Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes (often shortened to Ascended Heroes) is the first major special expansion of the Pokémon TCG in 2026, kicking off the Mega Evolution Series revival. This set draws heavily from Japan’s MEGA Dream ex High Class Pack (released November 28, 2025) and introduces new and returning Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, Stellar Tera Pokémon ex, Trainer’s Pokémon, and a fresh rarity: Mega Attack Rare (pop-art style Mega ex cards with oversized attack text).
The set launches on January 30, 2026, but features a staggered product rollout—no traditional standalone booster boxes or individual booster packs at general retail. Packs are only available through specialty products, with waves continuing into spring 2026. This controlled release helps manage demand after recent high-hype sets.
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Table of Contents
- Main Release Date
- Product Lineup & Release Waves
- Key Set Details
- Why the Staggered Rollout?
- Preorder & Availability Tips
- FAQs
Main Release Date
- Official Launch: January 30, 2026 (worldwide, including English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese).
- Digital Availability: Playable on Pokémon TCG Live from launch day.
- Theme: Inspired by Pokémon Legends: Z-A, focusing on Mega Evolution revival, Trainer’s Pokémon, and Stellar Tera ex.
- Card Count: Over 290 cards total (largest English expansion to date), including:
- 13 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
- 6 Tera Pokémon ex
- 20 Pokémon ex
- 33 Illustration Rares
- 22 Special Illustration Rares (SIRs)
- 7 Mega Attack Rares
- New “J” regulation mark (first international set with this mark)
Product Lineup & Release Waves
Ascended Heroes uses a phased release to build hype and control supply. Booster packs appear only in these products—no loose packs or 36-pack booster boxes.
| Product Name | Release Date | Contents Highlights | Approx. MSRP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascended Heroes Tech Sticker Collection | January 30, 2026 | 3 booster packs, foil promo (Charmander or Gastly), tech sticker sheet (Mega Charizard Y or Mega Gengar) | $16–20 | Entry-level fun pack access |
| Ascended Heroes Collection (Erika/Larry) | January 30, 2026 | 2 booster packs, foil promo (Erika’s Tangela or Larry’s Komala), metallic coin | $10–15 | Gym Leader theme |
| Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box (Standard) | February 20, 2026 | 9 booster packs, full-art N’s Zekrom promo, sleeves, dice, coin, player’s guide, storage box | $49.99 | Core collector item |
| Ascended Heroes Pokémon Center ETB (Exclusive) | February 20, 2026 | 11 booster packs (2 extra), two full-art N’s Zekrom promos (one with PC stamp), full accessories | $59.99–$69.99 | Extra value, sells out fastest |
| Ascended Heroes Mini Tins (various) | February 20, 2026 | 2 booster packs, sticker sheet, art card (Pikachu, Togepi, Clefairy, etc.) | $12–15 each | Pocket-sized collectors |
| Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collections (Mega Lucario / Mega Gardevoir) | March 20, 2026 | 10 booster packs, premium poster, promo card | $50 | High-pack volume |
| Ascended Heroes Booster Bundle | April 24, 2026 | 6 booster packs | $29.99 | Pure pack focus |
| Mega Meganium ex / Mega Emboar ex / Mega Feraligatr ex Boxes | Late April 2026 | 4 booster packs, playable foil promo (one of the three Megas), oversize lenticular card | $25–30 each | Promo-focused |
Later 2026 waves may include more collections or Ultra Premium Boxes—watch Pokémon Center announcements.
Key Set Details
- No Booster Boxes: Packs only in specialty items—ETBs/Bundles are best for volume.
- New Rarity: Mega Attack Rare—full-art Mega ex with comic-style attack text (English cards show Japanese katakana in art; JP shows English).
- Mascot: Mega Dragonite ex leads, with returning favorites (Mega Charizard Y, Mega Gengar) and new Megas.
- English Pack Art: Features silhouettes of Mega Dragonite, Mega Charizard Y, Pikachu, Mewtwo (differs slightly from JP MEGA Dream ex).
Why the Staggered Rollout?
- Controls supply after past sellouts (e.g., Prismatic Evolutions chaos).
- Builds sustained hype through waves.
- Aligns with 30th anniversary (Pokémon Day Feb 27) and Legends: Z-A themes.
Preorder & Availability Tips
- Pokémon Center: PC-exclusive ETB sells out fastest—preorder early (often December/January).
- Retail: Target, Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, LGS for standard items (Jan 30 wave limited; Feb 20 bigger).
- Scalping Risk: ETBs and PC versions often hit $80–$120+ secondary—buy MSRP where possible.
- UK/EU Focus: Staines-area LGS or online (fast shipping from CardChill for locals).
Conclusion
Ascended Heroes kicks off 2026 with a January 30 launch date, but the real action builds through February–April waves—especially the February 20 ETBs (standard and Pokémon Center exclusive). No booster boxes mean ETBs and Bundles are your best sealed plays for packs and value. Mega Dragonite ex leads a stacked lineup—gear up for the Mega revival!
FAQs
When is the full set available?
Main launch January 30, 2026; major products (ETBs) February 20, 2026.
Are there booster boxes?
No—special set; packs only in ETBs, Bundles, Collections, etc.
Pokémon Center ETB worth it?
Yes—11 packs + dual promos vs. standard 9 packs; often sells out instantly.
How many cards total?
Over 290, largest English expansion ever.
Updated January 19, 2026—Official Pokémon.com announcements and retailer listings. More at articles!