Pitch Black, the sixth set in the Mega Evolution era, arrives July 17, 2026. It's shaping up to be the most collector-driven release of the year.
While Chaos Rising (May 2026) brought competitive heat with Unstable Evolution, Pitch Black leans hard into the other side of the TCG: raw collector desire. Anchored by Mega Darkrai ex, one of the most anticipated Pokemon reimaginings in years, this set is a love letter to Dark-type fans, art collectors, and long-term investors.
With approximately 115 cards, Pitch Black matches Chaos Rising in size but diverges in character. Where Chaos Rising was about mechanics and meta-shifting potential, Pitch Black is about presence. The Japanese equivalent, Abyss Eye (released May 22), has already produced some of the highest single-card values of the entire Mega Evolution block.
Here's everything you need to know before release day.
Set Overview
Pitch Black is based on Japan's Abyss Eye set and is the sixth English release in the Mega Evolution era (catalog number SV8). The set contains approximately 115 cards and is thematically centered on Dark-type Pokemon, with Mega Darkrai ex as the flagship.
The Product Lineup
- Booster Box (36 packs, MSRP ~€150 / ~$162): The standard for volume opening, but MSRP boxes are already sold out at most retailers
- Elite Trainer Box (9 packs, MSRP ~€52 / ~$55): Entry point with sleeves, dice, and the Zeroara promo
- Pokemon Center Elite Trainer Box (11 packs + PC stamped Zeroara promo, MSRP ~€73 / ~$60): Expected to sell out in minutes when it goes live on Pokemon Center
- Build & Battle Box (4 packs + 40-card kit, MSRP ~€26 / ~$28): Pre-release events run July 4–12
- Booster Bundle (6 packs, MSRP ~€28 / ~$30): Compact option
- 3-Pack Blisters (3 packs + promo card, MSRP ~€16 / ~$17): Retail impulse buy
The pre-order market tells a clear story: supply is tight. Booster boxes are already trading at €185–€240 on the secondary market, a 25–60% premium over MSRP. This is significantly higher than Chaos Rising pre-order premiums at the same point in its cycle, signaling intense collector demand.
The Mega Darkrai ex Hype
Pitch Black delivers something more valuable than a new game mechanic: a generational chase card.
Mega Darkrai ex is the first Dark-type Mega Evolution since Mega Gengar ex, and it arrives with two variants that are already commanding extraordinary prices in the Japanese market:
| Variant | Japanese Price | Estimated English Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Darkrai ex MUR (Mega Ultra Rare) | ¥160,000–178,000 (~€950–€1,060) | ~€700–€900 |
| Mega Darkrai ex SIR (Special Illustration Rare) | ¥72,000–80,000 (~€430–€475) | ~€320–€460 |
The SIR variant, illustrated by the legendary AKIRA EGAWA, features Darkrai emerging from a void with its glowing magenta eye, a gothic nightmare aesthetic that collectors are calling one of the most striking TCG cards ever produced. The MUR variant goes even further: a full gold-textured treatment with Darkrai's silhouette against an abyss background.
The pull rates for these are brutal (see below), which means these prices may be the floor, not the ceiling, once English supply enters the market and collectors realize how rare the top hits truly are.
Top Chase Cards
Mega Darkrai ex MUR (#—, Mega Ultra Rare)
Estimated English price: ~€700–€900
This is the grail. At roughly 1 in 100 boxes (based on Japanese Abyss Eye data), the MUR variant of Mega Darkrai ex is one of the rarest pulls in any modern Pokemon TCG set. Fewer than 1% of booster boxes contain one. The gold-textured treatment and Darkrai's iconic design make this the single most desirable card of the Mega Evolution era so far.
If you pull this, you've paid for your entire case.
Mega Darkrai ex SIR (AKIRA EGAWA Illustration)
Estimated English price: ~€320–€460
The "realistic" chase for most collectors. Still rare (roughly 1 in 20 boxes for any specific SAR/SIR), but an order of magnitude more common than the MUR. The AKIRA EGAWA artwork is the star here. Expect this card to hold value well over time regardless of competitive play.
Ansha ex SIR
Estimated English price: ~€50–€70
Ansha, the fully evolved form of the Paldean Grass Cat starter, gets the SIR treatment in Pitch Black. Early Japanese prices suggest this is the third-most-valuable SIR in the set, driven by Ansha's popularity in both the games and competitive TCG scene. A solid pull from any box.
Hoopa ex SIR
Estimated English price: ~€40–€55
Hoopa's SIR variant features the Pokemon emerging from its ring in a swirl of dimensional energy. Not a top-tier competitive card, but the artwork has strong collector appeal. Expected to settle in the mid-range for this set's SIRs.
Mega Chandelure ex SIR
Estimated English price: ~€25–€35
Chandelure gets a stunning SIR treatment that plays with light and shadow, fitting for a Ghost/Fire type. At this price point, it's an accessible entry into the set's art collection. Could appreciate if Chandelure finds a competitive home.
Mega Zeraora ex SIR
Estimated English price: ~€35–€40
The Electric-type Mythical Pokemon arrives with an SIR that captures its lightning-fast aesthetic. Zeraora has a dedicated collector following, which should provide a price floor even if competitive demand is moderate.
Gladion's Fighting Spirit SIR (Supporter)
Estimated English price: ~€14–€18
The Supporter SIR in this set features Gladion in a dramatic battle stance. Supporter SIRs tend to be affordable entry points for art collectors, and this one is no exception. A nice bonus pull but not the reason to open packs.
Zeroara (PC ETB Promo, Stamped)
Estimated aftermarket value: ~€30–€50
The Pokemon Center-exclusive stamped Zeroara promo is already generating buzz. If the PC ETB sells out in minutes (as expected), the promo could command a significant premium on the secondary market, especially in PSA 10 condition.
Pull Rates Analysis
Based on large-scale Japanese Abyss Eye box opening data (600+ boxes surveyed), here's what English Pitch Black pull rates are projected to look like:
| What You're Pulling | Frequency | Per Booster Box (36 packs) |
|---|---|---|
| Any hit (Double Rare or higher) | 1 in 3.5 packs | ~10 per box |
| Mega Evolution ex | 1 in 12 packs | ~3 per box |
| Special Illustration Rare (SIR) | 1 in 100 packs | ~0.35 per box |
| Mega Ultra Rare (MUR) | 1 in 250 packs | ~0.14 per box |
| Mega Darkrai ex MUR | 1 in 3,600 packs | ~0.01 per box |
| Specific SIR (e.g., Darkrai) | ~1 in 700 packs | ~0.05 per box |
The key takeaway: Pitch Black's pull rates are among the toughest of the entire Mega Evolution block. The MUR rate (~1% of boxes) makes Mega Darkrai ex MUR roughly 6 times rarer than Chaos Rising's Mega Greninja ex SIR (which was 1 in 620 packs).
Track your Pitch Black pulls in real time. CardTrezor lets you log every card you open, see live Cardmarket prices, and track your collection's total value. Free to use — no account required to browse.
What This Means for Your Budget
- A single booster box will yield roughly 3 Mega Evolution ex cards, ~10 total hits, and approximately 35% chance of an SIR. The MUR? Don't count on it from a single box.
- To pull Mega Darkrai ex MUR, you'd need approximately 100 boxes (~€18,500 at MSRP, far more at market prices). The math is brutally clear: buy the single.
- For SIR hunting, you'd average one specific SIR per ~19 boxes. Again, buying singles is cheaper for anything specific.
- For master set completionists, budget for roughly 2-3 booster boxes for the common/uncommon/rare playsets, then buy the rest as singles.
Best Products to Buy
Best for Dedicated Rippers: Booster Box (€185–€240 market price)
If your goal is opening packs, the booster box is still your best per-pack value, but at 25–60% above MSRP on the pre-order market, the value proposition has shifted. A Chaos Rising booster box at MSRP was €133; Pitch Black at market prices is €185+. That's 39% more expensive for similar hit density. Consider buying at MSRP if you can find it. Check local game stores and big-box retailers on release day for shelf-stock at retail prices.
Best for Collectors: Pokemon Center Elite Trainer Box (€73 MSRP)
The PC ETB is the collector's choice. Two extra packs over the standard ETB, exclusive packaging, and the PC-stamped Zeroara promo that will likely appreciate. The challenge: availability. PC ETBs from earlier Mega Evolution sets are already commanding 2-3x MSRP on the secondary market. If you can get one at MSRP when Pokemon Center lists them, it's a no-brainer.
Best for Players & Pre-Release Attendees: Build & Battle Box (€26 MSRP)
Pre-release events run July 4–12. The Build & Battle Box gives you a playable deck plus 4 packs. If you're attending, this is your entry point. The included promo is exclusive to this product.
Best for Casual Openers: Booster Bundle (€28 MSRP)
Six packs at a reasonable per-pack price. The Booster Bundle is the easiest way to grab packs at retail without committing to a full box. Good for a fun opening session.
What to Skip at Launch
3-pack blisters remain the worst value. Higher per-pack cost, no chance at the good hits. Skip unless you find them at a discount. Standard ETBs at €70+ (market price) are also a weak value. You're paying for the box and accessories, not the packs.
Investment vs. Collecting
Cards Likely to Appreciate Long-Term
- Mega Darkrai ex MUR: With a ~1-in-100-boxes pull rate and Darkrai's iconic status, this is the single most compelling long-term hold of the entire Mega Evolution block. If the English print run is in line with Chaos Rising, there will be fewer than 500 MUR copies in existence. That's collector-grade scarcity.
- Mega Darkrai ex SIR (AKIRA EGAWA): The artist alone guarantees long-term interest. AKIRA EGAWA's previous work (including the legendary Giratina V from Lost Origin) has appreciated steadily. This card follows the same playbook.
- Sealed Pokemon Center ETBs: Every Mega Evolution PC ETB from 2026 has appreciated. Pitch Black's will be no exception, and the Darkrai theme may make it the most desirable of the lot.
Cards with Higher Risk
- Mega Chandelure ex / Zeraora ex SIRs: These will hold some collector value but lack the iconic status of Darkrai. Expect moderate appreciation at best.
- Standard ETBs: Without the PC stamp, standard ETBs have limited investment upside. The Zeroara promo is nice but won't drive meaningful long-term appreciation.
- Booster Boxes at inflated prices: If you're paying €220+ for a booster box, your upside is compressed. Compare this to Chaos Rising boxes at MSRP (€133) that have already appreciated. At €220, you need the box to nearly double just to match the return profile.
Sealed vs. Singles Strategy
- For serious investors: Sealed PC ETBs and booster boxes at or near MSRP are the play. The challenge is getting them at MSRP. You'll need to be online the moment Pokemon Center listings go live, or check local retailers on release day.
- For collectors: Buy the singles you want 6–8 weeks after release (late August / early September), when the initial hype premium has cooled but before supply tightens. The exception: Mega Darkrai ex MUR, which may never dip given its extreme scarcity.
- For flippers: Pre-release weekend (July 4–12) is your window. Pull a Darkrai SIR at pre-release? Sell it immediately. The first-week premium is the highest it will ever be.
Final Recommendations
If you're ripping packs for fun, grab a booster box and enjoy the opening experience. The Darkrai theme and stunning SIR artwork make every pack feel high-stakes. Just know that the hit rate is tough. Don't expect to pull the big one.
If you're hunting specific cards, buy singles on Cardmarket. The math on chasing Mega Darkrai ex MUR through pack opening is absurd. You'd need roughly 100 booster boxes on average to pull one. At €200 per box, that's €20,000 for a card worth ~€800. Even the SIR would cost ~€3,800 in boxes for a ~€400 card.
If you're investing, prioritize sealed Pokemon Center ETBs at MSRP. If you can't get those, sealed booster boxes at or near MSRP are the next best option. Skip the secondary market markup. The returns are already priced in.
If you're collecting art, this is one of the best sets of 2026 for SIR quality. Darkrai (AKIRA EGAWA), Ansha, and Hoopa are all standouts. Buy the singles graded if you want them for your collection. The set will be opened for years, but the best copies will only get harder to find.
Want more set analysis? Read our Chaos Rising One Month Later analysis, learn how to Predict Pokemon Card Value Fluctuations, and compare the Best Pokemon Card Collection Apps of 2026.
Affiliate Disclosure: CardTrezor is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme. We earn from qualifying purchases. This article contains affiliate links.
Read Next
- Pokemon TCG Chaos Rising (2026): Complete Set Guide — Chase Cards, Pull Rates & Best Products to Buy — Compare with the previous Mega Evolution set
- The Mega Evolution Era: What It Means for Collectors and Investors in 2026 — See where Pitch Black fits in the era