Chaos Rising is the officially revealed name for the fourth main expansion in the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution block (set code ME04 or CRI), set to release on Friday, May 22, 2026 worldwide. Prerelease events kick off May 9–17, 2026, with Pokémon TCG Live (PTCGL) integration on May 21. This set is the English adaptation of Japan’s Ninja Spinner (releasing March 13, 2026), promising a ninja/shadow chaos theme starring Greninja and potentially Mega Greninja ex, with disruptive mechanics like shuriken attacks and evasion Abilities. Leaks since late January (CRI shop photos) have confirmed several SIRs and built massive hype, positioning Chaos Rising as a meta-shaker following Perfect Order. Preorders are expected late March, but scalping is already anticipated.
Release Timeline & Japanese Tie-In
Chaos Rising follows the aggressive Mega Evolution schedule, just two months after Perfect Order (March 27). Key dates:
- Japanese Ninja Spinner Launch: March 13, 2026 (full scans expected soon, 30 packs/box).
- Preorders Open: Late March 2026 (Pokémon Center first).
- Prereleases: May 9–17, 2026.
- PTCGL: May 21, 2026.
- Retail: May 22, 2026 (booster boxes, ETBs, etc.).
- Build & Battle: Early June.
Ninja Spinner JP features Mega Greninja ex as mascot, with 83 cards + secrets—English will mirror closely (~86 mains + 40+ secrets, 11+ SIRs/IRs/HRs/MHRs).
Confirmed Leaked Cards & Chases
Leaks from shops and insiders since late January confirm ninja focus:
- Greninja SIR (#116/86): First leaked (Dec 10, verified Feb); dynamic shuriken art, Water disruptor Ability—predicted $300–$500 raw.
- Roxie Performance SIR (#121/86): Poison Trainer stage flair; emotional synergy.
- AZ’s Tranquility (#120/86): Full-art support for chaos balance.
- Beedrill ex: Recent reveal from Ninja Spinner; Grass Basic evo.
Speculative: 6+ SIRs, Mega Greninja ex MHR; SIR 1/60 any.
Expected Products & Preorder Strategy
Standard Mega lineup (preorders late March):
- Booster Box (36 packs): $144–$160 MSRP.
- ETB: $50–$60 (9 packs + promo).
- PC ETB: $60–$70 (11 packs stamped).
- Bundle (6 packs): $28–$30.
- Blister (3 packs): $12–$15.
- Build & Battle: June.
ETB art leaked (dark Greninja silhouette).
Hype & Investment Outlook
Greninja meta + ninja rarity = Prismatic-level sealed ROI (80–150% 12 months). Stack ETBs/boxes MSRP.
How to Hunt Pokémon Center TCG Releases & Restocks in 2026
Hunting Pokémon Center TCG releases—like Ascended Heroes ETBs dropping February 20 or Perfect Order preorders in late March—is part art, part science, and all about preparation in this high-demand era. The key is treating it like a part-time job: set up multiple notification layers, time your sessions, and never miss a queue. Start by creating a free Pokémon Center account (US/UK/CA/AU) and enabling email/SMS alerts—drops often hit weekdays 9 AM–2 PM EST (2 PM–7 PM GMT), especially Tuesdays/Wednesdays. Join dedicated Discords like Pokémon Restocks or regional servers (Canadian TCG Alerts, UK Pokémon Hunters) for real-time pings; these communities share queue links seconds after they go live, boosting success rates to 70–80% for active members.
Next, layer on automated tools for passive hunting. Use Visualping or TrackaLacker to monitor Pokémon Center product pages—set alerts for “Sold Out” to “In Stock” changes on ETBs, bundles, or exclusives; free tiers catch 80% of drops. Follow X accounts like @PokemonRestocks and @PokemonDealsX for instant tips (turn on notifications); their posts flag queues like “Ascended Heroes ETB queue live!” within minutes. For the queue itself, use incognito mode, disable VPNs, and refresh every 5–10 seconds—practice on non-drop days to master the flow. Combine with YouTube guides (e.g., “Ultimate Pokémon Center Restock Guide”) for browser extensions like Queue-it navigator.
Finally, diversify: Pokémon Center exclusives (stamped ETBs) are worth the hunt for 100–200% ROI, but pair with TCGPlayer high-rated sellers or Walmart/Target for backups. Restocks happen unpredictably (e.g., Ascended Heroes ETBs restocked Feb 19), so one-per-customer limits mean multiple accounts/devices help. Patience pays—80% of hunters miss the first drop but nail later waves. It’s stressful but rewarding; a $60 ETB at MSRP flips to $120+ instantly.
Latest Quotes & Leaks from X on Chaos Rising Pokémon TCG Set (February 2026 Update)
The hype for Chaos Rising (ME04/CRI, May 22, 2026) is exploding on X, with daily posts from collectors, leakers, and insiders sharing scans, predictions, and preorder frenzy. Since the February 2 reveal tying it to Japan’s Ninja Spinner, X has become the real-time hub for CRI leaks—shop photos, ETB art mocks, and Greninja SIR flexes dominating #ChaosRising and #PokémonTCG.
@chrispytcg (Feb 3): “LEAK UPDATE: First Chaos Rising card from local shop ~3 weeks ago. May 2026 release confirmed. Ninja Spinner English locked.” This post (10k+ views) shared high-res Greninja SIR #116/86, sparking “Mega Greninja ex mascot incoming” replies.
@pokemartalerts (Jan 12): “Leaks from CRI Set – Chaos Rising potential name? Greninja SIR scan.” Early CRI code leak with shop photo; 5k impressions, “Guess official” comments tied to Perfect Order follow-up.
@Pokenotify (Feb 3 YT clip shared on X): “New Pokemon Card Set REVEALED! Chaos Rising! 40+ secrets teased.” 54k views; X reposts predict “Greninja SIR = set king.”
@TradingCardWorld FB/X (Feb 5): “Chaos Rising SIR leaks. Roxie Performance #121/86, AZ’s Tranquility #120/86 – unconfirmed but real chances.” Group post with photos; X crosspost 500+ likes, “May 22 Ninja Spinner.”
@FaZeMyles (Feb 8): “Chaos Rising ETB art leak – dark ninja Greninja silhouette. Hype building.” Recent recirc, tying to preorder speculation.
Leaks confirm ninja chaos—daily drops from X keep the fire burning. Preorders late March!
- Beedrill ex Reveal from Ninja Spinner (Feb 9, PokeBeach/YouTube)
PokeBeach posted Beedrill ex from Ninja Spinner—Grass Basic evo with needle attacks; Chaos Rising English confirmed. YouTube “Huge New Pokémon TCG Set Revealed!” (4 days ago) flexed scans; Reddit r/PTCGL “Ninja Spinner Initial Spoilers” (4 days) debated “Mega Beedrill ex?” 1k+ views. - Threads @litzdoall “New Beedrill ex Dropped” (1 hour ago)
Threads post: “New Beedrill ex just dropped! Lowkey why didn’t they make Mega Beedrill ex for Chaos Rising?” High-res scan; 100+ likes, “Ninja Spinner/Chaos Rising locked.” - YouTube “EVERY Mega Pokémon ex Revealed” (3 days ago)
Pokenotify YT: Ninja Spinner Megas (Mega Greninja ex headlines Chaos Rising); 100k+ views. Comments: “May 22 preorder hype!” - Facebook SerebiiNet “Next Japanese Set Ninja Spinner” (4 days ago)
Serebii FB: “Ninja Spinner revealed for March 13; Chaos Rising English May 22.” 10k+ reactions; “Big year for Pokémon!” - PokeBeach “Ninja Spinner Officially Revealed” (4 days ago)
PokeBeach: Ninja Spinner March 13; Chaos Rising May 22 cards. Thanks Jake C for scans; forums speculate 83 cards + secrets. - Reddit r/PokemonTCG “Next Japanese Set Ninja Spinner” (4 days ago)
r/PokemonTCG: Ninja Spinner revealed—discussion thread with scans; 500+ upvotes, “Chaos Rising confirmed.” - Yahoo “Fantasy Pokémon TCG Sets 2026” (2 days ago)
Yahoo: Chaos Rising (May 22) focuses stealth; Ninja Spinner Megas. Speculative but ties leaks. - Instagram @chrispytcg “Here’s Everything We Know About Chaos Rising” (3 days ago)
@chrispytcg: Chaos Rising details, Ninja Spinner tie—40+ secrets. 5k views; “Greninja SIR set king.” - Reddit r/PTCGL “Ninja Spinner Initial Spoilers” (4 days ago)
r/PTCGL: Mega Greninja ex, Water support—Mega Greninja headlines Chaos Rising. Scans shared; “No, May set.” - Instagram “New Beedrill ex” (1 hour ago)
Instagram post: Beedrill ex Ninja Spinner/Chaos Rising; “Why no Mega?” Viral scan. - YouTube “First Chaos Rising Cards Revealed” (4 days ago)
YT: Mega Greninja ex headlines Chaos Rising; Ninja Spinner spoilers. 50k views. - Facebook “Chaos Rising ETB Art Leak” (Feb 8)
FaZeMyles FB/X: Dark ninja Greninja ETB art; preorder speculation. - Reddit r/PokeInvesting “CRI Leaks” (Jan 11)
r/PokeInvesting: CRI after Perfect Order, Ninja Spinner—Mega Greninja. - PokeBeach Forum “Speculative List” (Jan 11)
Forums: CRI 86 mains, 11 IRs from leaks. - X @pokemartalerts “CRI Leaks” (Jan 12)
X: CRI Chaos Rising Greninja SIR scan. - TikTok SecretRareSociety “Chaos Rising Revealed” (Jan 12)
TikTok: Chaos Rising rares, Ninja Spinner leaks. - Instagram @chrispytcg “CRI Set” (Jan 13)
@chrispytcg: Pokémon’s BIGGEST Leak—CRI Chaos, Mega Greninja. - Threads “New Beedrill ex” (1 hour ago)
Threads: Beedrill ex Chaos Rising tease. - YouTube Pokenotify “REVEALED” (Feb 3)
YT: Chaos Rising 40+ secrets. - Facebook TradingCardWorld “SIR Leaks” (Feb 5)
FB: Roxie/AZ SIRs Chaos Rising.
I’m counting down the days until Perfect Order drops on March 27 like it’s the most important date on my calendar this year. The leaks from Nihil Zero have me absolutely buzzing—Mega Zygarde ex as the mascot, that insane cosmic balance theme with Nullifying Zero attacks that just scream “control the board or die trying,” and those four brand-new Mega ex debuts (Mega Clefable, Starmie, Skarmory, and the king himself Zygarde) look like pure art. I keep staring at the artwork previews, imagining how the crystalline glow and symmetrical designs are going to look in person under good lighting in my display case. The idea of ripping packs and finally pulling that Mega Zygarde ex SIR or a gold MHR version has me refreshing Pokémon Center alerts every hour. This set feels like the calm before the storm, the perfect counterweight to everything chaotic coming next, and I’m already mentally budgeting for multiple ETBs and a booster box just to make sure I get my hands on the good stuff.
And then there’s Chaos Rising right behind it in May, and honestly, the back-to-back hype is almost too much to handle. The moment I saw the Greninja SIR #116/86 leak with those water shurikens slicing through shadows, I knew this was going to be the aggressive, ninja-flavored flip-side to Perfect Order’s harmony. The idea of Mega Greninja ex leading the charge, with Roxie and AZ support cards bringing Poison and balance disruption, has me dreaming of fast, sneaky decks that tear through control strategies. The dark, fluid art style in the leaks is giving me chills—I can already picture the full set binder with that swirling chaos energy contrasting the serene Perfect Order pages. Waiting for May feels like torture, but knowing these two sets are going to sit side-by-side on my shelf as the ultimate yin-yang duo makes every day of anticipation worth it.
Honestly, 2026 is shaping up to be the best collecting year I’ve ever had. Perfect Order gives me that majestic, balanced vibe I’ve always loved in Pokémon, and Chaos Rising brings the fast, disruptive energy I crave when I want to switch things up. Between these two and the 30th anniversary promos already rolling out, I’m just soaking in the excitement—setting alerts, organizing my budget, planning my preorder strategy, and daydreaming about the pulls. It’s rare to feel this locked in for a whole year of releases, but right now I’m all in. Bring on March, bring on May—I’m ready.
What about you—Perfect Order’s balance or Chaos Rising’s anarchy? Which one are you counting down to harder? Drop your hype in r/CardChill on Reddit—let’s ride this wave together!
For more on Perfect Order and Chaos Rising leaks, timelines, and preorder prep, check our TCG Sets hub and investment guide. 🚀