Side Kicks Collectibles • Global Release Guide
Updated: 8 January 2026
About the release
The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes expansion kicks off the Mega Evolution era in 2026, with Mega Dragonite ex headlining a massive checklist of 290 plus cards. It mixes new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex with Trainer’s Pokémon and Stellar Tera Pokémon ex, plus a heavy dose of special illustration cards for collectors.
This is a special expansion, which matters because the release is split across multiple products rather than a standard Booster Display launch. For most UK collectors, the centrepiece is the Elite Trainer Box and the Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box, both landing later in February.
If you are tracking the drop, you can shop Pokémon on Side Kicks and also browse sealed collectibles as listings go live.
Pokémon. Elite Trainer Box artwork and packaging may vary by region.
TL;DR – Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Release Date, Price and Where to Buy
- Set release date: 30 January 2026 (UK)
- Elite Trainer Box launch: 20 February 2026
- Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box launch: 20 February 2026 (exclusive)
- Set size: 290 plus cards
- Where to buy: Pokémon Center UK, UK hobby retailers, and Side Kicks listings when live
- ETB highlight: N’s Zekrom full art foil promo card
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Price: £49.99 / £54.99 for Pokemon Center
| Main chase theme | Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, special illustrations, and new rarity tiers |
| Trainer focus | 30 plus Trainer cards, including special illustration treatments |
| Best sealed pick | Elite Trainer Box for packs plus promo, Pokémon Center ETB for stamped promo and extra packs |
Set overview and rarities
Ascended Heroes is built to feel like an event set. The headline is Mega Evolution, but the real collector hook is the scale of the illustration content, with more than 30 Pokémon and Trainer cards getting special artwork treatments.
Card breakdown
- 290 plus cards in the full set
- 30 plus Trainer cards
- 30 plus Pokémon and Trainer cards with special illustrations
- New Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, with more added to the era’s line up
- New rarity tier: Mega attack rare (pop art style full art Mega Evolution Pokémon ex)
Release schedule
This set rolls out in phases. The expansion itself lands in late January, then the Elite Trainer Boxes follow in February. If you only want one sealed product from this set, it makes sense to plan around the ETB dates.
- 30 January 2026: set launch in the UK
- 20 February 2026: Elite Trainer Box and Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box
Ascended Heroes product lineup
There are multiple products tied to Ascended Heroes, but this guide is focused on the Elite Trainer Boxes because they are the cleanest sealed option for packs plus a standout promo.
Elite Trainer Box
Launch: 20 February 2026
- 9 Ascended Heroes booster packs
- 1 full art foil promo card featuring N’s Zekrom
- 65 card sleeves
- 40 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
- Player’s guide to the expansion
- 6 damage counter dice, 1 competition legal coin flip die, and 1 plastic coin
- Collector’s box with dividers
- Code card for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live
Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box
Launch: 20 February 2026 (exclusive to Pokémon Center)
- 11 Ascended Heroes booster packs
- 1 full art foil promo card featuring N’s Zekrom with a Pokémon Center logo
- 1 additional full art foil promo card featuring N’s Zekrom
- 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, and the full accessories set
- Collector’s box with dividers and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live
Other products to know about
- Premium Poster Collection: available later in 2026, featuring Mega Lucario themed content
- Booster Bundle: a simple pack only product, also expected later in 2026
Price and availability
Prices vary by retailer and restock timing, especially on special expansions. These are the typical UK launch ranges collectors use as a quick sense check.
| Product | Typical UK price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elite Trainer Box | £49.99 (Retailer dependent) | Promo card plus booster packs and accessories |
| Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box | £54.99 | Extra packs and Pokémon Center stamped promo |
Editors chase list
- Mega Dragonite ex special illustration style cards
- Top Mega Evolution Pokémon ex in ultra rare and special illustration tiers
- Mega attack rare cards for pop art collectors
- N’s Zekrom ETB promo card
- N’s Zekrom Pokémon Center stamped promo card
Ascended Heroes card previews
Card images are early previews. We’ll update with English scans when available.
Where to buy
For UK buyers, Pokémon Center UK is usually the first stop for the exclusive Elite Trainer Box. After that, UK hobby retailers handle most of the wider supply. Side Kicks is best when you want a single place to browse sealed and singles once listings go live.
FAQ
When is Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes released in the UK?
The set launches in the UK on 30 January 2026, with the Elite Trainer Boxes following on 20 February 2026.
What is inside the Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box?
The Elite Trainer Box includes 9 booster packs and a N’s Zekrom full art foil promo card, plus sleeves, Energy cards, dice and a player guide.
What is the difference between the Pokémon Center ETB and the standard ETB?
The Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box includes 11 booster packs and adds a Pokémon Center logo version of the N’s Zekrom promo card, plus an extra copy of the promo.
Side Kicks is a worldwide brand. We stock sealed Pokémon product and list singles globally so collectors can shop wherever, whenever.
