Pitch Black Lands in Pokémon TCG Live as the Physical Set Finds Its Footing at Retail

Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Pitch Black (set code ME05) released physically on July 17, 2026, and has since gone live in Pokémon TCG Live, giving players access to the full digital card pool. The set carries over 115 cards, including more than 35 special illustration treatments across Pokémon and Trainer cards. Physical availability was uneven at launch, with Polygon reporting that some Target locations had no product on shelves on release day. Amazon restocks of Elite Trainer Boxes and booster displays drew attention the following week, and the Booster Bundle is currently trading around $39.

Pitch Black is the fourth set in the Mega Evolution series and the one built around Mega Darkrai ex, a card with real competitive pull and the kind of dark-art aesthetic that tends to hold collector interest past the initial opening rush. The special illustration count — more than 35 cards — is high for a set this size, which matters for anyone chasing the full art subset. The TCG Live launch now locks in the competitive format context: Pitch Black cards are legal, the Slowking-based builds are already winning local tournaments, and that play relevance tends to sustain sealed demand longer than hype alone. The rocky Target rollout is worth watching; uneven retail distribution in week one can compress early secondary prices before supply normalizes.

The Booster Bundle is trading around $39. Amazon restocked Elite Trainer Boxes and booster displays in the week following launch, and at least one retailer ran the ETB at a 25% discount at launch. Competitive play is already active in the Pitch Black format, with Slowking-based decks placing at local 1K events — a signal that the set has real play utility, not just collector appeal.