Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black | Mega Darkrai ex Set Guide & Pre-Order Switzerland

Mega Evolution — Pitch Black: Mega Darkrai ex Headlines the July 2026 Set

On July 17, 2026, the fifth main set of the Mega Evolution era launches: Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black (ME05). The set is built around dark-type Mega Pokémon, with two of the most-anticipated cards of 2026 as headliners: Mega Darkrai ex and Mega Zeraora ex. For Swiss collectors, this is one of the strongest pre-order opportunities of the year — Darkrai has a deep collector following and Mega Darkrai ex Special Illustration Rare is expected to be among the top chase cards of 2026.

This guide covers the set details, chase cards, products available at Celestrion, and how Pitch Black fits into the broader Mega Evolution era 2026. Following the May release of Chaos Rising (Mega Greninja ex), Pitch Black continues the era with a darker thematic shift.

What is Mega Evolution — Pitch Black?

Pitch Black is the fifth main expansion in the Mega Evolution era. The set's thematic identity centers on darkness — dark-type Pokémon, night-time imagery, and a story built around the shadowy presence of Darkrai. The Japanese equivalent set is called Abyss Eye, released ahead of the Western launch.

Set composition (based on official announcements and pre-release information):

• 6 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex — including Mega Darkrai ex, Mega Zeraora ex, Mega Chandelure ex, and Mega Excadrill ex

• 4 regular Pokémon ex

• 11 Illustration Rares (IR)

• 18 Ultra Rares (UR)

• Multiple Special Illustration Rares (SIRs) with full-art alternative artwork

• Over 120 cards total, with 35+ cards featuring special illustrations

The Headline Mega Pokémon ex

Mega Darkrai ex

The flagship card of the set and one of the most-anticipated Mega ex releases of the entire era. Darkrai has a strong nostalgic following from the Diamond & Pearl era, and the Mega Evolution gives the card a darker, more powerful design. The Mega Darkrai ex Special Illustration Rare is widely expected to be among the highest-value chase cards of 2026 — comparable in collector interest to Mega Charizard X ex from ME01.

Mega Zeraora ex

Electric-type Mega Evolution with aggressive offensive potential. Zeraora has been a competitive staple in past formats, and the Mega version brings updated artwork and gameplay mechanics that could place it in tier-1 competitive decks for the post-Pitch Black meta.

Mega Chandelure ex

Ghost/Fire-type Mega Evolution with strong synergy in dark-themed decks. The artwork is expected to be one of the visually most striking in the set, and Chandelure has a dedicated collector base for its eerie aesthetic.

Mega Excadrill ex

Steel/Ground-type Mega Pokémon. Excadrill brings a more grounded, mineral-themed counterbalance to the set's otherwise ethereal lineup — and Steel-type collectors have been waiting for a proper Mega representative since the era began.

Chase Cards: What to Watch in Pitch Black

As with all Mega Evolution sets, the Special Illustration Rares are the cards with the highest collector value. SIRs are full-art illustrations with alternative artwork — the most expensive and traded cards in any set. For Pitch Black, watch in this order:

• Mega Darkrai ex SIR — the standout chase card; highest pull-value and projected long-term appreciation

• Mega Zeraora ex SIR — second tier in value but competitive demand may push prices

• Mega Chandelure ex SIR — collector favorite for the artwork rather than gameplay

• Trainer card SIRs — Supporter cards with full-art treatments often appreciate fast post-launch

Pitch Black Products Available at Celestrion

Pitch Black Booster Box (Booster Display)

The Booster Box contains 36 booster packs, each with 10 cards plus 1 Basic Energy. This is the best product for chasing the full set — Booster Boxes give you the highest statistical chance of pulling multiple SIRs, including the Mega Darkrai ex chase. Pre-order the Pitch Black Booster Box at MSRP.

Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box (ETB)

The Elite Trainer Box includes 9 booster packs, a full-art promo card, 65 card sleeves, 40 energy cards, damage counter dice, a coin-flip die, a plastic coin, and a player's guide — all in a high-quality storage box. The standard choice for both players and collectors. Pre-order the Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box.

Pitch Black Booster Bundle

A smaller-commitment option containing 6 booster packs. Good for collectors who want to test the set's pull rates before committing to a full Booster Box. Pre-order the Pitch Black Booster Bundle.

Pitch Black 3 Pack Blister [Binacle]

The 3-Pack Blister includes 3 booster packs plus a Binacle promo card — the most affordable entry point into the set. Good for targeted pulls or as a gift item. Get the Pitch Black 3 Pack Blister.

Abyss Eye — The Japanese Version

Collectors hunting region-specific variants should know about Abyss Eye, the Japanese equivalent of Pitch Black. Released ahead of the international launch, Abyss Eye contains the same Mega Pokémon ex but with Japanese-language card prints and Japanese-exclusive packaging. For collectors building cross-region collections of the Mega Evolution era, the Japanese version is essential — and we carry the Booster Box.

Pre-order the Abyss Eye Japanese Booster Box at Celestrion.

Why Pre-Order Pitch Black Now?

Three reasons to pre-order at MSRP from Celestrion before the July 17 launch:

• Scarcity at launch: Major Pokémon sets — especially ones with high-demand Mega Pokémon — sell out within hours at official retail. The secondary market typically lists product at 1.5–3x MSRP within days.

• MSRP guarantee: We sell all Pitch Black products at the official manufacturer's recommended retail price. No scalper markup, no inflated 'collector pricing.'

• Direct from Switzerland: Fast shipping from our Swiss warehouse, secure payment options, and 100% authentic products sourced from official distributors.

What's Next After Pitch Black?

Pitch Black is the bridge between two of the most anticipated releases of the Mega Evolution era. After Pitch Black launches on July 17, the next major sets coming in 2026 are:

• Storm Emerald (expected fall 2026): featuring Mega Rayquaza ex — potentially the most-hyped set of the entire era

• 30th Celebration (September 18, 2026): the all-foil Pokémon TCG anniversary set with worldwide simultaneous launch

For the full release calendar, chase card guides, and strategic collecting advice, read our complete Mega Evolution era guide.

Bottom Line

Pitch Black is the must-pre-order set of summer 2026 for Swiss collectors. Mega Darkrai ex alone justifies securing a Booster Box at MSRP — Darkrai's collector following combined with the Mega Evolution treatment creates one of the strongest chase cards of the year. Add Mega Zeraora ex, Mega Chandelure ex, and the SIR Trainer cards, and Pitch Black has more chase potential than any set since Chaos Rising.

Pre-order now at Celestrion — at MSRP, with shipping direct from Switzerland. Bookmark our Mega Evolution era 2026 guide to stay current as new sets are announced.