Pokémon ME05 Night Black: New Mega Evolution Block Expansion
Antoine BraultQuick Answer: Pokémon ME05 Pitch Black is the fifth expansion in the Mega Evolution block of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Its official release date is set for July 17, 2026, in France. The set features Mega-Darkrai ex alongside Mega-Zeraora ex, Mega-Chandelure ex, and Mega-Excadrill ex. It contains over 115 cards, including 6 Mega Evolution Pokémon-ex, 11 Illustration Rares (AR), 18 Ultra Rares, and 6 Special Illustration Rares (SAR).
The Mega Evolution block continues its rapid expansion. After ME03 Perfect Balance and ME04 Rising Chaos, The Pokémon Company announces a new series focused on darkness: ME05 Pitch Black. The expansion extends the narrative universe of Pokémon Legends Z-A and its Mega Dimension DLC, bringing the Mega Evolutions from the additional content into the spotlight.
What is the Pokémon ME05 Pitch Black series?
ME05 Pitch Black is the fifth main expansion in the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution block. The series is published by The Pokémon Company and will be released on July 17, 2026, in France and all Western territories. It corresponds to the fusion of the Japanese set M5 Abyss Eye (scheduled for release in Japan on May 22, 2026) and a second Japanese expansion whose content has not yet been publicly detailed.
The visual identity of the set is based on a nocturnal and urban atmosphere. The illustrations use dark contrasts to highlight Dark- and Ghost-type Pokémon. The cover card logically goes to Mega-Darkrai ex, whose appearance marks the first Mega-Evolved version of the Sinnoh Mythical Pokémon in the card game.
ME05 Pitch Black Release Date: What You Need to Know
- Official France Release: July 17, 2026
- Japanese Release (M5 Abyss Eye): May 22, 2026
- Play! Pokémon Prereleases: Starting July 4, 2026
- Availability on Pokémon TCG Live: July 16, 2026
The Star Pokémon of the ME05 Pitch Black Expansion
The expansion is based on six Mega Evolution Pokémon-ex, which form the competitive backbone and the main source of interest for collectors.
Mega-Darkrai ex, the set's cover card
Mega-Darkrai ex embodies the visual identity of Pitch Black. The Nightmare Pokémon, pure Dark-type, sees its Mega Evolution integrated into the TCG for the first time. The card is expected in several variants: standard ex version, Illustration Rare (AR), Special Illustration Rare (SAR), and Mega Ultra Rare (MUR). The SAR of Mega-Darkrai ex is already considered by the community as the most coveted piece of the set. Its flagship ability in the Japanese version, called Abyss Eye, instantly knocks out an opposing Pokémon affected by a Special Condition.
Mega-Zeraora ex, Mega-Chandelure ex, and Mega-Excadrill ex
Three other Mega Evolutions accompany Darkrai in the main set:
- Mega-Zeraora ex: Electric Mega Evolution of the Alola Mythical Pokémon, focused on fast offensive strategies.
- Mega-Chandelure ex: Ghost / Fire Mega Evolution, in the evolutionary line of Litwick.
- Mega-Excadrill ex: Ground / Steel Mega Evolution, designed to break through opposing defenses.
Two additional Mega Evolution ex complete the cast of the six Mega Evolution Pokémon-ex announced by The Pokémon Company for this expansion.
A nocturnal atmosphere carried by Dark and Ghost types
The narrative and graphic common thread of ME05 Pitch Black is darkness. Dark and Ghost-type Pokémon dominate the illustrations, with common cards like Inkay, Slowpoke, or Bruxish extending this visual coherence. The expansion directly accompanies the Mega Dimension DLC of Pokémon Legends Z-A, which places Darkrai at the center of the additional content.
Detailed Content of the ME05 Pitch Black Expansion
The Western set announces a list of 84 cards for the main numbering, extended to over 115 cards including secret rares. The rarity breakdown is as follows:
| Rarity | Number of cards |
|---|---|
| Mega Evolution Pokémon-ex | 6 |
| Classic Pokémon-ex | 4 |
| Illustration Rare (AR) | 11 |
| Ultra Rare (UR / Full Art) | 18 |
| Special Illustration Rare (SAR) | 6 |
| Common, Uncommon, Holographic cards | ~70 |
Mega Ultra Rare (MUR) cards, which have replaced Gold cards since the beginning of the Mega Evolution block, are expected to be present with a golden version of Mega-Darkrai ex. Holographic energies are also expected, in line with what was offered in ME03.
ME05 Pitch Black Pokémon Products Available at Release
All classic formats of a main Pokémon series will be released. The table below summarizes the confirmed products:
| Product | Content | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Booster | 10 random cards | 4 different pack arts |
| Blister | 1 booster + 1 holographic promo card | Entry-level format |
| Tripack | 3 boosters + 1 holographic promo card | 2 available illustrations |
| Bundle (Booster Bundle) | 6 boosters | Intermediate format, 60 cards total |
| Display | 36 boosters | Reference format for group openings |
| ETB (Elite Trainer Box) | 9 boosters + accessories + 1 AR Zarude promo | 65 themed card sleeves included |
| Prerelease Kit | 4 boosters + 40-card preconstructed deck + 1 promo | Exclusive to Play! Pokémon tournaments |
The Elite Trainer Box with the Zarude promo
The Pitch Black ETB is the centerpiece of the range for collectors. The box includes:
- 9 Pokémon ME05 Pitch Black booster packs
- 1 holographic Illustration Rare promotional card of Zarude
- 65 Mega-Darkrai themed card sleeves
- 40 Energy cards
- 1 player's guide
- 6 damage counter dice
- 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
- 1 plastic coin
- 1 storage box with 6 dividers
- 1 code card for Pokémon TCG Live
An exclusive Pokémon Center ETB version will also be offered, with a revised visual and goodies exclusive to this edition. The promotional card in this version includes the Pokémon Center logo, making it unique compared to the standard edition.
The 36-booster Display for extensive set coverage
The Pitch Black 36-booster Display is the reference format for maximizing chances of completing the collection. With 360 cards in total, it significantly increases the probabilities of obtaining all six Mega Evolution Pokémon-ex and several Special Illustration Rare cards. It's also a popular product for collectors wishing to keep a sealed original Display as a long-term collector's item.
Tripack and Bundle: intermediate formats
For those who don't want to invest in a full Display, two intermediate formats are offered:
- The Tripack includes 3 boosters and 1 holographic promo card. Two different illustrations will be available at release.
- The 6-booster Bundle allows opening 60 cards in total, multiplying the chance of obtaining a Mega Evolution ex or an SAR card by six compared to a single booster.
ME05 Prereleases: Play from July 4, 2026
Play! Pokémon prerelease tournaments begin on July 4, 2026, almost two weeks before the official release. They take place in participating independent Play! Pokémon stores, across all French-speaking and international territories.
The format follows the now proven Build & Battle principle:
- Each participant receives a Build & Battle Kit.
- The kit contains a 40-card preconstructed deck and 4 ME05 Pitch Black booster packs.
- Players build their deck from the received content.
- An exclusive holographic promotional card is distributed to each participant, from four possible cards: Braixen, Crobat, Ampharos, and Goodra.
These promo cards are only accessible through participation in the event, making them sought-after items on the secondary market after release.
ME05 Pitch Black on Pokémon TCG Live: digital version
For players who want to test Pitch Black decks before opening physical products, the expansion will be available on the Pokémon TCG Live app starting July 16, 2026, one day before the store release. The app is compatible with:
- iOS
- Android
- macOS
- Windows
This one-day early availability allows competitive players to explore new gameplay mechanics and prepare their decks for the first post-release tournaments.
How to prepare for the ME05 Pitch Black release?
Three concrete tips to optimize your collection before July 17, 2026:
- Anticipate pre-orders: ETBs and Displays sell out quickly, especially Pokémon Center versions which often go in a few hours.
- Protect your cards: Invest in quality protection (thick sleeves, recognized brand zip binders) rather than low-end binders that risk scratching cards over time.
- Monitor prereleases: Sign up at a local Play! Pokémon store to get the exclusive Braixen, Crobat, Ampharos, or Goodra promo cards.
While waiting for the official release, extending the Pokémon atmosphere daily is a good way to pass the time. Bakashop offers a collection of manga pajamas for booster opening nights, manga plushies to display next to sealed cards, and manga pins to wear your favorite Pokémon at conventions or everyday.
FAQ - Pokémon ME05 Pitch Black
What is the release date of ME05 Pitch Black in France?
The Pokémon ME05 Pitch Black series will be released on July 17, 2026, in France. Play! Pokémon prereleases begin on July 4, 2026, in participating independent stores.
What is the featured Pokémon of the ME05 Pitch Black expansion?
Mega-Darkrai ex is the featured Pokémon of the ME05 Pitch Black expansion. This card represents the first Mega Evolution of the Mythical Pokémon Darkrai in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It is expected in several rarities, including a highly coveted Special Illustration Rare version by collectors.
How many cards does the ME05 Pitch Black series contain?
ME05 Pitch Black contains 84 cards in the main numbering and over 115 cards in total, including secret rares. The breakdown includes 6 Mega Evolution Pokémon-ex, 4 classic Pokémon-ex, 11 Illustration Rare cards, 18 Ultra Rare cards, and 6 Special Illustration Rare cards.
What does the ME05 Pitch Black ETB contain?
The Pitch Black ETB contains 9 boosters, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, 6 damage counter dice, 1 coin-flip die, 1 plastic coin, 1 box with 6 dividers, 1 player's guide, 1 Pokémon TCG Live code card, and 1 holographic Illustration Rare promo card of Zarude.
What are the ME05 prerelease promo cards?
ME05 Pitch Black Prerelease Kits distribute one random holographic promo card from four: Braixen, Crobat, Ampharos, and Goodra. These cards are exclusive to Play! Pokémon tournaments held from July 4, 2026.
When will ME05 Pitch Black be released on Pokémon TCG Live?
The ME05 Pitch Black expansion is available on the Pokémon TCG Live app starting July 16, 2026, one day before the store release. The app is compatible with iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.
What is the Japanese equivalent of ME05 Pitch Black?
ME05 Pitch Black corresponds to the fusion of the Japanese set M5 Abyss Eye (released May 22, 2026, in Japan) and a second Japanese expansion not yet publicly detailed. This is standard practice for Western sets in the Mega Evolution block, which combine several Japanese series into one international expansion.
What are the other Mega Evolution ex Pokémon in the expansion?
The ME05 Pitch Black expansion includes six Mega Evolution Pokémon-ex in total. Alongside Mega-Darkrai ex, the other confirmed Mega Evolutions are Mega-Zeraora ex (Electric), Mega-Chandelure ex (Ghost / Fire), and Mega-Excadrill ex (Ground / Steel). Two other Mega Evolutions complete the main set's cast.
How much does a Pokémon ME05 Pitch Black Display cost?
Pokémon Display prices vary depending on retailers and periods. Pre-ordering remains the most advantageous time to get a ME05 Pitch Black Display. In Japan, the unit price of M5 series boosters is increasing from 180 to 200 yen, a price revision that could be reflected in the Western version.
ME05 Pitch Black: What You Need to Know Before Release
ME05 Pitch Black promises to be one of the major expansions of 2026 for the Pokémon TCG. The combination of a refined nocturnal atmosphere, six unprecedented Mega Evolution ex, and a highly anticipated cover card like Mega-Darkrai ex makes it a particularly interesting set for both competitive players and collectors. With a release set for July 17, 2026, and prereleases starting July 4, the pre-order window is now open. ETBs and Displays remain the most strategic formats for aiming for the complete collection, while the 6-booster Bundle format offers a good compromise for intermediate budgets.
To browse a complete catalog of manga and anime merchandise shipped worldwide, Bakashop brings together licensed clothing, accessories, decorations, and goodies. The latest arrivals are regularly highlighted, and the entire collections can be filtered by category. Other manga news and analyses can be found on the Bakashop blog.
