Mega Evolution

What Makes It Special

• Revival of Mega Evolutions: Mega Pokémon ex return after nearly a decade (last in Sun & Moon), now evolving from pre-evolutions (e.g., Kirlia → Mega Gardevoir ex) and awarding 3 Prize cards when KO'd—high HP and big attacks balanced by risk, tying directly into Legends: Z-A’s Mega focus.
• Expanded Ultra Rares: Introduces ultra rare Item, Stadium, and Pokémon Tool cards (e.g., full-art Rare Candy), plus a new Mega Ultra Rare (MUR) style featuring silhouettes of base forms (e.g., Lucario on Mega Lucario ex).
• Nostalgic Gen 6 Tie-In: Kalos spotlight with 10 Mega ex (confirmed: Mega Lucario ex, Mega Gardevoir ex, Mega Venusaur ex, Mega Camerupt ex, Mega Gengar ex, Mega Diancie ex, Mega Absol ex, Mega Latias ex, Mega Kangaskhan ex; Mega Charizard X ex speculated later), blending retro mechanics with modern ex rules.
• Artwork and Mechanics: Vibrant, story-driven illustrations (emotional evolutions) and abilities like scaling damage or energy discard/draw—supports aggressive decks while rewarding planning around the 3-Prize penalty.

Interesting Facts and Highlights

• Top Cards to Watch: Mega Lucario ex SIR (aura theme, meta potential; early JP ~$100+), Mega Gardevoir ex SIR (~$80+), Mega Absol ex IR (~$40–45 JP), and Mega Gengar ex (deck card; projected $150+ English). Other standouts: Steelix IR, Bulbasaur IR, and full-art tools like Night Stretcher. Aug 2025 pre-release buzz pegs the top 10 anticipated cards at $100+ raw; MURs (e.g., Mega Lucario) projected to exceed $200 PSA 10.
• Community Buzz: Touted as “the most anticipated set of 2025” with JP unboxings showing “insane” pack art and reported “god packs.” MUR reveals (Mega Lucario, Mega Gardevoir) fuel hype; some debate the 3-Prize balance. Early streams show “incredible” pulls; TPCi clarified packs include both energy and code cards. Event tie-ins (Champions League) and promos stoke demand; ongoing debates on scalping/accessibility.
• Gameplay Impact: Early JP events show aggressive Mega strategies (e.g., Mega Lucario aura boosts) thriving; 3-Prize risk enforces careful lines. Full-art Rare Candy accelerates evolutions. Digital launch on TCG Live Sept 25 with login bonuses; prereleases start Sept 13.

Notes for Collectors

• Tracking & Master Sets: Official galleries (e.g., pokemon.com, JustInBasil) with checkboxes are vital—master sets may exceed 300 pieces counting Poké Ball/Master Ball reverses, stamped promos from ETBs/blisters, and enhanced booster exclusives (e.g., Bulbasaur IR stamped).
• Rarity Distribution: Main set (001–132) spans commons/uncommons through double rares (Mega ex); secrets (133–180+) include 22 IRs (e.g., Bulbasaur, Vulpix), 22 ultra rares (full-art items/stadiums/tools), SIRs (Mega ex alts), and hyper rares (gold-etched). Secrets feature MURs with silhouettes and alt-art duplicates for key Megas.
• Thematic Grouping: Organized by type (Grass, Fire, Water, etc.), centering Kalos lines (e.g., Ralts → Mega Gardevoir ex in Psychic), with XY-era nods. Megas spread across types; decks add Mega Gengar/Diancie; some cuts surface as promos.
• Value Insights: SIR Megas (Mega Lucario, Mega Gardevoir) spike for grading due to borders/art. Pull rates: IRs ~1:5 packs; SIRs/MURs ~1:36–1:72—favoring singles. TCGPlayer pre-sales average ~$15/pack. Pokémon Center ETBs may include dual promos; regional variants likely. Mega revival + new rarities = high-investment chase; top 15 cards projected ~$150+ on PriceCharting amid scalping debates.