Abyss Eye (M5) Vollständiger Leitfaden: Mega Darkrai ex, begehrte Karten & Vorbestellinformationen [2026]
Abyss Eye (アビスアイ) is officially confirmed as the next MEGA Expansion Pack, releasing May 22, 2026 in Japan — headlined by Mega Darkrai ex, one of the most anticipated Mega Evolutions in the entire Scarlet & Violet era. The official key visual, pack artwork, and first card reveals were published on pokemon-card.com on April 20, 2026.
Confirmed on launch day is a Dark-type centered lineup: Mega Darkrai ex, Malamar (カラマネロ), Dark Bell, Chi-Yu (イーユイ), Zarude, and a brand-new special energy card — Shadow Dark Energy (シャドー悪エネルギー). The official pack MSRP is confirmed at ¥200 (tax included) per 5-card pack. Box-level configuration and full card list are still to be announced.
This guide has been updated to reflect the April 20, 2026 official reveal. Our team at Samurai Sword INC tracks every Japanese set announcement from Tokyo and ships sealed product to collectors worldwide — we’ll keep updating this page as each new card is revealed.
Abyss Eye (M5) is officially confirmed for May 22, 2026 in Japan. Pack MSRP is confirmed at ¥200 per 5-card pack. The headliner is Mega Darkrai ex, with confirmed Dark-type support from Malamar, Dark Bell, Chi-Yu, Zarude, and the new Shadow Dark Energy. Full card list and box configuration are still to be revealed.
With Abyss Eye officially launching May 22, 2026 in Japan (15 days from this update), the full set has been progressively revealed. Here are the confirmed specifics from the official April 20 reveal and subsequent partial card list drops:
- Set size: 81 cards in the main set, plus an estimated 35–40 secret rares (~120 total) — matching the structure of Nullifying Zero and Ninja Spinner.
- Mega Darkrai ex profile: Darkness-type Basic, 280 HP. Two attacks confirmed — Night Raid [DD] 110+ (additional 110 damage if any of your Benched Pokémon have damage counters) and Abyss Eye [DDD] which instantly Knocks Out the opponent’s Active Pokémon if it is affected by any Special Zustand.
- New mechanics confirmed: Shadow Dark Energy (new energy type) and Dark Bell (new Item card) form the core synergy package for the Mega Darkrai archetype.
- Confirmed support cards: Inkay, Malamar, Zarude, Chi-Yu, and Mega Excadrill ex round out the Darkness-type lineup.
- English equivalent: “Pitch Black” — likely a near 1:1 mirror of Abyss Eye, projected for July 2026 (~2 month delay per series pattern).
Sources: pokemon-card.com (official), PokéBeach, PokeGuardian, snkrdunk leak roundup. Reviewed May 7, 2026.
Set Overview: What Is Abyss Eye?
Abyss Eye (アビスアイ) is the fifth MEGA Expansion Pack in the Scarlet & Violet series, designated M5, officially announced on pokemon-card.com on April 20, 2026. It is paired thematically with Storm Emeralda as the next MEGA cycle (Storm Emeralda’s confirmed release details are pending). Together, the MEGA Expansion Pack lineup has driven some of the highest collector demand in recent Pokemon TCG history.
| Spec | Abyss Eye (M5) — Confirmed |
|---|---|
| Release Date (JPN) | May 22, 2026 (Friday) |
| Featured Card | Mega Darkrai ex |
| Pack MSRP | ¥200 tax included (5 Karten pro Pack) |
| Box MSRP | To be announced |
| Theme | Dark / Abyss |
| Game Tie-in | Pokemon Legends: Z-A |
| Revealed Cards (Day 1) | Mega Darkrai ex, Malamar, Dark Bell, Chi-Yu, Zarude, Shadow Dark Energy |
| EN Release | To be announced |
Pack Price Confirmed at ¥200
The official product page lists ¥200 tax included per pack with 5 cards. This matches the pack pricing introduced with the MEGA Expansion Pack era. Box-level MSRP and pack count per box have not yet been announced on the official site — we’ll update this guide once confirmed.
Connection to Pokemon Legends: Z-A
The set name “Abyss Eye” references Darkrai’s signature ability to drag opponents into nightmares. The official key visual taglines — “闇の眼光、メガダークライex襲来” (The eyes of darkness — Mega Darkrai ex arrives) and “闇の力で戦局を支配せよ” (Dominate the battle with the power of darkness) — establish Dark-type energy acceleration as the set’s core competitive identity.
Featured Card: Mega Darkrai ex
Mega Darkrai ex is the confirmed centerpiece of Abyss Eye. The official reveal shows the Mega Evolution’s signature attack “Brain Crash” (ブレインクラッシュ) — when the opponent’s Active Pokemon is Confused, this attack deals 130 damage for just one Dark Energy. Paired with the new Shadow Dark Energy (also revealed in this set), the card sets up an efficient one-attachment knockout line.
Why Mega Darkrai ex Matters
Darkrai has a strong collector pedigree in the Pokemon TCG. The original Darkrai LV.X from Great Encounters (2008) still commands $300+ in PSA 10 condition. Darkrai EX from Dark Explorers (2012) was both a competitive powerhouse and a collector favorite. Darkrai VSTAR SAR from Dark Phantasma (2022) has consistently traded in the ¥8,000–12,000 range on SNKRDUNK.
The Mega Evolution treatment adds another dimension: MEGA cards in the current series have consistently commanded premium prices. Based on the pattern from previous MEGA Expansion Packs (M1–M4), expect Mega Darkrai ex to appear in multiple rarities in Abyss Eye:
| Rarity | Predicted Price (JPN) | Pull Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| MUR (Mega Ultra Rare) | ¥49,000–70,000+ | ~1 per 45 boxes |
| SAR (Special Art Rare) | ¥21,000–30,000 | ~1 per 6 boxes |
| RR (Double Rare) | ¥500–1,500 | ~1 per 3–4 boxes |
Every major Darkrai card release has held strong secondary market value. Darkrai LV.X (2008): $300+ PSA 10. Darkrai EX (2012): $150+ PSA 10. Darkrai VSTAR SAR (2022): ¥8,000–12,000. The Mega Evolution version is positioned to be the premium entry in this lineage.
Expected Mechanics
Based on the M-Dimension Rush DLC gameplay — where Darkrai inflicts sleep before dealing damage — expect Mega Darkrai ex to feature sleep-status synergy and Dark-type energy acceleration. Previous Darkrai cards have emphasized energy manipulation (Dark Pulse, Dark Cloak), and the MEGA version is likely to continue this pattern at a higher power level.
Confirmed Cards & Community Predictions
Officially Revealed Cards (April 20, 2026)
The official pokemon-card.com reveal confirmed 6 cards on launch day, with more announcements promised ahead of the May 22 release. Each card below pairs thematically with Mega Darkrai ex and the new Shadow Dark Energy to build a Dark-type energy-acceleration engine.
| Card | Type / Role | Key Attack or Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Darkrai ex | Stage — Mega (Dark) | “Brain Crash” — 130 damage for 1 Dark Energy if opponent is Confused |
| Malamar (カラマネロ) | Stage 1 (Dark) | Confusion-support partner for Mega Darkrai ex |
| Dark Bell (ダークベル) | Dark Pokemon | Dark-type support (full reveal pending) |
| Chi-Yu (イーユイ) | Dark Pokemon | “Whirling Envy” — 110 damage for 1 Dark Energy when target has 2+ damage counters |
| Zarude (ザルード) | Dark Pokemon | “Shadow Whip” — 170 damage if Shadow Dark Energy is attached to a Benched Pokemon |
| Shadow Dark Energy (シャドー悪エネルギー) | Special Energy | Enables Zarude’s 170 damage attack; central to the set’s energy engine |
All 6 revealed cards are Dark-type or Dark-synergy. This is a focused, archetype-driven MEGA set — similar to how M4’s lineup was built around a single Mega Evolution’s game plan. Expect further reveals to include additional Dark Pokemon, supporter cards, and at least one new trainer item to round out the archetype.
Community Predictions (Unconfirmed)
The cards below have not been officially announced. They are community predictions compiled from Japanese trackers (Toreca Map, Altema, SNKRDUNK threads) as of April 2026. Treat them as speculation until pokemon-card.com confirms further reveals.
| Predicted Card | Rarity | Why It’s Predicted |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Giratina ex | SAR | Thematic tie to “Abyss” via the Distortion World; strong collector demand for Giratina |
| Mega Gengar ex | SAR | Dark/Ghost aesthetic fit; long-established chase-card pedigree |
| Cyrus (Akagi) | SAR | Dark-type specialist; Team Galactic lore connection to Darkrai |
| Cynthia (Shirona) | SAR | Sinnoh region tie-in; perennial SAR demand |
We’ll replace these predictions with confirmed cards as pokemon-card.com publishes further reveals. Historically, full card lists for MEGA expansion packs are announced 3–4 weeks before the street date — so expect the complete Abyss Eye list around late April to early May 2026.
Expected Pull Rates
Pull rate estimates are based on the MEGA Expansion Pack pattern established by M1–M4. The Pokemon Company does not officially publish pull rates. Actual rates for Abyss Eye may differ.
Per-Box Expected Pulls (30 packs)
| Rarity | Expected per Box | Odds (per pack) |
|---|---|---|
| MUR | ~0.02 (1 per 45 boxes) | ~1 in 1,370 |
| SAR (any) | ~0.29 (roughly 1 per 3.4 boxes) | ~1 in 103 |
| SR (Pokemon/Supporter) | ~0.76 | — |
| SR (Item/Stadium) | ~1.0 (near-guaranteed) | — |
| AR | ~3 | ~1 in 10 |
| RR | ~4 | ~1 in 7.5 |
How MEGA Set Pull Rates Compare
The MEGA Expansion Pack structure differs from standard expansions. The key distinction: MUR (Mega Ultra Rare) cards are extraordinarily rare — roughly 1 per 45 boxes, or about 1 per 1,370 packs. This ultra-scarcity is what drives MUR values to ¥50,000+ territory.
SAR pull rates in MEGA sets have been slightly more generous than standard expansions — approximately 1 SAR per 3.4 boxes versus 1 per 5–6 boxes in regular sets. However, with more SAR types in the set, the odds of pulling a specific SAR (like Mega Darkrai ex) remain low: roughly 1 in 20+ boxes for any individual SAR card.
These pull rates are estimates based on previous MEGA Expansion Packs (M1–M4). Abyss Eye’s actual rates may differ. The Pokemon Company does not officially confirm pull rates for any set.
Should You Buy This Set?
With pack MSRP confirmed at ¥200 and the first six cards officially revealed, here’s how different collector profiles might want to approach Abyss Eye.
For Collectors (Experience-First Buyers)
If you collect Japanese Pokemon cards for the art and the opening experience, Abyss Eye looks like a strong candidate. The Dark-type focused aesthetic with Mega Darkrai as the centerpiece, the reveal of a brand-new Shadow Dark Energy special energy, and thematic support from Malamar, Chi-Yu, and Zarude make this an archetype-first set. Pre-ordering at or near pack MSRP (¥200) or box-level MSRP once announced will give you the best price point — secondary market prices for popular MEGA sets typically spike on Day 1 and stabilize within 2–4 weeks.
Collector verdict: Add to your radar. The official reveals confirm a cohesive Dark-type theme that will likely carry across 120+ cards — a strong opening experience is highly likely.
For Investors & Resellers
The MEGA Expansion Pack series has consistently produced boxes that hold value above MSRP thanks to MUR scarcity (~1 per 45 boxes) and high-demand SAR headliners. Mega Darkrai’s cross-media appeal (Pokemon Legends: Z-A tie-in) adds demand beyond the TCG collector base. Key variables: the still-unannounced box MSRP and the strength of the full card list once revealed.
Buy Early
- Secure boxes at or near MSRP before markup
- Day 1 access for resale/grading opportunities
- Darkrai + Giratina demand is historically strong
- Risk: if set underperforms, MSRP is your floor
Wait and See
- See actual card reveals before committing
- Post-launch price data available within 1 week
- Potential for early supply surplus (price dip)
- Risk: if Darkrai MUR hits big, boxes sell out fast
JPN vs. English: Which Version?
The English equivalent (expected as ME5, ~July 2026) would arrive approximately 2 months later. Japanese versions have historically carried a 15–40% premium over English equivalents for SAR and MUR cards. For collectors who specifically want Japanese art quality and first-to-market access, the JPN version is typically the preferred choice. For budget-conscious buyers, the English version tends to offer similar cards at lower prices.
Price Predictions & Box EV
All predictions are based on previous MEGA Expansion Pack patterns and Japanese market tracker estimates (Altema, Toreca Map, SNKRDUNK community). Actual prices will differ. As of April 2026 — pre-release speculation.
Predicted Box EV Breakdown
| Slot | Expected per Box | Predicted Avg Value | Expected Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-rarity (SAR/MUR/SR) | ~1 pull | ~¥5,000–8,000 avg | ~¥5,000–8,000 |
| AR cards | ~3 pulls | ~¥800–1,200 avg | ~¥2,400–3,600 |
| RR cards | ~4 pulls | ~¥300–500 avg | ~¥1,200–2,000 |
| R / C / U | ~22 pulls | ~¥50 avg | ~¥1,100 |
| Total Expected Value | ~¥9,700–14,700 | ||
| BOX MSRP | TBA (pack ¥200 confirmed) |
Once the box MSRP is announced, the predicted box EV is potentially positive in the early weeks — driven by inflated Day 1 prices on chase cards. This is typical for MEGA sets; box EV tends to normalize to slightly negative within 4–6 weeks as supply enters the market. The key variable: how high Mega Darkrai ex MUR and SAR prices actually go at launch.
Secondary Market Box Price Trajectory (Predicted)
| Timeline | Predicted Box Price | Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-release (Now) | Pre-orders opening soon | Secondary sellers listing ahead of official box MSRP |
| Day 1–3 (May 22–24) | Significant premium expected | Initial scarcity + Mega Darkrai ex hype |
| Week 2–4 | Gradual normalization | First restock wave; early opening data |
| Month 2–3 | Closer to MSRP band | Supply normalization; additional card reveals priced in |
| Month 6+ | Stable collector demand | Depends on reprint cycle and EN release timing |
Previous MEGA Expansion Packs (M1–M4) saw Day 1 box prices 30–100% above MSRP, followed by gradual normalization over 4–8 weeks. Sets with strong headliners (like MEGA Dream ex with Mega Charizard X) maintained premiums longest. Mega Darkrai’s popularity suggests Abyss Eye will follow a similar strong-demand pattern.
How to Buy Japanese Pokemon Cards
Japanese Pokemon booster boxes are region-locked at retail — you can’t simply order from the Pokemon Center Online unless you have a Japanese address. Here’s how international collectors typically get access to new Japanese sets.
Japanese Retail (Lottery System)
Major Japanese retailers use a lottery (抽選) system for popular set releases:
- Pokemon Center Online — Random selection; highest demand, lowest odds
- Geo / TSUTAYA / Yodobashi — Regional lottery applications
- Amazon Japan — Availability windows open closer to launch
- Rakuten — Multiple sellers; prices vary
Winning a retail lottery is typically the only way to secure MSRP pricing. Most international buyers can’t access these lotteries directly.
International Options
Samurai Sword INC ships authentic Japanese Pokemon products directly from Tokyo to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Every box is verified authentic (seal and shrink wrap inspection), shipped with tracked international delivery, and packed to prevent transit damage.
Key Dates to Watch
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 20, 2026 | Official reveal — Mega Darkrai ex + 5 support cards + Shadow Dark Energy |
| Late April – May 2026 | Further card reveals expected from pokemon-card.com |
| May 22, 2026 (Fri) | Official Japan release |
| TBA | English release |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Abyss Eye released?
Abyss Eye (アビスアイ / M5) is officially confirmed for Friday, May 22, 2026 in Japan, as announced on the official pokemon-card.com product page on April 20, 2026. The English equivalent has not yet been announced.
How much is an Abyss Eye pack?
Pack MSRP is confirmed at ¥200 tax included for 5 Karten pro Pack, per the official product page. Box-level MSRP and pack count per box have not yet been announced. Secondary market prices tend to be higher than MSRP for popular sets.
What cards have been confirmed in Abyss Eye?
As of April 20, 2026, the official site has confirmed six cards: Mega Darkrai ex (headliner, with the “Brain Crash” attack dealing 130 damage for 1 Dark Energy if the opponent is Confused), Malamar (カラマネロ), Dark Bell, Chi-Yu (“Whirling Envy” attack), Zarude (“Shadow Whip” 170 damage attack), and a new special energy card, Shadow Dark Energy (シャドー悪エネルギー). Further reveals are expected in the weeks before release.
What are the pull rates for Abyss Eye?
Based on the MEGA Expansion Pack pattern (M1–M4): MUR cards appear at roughly 1 per 45 boxes (~1 in 1,370 packs). SAR cards appear at roughly 1 per 3.4 boxes. Each box guarantees approximately 3 AR cards and 4 RR cards. The Pokemon Company does not officially publish pull rates — all figures are community estimates.
Is Abyss Eye connected to Pokemon Legends: Z-A?
Yes. The set is tied to Pokemon Legends: Z-A, with Mega Darkrai ex as the TCG headliner. The “Abyss Eye” name references Darkrai’s nightmare gaze concept — captured in the official Japanese tagline “闇の眼光、メガダークライex襲来” (The eyes of darkness — Mega Darkrai ex arrives). This cross-media connection has historically boosted collector demand for TCG cards.
How can I buy Abyss Eye from outside Japan?
Japanese booster boxes are region-locked at retail. International buyers typically purchase through Japanese card exporters like Samurai Sword INC, which ships directly from Tokyo with tracked international delivery. Availability for new sets usually opens closer to the launch date. Amazon Japan and Rakuten also ship internationally on some listings, though availability varies.