'Pitch Black' Prerelease Dates Set

Trainer Devan
Jul 4
2 min read

Updated: Jul 9

The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, Mega Evolution—Pitch Black, is set to release on July 17, 2026, but eager Trainers can get a sneak peek starting July 4, 2026, at select Play! Pokémon affiliated stores. These stores will offer the Mega Evolution—Pitch Black Build & Battle Box, allowing players to engage in Prerelease battles and explore the new expansion ahead of its official launch.

In Prerelease events, players use a 40-card deck with four Prize cards, making it an ideal format for both newcomers and seasoned players to experience quick, exciting games. Each Build & Battle Box includes four booster packs and a ready-to-play deck featuring key cards from current and previous expansions, along with one of four unique foil promo cards: Miraidon, Slowbro, Dhelmise, or Bastiodon.

Miraidon stands out with its Thunder attack, capable of dealing 90 damage quickly, while its Photon Cord Ability powers up Vikavolt on the Bench. Vikavolt’s Giga Railgun is a formidable attack, requiring Voltaic Energy to unleash its full potential. Slowbro offers a powerful 210 damage attack when your hand is empty, supported by cards like Ultra Ball and Prism Tower to streamline your hand. Its Zen Headbutt attack and Silvally’s Call a Buddy Ability provide strategic options.

Dhelmise brings a sneaky strategy with its Vengeful Anchor attack, which gains strength from Pokémon with the Hide ’n’ Sneak Ability in the discard pile. Banette and Sinistcha assist in setting up this powerful attack. Bastiodon offers defensive capabilities with its Ancient Bulwark Ability, protecting your Pokémon from low-energy attacks.

Whether at a local game store or with friends, the Mega Evolution—Pitch Black expansion promises thrilling battles. If you miss the Prerelease events, the Build & Battle Boxes will be available when the expansion officially launches on July 17, 2026.

Here are some of our Local Game Store's (LGS's) that will be having a Prerelease for Mega Evolution—Pitch Black in order of soonest to latest;

Warpact Games

44244 10th St W, Lancaster, CA 93534

Mon, 6 July, 2026 - 6pm/PST

AV Pop Shop

44154 10th St W, Lancaster, CA 93534

Tue, 7 July, 2026 - 6pm/PST

Fun House 51

512 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534

Tue, 7 July, 2026 - 6pm/PST

Fun House 51

512 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534