The Pokémon Trading Card Game has officially teased a brand-new card type called ex Star, giving players and collectors an early glimpse at what could become one of the TCG’s next major additions.
The surprise reveal happened during PokémonXP, where a new teaser trailer showcased several upcoming cards, Mega Pokémon, and new gameplay mechanics. However, Pokémon stopped short of revealing exactly what ex Star cards are or when players will be able to obtain them.
For now, the mysterious reveal has created another major question surrounding the future of the Pokémon TCG.
Pokémon TCG ex Star Cards Revealed at PokémonXP
The biggest surprise from the PokémonXP presentation came toward the end of the trailer.
After showcasing several upcoming cards, the presentation briefly featured Entei, Raikou, and Suicune before unveiling the new ex Star name.
Unfortunately, that was about as much information as Pokémon was willing to provide.
No release date was announced for ex Star cards. Pokémon also did not reveal which expansion will introduce the new card type or explain how ex Star cards will function during matches.
This means players will have to wait for another announcement before the full purpose of ex Star becomes clear.
Mega Greninja ex and Mega Zygarde ex Get New Cards
The ex Star announcement wasn’t the only major reveal during the presentation.
The trailer also showcased new Mega Attack Rare-style cards connected to Pokémon that have recently been placed in the spotlight.
Among them was Mega Greninja ex, which is associated with Chaos Rising.
Mega Zygarde ex from Perfect Order was also featured.
Both Pokémon continue the strong Mega Evolution focus that has shaped several Pokémon TCG releases throughout 2026.
The new designs also suggest Pokémon plans to continue expanding the range of premium and highly collectible Mega cards alongside its upcoming gameplay additions.
Mega Lucario Z Has a New Aura Seeker Ability
Another major card shown during the PokémonXP trailer was Mega Lucario Z.
Mega Lucario Z features a new Ability called Aura Seeker.
The Ability allows players to search their deck for Supporter cards each turn, potentially giving decks using Mega Lucario Z more consistent access to important Supporters.
That could make the card particularly interesting for competitive players depending on its complete stats, attacks, costs, and the wider competitive environment surrounding its release.
Mega Lucario Z has previously appeared in leaks surrounding the Japanese Aura Seeker set, which is reportedly planned for November.
However, those leaks have not confirmed whether ex Star cards will also appear in that expansion.
Sigilyph ex Could Become a Major Mega Counter
Mega Pokémon also appear to be getting some additional competition.
The trailer revealed Sigilyph ex, which comes with an effect designed specifically to protect it against Mega Pokémon.
Sigilyph ex can block damage dealt to itself by all Mega Pokémon.
That immediately makes the card interesting as a potential counter against decks heavily dependent on Mega attackers.
With Mega Pokémon becoming increasingly prominent throughout the Pokémon TCG, cards specifically designed to counter them could become increasingly important.
However, its actual usefulness will depend on the competitive environment when the card becomes available.
More Mega Pokémon Were Shown
Several additional cards and Mega forms appeared throughout the PokémonXP trailer.
While ex Star received the biggest tease, the presentation made it clear that Pokémon’s current Mega Evolution push is far from finished.
Mega Greninja ex, Mega Zygarde ex, and Mega Lucario Z are just some of the Pokémon currently receiving attention.
The continued introduction of new Mega cards could also significantly change the competitive environment as additional expansions arrive.
Pokémon TCG Has a Packed 2026 Roadmap
The ex Star teaser arrives during an already extremely busy year for the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
The 30th Celebration set is scheduled for September and will introduce Futuristic Rare cards as part of Pokémon’s anniversary celebrations.
Another major core expansion is then expected in November 2026.
Known as Delta Reign, the set will put Mega Rayquaza ex in the spotlight.
That means Pokémon players and collectors still have several significant releases ahead before the end of the year.
2026 Has Already Delivered Several Major Sets
The year started with Ascended Heroes, which introduced several highly desirable cards.
Among its biggest attractions were Special Illustration Rare cards featuring Pokémon such as Pikachu, Mega Gengar, and Mega Dragonite.
Pokémon later continued its 2026 TCG lineup with expansions including Perfect Order, Chaos Rising, and Pitch Black.
Together, these releases have made Mega Evolution one of the biggest themes surrounding the Pokémon TCG throughout the year.
Now ex Star appears ready to add another layer to the current era of the game.
What Exactly Are ex Star Cards?
That remains unknown.
Pokémon has confirmed the ex Star name, but almost everything else about the new card type remains a mystery.
There is currently no confirmed release date.
There is also no confirmed expansion containing the cards, and Pokémon hasn’t explained whether ex Star represents an entirely new gameplay mechanic or another variation of existing Pokémon ex cards.
Even the appearance of Entei, Raikou, and Suicune during the teaser leaves plenty of unanswered questions.
Until Pokémon reveals more information, players can only speculate about how ex Star will fit into the TCG.
Pokémon TCG Could Be Preparing Something Big for 2027
The timing of the announcement could also provide an early indication of what Pokémon has planned beyond its current release schedule.
No official 2027 Pokémon TCG sets have been announced yet.
With the remaining 2026 expansions already taking shape, ex Star could potentially become an important part of the next wave of Pokémon TCG releases.
For now, Pokémon is keeping the details secret.
But between ex Star, Mega Lucario Z, Sigilyph ex, Mega Greninja ex, Mega Zygarde ex, and the upcoming Mega Rayquaza ex, there is already plenty happening within the Pokémon TCG.
And PokémonXP may have just given players their first glimpse at what comes next.
