Mega Evolution TCG Set Reveals: Bulbasaur, Riolu, Alakazam Promo Cards & Launch Info
The much-anticipated Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution expansion is scheduled to launch internationally on September 26, 2025, with the Japanese sets Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia debuting a month earlier on August 1, 2025
Product Lineup and Promo Details from Mega Evolution TCG
Enhanced booster boxes will be available featuring a Bulbasaur illustration rare promo stamped with a Mega Evolution seal, added as a box-topper card. Standard booster boxes should also be available without the promo
Similarly, the two Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) will each include one of two promo cards:
- The Mega-Lucario ex ETB includes a Riolu illustration rare promo, stamped with a Pokémon Center logo in the upcoming Mega Evolution TCG Set
- The Mega-Gardevoir ex ETB features an Alakazam illustration rare promo .
Box Art and Design Notes
The packaging art focuses on the main Mega Evolutions TCG: Venusaur, Lucario, Gardevoir, and Kangaskhan. Matching binders featuring the same artwork will also be released. According to reports, the ETB box designs—especially for the Alakazam and Lucario variants—received mixed reactions from fans
Set Composition and Card Count
The Mega Evolution set includes:
- Over 180 cards (excluding secret rares)
- 10 Mega Evolution TCG Pokémon ex (confirmed: Mega Venusaur, Camerupt, Abomasnow, Gardevoir, Lucario, Absol, Mawile, Latias, Kangaskhan; the final Lightning-type is likely Ampharos or Manectric)
- 22 Illustration Rare Pokémon
- 22 ultra-rare full‑art cards, including Pokémon Tools, Item, and Stadium cards—a first for ultra‑rare card types beyond Pokémon and Supporters
- 10 Special Illustration Rare cards, featuring Mega Evolution Pokémon ex and Supporter cards
Full-art Mega Evolution Pokémon ex cards will showcase a silhouette of the Pokémon’s regular form behind its Mega Evolution variant—for example, regular Lucario behind Mega Lucario ex .
Booster Pack Configuration Update
One notable change: Mega Evolution TCG booster packs will now include either an Energy card or a code card—not both in the same pack—possibly to reduce waste. This means some packs will skip either physical energy cards or the code redemption card for TCG Live. In-game TCG Live packs now offer 10 cards instead of five, offsetting this change
Timeline and Future Sets
As noted above, the Japanese Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia expansions launch on August 1, 2025, while the international Mega Evolution TCG expansion releases September 26, 2025 After Mega Evolution, follow-up sets are slated to focus on Mega Greninja and Mega Rayquaza expansions in future product lines .
Card Previews
The main card reveals so far include:
- Mega Lucario ex
- Mega Gardevoir ex
- Mega Venusaur ex
- A full-art Bulbasaur → Ivysaur → Venusaur connected trio in Special Illustration Rare format
Critics have pointed out these Pokémon ex releases may feel underwhelming compared to expectations, given the new branding and nostalgia-heavy mechanics
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Summary Table
| Product | Included Promo Card | Notes |
| Enhanced Booster Box | Bulbasaur illustration rare (stamped) | Includes topper promo; standard version also sold |
| ETB – Mega Lucario ex | Riolu illustration rare | Pokémon Center logo included |
| ETB – Mega Gardevoir ex | Alakazam illustration rare | Design received mixed fan reviews |
| Booster Packs | Standard pack content | Energy or code card only, not both |
Conclusion
With the Mega Evolution expansion fast approaching—featuring promo highlights like Bulbasaur, Riolu, Alakazam, and powerful Mega ex cards—the ideal time to plan how you’ll protect your collection is now.
Slip new cards into high-quality penny sleeves right out of the pack to prevent fingerprints and scratches. For rare or high-value cards such as illustration rares and Mega ex variants, use rigid holders like top-loaders for added rigidity and protection.
When storing your collection, keep binders upright in a cool, dry, and dark space to prevent warping or fading. Gently handle binder pages and avoid stacking to minimize damage over time.
By taking these simple steps from the start—sleeving, toploading, and careful storage—you’ll keep your Mega Evolution cards in pristine condition for years to come.
Reference List
Draftsim (2023) The top 4 hard card sleeves and toploaders. Available at: https://draftsim.com/hard-card-sleeves/ (Accessed: 26 July 2025).
Marbra89 (2023) ‘Should I sleeve cards that I’m putting in a top loader?’, r/mtgfinance, Reddit. Available at: https://www.reddit.com/r/mtgfinance/comments/1655ua7/should_i_sleeve_cards_that_im_putting_in_a_top/ (Accessed: 26 July 2025).
StanTCG1 (2025) Trading card protection and storage advice, TikTok video. Available at: https://www.tiktok.com/@stantcg1/video/7499512138398960927 (Accessed: 26 July 2025).
