Mega Pokémon finally make their return to the Pokémon Trading Card Game

As announced during the Pokémon Day Presents showcase on Feb. 27, the beloved Mega mechanic is finally making its return to the Pokémon world—both in the new Legends Z-A title and with the Pokémon Trading Card Game as well.

Last appearing in the TCG with the Sun and Moon series of cards, Mega Pokémon cards hold the potential to completely disrupt the current competitive meta. Two key cards were shown off in the stunning reveal trailer, featuring Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex.

These cards feature a dynamic aesthetic and layout, with the Mega Evolution mechanic marker up in the top right-hand corner. Both seem exceptionally powerful, with Mega Lucario ex having 340 HP and Mega Gardevoir ex having a whopping 360 HP.

Mega Lucario ex has the attack Aura Jab, dealing 130 damage for just one Fighting-type Energy and allowing the user to attach three discarded Energy of the same type to their Bench in any way they desire. Alongside this, it also has Mega Brave, dealing an eye-watering 270 damage for just two Fighting-type Energy. The caveat here is that it cannot use Mega Brave on the next turn, but seeing as the Retreat Cost is only two Energy, this could easily be worked around.

Mega Gardevoir ex features the Overflowing Wishes attack, offering unparalleled Energy management. It deals no damage, but it says that for every Benched ‘mon the user has, they can search their deck for a Psychic-type Energy card and attack it to that critter.

To pair with this, Mega Gardevoir ex also has the Mega Symphonia attack, potentially stacking to ridiculous levels of damage. It costs one Psychic-type Energy and offers 50 damage for each Psychic-type Energy attached to all of the user’s Pokémon.

These cards seem strong and fun to play, but excited players should note that achieving a Knock Out on a Mega Pokémon card will net them three Prize Cards. They may seem tanky, but losing one of them in a match could end up being a lose condition. An official release date or expansion set name for these cards was not confirmed in the reveal trailer, with the only information being that they feature the I Regulation Mark and that collectors can expect to see the cards in 2025.

As soon as more information becomes available about these striking cards, we’ll be sure to keep you updated. It’s set to be a busy year for Pokémon fans, with a new title called Pokémon Champions on the way, along with ranked matches for Pokémon TCG Pocket and—of course—the anxiously-awaited Legends Z-A.

For now, make sure to check out our full Battle Partners card summary to get a feel for Journey Together, the next official PTCG expansion set in the release calendar. It’s looking like an interesting follow-up to Prismatic Evolutions, especially with the Trainer’s Pokemon card type making a return.