Pokemon Mega Evolution is Delivering Mega Profits

You might have heard this one before, but the latest Pokemon TCG expansion is already doing big numbers! Marking the end of the Scarlet & Violet era, and shifting focus to Legends: Z-A, preorders for Mega Evolution went live at major retailers mid August and have been periodically restocking since then. It seems like the demand for Pokemon cards is insatiable, so the market shows no sign of slowing down. Mega Evolution will be officially released in the US on September 26th.

Pokemon has been going the extra mile creating full illustration rares in recent sets, and these previews have not disappointed. There’s also a new rarity being introduced as Mega Ultra Rare (MUR), which we’ll show you in a bit.

Check out the Mega Venasaur line, as well as Mega Lucario, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Kangaskhan, courtesy of justinbasil forum.

Retail: $60 each

Current Resell: ~$160 each

Pokemon splits their ETB across two releases. Retailers get standard ETBs, while Pokemon Center gets exclusive versions with extra cards and are generally more desirable.

Retail: $50 each

Current Resell: ~$100 each

Each ETB features either Mega Lucario OR Mega Gardevoir on the packaging, and comes with either a Riolu OR an Alakazam promo card.

The standard ETB includes 9 booster packs, while the Pokemon Center variant includes 11 booster packs, and an additional, identical promo card with Pokemon Center logo.

Retail: $180 ($160 from Pokemon Center)

Current Resell: ~$260

Despite being cheaper than retail stores like Target, Pokemon Center offered an “Enhanced Booster Box” that came with a Bulbasaur promo card. The card itself is available in the set, but the promo comes with a Mega Evolution logo stamp.

Retail: $30

Current Resell: ~$55

Retail: $15

Current Resell: ~$30

While the full card list for the US release has not been revealed yet, we can speculate on what will be available, and what prices might look like based on the Japanese release. We can also consider the current prices of “mega” cards from past sets.

To give some perspective, two of the most expensive “mega” cards on the market are M Charizard EX (108/106) from the Pokemon Flashfire set, and the M Rayquaza EX (98/98) from Ancient Origins; both of which are over 10 years old. Both of these cards sell for ~$350 raw, but can range up to $3k-$5k for a graded PSA 10.

As we’ve mentioned, the product releases in Japan often differ from other regions, as do the prices between Japanese and English cards. Rather than one set, they released products as a dual set similar to Black Bolt & White Flare. On August 1st, Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia sets were released exclusively in Japan.

Keep in mind these are current sales completed for the Japanese versions of each card, the English usually outperforms the Japanese in the long run.

We’ve seen the gold chrome cards in past sets, but these feature a somewhat ancient aesthetic in the background; something we might get more of as we move into the Pokemon Legends era. The raw cards are moving on eBay in the $400-$500 range.

Special Art Rare is another new distinction of rarity being released in Mega Evolutions, but seems to be on the same level of rarity as secret rare, which is different from the MUR. Trainer cards have grown increasingly more popular over the years, and have been heavily featured alongside flagship mons in recent sets like Destined Rivals and Journey Together.

Mega Evolution is sizing up to be another highly profitable Pokemon set. Considering the current market, and the holidays just around the corner, you have every reason to grab as much Mega Evo product as you can.

Don’t forget the Phantasmal Flames set is expected to release November 14th, and is poised to be a BANGER to close out the year. We’re expecting a new line of Mega Charizard cards, so stay ready. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss it!