retro katakana styling. Mega Dragonite ex, Mega Gengar ex, and Mega Charizard headline the set. The sheer size means chase cards will be harder to pull, but the nostalgic art treatment on Mega Attack Rares could drive collector demand.
The Pokémon Day 2026 Collection offers a more budget-friendly entry at $14.99. You get a stamped Pikachu promo, a metallic 30th anniversary coin, and three booster packs. As an anniversary product with limited availability, these could appreciate modestly over time.
February 20 brings the Mega Charizard X ex and Y ex Tins at $26.99 each with alternate art promos. Charizard products rarely disappoint collectors, and alternate art versions tend to hold value.
Looking Further Ahead
Trademark filings point to Storm Emeralda (almost certainly featuring Mega Rayquaza ex based on the name) and the mysterious Abyss Eye, which speculation suggests could spotlight Mega Gengar, Mega Sableye, or Darkrai.
A September 2025 leak that correctly predicted several recent releases also mentioned Shadow Storm, Legendary Dreams, and something called Eternals—potentially a February 27, 2026 anniversary set with stamped Base Set holos. While unconfirmed, the leak’s track record lends it credibility.
The Bottom Line
Smart buyers should prioritize Perfect Order for its favorable pull rates and competitive staples. Anniversary products deserve attention given Pokémon’s history of limited nostalgia releases appreciating over time. And if you can secure Japanese Nihil Zero product, Mega Zygarde ex could be this generation’s defining chase card.
The next twelve months will offer plenty of opportunities to spend money on Pokémon cards. Knowing what’s coming helps ensure you’re spending it wisely.
