The Pokémon Company has officially revealed Nihil Zero (M3), the first major Japanese Pokémon TCG set scheduled for 2026. As the third MEGA Expansion Pack, this release is the first booster set to be fully rooted in the world of the Pokémon Legends: Z-A video game, bringing the highly anticipated Mega Zygarde ex to the forefront. The set’s name itself is significant, deriving from Mega Zygarde’s signature move, “Nihil Light.”
Here is everything known so far about this upcoming release. We’ll cover the headline Pokémon, the format-defining new Trainer cards, and what this all means for the English release next year
Quick-Reference Set Details
- Japanese Set Name: MEGA Expansion Pack Nihil Zero
- Japanese Release Date: January 23, 2026
- English Set Name: Mega Evolution: Perfect Order
- English Release Date: March 27, 2026
- Set Size: 80 cards + Secret Rares
- Key Features: The TCG debut of Mega Zygarde ex, a potentially meta-defining Meowth ex, and a suite of new Trainer cards designed for the post-rotation format.
The Set's Anchor: Mega Zygarde ex
The main Pokémon of Nihil Zero is Mega Zygarde ex. It is classified as a “Basic” Mega Evolution, meaning it can be played directly to the bench without evolving, a rare mechanic that highlights its power. As a Mega ex, it gives up three Prize cards when knocked out, creating a high-risk, high-reward dynamic. Its attacks offer distinct strategies: “Gaia Wave” is a solid defensive move, dealing 200 damage while reducing the damage Zygarde takes on the next turn. Its signature attack, “Nihil Zero,” has the potential to wipe an opponent’s board, forcing a coin flip for each of their Pokémon and dealing 150 damage on a heads.
To unlock its full potential, the Pokémon Tool card Core Memory gives Mega Zygarde access to a third attack: “Geo Buster,” a powerful move that deals a massive 350 damage, enough to knock out almost any Pokémon in the format in a single hit.
A New Engine for Deck Consistency: Meowth ex
Arguably the most discussed card from the set is Meowth ex. Its “Trump Card Catch” Ability allows a player to search their deck for any Supporter card and add it to their hand when Meowth ex is played to the Bench. This kind of consistent, searchable access to key Supporter cards has a history of defining competitive formats, drawing comparisons to powerful setup Pokémon from the past like Jirachi-EX. Its attack also allows it to return to the hand, creating the potential for a replay loop to search for multiple Supporters throughout a game.
Building for a Post-Rotation Format
A major function of Nihil Zero is to introduce new cards that will be essential after the TCG’s annual format rotation in March 2026. When the “J” format begins, key staple cards like Nest Ball, Arven, and Earthen Vessel will no longer be legal in Standard play. Nihil Zero provides their replacements.
The new Lumiose City Stadium allows a player to search their deck for a Basic Pokémon, but at the cost of ending their turn. The Poké Pad Item card allows a player to search for any non-Rule Box Pokémon. To replace the lost energy acceleration, the set introduces a new Fighting-type engine, featuring Barbaracle and its “Stone Arms” Ability to attach extra energy, and the Tarragon Supporter card for energy recovery from the discard pile. The new Rock Fighting Energy also provides protection from attack effects, signaling a potential resurgence for Fighting-type decks in 2026.
Other Revealed Mega Evolutions
Alongside Mega Zygarde ex, two other new Megas have been revealed. The bench-sniping Mega Skarmory ex is included in the main set. Mega Gallade ex will be released as a promo in the accompanying MEGA Special Card Set. This special box is noteworthy as it also contains two copies of the “Premium Power Pro” promo card, a tool that increases a Pokémon’s damage output by 30, making it a key component for Mega Zygarde’s “Geo Buster” attack.
The English Release: What We Know About Perfect Order
For players outside of Japan, these cards will arrive in the English set titled Mega Evolution: Perfect Order, scheduled for release on March 27, 2026. As is standard, this English set will be a larger collection, combining the 80 cards from Nihil Zero with those from the subsequent Japanese set, Ninja Spinner, which is expected to feature Mega Greninja ex.
Get Ready for 2026: The Mega Evolution Era is Here!
While this new set is a few months away, the Japanese Mega Evolution era is in full swing at WLC. This Pokémon TCG Nihil Zero Guide highlights the future, but the best way to prepare is to explore the sets that are available right now.
You can explore the foundational sets of the era, Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia, hunt for Mega Charizard X in Mega Inferno X, or dive into the stunning collector’s cards from the year-end High Class Pack, Mega Dream ex.
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With so many exciting sets to collect, and with Christmas on it’s way, there’s never been a better time to join the new WLC Rewards Programme.
Earn points on every purchase, both online and in-store, and convert them into discounts on your next order.
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