Mega Gallade EX Special Card Set Announced for January 2026 Release

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is showing no signs of slowing down as it marches deeper into its brand-new Mega Series era. Following the release of Mega Evolution Base Set and the fiery Inferno X expansion featuring Mega Charizard EX, Japanese retailers have now confirmed that a brand-new product is on the horizon. Fans can look forward to the Mega Gallade EX Special Card Set, officially scheduled to launch in Japan on January 23, 2026.

This announcement comes alongside news that a completely new TCG expansion is also planned for release on the same day. While details remain scarce, registered trademarks suggest some exciting possibilities that could shape the early months of next year’s Pokémon card market.

Spotlight on Mega Gallade

Mega Gallade, the elegant yet fearsome Psychic- and Fighting-type Pokémon, will take center stage in this upcoming special card set. Known for its blade-like arms and swift, decisive strikes, Mega Gallade has long been a fan-favorite among players who admire its combination of grace and raw power.

In the TCG, Gallade first appeared as a Mega Evolution Pokémon EX during the XY Dark Dragon expansion back in 2015. Those cards have since become cherished collectibles, especially among players who fondly remember the original wave of Mega Evolution mechanics. Now, over a decade later, Mega Gallade makes its grand return in the modern Mega Series, promising a mix of nostalgia and innovation for collectors and competitors alike.

What’s Inside the Special Card Set?

While official product images are not yet available, distributors have already shared some of the set’s contents. The Mega Gallade EX Special Card Set will include:

• Five promo cards, likely centered around Mega Gallade EX and its evolutionary line.
  
  

• Eight booster packs from the Mega Series, offering plenty of chances to pull rare and powerful cards.
  
  

• One collectible Pokémon coin, a classic extra for collectors and players alike.
  
  

These boxed sets have become a staple in Japan, with past examples including the popular Eevee Heroes Special Card Set and VSTAR Special Card Set. They provide a balance of exclusive promotional content alongside booster packs, making them appealing for both seasoned collectors and newcomers looking to jump into the latest expansions.

New Pokémon Trading Card Game set released in January 2026

Alongside the Mega Gallade EX Special Card Set, Pokémon fans can also expect the release of a brand-new Japanese expansion on January 23, 2026. The title and theme of this set have not yet been officially confirmed, but speculation is already running wild thanks to recently registered trademarks. Three possible names have surfaced:

1. Ninja Spinner

Registered in June 2025, this name has fans buzzing about a possible focus on Greninja, the ever-popular Water- and Dark-type Pokémon. Already confirmed to appear in its Mega form in the upcoming video game Pokémon Legends: ZA, Greninja would be a natural headliner for an expansion. The “spinner” motif also plays neatly into Greninja’s ninja-inspired design, suggesting artwork and mechanics that highlight its agility and stealth.

2. Storm Emerald

Another trademark filed in June 2025, Storm Emerald seems almost tailor-made for Rayquaza, one of the most iconic Dragon-type Pokémon in the franchise. As the cover star of the original Pokémon Emerald game and the first Pokémon ever to receive a Mega Evolution, Rayquaza holds a legendary status among both players and collectors. Past Mega Rayquaza EX cards from sets like XY Dark Dragon and XY Eternal Origins are still among the most valuable Mega Pokémon cards in existence. If Storm Emerald indeed centers around Rayquaza, the set could quickly become one of the most sought-after releases of the Mega Series.

3. Abyss Eye

The final possibility comes in the form of the trademark Abyss Eye. While its theme is less immediately obvious, the title hints at a darker, more mysterious focus. Some fans speculate it could tie into other Mega Evolutions debuting in Pokémon Legends: ZA. If so, this expansion may introduce unexpected Pokémon to the spotlight, offering collectors something fresh and unfamiliar.

Building the Future of the Mega Series

The Mega Series has only just begun, but it has already sparked renewed excitement in the Pokémon TCG community. By bringing back Mega Evolutions, first introduced during the Pokémon X and Y era, the franchise is tapping into a beloved mechanic while modernizing it for today’s collectors and competitive players.

The return of Mega Gallade is a perfect example of how the series bridges past and present. Long-time fans who remember pulling Gallade EX back in 2015 will appreciate the nostalgia, while newer players can experience Mega Gallade for the first time in an entirely refreshed environment.

If the upcoming expansion does feature Greninja or Rayquaza, it would further cement the Mega Series as one of the most ambitious and fan-driven chapters in TCG history. Both Pokémon have enormous global appeal, and their presence could drive demand for these sets to unprecedented levels.

Final Thoughts

January 23, 2026, is shaping up to be a major date on the Pokémon TCG calendar. With the Mega Gallade EX Special Card Set offering exclusive promos and booster packs, plus a brand-new expansion likely headlined by one of the franchise’s most iconic Pokémon, collectors and players alike have plenty to look forward to.

Whether you’re a fan of Mega Gallade’s sleek design, hoping for a Greninja-led “Ninja Spinner,” or dreaming of Rayquaza’s return in “Storm Emerald,” the Mega Series promises a thrilling ride. One thing is certain: the Pokémon TCG continues to evolve, and the Mega era is just beginning.

For collectors in the UK and beyond, you can stay updated on the latest sets and secure upcoming releases through trusted retailers like OBSIDIA TCG. With competitive prices and a growing catalog of Pokémon TCG products, OBSIDIA remains a go-to destination for fans who want to keep their collections at the cutting edge of the game.