The Pokémon Trading Card Game is preparing for one of its most anticipated Japanese releases in years. The third Mega Evolution expansion of the block has been confirmed for a January 23, 2026 release date in Japan. While the official set name has not yet been announced, all signs point to it being titled Storm Emeralda – a trademark discovered in June 2025.

This set will be the first major Pokémon TCG release of 2026 and will follow the successful launches of Mega Brave & Mega Symphonia (M1, August 2025) and Inferno X (M2, September 2025). Based on official sell sheets distributed to Japanese retailers, the expansion will prominently feature Zygarde, strongly suggesting the debut of Mega Zygarde ex in the TCG.

Storm Emeralda Release Date and Context

  • Japanese release date: January 23, 2026
  • Expansion number: M3 in the Mega Evolution block
  • First major Pokémon card set of 2026
  • Launching alongside a Mega Gallade ex product on the same date

Storm Emeralda continues the Mega Evolution block that began in mid-2025. Each expansion has showcased a new headlining Mega Evolution, and this set looks to deliver one of the most exciting yet.

Zygarde Confirmed: Mega Zygarde ex Likely

The official sell sheet for the set confirms Zygarde will headline the expansion, which makes it almost certain that the TCG will debut Mega Zygarde ex. Every Mega block expansion so far has been built around a major Mega Evolution, and Zygarde is central to both the trading card game and the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

For collectors, this is significant: Zygarde has never had a Mega Evolution in the TCG or video games before. Its debut as Mega Zygarde ex would be a first, tying directly into the themes of Legends: Z-A. Expect this card to become one of the premier chase cards of early 2026, especially if it receives Illustration Rare or Special Illustration Rare variants.

Why “Storm Emeralda” Fits

Although unconfirmed, the trademarked name Storm Emeralda aligns perfectly with the January release window. Pokémon trademarks typically enter use about six months after discovery, and the timing matches exactly.

  • Rayquaza connection: Fans initially speculated that “Emeralda” referenced Pokémon Emerald and Mega Rayquaza, the first Pokémon to Mega Evolve.
  • Zygarde connection: Zygarde also fits the “Emeralda” theme – its green coloring and central role in Legends: Z-A tie neatly to the name. The unusual “-a” ending in Emeralda could even be a deliberate nod to Z-A.

This dual interpretation leaves open the possibility that both Mega Zygarde ex and Mega Rayquaza ex may appear in the set, or at least within the block.

Legends: Z-A and TCG Synergy

Pokémon Legends: Z-A releases worldwide on October 16, 2025, just months before Storm Emeralda. In the game, Zygarde plays a crucial role, following the protagonist and observing the events in Lumiose City. Its unique biology – cores and cells combining to create different forms – positions it as a legendary central to the new story.

The introduction of new Mega Evolutions in Legends: Z-A (including Mega Raichu forms in DLC) makes it highly likely that Mega Zygarde will debut in the game as well. The TCG expansion aligns with this narrative, giving fans a physical Mega Zygarde ex card to collect as the story unfolds.

Will Mega Rayquaza ex Appear?

Even if Zygarde takes the spotlight in Storm Emeralda, Mega Rayquaza ex remains a strong candidate for inclusion. Each expansion in the Mega block has included multiple Mega Evolutions, and Rayquaza’s popularity makes it a guaranteed headliner at some point.

  • The Emeralda name strongly hints at Rayquaza’s connection to Pokémon Emerald.
  • In the Pokémon Horizons anime, Shiny Rayquaza plays a central role, alongside hints of Shiny Zygarde.
  • The synergy across Legends: Z-A, the anime, and the TCG strongly suggests we’ll see both Mega Rayquaza ex and Mega Zygarde ex before this block concludes.

Collectors should keep an eye out for future set announcements – or even a potential High Class Pack in late 2026 featuring Shiny Mega Rayquaza ex and Shiny Mega Zygarde ex as the ultimate collector’s finale.

Expected Products and Chase Cards

While product details are not yet confirmed, based on recent trends we can expect:

  • Booster boxes and packs (standard Japanese release format)
  • Elite-style boxes or decks featuring promo cards
  • A possible exclusive promo tied to the launch (as seen with past Mega sets)

Likely chase cards include:

  • Mega Zygarde ex (standard and full-art versions)
  • Special Illustration Rare (SIR) of Mega Zygarde ex
  • Potential Mega Rayquaza ex (regular, full-art, or SIR)
  • Character-driven Supporter SIRs tied to Legends: Z-A storyline

Given the excitement around Mega Evolutions and the popularity of Zygarde and Rayquaza, secondary market demand for these cards is expected to be strong.

Storm Emeralda is shaping up to be a landmark expansion for the Pokémon TCG. With Zygarde confirmed as the star, the likely debut of Mega Zygarde ex, and speculation surrounding Mega Rayquaza ex, this set ties directly into Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the ongoing Pokémon Horizons anime.

Collectors should mark January 23, 2026 on their calendars and prepare for one of the most exciting Japanese releases in years.

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