Japan loves a good deck box, and the newest one is a beauty. Revealed on October 16, the Pokemon Card Game MEGA Special Deck Set brings three complete decks together in a single box, each one led by a different Mega Evolution Pokemon ex. It releases in Japan on Friday, November 13 for 5,500 yen, which works out to about $49 CAD at the current exchange rate. Collectors who enjoy watching what Japan does first should take a look.

Three Decks, Three Fan Favorites

Each deck holds 60 cards and is built to be played right out of the box. The stars are alternate art reprints of Mega Gengar ex, Mega Dragonite ex, and Mega Feraligatr ex, and each deck includes two copies of its Mega Evolution card in foil. The rest of each deck is made up of reprinted cards, so the appeal here is the complete package rather than a pile of brand new cards.

It is a strong trio. Mega Gengar ex has been one of the most popular Mega Evolution cards of the year, and the Phantasmal Flames print pictured here shows why, with that huge grin filling the whole frame. Mega Dragonite ex brings the same energy from Ascended Heroes, all bright colour and motion. Mega Feraligatr ex rounds out the group and gives Water players a deck of their own in the box.

English collectors have actually met all three of these cards already, just in different packaging. Mega Feraligatr ex arrived in its own Ascended Heroes box, Mega Gengar ex showed up in the Mega Moonlight Tins, and Mega Dragonite ex appeared in the Mega Forces Tins. What Japan is getting in November is all three together, with fresh artwork and everything needed to play in one place.

Everything Else in the Box

The decks are only part of the story. The box also includes a playmat showing all three Mega Evolution Pokemon together, a card storage box, three paper deck cases, three Pokemon coins, a damage counter case with damage counters, a manual that teaches the game, and a guide for each deck that explains how that deck wants to play. It is built for people starting the game or returning after a long break, and it would make a lovely gift for a new player who wants real decks instead of random packs.

A Nice Throwback, With a Twist

Longtime collectors may remember the last time this product line appeared. The 2023 version in Japan featured Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise, and it hid brand new Illustration Rare prints of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle inside. This time, the packaging does not show any new Illustration Rare cards on top of the box, so expectations should stay grounded. The value here is three playable decks, three great looking Mega Evolution cards, and a playmat that will look fantastic on a table.

What It Means for Collectors Here

No English version of this set has been announced, and that is worth saying plainly. Collectors in Canada who want one will likely be looking at importing the Japanese box, and popular Japanese products can be tough to track down once release week passes. Nothing about this one will be effortless to find, and prices on imported copies will vary a lot from seller to seller.

Still, it is a charming release. Three of the biggest cards of the Mega Evolution era, gathered into one friendly box, ready for three friends to open and play on the spot. If an English version ever does get announced, we will be first in line to celebrate it.