The editorial team at SNKRDUNK has analyzed the latest market trends to bring you our official projection and price guide for the upcoming Japanese Pokémon TCG expansion, Abyss Eyes, releasing in Japan on May 22, 2026.

Below, we break down the most anticipated chase cards, estimated buyback values, and the competitive/collectible factors driving the hype for this set.

What is “Abyss Eyes”? Release Date & Key Features

The Japanese Pokémon TCG enters a thrilling new era with the introduction of the Pokémon Card Game MEGA series. Abyss Eyes is highly anticipated because it introduces Mega Darkrai ex, a form that debuted in the M-Dimension Rush DLC for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Darkrai has historically been a massive hit among fans, with older variants like Darkrai VSTAR and Darkrai GX commanding enduring popularity.

Furthermore, during the live broadcast of the Pokémon Card League (CL2026) in Aichi on May 10, the official reveal of Mega Chandelure ex SAR and Gwynn SAR sent shockwaves through the community, turning this set into an instant must-buy for both high-end collectors and competitive players.

Abyss Eyes Top Card Rankings & Price Projections

1. Mega Darkrai ex (MUR)

• Estimated Market Price: 80,000 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 56,000 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: The MUR (Mega Ultra Rare) rarity features a breathtaking all-gold textured finish, infamous for its incredibly low pull rates. Historically, the ultimate cover-star Pokémon of a generation receives the MUR slot. If this trend holds true for this set, Mega Darkrai ex is the definitive candidate. Given the sheer popularity of this Mythical Pokémon combined with the scarcity of the gold finish, this card will easily be the ultimate grail of the set, commanding massive premiums on the secondary market.

2. Mega Darkrai ex (SAR / Special Illustration Rare)

• Estimated Market Price: 25,000 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 17,500 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: Darkrai has always possessed a massive global cult following due to its dark, mysterious lore—being the Pokémon that brings nightmares on new moon nights. Its new Mega Evolution, introduced in the M-Dimension Rush storyline, shocked the community with its striking, eye-centric visual design. A Special Illustration Rare (SAR) printing will easily become a top chase card, combining high character demand with the legendary artwork tier that modern collectors live for.

3. Mega Zeraora ex (SAR / Special Illustration Rare)

• Estimated Market Price: 20,000 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 14,000 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: After causing a stir among international fans when it was featured on the packaging of the upcoming English set “Pitch Black,” Mega Zeraora makes its debut in Japan as a Mega Evolution ex. Ever since its introduction in Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Zeraora has held a top-tier status among fan-favorite Mythical Pokémon. If its newly augmented Mega form is rendered in a gorgeous SAR art style, it will completely captivate collectors, driving a significant price surge.

4. Mega Chandelure ex (SAR) [113/080]

• Estimated Market Price: 15,000 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 10,500 JPY

Market & Investment Analysis: Chandelure’s spooky yet elegant chandelier aesthetic has earned it an incredibly loyal fanbase. Now that it has officially gained a Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the hype has reached a fever pitch. This confirmed SAR card showcases its stunningly opulent, transformed state. The sheer visual appeal and intricate background details make it an absolute magnet for aesthetic-focused collectors.

5. Misty’s Vitality (SAR)

• Estimated Market Price: 12,000 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 8,400 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: Misty (Kasumi), the iconic Kanto Gym Leader fondly remembered from the classic anime alongside Ash (Satoshi), returns to the spotlight. Known as “The Tomboyish Mermaid” at her Cerulean Gym, her energetic personality shines in this new card. Historically, Misty cards like Misty’s Favor and Misty’s Determination maintain premium prices years after release. An SAR variant of her new card will trigger immediate demand from nostalgic 90s collectors and investors alike.

6. Gwynn (SAR) [117/080]

• Estimated Market Price: 10,000 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 7,000 JPY

Market & Investment Analysis: Gwynn (Muku) is the quiet Ghost-type specialist and a top ranker in the nighttime Z-A Royale in Lumiose City (Pokémon Legends: Z-A). This highly anticipated SAR is illustrated by none other than Naoki Saito, the legendary artist behind some of the most expensive and iconic full-art cards in TCG history. Featuring her childhood partner, Litwick (Hitomoshi), glowing in the background, Saito’s signature vibrant style practically guarantees this card will be a massive financial winner.

7. Gladion’s Decisive Battle (SAR)

• Estimated Market Price: 5,000 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 3,500 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: The edgy, fiercely protective older brother of Lillie (Lilie) from Pokémon Sun & Moon remains one of the most popular male characters in the franchise. Given that a PSA 10 copy of the older Gladion SR trades for well over 30,000 JPY today, his first-ever SAR is expected to see a strong, steady market performance fueled by a dedicated collector fanbase.

8. Morpeko ex (SAR)

• Estimated Market Price: 4,500 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 3,150 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: Marnie’s (Marnie) beloved partner, Morpeko, enters the ex era. Fans are obsessed with its unique dual-nature gimmick, shifting between Full Belly Mode and Hangry Mode depending on its appetite. If its first SAR utilizes the card’s entire canvas to depict its chaotic, hangry rampage in a high-octane art style, it will be a major hit.

9. Lurantis ex (SAR)

• Estimated Market Price: 4,000 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 2,800 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: Debuting in Pokémon Sun & Moon, this orchid-mantis inspired Pokémon boasts a massive fanbase due to its gorgeous pink palette. Lurantis has rarely received high-rarity full-arts in the past, meaning this SAR fulfills a long-awaited demand for collectors looking for a beautiful display piece.

10. Mega Excadrill ex (SAR)

• Estimated Market Price: 3,500 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 2,450 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: Excadrill, the powerhouse from Pokémon Black & White, gets a formidable upgrade via Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Known for its ability to bore through solid steel, its amplified drill-horns and claws look incredibly imposing. An SAR print will likely highlight its heavy-armored, dynamic mechanical design, appealing directly to fans of intense, monster-style artwork.

11. Misty’s Vitality (SR / Ultra Rare)

• Estimated Market Price: 3,500 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 2,450 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: This card’s effect allows players to search their deck for up to 4 Basic Water Energy cards and attach them to one Pokémon, with the massive caveat of immediately ending their turn. Despite the drawback, its perfect synergy with cards like Wailord ex has sparked serious discussion among competitive players. Expect the full-art SR to see high demand from players looking to max out the rarity of their tournament decks.

12. Wailord ex (SAR)

• Estimated Market Price: 2,500 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 1,750 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: True to its classification as the Float Whale Pokémon, Wailord boasts a staggering length of 47 feet 7 inches (14.5 meters). It is a certified fan-favorite, with older cards like Magikarp & Wailord GX (Alternate Art) still actively trading at high prices. This SAR is expected to emphasize its colossal scale, giving it high casual collector appeal.

13. Mega Zeraora ex (SR / Ultra Rare)

• Estimated Market Price: 1,500 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 1,050 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: In its newly revealed Mega form, Zeraora’s vivid yellow fur shifts to a dark, menacing shade as it crackles with blue lightning. Modern Mega Evolution ex cards in the SR tier typically feature both the base and evolved forms within the full-art frame, offering double the visual value for collectors.

14. Gwynn (SR / Ultra Rare)

• Estimated Market Price: 1,500 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 1,050 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: Gwynn’s character design—wearing a stark black dress layered under martial arts training robes, topped with a Chandelure-inspired headpiece—creates a wonderfully charming, unconventional look. Running a dojo alongside her hot-headed brother, Ivor (Shiro, Leader of the Fist of Justice), her quiet-yet-passionate “gap-moe” personality has won over gamers. Expect her SR to showcase her striking the iconic Fist of Justice battle pose.

15. Mega Darkrai ex (SR / Ultra Rare)

• Estimated Market Price: 1,500 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 1,050 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: As the undeniable mascot of the set, Mega Darkrai ex features a devastating attack that instantly Knocks Out any status-conditioned opposing Pokémon. Because of this competitive viability, the clean full-art SR version will be a heavily sought-after piece for players blinging out their tournament lists.

16. Gladion’s Decisive Battle (SR)

• Estimated Market Price: 1,500 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 1,050 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: Marking Gladion’s first TCG appearance in nine long years since the Crimson Invasion expansion, full-art hype is exceptionally high. On the competitive side, this card boasts fantastic synergy with the newly revealed “Out of Pocket” attack archetype and existing Festival Lead (Omaturi Ondo) decks, making it a highly liquid card on the market.

17. Mega Chandelure ex (SR)

• Estimated Market Price: 1,000 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 700 JPY

Market & Investment Analysis: Its “Binding Flames” ability increases the opponent’s Active Pokémon’s retreat cost while systematically scaling up its own damage output. When paired with Lillie’s Clefairy ex (which changes Dragon-type weaknesses to Psychic), it can one-shot the current meta-juggernaut, Dragapult ex. If this deck places well at upcoming regional tournaments, this card will see a rapid spike.

18. Lurantis ex (SR)

• Estimated Market Price: 1,000 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 700 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: Its attack, “Lively Cutter,” scales in damage if Lurantis has been healed during the turn. Players are already theorycrafting its pairing with Hydrapple ex, which currently dominates the competitive metagame. Given its highly affordable entry price, expect massive volume buys from competitive players.

19. Morpeko ex (SR)

• Estimated Market Price: 1,000 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 700 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: Focusing heavily on Morpeko’s unique biology—where extreme hunger throws off its hormone balance and alters its form—the SR card is heavily rumored to feature its “Hangry Mode.” The stark contrast between its inherently cute physique and furious expression is a goldmine for character collectors.

20. Wailord ex (SR)

• Estimated Market Price: 1,000 JPY ~
• SNKRDUNK Market Price: TBD (Post-Launch)
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 700 JPY
• Note: This is a speculative insert predicted by our editorial team. The image shown features an alternate rarity.

Market & Investment Analysis: Its attack, “Falling Down,” swings for a massive 270 damage but forces Wailord into the Asleep status while demanding heavy energy requirements. This major downside can be fully circumvented using Misty’s Vitality or Bubble Water Energy from the previous Ninja Spinner expansion. This card has all the makings of a rogue deck staple.

Special Illustration Rare (SAR) Projections

Mega Chandelure ex SAR

• Estimated Market Price: 15,000 JPY ~
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 10,500 JPY

Gwynn SAR

• Estimated Market Price: 10,000 JPY ~
• Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: 7,000 JPY

Double Rare (RR) Projections

Lurantis ex RR

Estimated Market Price: 100 JPY ~
Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: —

Wailord ex RR

Estimated Market Price: 80 JPY ~
Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: —

Mega Zeraora ex RR

Estimated Market Price: 500 JPY ~
Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: —

Mega Chandelure ex RR

Estimated Market Price: 300 JPY ~
Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: —

Rampardos ex RR

Estimated Market Price: 100 JPY ~
Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: —

Mega Darkrai ex RR

Estimated Market Price: 500 JPY ~
Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: —

Morpeko ex RR

Estimated Market Price: 200 JPY ~
Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: —

Mega Excadrill ex RR

Estimated Market Price: 300 JPY ~
Estimated Card-Shop Buyback Price: —

Collect with Confidence: The SNKRDUNK Guarantee

At SNKRDUNK, we don’t just facilitate trades; we protect them. Our professional authenticators conduct a rigorous multi-point inspection on every card. From the precision of micro-text and fonts to the specific feel of textured relief, we verify every detail against our massive database of genuine cards. When you’re chasing a high-value cards, authenticity should be the last of your worries. Shop the Japanese market with total peace of mind at SNKRDUNK.

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