The Pokémon Trading Card Game is off to a strong start in 2026. After several years of waiting, the extension Munikis Zero marks a major turning point with the highly anticipated return of the Mega Evolutionabsent from the format for almost a decade. “The Pokémon Trading Card Game has officially revealed its new expansion in Japan, showcasing the Mega Evolution of Zygarde.”
Scheduled for January 23, 2026 in Japan, this new wave also introduces new Pokémon ex, strategic Trainer cards taken from Pokémon Legends: ZAand a brand new collectible rarity, which is already panicking speculators.
Mega-Zygarde ex, the powerful star of this expansion
First strong point of this expansion: the map Mega-Zygarde ex. Inspired by the legendary Pokémon introduced in Pokémon X and Y, it benefits here from a reworked visual and above all from formidable abilities. “Mega Zygarde ex will serve as the spotlight Pokemon for the set, featuring powerful Attacks that either reduce an opponent’s damage or potentially deal up to 900 damage.”
Zygarde ex is accompanied by several other Pokémon revealed during the Japanese stream: Meowth exwhich allows you to search for Supporter cards in your deck, but also Binacle And Barbaracleboth designed to boost Fighting-type decks via new special energies.
Legends: ZA enters the TCG with new Trainer cards
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Another great novelty, the direct integration of the universe Pokémon Legends: ZA within the mechanics of the JCC. Two new Supporter cards inspired by this game are arriving: Naveenwhich puts the whole hand back into the deck, and Tarragoncapable of recycling Pokémon and Battle Energy from the discard pile.
And that’s not all. The mythical Illumis (Lumiose City) becomes a Stadium very powerful strategic. “Pokemon Legends: ZA’s Lumiose City is also getting a new Stadium card within the set, allowing either player to get a Basic Pokemon from the deck to the Bench at the cost of ending their turn.”
Mega Hyper Rares: a new rarity to revive the collection
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The Pokémon TCG doesn’t just rehash old mechanics. He reinvents them. “This new era also introduced a new rarity: the highly sought-after Mega Hyper Rare cards replace the old Hyper Rare cards.” This new type of rarity promises even lower mintage rates, and visuals designed to attract collectors and investors. With this innovation, The Pokémon Company revives the spirit of the first Mega expansions, while aligning its TCG with market trends: ultra-rarity, nostalgia and highlighting cards with a strong visual impact.
An imminent Japanese release… and a global launch in the spring
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If no date has yet been confirmed for the international release of Munikis Zero, JCC habits suggest an arrival by the end of March or the beginning of April 2026 in Europe and North America. The extension could well represent the fourth major wave of the year, after Mega Dream exand pave the way for other sets planned for the thirtieth anniversary of the franchise.
From January, the extension Ascendant Heroes will set the tone with Mega Evolutions for Legends: ZA starters, Pokémon returns Tera Stellarsand still secret mechanics like Rare Mega Attacks. Enough to maintain the enthusiasm of players and collectors throughout the year.