Pokemon TCG Pitch Black released on 17 July 2026, the fifth set in the Mega Evolution era and the darkest one yet, both thematically and in its artwork. It's built around Mega Darkrai ex, and it lands with 120 cards across the main set and secret rares. Prerelease events ran 4 to 12 July ahead of the wide release.
Six Mega Evolution Pokemon headline the set
Pitch Black features six Mega Evolution ex cards: Mega Darkrai ex, Mega Zeraora ex, Mega Chandelure ex, Mega Excadrill ex, Mega Delphox ex and Mega Slowbro ex. The set is the English adaptation of Japan's Abyss Eye, which released back in May. Where the previous set, Chaos Rising, leaned into open conflict, Pitch Black is framed around a spreading darkness swallowing the game's world.
The chase cards to know
Mega Darkrai ex shows up twice at the top of the rarity ladder, as the set's single Mega Hyper Rare at card 120 and as a Special Illustration Rare at card 116. The Mega Hyper Rare is the gold-tier pull collectors are chasing hardest, with the Special Illustration Rare close behind as the set's signature artwork. Mega Zeraora ex's Special Illustration Rare is the strongest non-Darkrai pull, with more than 35 special illustration cards across the set in total.
What's releasing alongside it
Launch product includes booster packs, an Elite Trainer Box with a full-art Zarude promo, and Build and Battle Boxes. The Mega Evolution era isn't slowing down either, Storm Emeralda featuring Mega Rayquaza ex lands in Japan on 31 July, alongside three MEGA Starter Set ex decks built around Eevee ex, Zoroark ex and Meowscarada ex for players who want an easier way into the format. The English version of that set, expected under the name Delta Reign, is currently pencilled in for later in the year.
What this means for Australian collectors
New Mega Evolution sets have followed a fairly consistent pattern this era, a strong launch week followed by pulls cooling off within a month as more packs hit the market. If you pulled something big, selling early has generally been the stronger play than sitting on it. If you're buying singles rather than chasing your own pulls, waiting three to six weeks after a set drops has usually meant paying less for the same card.
C3's Pokemon card pages are syncing Pitch Black pricing in AUD as the set settles into the market, so check there before you commit to a purchase either way.
Buying into the set in Australia
Local game stores typically carry Pitch Black alongside the existing Mega Evolution era product, and the Elite Trainer Box is usually the more predictable purchase if you want a guaranteed slice of the set without gambling purely on booster packs. Build and Battle Boxes suit players heading into prerelease-style events at their local store, since they come with enough product to build a 40-card deck on the spot. If you're chasing the Mega Darkrai ex pulls specifically, singles are the more reliable route than opening product and hoping.
The bigger picture for the era
Pitch Black is the fifth of six confirmed Mega Evolution sets tied to Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and 2026 also marks the Pokemon TCG's 30th anniversary. A dedicated 30th Anniversary Collection is confirmed for 16 September, separate from the mainline Mega Evolution sets, so collectors should expect two distinct release tracks running through the back half of the year rather than one.
FAQ
When did Pokemon TCG Pitch Black release? 17 July 2026, as the fifth set in the Mega Evolution era.
What is the top chase card in Pitch Black? Mega Darkrai ex, which appears as both the set's single Mega Hyper Rare (card 120) and a Special Illustration Rare (card 116).
Which six Mega Evolution Pokemon are in the set? Mega Darkrai ex, Mega Zeraora ex, Mega Chandelure ex, Mega Excadrill ex, Mega Delphox ex and Mega Slowbro ex.
What set is Pitch Black based on? Japan's Abyss Eye, which released in May 2026.
Is it worth opening booster boxes or buying Pitch Black singles? If you're chasing a specific card, singles are usually the cheaper route once the set has been out for a few weeks and early hype settles. Booster boxes suit players who enjoy the pack-opening experience or want to draft, and Elite Trainer Boxes sit in between as a more predictable purchase.
What comes after Pitch Black? Storm Emeralda, featuring Mega Rayquaza ex, is due in Japan on 31 July 2026. The English version, expected under the name Delta Reign, is pencilled in for later in the year.
Where can I check current Pitch Black prices in Australia? C3's live Pokemon card pages track AU pricing as Pitch Black singles come online.
The C3 Team