The Pokémon Trading Card Game continues to grow, and 2026 is set to be one of the most significant years in the hobby's history.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the franchise, a milestone that brings both nostalgic tributes and brand-new gameplay mechanics. For parents and collectors in Australia, keeping track of these dates is the best way to ensure you don't miss out on special editions.
Note: Australian release dates can vary slightly from international ones. Always check with local game stores for prerelease events, official dates, possible distribution delays and promos.
This guide provides a timeline of the English Pokémon TCG releases scheduled for the first four months of 2026.
Whenever a new era begins in the card game, we see plenty of speculation. This article is here to simplify the upcoming changes and content.
What is the first major set release for 2026?
The year begins with the soft launch of Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes on 30 January 2026.
This is a "special set," which in the Pokémon world means that individual booster packs will not be sold. Instead, you can only find these packs inside specific collection boxes and tins. It’s worth noting that this set will be released in waves throughout the year.
This expansion is particularly intriguing because it reintroduces more Mega Evolution cards to the game. These cards feature powerful Pokémon that have "evolved" further during battle, a mechanic that has been absent from the TCG for several years. The chase card for this set is Mega Dragonite EX, which many collectors have been anticipating.
Pictured above is the Japanese Mega Dragonite EX from Mega Dream.
The initial launch on 30 January includes:
- Tech Sticker Collections: These are entry-level products containing three booster packs, a sticker for decorating laptops or tablets, and a promotional card featuring either Charmander or Gastly.
- Special Collections: These boxes include several booster packs and a promotional card. The first two feature Larry’s Komala and Erika’s Tangela.
How is Pokémon celebrating its 30th anniversary?
On 30 January 2026, alongside the new set, The Pokémon Company will release the Pokémon Day 2026 Collection. This is specifically designed to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the original games' release in Japan.
Anniversary products are easy to identify by the “30th Anniversary” logo on the packaging.
This specific collection is an affordable way to mark the occasion, as it includes:
- A special promo card of Pikachu with a 30th-anniversary gold stamp.
- A commemorative metallic coin.
- Three booster packs from recent sets.
Because this is a global celebration, these items are expected to be popular across Australian Pokémon enthusiasts, as they represent a unique moment in the history of the brand.
What products arrive in February 2026?
The second wave of the Ascended Heroes set arrives on 20 February 2026. This is when the more substantial collector items become available.
- Elite Trainer Boxes (ETB): This is often considered the "gold standard" for collectors and players. An ETB contains nine booster packs, high-quality card sleeves, energy cards, and a player's guide to the set. There will be a standard version available at most retailers and a slightly different version exclusive to the Pokémon Center.
-
Mini Tins: These are small metal tins that come in five different designs. Each tin contains two booster packs and a collectible art card. When you line up all five tins, the art cards often form a single larger image.
A new Mega Evolution / Phantasmal Flames tin set also releases the same day, featuring sought-after Charizard X and Charizard Y promo cards. These are alternate arts but function as reprints of the originals.
There are also rumors of a 30th-anniversary collaboration with McDonald’s starting in late February. Traditionally, these involve a small "Happy Meal" pack containing four exclusive cards. While these cards are usually reprints of existing artwork, they feature a special holographic pattern that makes them unique for a 30th-anniversary collection.
The McDonald's promos get snapped up fast and are a must have for collectors.
What about March and April 2026?
As we move into the autumn months in Australia, the release schedule focuses on larger gift sets and bulk options for the Ascended Heroes expansion.
On 20 March 2026, the Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection is scheduled for release. This is a larger box intended for display, containing:
- 10 booster packs of Ascended Heroes.
- Three promotional cards featuring the "evolution line" of either Mega Gardevoir ex or Mega Lucario ex.
- A large-scale wall poster featuring the artwork from the set.
20 March 2026 will also include a lesser sought after collectors item Ascended Heroes Deluxe Pin Collection. This will include:
- 5 booster packs of Ascended Heroes.
- Three promotional cards featuring Chikorita, Totodile and Tepig
- An adorable pin flaunting the three promotional Pokémon on it
Finally, on 24 April 2026, the Ascended Heroes Booster Bundle releases. It’s the best option for those who just want booster packs without extra collectibles. It contains six booster packs and is often the preferred choice for those looking to complete their set by finding specific "chase cards" or illustrations rares.
Summary of 2026 Early Releases
The first four months of 2026 are heavily focused on the 30th Anniversary and the return of Mega Evolution. Here is a quick reference list of the dates:
- 30 January: Ascended Heroes Special Collections, Tech Sticker Collections, and the Pokémon Day 2026 Collection.
- 20 February: Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Boxes and Mini Tins.
- Late February/March: Potential McDonald’s 30th Anniversary promotion.
- 20 March: Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collections.
- 24 April: Ascended Heroes Booster Bundles.
New releases can feel overwhelming, particularly during special anniversary sets. Focus on the products that make the most sense for how you collect or play.