The latest set for the Pokémon TCG adds to the scene’s fervor with rare gold cards for collectors and heavy hitting, mega-evolved Pocket Monsters still finding their identity in the competitive space. The Nerds of Color received a review sample courtesy of The Pokémon Company International.

The long gone Pokémania of the late 1990s and early 2000s really took on a radically new form following the massive spike in popularity during the pandemic.

Since then, the trading card game has been inundated with buyers, sellers, collectors, and scalpers all trying to chase after the most worthwhile piece of TCG merchandise coming out of every new set.

Previous launches were beset by logistical issues, most of which stemmed from the growing communities of scalpers resorting to nefarious methods in order to beat out the public and resell items way above MSRP.

Even special events advertised by the company have seen better days.

The chaotic fallout of the 2023 event planned between The Pokémon Company International and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam saw swarms of visitors turn the venue inside out for a promotional Pikachu card.

Regardless of the set, if it has the Pokémon brand on it, it’s sure to draw a crowd that doubles in size with each release.

Mega Evolution recently dropped, and it was no different, with store shelves getting cleaned out well before the end of their business day.

What’s more, the release coincided with a promotional campaign for the Scarlet and Violet video games, resulting in additional logistical hurdles for people just looking to snag a code for their Nintendo Switch.

Despite the hiccups, Mega Evolution is still incredibly popular because of the reintroduction of Mega-Evolved Pokémon, a mechanic introduced in 2016 in the TCG.

Back then, players needed to meet certain criteria before playing their Mega Evolution onto the field.

In the newest set, however, this mechanic is simplified by allowing Mega Evolutions to occur more seamlessly, as well as more frequently with the accompanying item card Mega Signal that lets the player search their deck for the Mega of their choosing.

These new Mega Evolutions, like Mega Kangaskhan EX and Mega Camerupt EX, come with beefy HP — both have 300 and 340, respectively.

This does come at a price because if any of your Mega Evolved Pokémon are knocked out in play, you give up three prize cards. Most of the time during matches in the TCG, knockouts result in one to two prize cards being taken, but with this new mechanic comes a hefty risk.

In the competitive scene, Mega Evolution isn’t viewed as a complete game-changer yet, with reliable decks like Dragapult EX, Gardevoir EX, and various iterations of Masked Ogerpon handling matchups favorably.

Visually though, the card art is striking as ever.

The Pokémon Company International understands how to make an impression and communicate a certain dynamism through this artistry. Cards like Mega Manectric EX and Mega Abomasnow EX pop with vibrant purple, teal, and magenta accents.

And full art cards in the set continue with this high standard.

Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares have generous pull rates in the set but are still coveted for their unique artwork. Mega Lucario EX and Ivysaur in particular stand out and have caught collectors’ eyes because of their dynamic images and vibrant color palettes.

Trainer cards also received some competitive additions, like Lillie’s Determination. When activated, the player shuffles their hand into their deck and draws six cards, but they’re able to draw eight if they still have all their prize cards.

Lt. Surge’s Bargain offers up a unique interaction between players because when it’s activated, it allows both players to take one prize card, but if your opponent refuses, then you are able to draw four cards.

It’s a welcome addition to a game where draw capabilities are most prioritized.  

The most coveted additions to the set though are the TCG’s first ever all-gold cards. The two mascots of the set, Mega Gardevoir EX and Mega Lucario EX, each have their own that are going online for upwards of $600 or more.

A solid entry to the growing line of Pokémon TCG sets, Mega Evolution has a little something for everyone and is beginning to establish the tone for what’s to come in the competitive scene with Phantasmal Flame on the November horizon.