Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution: Phantasmal Flames preorder guide

SAVE YOUR SPOT: As of Sept. 3, preorders are opening for the first expansion of the new Pokémon TCG set, Mega Evolution: Phantasmal Flames, which drops Nov. 14 with Elite Trainer Boxes, a booster box, booster bundle, and an Ultra-Premium Collection.

Phantasmal Flames is the newest mainline English Pokémon TCG set, releasing on Nov. 14, 2025. The set is led by Mega Charizard X ex and brings back Mega Evolution for a second time this block.

Noteworthy Phantasmal Flames cards

With just around 90 main-set cards before secret rares, this is the smallest English set in nearly a decade. Once secret rares are factored in, the total rises to around 130 cards — still more compact than most recent expansions. That makes this a collector-friendly release while still delivering plenty for competitive players.

• Five Special Illustration Rare Mega Evolution Pokémon ex and Supporter cards

• Six Mega Evolution Pokémon ex

• Four Pokémon ex

• 12 Illustration Rare Pokémon

• 17 Ultra rare Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, Trainer and Energy Cards

Product lineup

Here’s what you can expect on launch day:

• Booster Box — 36 packs, MSRP around $129.99

• Booster Packs — MSRP $4.49 each

• Booster Bundle (6 packs) — MSRP $26.94

• Elite Trainer Box (ETB) — Includes 9 packs, a Charcadet promo, dice, sleeves, and storage box. MSRP $49.99

• Ultra-Premium Collection (UPC) — Features an exclusive Mega Charizard X ex promo and premium accessories. MSRP $119.99

• Mega Gengar ex & Mega Diancie ex decks — Release slightly earlier on Oct. 24, MSRP $14.99–$19.99

Phantasmal Flames Best Buy preorders

Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Best Buy usually lists Pokémon TCG sealed product preorders 24-48 hours after Pokémon Center goes live. Early signs suggest listings are already being prepared in the backend.

Phantasmal Flames Target preorders

Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Target is usually up next after Best Buy, which means it’s a great backup for those who’ve missed out on The Pokémon Center and Best Buy:

Phantasmal Flames Amazon preorders

Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Amazon has been a bit hit and miss with Pokémon TCG preorders. Sometimes they come up, sometimes they don’t. With a bad track record of selling Pokémon TCG way over MSRP and secondary market values, I’m not too sure when Phantasmal Flames will go live here:

Phantasmal Flames TCGPlayer preorders

Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

TCGPlayer also handle preorders, otherwise known as presale in their realm. Products usually start appearing on the market after big retailers drop their preorder allocations and smaller sellers have their allocations locked in. Here’s some quick links to keep you on top of the situation, just bear in mind that the pricing will almost certainly be above MSRP and in-line with current market values:

What’s inside Phantasmal Flames products?

• Booster Box: 36 packs — the most efficient way to build a collection or prep for tournaments.

• Booster Bundle: 6 packs, cheap and cheerful

• Elite Trainer Box: 9 packs plus an exclusive Charcadet promo.

• Ultra-Premium Collection: A premium display box with a Mega Charizard X ex promo and high-end accessories.

• Theme Decks: Ready-to-play decks starring Mega Gengar ex and Mega Diancie ex.

The Japanese connection: Inferno X

Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Phantasmal Flames is based on Japan’s Inferno X, which releases Sept. 26, 2025. Inferno X featurs Mega Charizard X ex alongside Mega Sharpedo ex, Moltres, and Oricorio ex.

It contains just 80 main-set cards before secret rares — one of the leanest Japanese sets in recent memory. Combined with Japan’s Mega Gengar ex and Mega Diancie ex starter decks, Inferno X forms the backbone of what we’ll see in Phantasmal Flames. Here aer the sets on TCGPlayer:

Collectors already know some of the chase cards, including the Mega Charizard X ex secret rare previewed at Worlds. Expect that card to dominate the English set’s singles market when release day hits.