Australian TCG News

Confirmed Card Details

• Pikachu Sub-Set: 30 distinct Pikachu cards by unique artists (incl. OKACHEKE, Yuu Nishida, Atsuko Nishida). 1 guaranteed per pack.
• Futuristic Rares: Brand new opalescent/pearlescent rarity tier. Mew ex & Mewtwo ex confirmed (illustrated by YOSHIROTTEN).
• Classic Reprints: Several returning classics with a 30th Celebration stamp. Includes Base Set Charizard, Pikachu & Zekrom-GX and Lugia (Aquapolis).
• New ex & IRs: Greninja ex and Sylveon ex debut. New Illustration Rares confirmed for Espeon, Umbreon, Lapras, Drifloon, Zorua, and Lycanroc.

Global Release & Product Lineup

This marks the first time in TCG history that English/International markets are not delayed behind the Japanese release.

Sources & Further Reading

Set Overview

The Pokémon Company has begun teasing the next major English expansion, Pitch Black. Following up on the mechanics introduced earlier this year, Pitch Black doubles down on Mega Evolutions with a heavy emphasis on Dark-type Pokémon.

The mascot of the set is none other than Mega Darkrai ex, paying homage to Darkrai's legendary classification as the "Pitch-Black Pokémon." The set is expected to be the English adaptation of the upcoming Japanese set Abyss Eye, which hits shelves in Japan in May 2026.

Known Cards & Chase Speculation

Have the chase cards been fully revealed yet? Not quite. While the Secret Rares (SIRs and IRs) are still under wraps, early reports from the Abyss Eye card list confirm the following inclusions:

• Mega Darkrai ex: The undeniable centerpiece. Expect a massive Special Illustration Rare (SIR) that will likely dominate the secondary market.
• Supporting Cast: Inkay, Malamar, Zarude, and Chi-Yu are confirmed to be making an appearance.
• Trainers: A new item card called "Dark Bell" has been leaked, potentially offering immense synergy for Dark-type decks.

Release Logistics (Australia)

With the popularity of Darkrai and the return of Mega Evolutions, expect early pre-order allocations for booster boxes and ETBs to sell out quickly across Australian retailers like EB Games, JB Hi-Fi, and local hobby stores.

Market Intelligence

• Phantasmal Flames: Booster boxes hit a massive ATH of nearly $600 before a minor healthy pullback.
• Crown Zenith: Significant "pump" on Galarian Gallery singles (Sleeping Mew, Pikachu, and Mewtwo). Bundles are at all-time highs as the set remains a premier "pull experience" choice.
• Destined Rivals (DR): Booster boxes currently sitting just shy of their previous ATH.
• AH Speculation: Reports suggest the AH print run is largely complete as focus shifts to the upcoming 30th Anniversary celebrations set.

Australian Logistics & Restocks

Confirmed Card Details

• Mega Greninja ex SIR (#114/086): 350 HP. "Mortal Shuriken" deals 220 + 100 to two benched Pokémon.
• Mega Floette ex: "Eternity Bloom" deals 30x damage for every energy on the opponent's board.
• Anti-Meta: Mega Pyroar & Dragalge ex designed to punish high-HP basics.
• Trainers: AZ’s Tranquility (SIR) confirmed (AZ and Floette reunion).

AU Release & Product Lineup

PC Exclusive ETBs (Metallic promo/weighted dice) will likely require US importing as no AU PC distribution is confirmed.