What is the Pokémon TCG “Storm Emeralda” Expansion Pack? Features & Release Date

The highly anticipated Pokémon TCG expansion pack, “Storm Emeralda”, is set to drop in Japan on Friday, July 31, 2026.

This set is generating massive hype because it marks the long-awaited return of Mega Evolution to the Pokémon TCG! Specifically, the Legendary Pokémon from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire are finally back in their Mega-Evolved forms. Rayquaza has always been a gold standard for both players and collectors, so expectations for this set are sky-high.

To put things into perspective, older legendary cards like Rayquaza V and M Rayquaza EX (SR 1st Edition) are currently trading for well over ¥100,000 on the secondary market. If this set introduces a “MUR” or “SAR” version of Mega Rayquaza ex, we can expect its market value to instantly match—or even surpass—those legendary grails.

“Storm Emeralda” Predicted Top Hit / Pull Rankings

Note: This list includes predictions and speculation by our editorial team. Data is based on current secondary market trends, including SNKRDUNK.

Rank	Card Name	Estimated Market Price (JPY)	Estimated Buyback Price (JPY)
1	Mega Rayquaza ex (MUR)	¥200,000~	¥140,000
2	Mega Rayquaza ex (SAR)	¥100,000~	¥70,000
3	Hoopa ex (SAR)	¥10,000~	¥7,000
4	Talonflame ex (SAR)	¥10,000~	¥7,000
5	Zinnia’s Trust (SAR)	¥7,000~	¥4,900
6	Ansha (SAR)	¥6,000~	¥4,200
7	Mega Rayquaza ex (SR)	¥5,000~	¥3,500
8	Mega Malamar ex (SAR)	¥5,000~	¥3,500
9	MC’s Hype (SAR)	¥3,500~	¥2,450
10	Zinnia’s Trust (SR)	¥2,500~	¥1,750
11	Ansha (SR)	¥2,000~	¥1,400
12	Hoopa ex (SR)	¥1,500~	¥1,050
13	MC’s Hype (SR)	¥1,500~	¥1,050
14	Mega Rayquaza ex (RR)	¥1,000~	—
15	Talonflame ex (SR)	¥1,000~	¥700

Breaking Down the Biggest Chase Cards (Prediction)

Mega Rayquaza ex (MUR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥200,000~	–	¥140,000

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.
*Note: The reference image used features a different rarity.

The MUR is a special luxury rarity from the Pokémon Card Game MEGA era, featuring a stunning all-gold etched finish. Because of their abysmal pull rates, MUR cards are highly coveted by hardcore collectors. Historically, the mascot Mega Evolution ex of each set gets the MUR treatment. With the recent “Mega Darkrai ex (MUR)” currently hovering around ¥100,000, a fan-favorite like Mega Rayquaza could easily double that value.

Mega Rayquaza ex (SAR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥100,000~	–	¥70,000

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.
*Note: The reference image used features a different rarity.

Rayquaza’s emerald-green scales, fully developed jaw, and long whiskers radiating with weather-controlling particles give it an unmatched, awe-inspiring presence. Full-art Rayquaza cards historically appreciate beautifully over time. If a SAR drops in this set, expect it to immediately join the ranks of high-end Pokémon grails.

Hoopa ex (SAR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥10,000~	–	¥7,000

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.

The last time Hoopa received a special illustration card was “Hoopa V (SAR)” back in the high-class pack VSTAR Universe (released in the West as Crown Zenith). Crucially, that card featured Hoopa’s Unbound Form. Hoopa’s Confined Form hasn’t seen a full-art card in about eight years! If Hoopa ex makes an appearance, a SAR variant featuring its original mischievous form will be a massive hit for collectors.

Talonflame ex (SAR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥10,000~	–	¥7,000

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.
*Note: The reference image used features a different rarity.

First introduced in Pokémon X and Y, Talonflame became a competitive legend thanks to its incredible speed and utility, earning a special place in many players’ hearts. Despite its popularity and badass aesthetic, Talonflame has never received the SAR treatment. If a stunning full-art Talonflame ex drops, nostalgia and competitive love will drive its price way up.

Zinnia’s Resolve (SAR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥7,000~	–	¥4,900

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.
*Note: The reference image used features a different rarity.

Zinnia is deeply tied to Rayquaza’s lore. In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, she teaches Rayquaza the specific move required to Mega Evolve. She has already appeared alongside Rayquaza on iconic cards like “Rayquaza VMAX (CSR)” from VMAX Climax, and her solo card “Zinnia’s Resolve” from Blue Sky Stream (Evolving Skies) remains a collector favorite. A new SAR version will almost certainly follow this upward price trajectory.

Ansha (SAR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥6,000~	–	¥4,200

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.

Ansha is the mysterious young girl who debuted in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC, “Mega Dimension”. She travels with Hoopa and quickly sparked massive community theories due to her striking resemblance to Diantha, the former Kalos Champion. Since she has yet to debut in the TCG and is actively searching for Rayquaza in the game’s story, her inclusion here is highly likely. Fans are already hoping for an adorable SAR artwork of her baking donuts with Hoopa.

Mega Rayquaza ex (SR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥5,000~	–	¥3,500

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.
*Note: The reference image used features a different rarity.

SR (Super Rare) cards for Mega Evolution ex are unique because they showcase two illustrations in one: the massive Mega-Evolved form in the foreground, and its regular form visible in the background. While the pull rates are higher than SARs (making them more affordable), Rayquaza’s sheer popularity will push this card’s value well above the average SR.

Mega Malamar ex (SAR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥5,000~	–	¥3,500

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.
*Note: The reference image used features a different rarity.

Mega Malamar captivates fans with its eerie, mysterious charm and lore of using hypnotic powers to control others. A SAR version would likely feature highly stylized, eerie, and atmospheric artwork. This distinct vibe will appeal heavily to both players and niche collectors who love darker Pokémon aesthetics.

Fanfare of the MC (SAR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥3,500~	–	¥2,450

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.
*Note: The reference image used features a different rarity.

Originally printed in the Hot Air Arena subset, “Fanfare of the MC” is expected to get a reprint here. This Support card is highly valued in the competitive meta for its late-game hand-refresh effect. A gorgeous SAR print will see high demand from competitive players looking to max-bling their decks, alongside character collectors.

Zinnia’s Resolve (SR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥2,500~	–	¥1,750

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.
*Note: The reference image used features a different rarity.

Full-art Support SR cards are staple chase items because they highlight the character’s full personality. Currently, the Japanese market is heavily favoring full-art Pokémon over Supporters, making these SRs relatively accessible. Still, with “Zinnia’s Trust” marking her first card in five years, this will be highly sought after by character collectors.

Ansha (SR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥2,000~	–	¥1,400

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.

As a breakout meta-favorite character from the latest game, Ansha is expected to have generic, highly splashable effects in the TCG. If her card ends up being adopted into various top-tier competitive decks, her market value will see a steady climb.

Hoopa ex (SR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥1,500~	–	¥1,050

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.

Standard Pokémon ex SRs are usually budget-friendly, making them perfect for competitive players looking to upgrade their deck’s rarity without breaking the bank. If Hoopa ex cements itself in the competitive meta, expect a steady demand for the SR print.

Fanfare of the MC (SR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥1,500~	–	¥1,050

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.
*Note: The reference image used features a different rarity.

A highly playable Support card that will attract both character fans and competitive grinders alike. If printed with stunning art, it will become an active trade target.

Mega Rayquaza ex (RR) [058/076]

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥1,000	–	–

As the mascot of the set, Mega Rayquaza ex is already a competitive heavyweight. Its ability allows it to accelerate Energy to itself straight from the deck, and its attack deals scaling, uncapped damage. Being a Colorless type, it easily synergizes with various generic Support cards. Depending on box print volumes, this standard RR (Double Rare) could command a premium compared to other RRs.

Talonflame ex (SR)

Estimated Market Price	SNKRDUNK Price	Estimated Buyback Price
¥1,000~	–	¥700

*Note: This card is a predicted inclusion by our editorial team.
*Note: The reference image used features a different rarity.

This card features a dynamic, border-breaking art style with beautiful texturing. On the competitive side, it’s a game-changer: its Ability allows you to play it directly onto your Bench from your hand if you have a Colorless Mega Evolution ex (like Mega Rayquaza ex) in play.

Which Characters are Expected in “Storm Esmeralda”?

Ansha

via: 共に「異次元ミアレ」に挑む、新たな仲間たち ｜ 『Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A M次元ラッシュ』公式サイト

Introduced in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC “Mega Dimension,” Ansha is a 5-year-old girl who longs to meet the Rayquaza she glimpsed in the strange “Hyperspace Lumiose.” Alongside the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa, she helps the player characters by baking special donuts using Berries, which triggers Hoopa’s rings to open portals. Her mature yet adorable demeanor has already won over global fans.

Hoopa Confined

via: フーパ いましめられしフーパ｜ポケモンずかん

Hoopa plays a pivotal role alongside Ansha in the Legends: Z-A DLC. This Mythical Pokémon originally debuted in the movie Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages. Fun fact for collectors: the promo card “Hoopa P” released during the movie’s launch is incredibly rare today, with PSA 10 copies trading for upwards of ¥400,000. Since we haven’t seen a full-art Confined Form Hoopa in years, a new AR or SAR print would instantly become a prime target for high-end collectors.

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