Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution: Phantasmal Flames pre-orders start today, here's what you need to know
DON'T MISS OUT: Phantasmal Flames, the first expansion for the well-received Mega Evolution generation of Pokémon TCG, drops its pre-order allocation at Walmart today. Here's everything you need to know about the Mega Charizard X-led expansion alongside everything you need to know to secure your pre-order.
After Black Bolt, White Flare and Mega Evolution double sets releasing back to back, it's nice to see a concentrated expansion release in Phantasmal Flames. It's set to be a banger with the Dragon-type Mega evolution of fan-favorite Pokémon Charizard heading it up, not to mention a cool opportunity for trainers like me to master set this bad boy. Here's what's packed into Phantasmal flames:
Five Special Illustration Rare Mega Evolution Pokémon ex and Supporter cards
Six Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
Four Pokémon ex
12 Illustration Rare Pokémon
17 Ultra rare Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, Trainer and Energy Cards
Phantasmal Flame product lineup and MSRP
With Pokémania 2025 showing no signs of slowing down with big box retailers taking advantage by charging way over MSRP and even secondary market values, it's a good time to be educated about what Pokémon TCG sealed products are actually worth on physical and digital store shelves. Here's what's going to launch with Phantasmal Flames and what they should be selling for at retail:
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Booster Box — 36 packs, MSRP around $129.99
Booster Packs — MSRP $4.49
Booster Bundle (6 packs) — MSRP $26.94
Elite Trainer Box (ETB) — MSRP $49.99
Ultra-Premium Collection (UPC) — MSRP $119.99
Mega Gengar ex & Mega Diancie ex decks — Releases slightly earlier on Oct. 24, MSRP $14.99–$19.99
Phantasmal Flames Walmart preorders
Walmart is tackling the scalper bots by making sure Phantasmal Flames pre-orders is behind their Walmart+ membership. This is a paid membership with plenty of benefits, including Peacock or Paramount+ subscriptions, but there's currently a 30-day free trial. Make sure to create an online Walmart account, sign up for the free membership so you're ready for the pre-order drop, which goes live 7AM PT / 10AM ET today.
Here's the direct links to the Phantasmal Flames pre-order products that are going on-sale today:
Phantasmal Flames TCGplayer preorders
If you happen to miss out on pre-orders for Phantasmal Flames today don't worry, TCGplayer has their presale listings live already. You'll be paying market value for sealed product, but you'll also be avoiding scalper pricing and getting the best deal outside of MSRP pre-orders. Here's the direct links to cure your FOMO:
What's inside Phantasmal Flames products?
Booster Box: 36 booster packs
Booster Bundle: 6 booster packs
Elite Trainer Box: 9 packs, card sleeves, dice set plus an exclusive Charcadet promo.
Ultra-Premium Collection: A premium display box with a Mega Charizard X ex promo and high-end accessories.
Theme Decks: Ready-to-play decks starring Mega Gengar ex and Mega Diancie ex.
Save money and get guaranteed pulls with Japanese Inferno X
Phantasmal Flames is the English translation of the Japanese Pokémon TCG set Inferno X. So it's the same cards but in Japanese, which means they're still collectable and look amazing in binders, but there's a guaranteed Secret Art Rare or Secret Rare cards and a much better chance of getting perfect grades with Japanese sets.
It's also worth noting that each booster pack has five cards instead of the ten included in English boosters, and booster boxes contain 30 boosters, not 36. They're usually around half the price of an English Booster Box, so providing you don't want to use the cards in a deck, they're a brilliant option for collectors.
Christian Wait is a freelance contributor to Mashable. Christian has countless years of gaming and tech journalism experience under his belt, and can usually be found in his office 3D printing or staring at Pokémon cards.
