Pokémon TCG Set Release Calendar 2026 — All Upcoming Sets & Dates

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, originally released in Japan in October 1996. This milestone year features the Mega Evolution era, bringing back one of the most beloved mechanics from Generation VI, reimagined through the lens of Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

All expansions focus on Mega Evolution Pokémon, new Tera Pokémon ex, and Trainer's Pokémon cards. The new Mega Attack Rare rarity features full-art designs with retro katakana attack text.

Ascended Heroes follows a staggered release schedule:

• First Partner Illustration Collection — 30th anniversary collection featuring all 27 starter Pokémon as Illustration Rare promos. Series 1 released March 30, 2026. Series 2 (Johto, Unova, Galar) releases June 19, 2026. Series 3 (Hoenn, Kalos, Paldea) expected late 2026.
• Pokémon Day 2026 Pack — Anniversary-stamped Pikachu promo card with three booster packs. Celebrates the 30th anniversary.
• 2025 World Championship Decks — April 3, 2026. Card-for-card replicas from the 2025 World Championships in Anaheim.
• 30th Celebration Set — All-foil special set with "Futuristic Rare" cards by YOSHIROTTEN, 30 Pikachu illustrations, Base Set Charizard reprint. Worldwide simultaneous release September 16, 2026. Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon launches same day.

After Chaos Rising (May 22), the second half of 2026 is packed with major releases:

• Storm Emerald (~September 2026) — Features Mega Rayquaza ex, one of the most popular Pokémon ever. Based on Japan's Storm Emeralda (July 31 JP). Rayquaza cards consistently command premium prices, making this potentially the most hyped set of the year.
• Pitch Black (July 17, 2026) — Features Mega Darkrai ex, Mega Zeraora ex, Mega Chandelure ex, and Mega Excadrill ex. Over 115 cards with 35+ special illustrations. Pre-release events July 4–12. Based on Japan's Abyss Eye set.
• 30th Celebration (September 16, 2026) — The biggest event of 2026. ~150-card all-foil set with 6-card packs, "Futuristic Rare" cards by YOSHIROTTEN (Mewtwo ex, Mew ex), 30 unique Pikachu illustrations, 30 classic reprints including Base Set Charizard, plus Greninja ex, Sylveon ex, and Espeon/Umbreon IRs. First-ever worldwide simultaneous launch. Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon launches the same day. Nine 30th Celebration Card Sets (one per generation) follow in October.
• Additional Mega Evolution expansions (5th and 6th) are expected to round out 2026

TCGRadar will track all new sets as they release. Set up alerts to be notified when new products become available at European retailers.