Mega Evolutions are making a powerful comeback in the Pokémon Trading Card Game! The upcoming expansion, MEGA Series, just dropped in Japan last week. With the release of Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia, the beloved Mega Evolutions were brought back to the game, together with updated designs, and a new rarity. Here's everything you need to know.
1. Set Overview: Mega Brave & Mega Symphonia
The Mega Evolution era kicks off with a bang through the launch of the twin expansions: Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia, the first entries in the new Mega Evolution Series of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.Officially revealed on Pokémon Day 2025, these sets mark the long-awaited return of Mega Evolution Pokémon, a mechanic that first debuted in the XY Series and was last seen in the Sun & Moon era. With updated rules, fresh artwork, and a brand-new card rarity, the Mega Evolution comeback is already shaking up the game.
While the international release is set for September 26, the Japanese versions dropped early on August 1, 2025. Each expansion is sold separately as a standard Japanese booster box, mostly with the usual configurations, which you can find here. However one big change was made with the Introduction of MUR (Mega Ultra Rare) cards — a brand-new rarity featuring exclusive full-art illustrations.
2. What is New?
The Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia expansions don’t just bring Mega Evolutions back, they introduce several exciting updates for both collectors and players:
MUR (Mega Ultra Rare)
A brand-new rarity introduced for the first time in this set.
Unlike traditional gold cards, MURs feature completely original full-art illustrations, often incorporating a silhouette of the Pokémon's non-Mega form (e.g., Lucario appears in the background of Mega Lucario ex).
These are expected to be among the rarest and most sought-after cards, with early box openings suggesting a pull rate of 1 in 10–20 boxes.
New Full Art Design
All Full Art cards (Pokémon and Trainer) now feature a glitter foil layer, giving them more visual depth and sparkle compared to previous sets.
This is the first time regular (non-gold) full art versions of Trainer cards have been introduced.
Connected Art Cards
Certain Pokémon cards feature linked illustrations, creating one continuous artwork when placed side-by-side.
A standout example is Ninjask and Shedinja, which together depict a shared scene that highlights their in-game evolutionary connection.
Trainer Card Milestone
Lt. Surge receives his first-ever Full Art Trainer card, completing the Kanto Gym Leader full art collection. Long-time fans will appreciate this long-overdue addition.
Evolution Rule Update
Mega Evolution Pokémon ex are now more accessible than ever:
They evolve directly from their base forms (e.g., Mega Lucario ex evolves from Riolu, skipping the Lucario stage).
Despite their strength, they come with a risk — giving up three Prize cards when Knocked Out.
Accessories & Merch
As with most Japanese expansions, Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia come with official themed sleeves and deck boxes. The designs are bold and vibrant, matching each set’s signature colors—red and blue for Mega Brave, soft purples and gold for Mega Symphonia. Featuring key Pokémon like Mega Lucario and Mega Gardevoir, these accessories are not only functional but also beautifully designed collectibles in their own right.
3. Top Cards to Watch / Chase Cards
Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia are packed with standout cards, but a few have already emerged as the most desirable among collectors and players alike. Whether it’s due to rarity, artwork, or competitive potential, here are the cards everyone’s chasing:
Mega Lucario ex [MUR] – Mega Brave
Arguably the face of the new Mega Evolution era, this card features stunning full-art artwork with a shadowy Lucario in the background. As one of the first ever MUR (Mega Ultra Rare), it’s already commanding high resale value in Japan.
Mega Gardevoir ex [MUR] – Mega Symphonia
Elegant, powerful, and with dreamy new art, this card is both competitively viable and visually gorgeous. A top-tier chase card, especially in its alternate art form
Lillie’s Resolve【SAR] – Mega SymphoniaOne of the standout hits from the Mega Symphonia expansion is the SAR (Special Art Rare) version of Lillie’s Resolve. The artwork features Lillie in a soft, dreamlike setting with gentle lighting and pastel tones — a design that has instantly captured the attention of collectors worldwide.
Mega Gardevoir ex【SAR] – Mega Symphonia
Mega Gardevoir ex shines as one of the most visually stunning cards in Mega Symphonia, especially in its SAR (Special Art Rare) version. The artwork showcases Gardevoir in its Mega form surrounded by swirling ribbons of light and musical motifs — a nod to the set’s Symphonia theme.
4. How to Buy? / How to Find Cards Using Doorzo?
Doorzo makes buying Japanese Pokémon cards easy—no matter where you are or whether you speak a single word of Japanese. Whether you're after singles, sealed booster boxes, or rare promos from Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia, Doorzo helps you access the Japanese market with just a few clicks. In a previous Article, A Collector’s Guide I: Buying Japanese Pokémon Cards Using Doorzo, we walk you through the process step by step. Get your Japanese Pokémon cards now, so you don't have to wait another month and a half for the international release!
