Everything about Pokémon TCG Pitch Black: Mega Darkrai ex and more

Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution – Pitch Black is the fifth set in the Mega Evolution series and is all about the darker side of the Pokémon world. It released on July 17, 2026 and is led by Mega Darkrai ex and Mega Zeraora ex. In this guide you'll read everything about Pitch Black: which Mega Evolution Pokémon ex are in it, which products are available, what's in the Elite Trainer Box and which cards collectors are chasing.

“Pitch Black gave me nostalgic vibes right away. With Darkrai as the ultimate chase, it takes you all the way back to generation 4 Pokémon.” – Liam from RubyGator

What is Pokémon TCG Pitch Black?

Pitch Black is the English version of the Japanese set Abyss Eye. It is the fifth expansion in Mega Evolution, the series that brought Mega Evolutions back to the Pokémon TCG. As in the earlier sets of this series, Mega Evolution Pokémon ex are strong but risky: when one is Knocked Out, your opponent takes three Prize cards instead of two.

The main set has 84 numbered cards. On top of that come the secret rares, such as the Special Illustration Rares and the Mega Hyper Rare. Those extra cards make the set especially interesting for collectors.

The Mega Evolution Pokémon ex in Pitch Black

Pitch Black contains six Mega Evolution Pokémon ex:

• Mega Darkrai ex, the face of the set
• Mega Zeraora ex
• Mega Chandelure ex
• Mega Excadrill ex
• Mega Delphox ex
• Mega Slowbro ex

Mega Darkrai ex and Mega Zeraora ex take centre stage on the packaging. Mega Chandelure ex and Mega Excadrill ex also play a prominent role in the set.

Our personal favourite? Mega Slowbro ex. Liam: “Slowbro is an absolute legend that deserves a special spot. He really gives me Patrick vibes, from SpongeBob.”

Image: The Pokémon Company

Which Pitch Black products are there?

At RubyGator you'll find the Pitch Black products in our Pitch Black collection, including:

• Booster Box
• Elite Trainer Box
• Booster Bundle with 6 booster packs
• 3 Pack Blister with Binacle
• Premium Checklanes with Gengar and Luxray, and a Checklane with Slowpoke
• Single booster packs

What's in the Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box?

Image: The Pokémon Company

For many collectors the Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is where a new set starts. It contains:

• 9 Pitch Black booster packs
• 1 full-art foil promo card of Zarude
• 65 card sleeves
• 40 Energy cards
• Damage-counter dice, a coin-flip die and a coin
• A sturdy storage box with dividers and a Pokémon TCG Live code card

The Pokémon Center version goes further: it contains 11 booster packs and two Zarude promos, one of them stamped with the Pokémon Center logo.

Chase cards: what are collectors hunting for in Pitch Black?

The most sought-after Pitch Black cards are:

• Mega Darkrai ex as a Mega Hyper Rare, the rarest version, with etched artwork
• Mega Darkrai ex Special Illustration Rare
• Mega Zeraora ex Special Illustration Rare
• Mega Chandelure ex Special Illustration Rare

Pulled one of these cards? Put it straight into a soft sleeve and a sturdy toploader. Full-art and etched cards in particular scratch and ding easily.

Our take: is Pitch Black worth it?

If you play the Pokémon TCG, the six new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex are interesting to build with. If you mainly collect, the Special Illustration Rares and the Mega Hyper Rare of Mega Darkrai ex make Pitch Black an attractive set to open.

What we notice: the hype around Pitch Black stayed modest. That's why the set is still easy to get hold of, even a few months after release.

Liam's tip

“Above all, have fun opening. And if you're collecting? Buy the singles you're after rather than opening lots of sealed product.”

Curious how the Mega Evolution series continues? Also read our article on Delta Reign and Mega Rayquaza ex and on the return of Mega Evolutions.

Frequently asked questions about Pitch Black

When did Pokémon TCG Pitch Black release?

On July 17, 2026.

Which Japanese set is Pitch Black based on?

The Japanese set Abyss Eye.

Which promo is in the Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box?

A full-art foil promo card of Zarude. The Pokémon Center version contains two.

Pitch Black at RubyGator

See all products in our Pitch Black collection. Sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a new release, and get 10% off accessories.

Written by Liam from RubyGator.

Sources

• Pokémon (pokemon.com) – Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Pitch Black Product Showcase
• Pokémon (pokemon.com) – Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box (product gallery)
• The Pokémon Company International – Pitch Black press releases (press.pokemon.com)
• Bulbapedia – Pitch Black (TCG)
• Yahoo Tech – Pitch Black Expansion Announced, Featuring Mega Darkrai ex And Mega Zeraora ex
• Screen Rant – Pokémon TCG: Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box Review
• TCG Watchtower – Pitch Black card list