The year 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most important years in the history of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Not only will the Mega Evolution era expand across Japanese, International, and Chinese markets, but the franchise will also celebrate its 30th anniversary — a milestone that is expected to bring special sets, commemorative products, and nostalgic reprints.

This article gathers all confirmed, probable, and high-confidence releases for 2026, and highlights how the anniversary will influence the year’s product lineup.

🌟 January 2026 — Ascended Heroes (International Release)

Release Date: January 30, 2026

2026 begins with Ascended Heroes, the first major international release of the year and a cornerstone of the Mega Evolution era.
This is a special set, meaning it won’t have traditional booster boxes. Instead, the cards will be distributed through premium products, including:

• Elite Trainer Boxes

• Premium Poster Collections

• Special Collection Boxes

• Trainer’s Blisters

Ascended Heroes features a mix of content from Japan’s MEGA Dream ex along with newly introduced Mega Pokémon ex.
With premium packaging and limited production, this set is positioned to become one of the most desirable collector releases of early 2026.

🇯🇵 January 2026 — Special Card Set: Mega Gallade ex (Japan)

Release Date: January 23, 2026

Japan opens the year with a Special Card Set focused on Mega Gallade ex, including:

• 5 exclusive promo cards

• 8 booster packs

• A metallic collector coin

Japanese Special Card Sets are typically printed in low quantities and often become long-term collector items.

🎉 2026 — The Pokémon 30th Anniversary Year

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, first launched in 1996.
This milestone is expected to shape the entire TCG release calendar.

Confirmed 30th Anniversary Product

Pokémon Day 2026 Collection

Release Date: January 30, 2026

This is the first officially confirmed 30th anniversary product, and includes:

• A special stamped Pokémon Day 2026 promo card

• A commemorative metallic coin

• Three booster packs from recent expansions

This collection signals the beginning of a full year of celebratory products.

Expected Anniversary Releases (Based on trademarks & industry patterns)

Although not officially announced, distributors and card retailers expect:

• A 30th Anniversary “Celebration Collection”

A trademarked name suggests a major anniversary set is coming, potentially mirroring the 25th Anniversary “Celebrations” set.

Collectors anticipate:

• Reprints of iconic cards

• New illustrations of classic Pokémon (especially Kanto starters, Pikachu, legendaries)

• Mixed booster products reminiscent of Celebrations

• Gold or etched “30th Anniversary” stamped promos

• Premium Collector Boxes

High-end boxes including exclusive promos, coins, pins, sleeves, or possibly even artbooks.

• Throwback Cards or Retro Frames

Similar to the Classic Collection from 2021, many expect 2026 to revisit older card designs (Base Set, Neo, EX era, etc.).

• One Mega-Era Anniversary Set

With Mega Evolution currently at the center of the TCG, a hybrid set combining Mega Pokémon ex with iconic 1996–2016 Pokémon is highly anticipated.

📅 Additional Japanese Releases Expected in 2026

Japan will continue to drive the Mega Evolution era through multiple extensions. While not all names are confirmed, several sets are expected:

• ME03 — Shadow Storm

Mid-2026 main Mega Evolution expansion.

• ME04 — Emerald Surge

Late-2026 expansion featuring Grass and Dragon-type Mega Evolutions.

• ME4.5 — Radiant Ruby / Shining Sapphire

A mid-year special set, similar in structure to Shiny Treasure ex.
Rumored to highlight legendary Mega Evolutions.

• ME05 — Eternals (Possible Anniversary Set)

A high-end set that may align with the final quarter of 2026, linked to the 30th anniversary celebration.
Collector expectations are extremely high.

Note: These names are widely referenced in distributor calendars but remain unconfirmed.

🇨🇳 Chinese Pokémon TCG Releases in 2026

The Chinese Pokémon TCG continues to grow rapidly and will likely mirror Japanese releases with a small delay.

What to expect in 2026:

• A Chinese edition of Ascended Heroes

• Chinese versions of the 2026 Mega Evolution sets

• New “Gift Box” style holiday releases

• Possible continuation of the Gem Pack series (very popular in China, all-holo boosters)

Chinese-specific products often feature exclusive holo patterns and luxury packaging, making them attractive for sealed collectors worldwide.

📦 Premium Product Trends Across All Regions

2026 will be dominated by premium formats:

• Elite Trainer Boxes

• Premium Collections

• Anniversary Boxes

• Special Card Sets (Japan)

• Chinese Gift Sets

• A likely High Class Pack in late 2026

These formats are tailored for collectors, not just players.

🧠 What Collectors Should Watch Closely in 2026

The combination of nostalgia, premium production, and anniversary branding makes 2026 uniquely valuable.

🎉 Conclusion — A Historic Year for Pokémon TCG Collectors

Between the rise of the Mega Evolution era and the global celebration of Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, 2026 stands to become one of the most defining years in TCG history.

From Ascended Heroes to Japan’s Mega Evolution expansions, from Chinese gift sets to anniversary collections, the year will offer:

• Rare premium products

• Nostalgic reprints

• Exclusive promos

• High-value sealed boxes

• And multiple sets likely to become collector staples

If you are a collector, investor, or sealed product enthusiast — 2026 will be a year you cannot afford to ignore.