Pokémon fans were treated to a major surprise this week: the return of Mega Evolution in the form of breathtaking Special Illustration Rare Mega Pokémon ex cards. These stunning cards were revealed in a new trailer for the upcoming "Night Wanderer" set, with the full article going live on PokéBeach.
The video announcement on Pokémon's official YouTube channel gave us our first proper look at the revamped Mega Evolution mechanic in the modern TCG era—and the cards are nothing short of spectacular.
What Was Revealed?
Three Mega Pokémon ex cards were showcased in Special Illustration Rare form:
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Mega Lucario ex
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Mega Gardevoir ex
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Mega Banette ex
Each card features an alternate full-art design with vivid, highly stylised artwork that celebrates the unique essence of these Pokémon. The visual style feels like a spiritual successor to the Illustration Rares from Scarlet & Violet, but elevated with dynamic poses, layered backgrounds, and more intricate detail.
These aren’t just flashy collector pieces—they’re powerful, playable cards with unique abilities and attacks that align with the aggressive, high-stakes nature of Mega Evolution from previous TCG eras.
A New Era for Mega Evolution?
While Mega Evolution was originally introduced in the XY era, this marks the first time Mega Pokémon ex cards are appearing in the Scarlet & Violet generation. The designs stick to the era's clean layout and silver borders but add a sense of chaos and energy that perfectly suits the Mega theme.
It's still unclear how expansive this return will be. Are these three Mega Evolutions a one-time feature, or is Pokémon preparing for a full-blown Mega-focused set or mechanic in future expansions? Either way, fans are excited—and collectors are already scrambling to secure these cards when they drop.
When Can You Get Them?
The Mega Pokémon ex Special Illustration Rares are part of Japan’s "Night Wanderer" set, releasing July 19, 2025. While a Western release hasn’t been officially confirmed, it’s highly likely these cards will be included in a future English set later this year—potentially the November expansion.
Keep an eye on booster boxes, Japanese singles, and Pokémon Center restocks, as demand for these Mega Evolutions will be intense—especially for fan favourites like Lucario and Gardevoir.
Final Thoughts
It’s been years since Mega Evolution had a spotlight in the TCG, but this reveal proves it's coming back in style. With jaw-dropping art, nostalgic appeal, and competitive potential, these Mega Pokémon ex Special Illustration Rares are shaping up to be some of the most desirable cards of the year.
We’ll be covering their gameplay potential and collector value as more details emerge—so stay tuned to Monster Card Corner for updates, pricing guides, and our in-hand card reviews when they land!
