What's coming next
Pokémon cards come out in Japan first, usually a few months before the English versions. That means the Japanese cards are a sneak peek at what is heading to our shops. Here is what to look forward to.
Why Japan first?
Every Pokémon set is made in Japan first and released there around two to four months before the English version. So if you want to know what is coming, you look at what just came out in Japan.
One thing that confuses parents: the English sets are often a mix of two or three Japanese sets, with a different name. So the Japanese and English set names rarely match exactly. The cards play the same, the language is just different.
A word of caution before you spend. Early news from Japan can change. Card names, release dates and prices are not always final, and leaked cards sometimes shift. We mark how sure each item is below.
Upcoming sets
30th Celebration
From the Japanese set: 30th anniversary set
The 30th-anniversary set. Unusually, it lands worldwide at almost the same time, so Australia and New Zealand get it together with everyone else. Every card is foil, with a Pikachu in every pack and lots of reprinted popular cards. Expect high demand and tight supply.
Delta Reign
From the Japanese set: Storm Emeralda (released in Japan 31 July 2026)
The big Mega Rayquaza ex set, and the headline release for late 2026. It also introduces a brand new card type, a paired Stadium made of two halves. One to watch closely for both players and collectors.
To be confirmed
From the Japanese set: Abyss Eye (released in Japan 22 May 2026)
The Japanese Mega Darkrai ex set. Its English name and date are not confirmed yet, but the cards in it preview what should reach English shelves after Delta Reign.
Cards to watch
The cards from these sets that Oceania players are most excited about.
Mega Rayquaza ex
ConfirmedDelta Reign · 6 November 2026
A famous, powerful Colorless Mega that ramps up Energy quickly and hits harder the more Fire and Lightning Energy is in play. Likely to be a top deck and a big chase card.
Talonflame ex
ConfirmedDelta Reign · 6 November 2026
A support attacker that helps set up the Mega Rayquaza deck and draws extra cards. Less flashy, but the kind of helper good decks are built on.
Legendary Summit (paired Stadium)
ConfirmedDelta Reign · 6 November 2026
A new kind of card, a Stadium made of two halves that join together. A genuinely new mechanic for players to learn.
Mega Darkrai ex
LikelyTo be confirmed (Japanese set Abyss Eye) · Likely late 2026 or 2027
A Darkness-type Mega and the top chase card of its Japanese set. Its competitive role in English is still being worked out.
30th Celebration reprints
Confirmed30th Celebration · 16 September 2026
An all-foil anniversary set that reprints famous Pokémon and useful competitive staples. Great for collectors, and a chance to pick up some playable cards.
Mega Greninja ex
ConfirmedChaos Rising (already here) · Released 22 May 2026
Already in English. We mention it because it arrived in Japan first as a preview, and it has quickly become one of the most talked-about attackers. See its card guide.
Want to understand the cards we already have? Start with the card guide.
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