GuideUpdated 2026-04-18

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

The 2026 Pokémon TCG release calendar features the Mega Evolution era, inspired by Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Confirmed sets include Ascended Heroes (January 30), Perfect Order (March 27), Chaos Rising (May 22), Storm Emerald (expected August/September), and the all-foil 30th Celebration set (September 18). First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 with Johto, Unova, and Galar starters releases June 19.

2026 Pokémon TCG Overview

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.

Confirmed 2026 Sets

Set	Release Date	Cards	Highlights
Ascended Heroes	January 30, 2026	295	Largest set ever. Mega Gengar ex, Mega Charizard Y ex, Mega Dragonite ex.
Perfect Order	March 27, 2026	~120	Mega Zygarde ex, Rosa's Determination, Mega Starmie ex.
Chaos Rising	May 22, 2026	120+	Mega Greninja ex, Mega Floette ex, Mega Pyroar ex, Mega Dragalge ex. Pre-release May 9–17.
Storm Emerald	~September 2026	TBA	Mega Rayquaza ex as the centerpiece. Based on the Japanese Storm Emeralda set (July 31 JP release). Expected to be one of the most popular sets of 2026.
Abyss Eye	~Q4 2026	TBA	Mega Darkrai ex. Based on the Japanese set releasing May 2026. English release expected late 2026.
30th Celebration	September 18, 2026	TBA	All-foil 6-card packs, brand-new rarity type (Pikachu, Mewtwo, Mew), worldwide simultaneous launch. First-ever global same-day TCG release.

Ascended Heroes Product Release Waves

Ascended Heroes follows a staggered release schedule:

Date	Products
January 30, 2026	Booster Boxes, Tech Sticker Collections
February 20, 2026	ETBs, Mini Tins, Erika Collection, Larry Collection
March 20, 2026	Additional collection products
April 24, 2026	Booster Bundle

Special Products & Events

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 brand-new rarity type. Worldwide simultaneous release September 18, 2026. Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon launches same day.

What’s Coming Next

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.
Abyss Eye (~Q4 2026) — Features Mega Darkrai ex. Based on the Japanese set releasing May 2026 in Japan. A darker-themed set that complements Storm Emerald.
30th Celebration (September 18, 2026) — The biggest event of 2026. An all-foil special set with 6-card packs, a brand-new rarity type (Pikachu, Mewtwo, Mew), and the 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Pokémon TCG sets release in 2026?

At least six sets are expected in 2026: Ascended Heroes (January), Perfect Order (March), Chaos Rising (May), Storm Emerald (~September), Abyss Eye (~Q4), and the 30th Anniversary Set (October). Additional expansions may be announced.

When is the next Pokémon TCG set releasing?

Chaos Rising releases on May 22, 2026, with pre-release events from May 9 to 17. First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 (Johto, Unova, Galar) releases June 19. Storm Emerald (Mega Rayquaza ex) is expected August/September 2026, followed by the all-foil 30th Celebration set on September 18.

What is the Mega Evolution era in Pokémon TCG?

The Mega Evolution era is the 2026 TCG block inspired by Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It reintroduces Mega Evolution as a gameplay mechanic and introduces new rarities like Mega Attack Rare and Mega Hyper Rare.

Will there be a Pokémon TCG 30th anniversary set?

Yes. The "30th Celebration" set launches worldwide on September 18, 2026 — the first global same-day TCG launch ever. Every booster pack contains 6 all-foil cards and the set introduces a brand-new rarity type. A Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon launches the same day.

Ready to Track Stock?

The 2026 Pokémon TCG release calendar features the Mega Evolution era, inspired by Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Track all 2026 sets on TCGRadar

Related Guides

set

Chaos Rising — Where to Buy & Live Stock Tracker (2026)

set

Ascended Heroes — Where to Buy & Live Stock Tracker (2026)

set

Perfect Order — Where to Buy & Live Stock Tracker (2026)

evergreen

Pokémon First Partner Illustration Collection — Where to Buy in Europe

evergreen

Where to Buy Pokémon TCG Cards in Europe — The Complete Guide