The Pokémon TCG world is buzzing again — and for good reason. 80 main set cards from Japan’s upcoming set Nihil (Nullifying) Zero have officially been revealed, and the hype is already spilling into global collector communities. Releasing in Japan on January 23rd, this set marks a major moment for the game: the first appearance of Mega Evolutions from the Mega Dimension DLC in physical card form.

For collectors, players, and sealed enthusiasts, this set is shaping up to be one of the most impactful early‑year releases in 2026.

⭐ Quick Highlights of “Nihil Zero”

- 80 main set cards fully revealed
- First TCG appearance of Mega Zygarde ex, Mega Starmie ex, and Mega Skarmory ex
- New Fossil mechanics with Antique Jaw & Antique Sail
- Powerful new Abilities for meta‑shifting Water, Grass, and Fighting decks
- Several cards confirmed to appear in the English set Perfect Order this March
- Secret Rares expected to be revealed soon

Illustration Rares of Clefairy, Espurr, and Talonflame

Pokemon have revealed a total of 3 Illustration rares this week including Clefairy, Espurr, and Talonflame, all stunning examples of whats to come this week.

        

🌀 Mega Evolutions Return — And They’re Stronger Than Ever

The headline of the set is clear: Mega Evolutions are back, and they’re not subtle about it.

🟩 Mega Zygarde ex – The Set’s Poster Child

Mega Zygarde ex brings two devastating attacks:

- Gaia Wave – 200 damage plus built‑in tankiness
- Nihil Zero – A coin‑flip attack that can hit every opponent’s Pokémon for 150 each

Collectors are already calling this one of the most iconic Fighting‑type Megas ever printed.

🔵 Mega Starmie ex – A Water-Type Powerhouse

With Jet Blow sniping the Bench and Nebula Beam ignoring all effects, Mega Starmie ex is shaping up to be a competitive favorite.

⚙️ Mega Skarmory ex – Metal-Type Menace

A zero‑retreat Mega with a 220‑damage snipe? Metal players are eating well.

🌿 Grass-Type Standouts: Vivillon & Decidueye ex

Grass gets some serious love in this set.

🦋 Vivillon – “Big Wings” Ability

Vivillon’s ability forces your opponent to shuffle their entire hand to the bottom of their deck and draw 4. That’s disruption on a level we rarely see in Stage 2 Pokémon.

🏹 Decidueye ex – Sniper Eye

If your opponent has exactly four cards in hand, Decidueye ex attacks for free. Combine that with 240 damage and Energy discard, and you’ve got a card that’s both flavorful and frightening.

🌊 Water-Type Walls: Aurorus & Dewgong

Water decks gain new defensive tools:

❄️ Aurorus – “Tundra Wall”

All your Pokémon with Water Energy take 50 less damage from attacks. This ability doesn’t stack, but it doesn’t need to — it’s already huge.

💧 Dewgong – “Wash Out”

Move Water Energy around your board as often as you like. This is the kind of ability that quietly wins games.

🪨 Fossils Return With a Twist

The new Antique Fossils act as Basic Pokémon with built‑in defensive abilities:

- Antique Jaw Fossil reduces incoming damage by 30
- Antique Sail Fossil blocks effects from opponent’s Supporters

These fossils can’t retreat and can be discarded at any time, giving players flexible board control.

🥊 Fighting-Type Titans: Tyrantrum & Barbaracle

🧱 Barbaracle – “Stone Arms”

Attach extra Fighting Energy every turn — simple, strong, and perfect for Mega Zygarde builds.

🦖 Tyrantrum – “Tyrannoguts”

If it has Special Energy attached, Tyrantrum jumps to 330 HP. That’s Mega-level bulk on a Stage 2.

🧰 New Trainers & Tools Worth Watching

🧠 Core Memory (Tool)

When attached to Mega Zygarde ex, it unlocks Geobuster, a 350‑damage attack. Yes, 350.

🏙️ Lumiose City (Stadium)

Search your deck for a Basic Pokémon once per turn — but your turn ends. A powerful setup tool for slower decks.

🌱 Grow Energy

Provides Grass Energy and gives the attached Pokémon +20 HP.

🪨 Rock Fighting Energy

Prevents all effects of attacks done to your Fighting Pokémon. This is going to be a staple.

🔮 What About Secret Rares?

None have been revealed yet, but we expect to see them them within the next week. Given the Mega Evolution theme, collectors are already predicting:

- Full‑art Megas
- Gold Tools
- Alternate‑art Fossils
- Possibly a special Zygarde chase card

📦 When Will We Get These Cards in English?

The English release will appear in Perfect Order, arriving in March 2026. Expect some card order changes, new pack art, and English-exclusive surprises.

🎴 Final Thoughts: Why “Nihil Zero” Matters

This set isn’t just another January release — it’s a meta‑shifting, collector‑friendly, lore-rich expansion that brings back one of the most beloved mechanics in Pokémon history.

For collectors, this is a set worth watching. For players, it’s a set worth testing. For sealed investors, it’s a set worth holding.

And for CardHalo? It’s a perfect opportunity to create themed bundles, educational content, and magical unboxings that your community will love.

Pre-orders for Nihil Zero are available from the Card Halo website now, Dispatched from 29th January. Secure your set today.