Pokémon TCG Pitch Black Is Back — But It Won't Stay Long
Honestly, I didn't expect to see Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black (ME05) return to official store shelves this quickly. This fifth expansion in the Mega Evolution era has disappeared from shelves dozens of times since launching on July 17, 2026, and secondary market prices on platforms like TCGplayer have climbed to levels that make the average collector throw in the towel.
Now it's back for preorder on Amazon, Target, GameStop, and the Pokémon Center directly. This isn't small news. It's a genuine second chance for people who'd given up hope.
Why Is This Set in Such High Demand?
Pitch Black isn't just any ordinary set. Its contents are pulled from the Mega Dimension DLC content for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and that alone makes it special for series fans.
But the real reason for the buying frenzy is the cards themselves. The set features 6 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex cards: Mega Darkrai ex, Mega Chandelure ex, Mega Zeraora ex, Mega Slowbro ex, Mega Excadrill ex, and Mega Delphox ex. Plus 4 regular Pokémon ex cards and 11 Illustration Rare cards.
The full set totals 120 cards — 84 in the base set and 36 Secret Rares, including 18 Ultra Rares and 6 Special Illustration Rares. That's real variety that makes every Elite Trainer Box feel like a genuine investment, not just a gamble.
The Card Everyone's Hunting For
The most important and most expensive card in this set is Mega Darkrai ex with the Hyper Rare designation. This single card alone determines box value. If you pull it from your Elite Trainer Box, you've multiplied your investment many times over on the secondary market.
And here's where the problem and opportunity collide: when the set disappears from shelves, these card prices skyrocket. Now that stock is returning, prices will gradually drop (though not back to the original recommended price).
What's Inside an Elite Trainer Box?
If you've never tried these boxes before, here's what you get:
- 9 Pitch Black booster packs
- Full-art foil promo card of Zarude
- 65 card sleeves
- 40 energy cards
- Set player guide
- Competition-legal die
- 6 damage counter dice
- Plastic coin
- Collection box with 6 dividers
- Pokémon Trading Card Game Live code
Honestly, even if you don't pull rare cards, the box is worth the price for accessories alone. The sleeves, dice, and box itself are high quality — stuff you'll use for years.
When Exactly Should You Buy?
Just before July 2026, Prerelease events ran from July 4-12 for people who wanted to test the set first. Now preorders are open and the official release has started.
My advice: don't wait. Every time these sets return, they vanish within days. Official retailers are selling at the recommended price, but stock is limited and demand is massive. After two or three days, you'll be buying from TCGplayer at a premium.
Is It Worth Investing In?
If you're a genuine collector who wants beautiful, valuable cards without burning through your wallet, then yes. Current prices are reasonable compared to where they were just weeks ago. Your timing is better now.
But if you're a pure reseller waiting for a quick flip, I'm not going to encourage you on this one. That golden window already closed. Values will stabilize and potentially drop over time, especially with fresh stock incoming.
Bottom line: if you genuinely love Pokémon cards and want Pitch Black without paying double the price, now's your moment. Don't drag your feet. In a few days, you'll be buying from the secondary market at a markup and kicking yourself for not jumping on this chance.
