Pokémon TCG’s new Mega Evolution era kicked off today, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the biggest retail launches of the year. Stores are putting out two different Elite Trainer Boxes, new Booster Bundles, and stacks of 3-pack blisters, and the buzz is real. Between the return of Mega Evolution, a fresh rainbow of parallels, and a few brand-new rarities, you should plan for early lines and quick sellouts in a lot of locations.

Here’s a clear, collector-first rundown of what’s out, what’s worth chasing, and where to find the full checklist so you can track every card as you rip.

What launched today

• Two Elite Trainer Boxes
There are two ETB versions at mass retail, each with a different full-art promo. One features Riolu and the other features Alakazam. If you order the Pokémon Center ETB online, that premium box includes both promos and 11 packs instead of the usual 9.

• Booster Bundles
Six-pack Booster Bundles are back as the best “just packs” option if you don’t want ETB extras.

• 3-Pack Blisters
Standard 3-pack blisters are on shelves, including the blister configuration called out in pre-release coverage.

• Enhanced Booster display
If your shop has the new 24-pack “Enhanced Booster” display, keep an eye out for the Bulbasaur box topper and themed inserts that tie together across displays.

Note on availability and lines
This set marks the first release in the new Mega Evolution series and introduces new chase tiers, so demand is high. Expect early lines at big box stores and LGS restocks throughout the weekend. The Pokémon Company and media coverage have both framed this as a major relaunch with more than 180 cards and nearly a dozen Mega Pokémon ex in the first wave alone, which usually means crowds.

What makes the “Mega” set different

• Mega Evolution returns, updated
Megas are back as Pokémon ex that evolve the usual way within a line and no longer end your turn when you Mega Evolve. They do, however, still give up three Prize cards when Knocked Out, so power comes with risk.

• New rarities and more full arts
The set kicks off a series-wide refresh that includes brand-new chase tiers and full-art treatments for Items, Tools, and Stadiums. Mirror holofoils also make a comeback for the first time since the Diamond & Pearl era.

The biggest chase cards right now

If you just want the headline pulls, start here:

• Mega Gardevoir ex – one of the early meta darlings and a centerpiece chase with multiple premium treatments.
• Mega Lucario ex – fan-favorite art and competitive potential, with upgraded rarities to match.
• Mega Venusaur ex – huge HP, splashy ability, and showcase art variants.
• Mega Manectric ex – electric type chase with aggressive attacks and zero retreat, plus premium variants.
• Mega Latias ex – a Dragon-type chase with big damage and sleek art.
• Mega Kangaskhan ex – colorless chase that appeals to collectors for the character and animation alone.

TCGplayer’s launch guide also highlights that this series introduces a brand-new top rarity for premium versions of key cards, so watch early sales and breaks to see which variants emerge as the top of the pyramid.

Products, pack odds, and buying tips

• ETBs are the best way to get a guaranteed full-art promo plus sleeves, dice, and energy, and there are two different promos in the wild today. The Pokémon Center ETB is the only configuration with both promos and 11 packs.
• Booster Bundles deliver six packs without the extras, usually the best value if you’re just ripping.
• 3-Pack blisters are solid for a small rip with a shot at early SIRs and golds, and they often come with a blister-exclusive promo.
• If your store got Enhanced Booster displays, those are a fun group rip with a box-topper twist.

Practical launch-day advice
Arrive early, set a personal budget, and decide if you’re ripping for hits or building the set. With strong chase tiers and a large checklist, singles may be the smarter path if you’re chasing specific Megas or trainers.

Full checklist and how to track cards

The set is big: more than 180 cards spanning commons, uncommons, rares, multiple Pokémon ex, Special Illustration Rares, full-art Items and Stadiums, and brand-new top-tier chase cards. For an accurate, card-by-card English list with numbers, names, and categories that you can sort or print, use the full English set list compiled here. It’s updated live, and it includes images as they’re revealed.

Below is a digest you can use as a quick reference while you rip. It groups the hits and notables so you can mark them off without scrolling through every common.

Major Pokémon ex and Mega Pokémon ex in this release
Mega Venusaur ex, Mega Gardevoir ex, Mega Lucario ex, Mega Manectric ex, Mega Latias ex, Mega Kangaskhan ex, plus additional non-Mega Pokémon ex that round out the type wheel.

Standout Trainer full arts and new full-art Items/Tools/Stadiums
Expect full-art prints of key Trainers and staple cards that historically get heavy play, with expanded full-art coverage beginning in this set.

Special Illustration Rares to watch
Mega Gardevoir ex, Mega Lucario ex, Mega Latias ex, and other fan favorites are getting SIR treatments that should headline early break recaps.

Mirror holofoils and parallel fun
Mirror foils return across the set for collectors who like parallel rainbows and binder builds.