One of 2026’s most beautiful Pokémon cards will also be its hardest to get
Mega Gallade ex may be one of the most beautiful Pokémon cards, but for most collectors outside Japan, getting one won’t be easy.
If there’s anything that causes me feel deep pain, it’s exclusive cards that I know I’ll never get my hands on. Whether that’s vintage classics way out of my price range, or promotional Pokémon cards locked by time or region, these cards only exist to cause me great pain - and leave a void in my binder. Mega Gallade ex might be one of the most breathtaking SIRs I’ll never, ever get.
The Pokémon TCG is full of cards that most collectors will never realistically own. Some become too expensive. Others are locked behind regional promotions. Mega Gallade ex falls firmly into the second category. The stunning SIR, which features in Japan as a promotional version of the card from Storm Emeralda / Delta Reign Pokémon set, is being distributed through events alongside a separate 2,000-copy My Number Card lottery.
That wouldn’t be too bad, normally. I’d still take the chance on signing up and being one of the lucky trainers to get it. However, it’s even more limited than you may expect. Not only do you have to sign up to battle other players, forming decks of Delta Reign cards you open on the spot, but you need a My Number Card to sign up for a chance to be involved. That means being a Japanese citizen or having permanent residence.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have that. It means that collectors like you or I will have to either not get one, or buy it on the secondary market for a likely premium. It’s similar to the 1,510 copies of the Chinese exclusive Mew ex card, which now costs a hefty sum if you want to buy it. It’s not as limited, and it’s not featuring an iconic Pokémon, but I imagine it’ll still cost a decent chunk of money.
However, if you’re lucky enough to be one of 2,000 people, or you want to buy it later, you get a truly spectacular card. Illustrated by AKIRA EGAWA, the artist behind the gorgeous Mega Darkrai SIR from the Pitch Black chase cards, as well as the two Terastal Charizard cards from Paldean Fates and Obsidian Flames, this Mega Gallade SIR captures the same hand-drawn aesthetic, showcasing the Pokémon’s prowess mid-attack.
In case you can’t tell, I desperately want it.
Winners of the My Number Card lottery and eligible event participants are expected to receive their cards in December 2026. The lottery and government ID requirement is similar to the limits imposed on the Pokémon 30th Celebration set that The Pokémon Company Japan announced earlier this month.
If you want to find out about more reveals ahead of Delta Reign, or hear about those exclusive cards most of us will never get, make sure to sign up for our newsletter above.
