The Pokémon Trading Card Game is doubling down on its return to the Kalos region. Following months of speculation and leaks, official product lineups have confirmed that the third major expansion of the Mega Evolution era will be titled Mega Evolution—Perfect Order.
Set to launch in international markets on March 27, 2026, this expansion is directly inspired by the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A video game and will bring the long-awaited debut of Mega Zygarde ex to the TCG.
The Numbers
- Total Volume: Over 120 cards (including Secret Rares).
- Main Set Size: Only 88 cards, marking it as the smallest English main set released in recent years.
- Mega Evolution Pokémon ex: 4 (Mega Zygarde ex, Mega Clefable ex, Mega Starmie ex, Mega Skarmory ex).
- Pokémon ex: 9 (including the highly anticipated Meowth ex).
- Illustration Rare Pokémon: 11 cards.
- Ultra Rare Cards: 18 (Full-art Pokémon ex and Supporter cards).
- Special Illustration Rare (SIR) Cards: 6 (Alternate art Pokémon and Supporters).
- Trainer Cards: More than 25 new Items, Supporters, and Tools.
The Japanese Connection: Nihil Zero (M3)
As is tradition, the English set is based on its Japanese counterpart, which is titled Nihil Zero (Japanese: ムニキスゼロMunikisu Zero). The Japanese set is scheduled for release on January 23, 2026, under the set code M3.
The name “Nihil Zero” (alternatively translated as “Munikis Zero”) is a direct reference to Mega Zygarde’s signature move, Nihil Light. The set focuses heavily on themes of balance and ecosystem order, reflecting Zygarde’s lore. Interestingly, Japanese previews have revealed that Mega Zygarde ex will be a Fighting-type “Basic” Mega Evolution—a rare mechanic that allows it to be played directly to the bench without a Spirit Link or prior evolution, though it yields three Prize cards when knocked out.
“Perfect Order” English Product Lineup
According to recent reveals on PokeBeach and official press releases, Perfect Order will feature a robust product lineup available at launch:
- Booster Packs & Boxes: Standard 36-pack booster boxes will be the primary way for collectors to hunt the set’s Secret Rares.
- Elite Trainer Box: Features a green-and-black design inspired by Zygarde. It includes 9 booster packs and an Illustration Rare promo card featuring Tyrunt.
- Booster Bundles: A compact 6-pack box for those looking to rip packs without the extra ETB accessories.
- 3-Pack Blister: Includes three booster packs and a promo card featuring Chikorita (illustrated by Makura Tami).
- Checklane Blisters: Single-pack blisters featuring a Makuhita promo card.
Featured Pokémon and New Mechanics
Perfect Order will introduce over 120 cards, highlighting the first-ever TCG appearances of several new Mega Evolutions and fan-favorites:
- Mega Zygarde ex: The flagship Pokémon of the set, featuring the devastating “Nihil Zero” attack.
- Mega Clefable ex & Mega Starmie ex: These two are confirmed as pack-art mascots for the English set, signaling a major boost for Fairy and Water-type archetypes.
- Mega Skarmory ex: A Metal-type attacker known for precision and bench-snipping capabilities.
- Meowth ex: In a surprising twist, Meowth receives its own ex card and pack-art feature, appearing in a charming “chilling on a park bench” illustration.
- Fossil Resurgence: The set brings back the Kalos fossils, including Tyrunt, Tyrantrum, Amaura, and Aurorus, along with their respective “Antique” Fossil items.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
Collectors and competitive players should mark the following dates for the Perfect Order release cycle:
- January 23, 2026: Nihil Zero (M3) launches in Japan.
- March 14, 2026: Prerelease tournaments begin at local game stores.
- March 26, 2026: Digital launch on Pokémon TCG Live.
- March 27, 2026: Official worldwide retail release.
With the 30th Anniversary of Pokémon looming later in 2026, Perfect Order serves as a critical bridge set, cementing the Mega Evolution mechanics that are expected to dominate the competitive meta for the foreseeable future.
Stay tuned to GastlyGazette.com for the full card list as soon as Nihil Zero launches in Japan!
