Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes: Complete Guide
Release Date: January 30, 2026
The first major Pokémon TCG expansion of 2026 is almost here! Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes brings back the beloved Mega Evolution mechanic with stunning new artwork, powerful competitive cards, and some of the most valuable chase cards we've seen in years.
What's in Ascended Heroes?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Cards | 290+ |
| Mega Pokémon ex | 13 confirmed |
| New Rarity | Mega Attack Rare |
| Special Features | Trainer's Pokémon, Stellar Tera ex |
| Japanese Equivalent | MEGA Dream ex |
Key Features
- 13 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex - Including new designs never before seen in the TCG
- Trainer's Pokémon Return - First time since Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals
- Stellar Tera Pokémon ex - Continuing the Stellar mechanic
- 30+ Special Illustration Cards - Stunning artwork for collectors
- Mega Attack Rare - New rarity with Japanese katakana attack text in card frames
Top 10 Chase Cards
Based on Japanese market data and collector demand:
| Rank | Card | Estimated Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | Mega Gengar ex SAR | $460-493 (PSA 10: $2,000+) | #1 chase card globally |
| 🥈 2 | Mega Dragonite ex SAR | $394+ | Set mascot |
| 🥉 3 | Rocket's Mewtwo ex SAR | $250+ | Nostalgia factor |
| 4 | Pikachu ex SAR | $255 | Always in demand |
| 5 | Mega Charizard Y ex | TBD | Major English chase |
| 6 | Mega Diancie ex SAR | $150+ | Beautiful artwork |
| 7 | Mega Froslass ex | $120+ | New Mega design |
| 8 | N's Zekrom (ETB Promo) | $80+ | ETB exclusive |
| 9 | Mega Scrafty ex | $100+ | Fan favorite |
| 10 | Mega Blastoise ex | $90+ | Classic starter |
Investment Tip: Mega Gengar ex SAR is the undisputed king of this set. Japanese copies have already reached ¥73,000+ (~$490). English versions may command even higher premiums due to lower print runs.
Featured Mega Pokémon ex
Mega Dragonite ex (Set Mascot)
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Dragon |
| HP | 370 |
| Stage | Stage 2 (evolves from Dragonair) |
| Prize Cards | 3 (Mega ex rule) |
Ability - Sky Transport
Once during your turn, you may switch your Active Pokémon with one of your Benched Pokémon.
Attack - Ryuno Glide (330 damage)
Discard 2 Energy from this Pokémon.
Competitive Analysis: Mega Dragonite ex offers incredible utility with its free switching ability. The 330 damage output can OHKO most threats, and 370 HP makes it extremely tanky. Pairs well with Mega Kangaskhan ex decks that want to maintain Active position control.
Mega Gengar ex
The most sought-after card in the entire set! Mega Gengar ex features a stunning Special Art Rare variant that has collectors going wild.
Mega Charizard Y ex
A returning fan favorite with new artwork. Expected to be the primary English-market chase card due to Charizard's enduring popularity.
Other Confirmed Mega Pokémon ex
- Mega Venusaur ex
- Mega Blastoise ex
- Mega Diancie ex
- Mega Froslass ex (new!)
- Mega Scrafty ex (new!)
Pull Rates (Japanese Data)
Based on analysis of 1,000+ Japanese boxes:
| Rarity | Pull Rate | Per Box Average |
|---|---|---|
| Any SAR | 1/27 packs (3.7%) | ~36.5% chance |
| Specific SAR | 1/4,650 packs | Very rare |
| Mega Attack Rare | 1/10 packs | 1 guaranteed |
| Art Rare (AR) | 1/3.3 packs | ~3 per box |
| SR Non-Supporter | 100% | 1 guaranteed |
| God Pack | ~0.5% | 1 in 200 boxes |
Box Value Expectations
Japanese MEGA Dream ex boxes (10 packs) show these patterns:
- Basic Pattern (50%): 4 RR, 3 AR, 1 SR, 1 MA
- Hit Pattern (50%): Basic + 1 SR Supporter/SAR/UR
- Expected Value: $130-190 per box
Products & Release Schedule
⚠️ Important: Unlike standard expansions, Ascended Heroes has NO standalone booster boxes. Products release in waves:
January 30, 2026 (Main Launch)
| Product | Contents | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Booster Packs | 10 cards | $4.49 |
| 3-Pack Blisters | 3 packs + promo | $14.99 |
| Mini Tins | 2 packs + coin | $7.99 |
| Collection Boxes | Various | $24.99-49.99 |
February 20, 2026 (ETB Release)
| Product | Contents | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Elite Trainer Box | 9 packs, N's Zekrom promo, sleeves, dice, coin | $49.99 |
N's Zekrom Promo is ETB-exclusive! This full-art foil card is expected to hold strong secondary market value.
April 24, 2026
| Product | Contents | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Booster Bundle | 6 packs | $27.99 |
Competitive Impact
Ascended Heroes is positioned to shake up the 2026 competitive meta:
Strengths for Competitive Play
- High HP Mega ex - 350-400 HP tanks that are hard to OHKO
- Powerful Abilities - Sky Transport (Dragonite), repositioning tools
- 330+ Damage Attacks - Can trade effectively with most threats
- Synergy with Existing Cards - Works with Double Turbo, Boss's Orders
Potential Meta Decks
- Mega Dragonite ex Control - Switching + high damage
- Mega Gengar ex Shadow - Likely disruption-focused
- Mega Charizard Y Turbo - Fire-type aggro
Drawbacks
- 3 Prize Rule - Giving up 3 prizes on KO is significant
- Stage 2 Requirement - Slower setup than Basic ex
- Energy Discard - Many attacks require discarding energy
Collector's Guide
What to Buy
| Goal | Recommended Products |
|---|---|
| Chase SAR cards | Single packs, blisters |
| Complete set | Wait for singles |
| Investment | ETB (N's Zekrom), sealed products |
| Casual collecting | Mini tins, collection boxes |
Investment Outlook
- Short-term (1-3 months): Prices will be inflated at release, expect 20-30% drops
- Mid-term (6-12 months): SAR cards will stabilize; Gengar/Charizard may rise
- Long-term (2+ years): Mega nostalgia factor could drive significant appreciation
Grading Recommendations
Cards worth grading for PSA/CGC:
- Mega Gengar ex SAR (high PSA 10 premium)
- Mega Dragonite ex SAR
- N's Zekrom ETB promo (limited supply)
- Mega Charizard Y ex (any variant)
- Any God Pack pulls
FAQ
When does Ascended Heroes release?
January 30, 2026 for main products. ETB releases February 20, 2026.
Are there booster boxes?
No. Ascended Heroes is a special expansion without traditional booster boxes, similar to Pokémon 151.
What's the best product to buy?
For chase cards: Individual packs or blisters For value: Elite Trainer Box (exclusive promo) For collecting: Wait for singles market
Is Ascended Heroes Standard legal?
Yes! All cards are Standard legal upon release.
How does Mega Evolution work in the TCG?
Mega Pokémon ex evolve from their regular ex counterparts and give up 3 Prize cards when knocked out. They typically have higher HP and stronger attacks than regular Pokémon ex.
Final Verdict
Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes is shaping up to be one of the most exciting TCG releases of 2026. With stunning Mega designs, powerful competitive cards, and chase cards that rival Prismatic Evolutions, this set has something for everyone.
Ratings
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Collector Appeal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| Competitive Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
| Investment Potential | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
Bottom Line: Don't sleep on Ascended Heroes. Whether you're chasing that Mega Gengar SAR or building a competitive Mega Dragonite deck, this set delivers.
Release Date: January 30, 2026 Last Updated: January 27, 2026