








Hey, Pokémon buddies! I’m Alex, a card collector since my days swapping Pikachus at recess, and the Mega Evolution Base Set, released September 26, 2025, has me totally stoked—but man, it’s been a tough chase! With 132 cards plus about 40 secret rares, this set’s packed with awesome Megas like Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex, all in that cool manga-style art. But trying to get these cards? It’s been a crazy adventure full of empty shelves, sneaky scalpers, and prices that make my jaw drop. Here’s my story of battling to collect Mega Evolution, and how I’m still having a blast despite the chaos.
Struggle
I was so pumped when I heard about Mega Evolution bringing back those XY-era vibes with 10 Mega Pokémon ex and shiny Special Illustration Rares. I could already see my binder glowing with Mega Lucario ex’s aura blasts or Mega Venusaur ex’s jungle vibes. But when I tried to snag an Elite Trainer Box from the Pokémon Center, it sold out in minutes! Bots and scalpers grabbed tons of stock, leaving fans like me high and dry. My local game shop had people lined up around the block, but the shelves were bare faster than you can say “Quick Ball.” I managed to grab a couple of Booster Packs, but my dream of pulling a Mega Gardevoir ex SIR feels like a long shot.
Scalpers
Scalpers are totally the Team Rocket of this set! They swoop in with bots, nab all the Booster Boxes and ETBs, then flip them online for double the price—like $100 for a $50 ETB. It’s super annoying to see real collectors miss out while these guys make bank. I joined a local Pokémon group on social media to trade with other fans and skip the scalper nonsense. We’re all hoping for better protections so we can actually buy stuff at normal prices.
Prices
The second-hand market is out of control! Mega Lucario ex SIR is going for over $700, and it’s climbing fast. Mega Gardevoir ex SIR at $500 is another wallet-killer. I’d love to complete the set, but these prices make it feel like collecting is only for the super-rich. There’s talk of reprints coming to cool things down, but waiting is tough when every card feels like a treasure.
So, how am I dealing? I’m hitting up local shops and conventions, hunting for any restocks—I scored a 3-Pack Blister last weekend! I’m also trading duplicates with my collector crew to get closer to cards like Mega Kangaskhan ex. For now, I’m sticking to cheaper stuff like Single Pack Blisters to keep the fun going without breaking the bank. I’m hoping reprints will make things easier soon.
Even with all the headaches, I’m still crazy about Mega Evolution. The art, the nostalgia, the thrill of the chase—it’s all worth it. I’m cherishing my few pulls and dreaming of the day I land that Mega Lucario ex SIR. Whether you’re a collector like me or just love the Pokémon vibe, this set’s a wild ride.