The Mega Evolution era continues, and Japan has just unveiled its next major expansion: Storm Emeralda, the set featuring Mega Rayquaza ex which comes with a surprise we haven't seen in years, a Stadium split into two cards. Here, from collector to collector, is everything known about Storm Emeralda: release date, cards revealed so far, and why this set is shaping up to be one of the block's big ones.
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Storm Emeralda release date and set details
These are the confirmed details for the new expansion:
- Japanese Release: July 31, 2026, as set M6.
- Western Release: Cards will arrive in the Delta Reign set, scheduled for November 6, 2026.
- Size: 76 cards in the main set, plus another 35 to 40 secret rares, for an approximate total of 115 cards, in line with previous Mega Evolution sets.
- The Name: Storm Emeralda is a nod to Rayquaza's role in Pokémon Emerald (it lives in the ozone layer), while the English name, Delta Reign, refers to the delta motif and Mega Rayquaza's Delta Stream ability.
As always in the Mega Evolution block, it's an expansion designed for collector hype: few base cards but a huge number of secret rares. You can see everything we have from the block in our Pokémon collection and keep an eye on pre-orders for when we open reservations for new Japanese releases.
Mega Rayquaza ex, the star of the set
Mega Rayquaza ex, the cover card of Storm Emeralda. Japanese card, translated text.
The undisputed star is Mega Rayquaza ex, a Basic Colorless Pokémon with 280 HP. Its ability Champion's Roar allows you, when played from your hand to your Bench, to look at the top 4 cards of your deck and attach a Basic Energy you find. Its attack, Storm Emeralda ([R][L][C]), deals 50 damage for each [R] and [L] Energy you have distributed among all your Pokémon in play, thus rewarding decks that flood the board with energy. However, as a Mega ex, it gives your opponent 3 Prize cards when Knocked Out. Weakness Lightning (x2), Resistance Fighting (-30) and a Retreat Cost of 2.
The Talonflame ex line
The Fletchling, Fletchinder, and Talonflame ex evolution. Japanese cards, translated text.
The deluxe companion is Talonflame ex (Colorless, 280 HP, Stage 2). Its ability Excitedive allows it to move directly from your hand to your Bench if you already have a Colorless Mega Evolution Pokémon in play, and its attack Claw Hunt deals 150 damage and searches for up to 2 cards from your deck. A perfect consistency engine to accelerate Mega Rayquaza's plan. It evolves from Fletchinder and Fletchling, both also in the set.
The dark side: Mega Malamar ex and Sableye
Mega Malamar ex and Sableye, with art by Shinji Kanda. Japanese cards, translated text.
Fans of Darkness are in luck: Mega Malamar ex (Darkness, 320 HP, Stage 1 from Inkay) is finally here. Its attack Psychic Puppets deals 70 damage for each Pokémon on your opponent's Bench, and Dark Pulse hits for 200 and Confuses. It is accompanied by Sableye (Darkness, 80 HP), with an interesting control ability: Decoy pulls Basic Pokémon from your opponent's deck to their Bench, and Dark Eyes places 5 damage counters wherever you want. The art, by Shinji Kanda, speaks for itself.
Legendary Summit: the Stadium split into two cards returns
The two halves of Legendary Summit, the split Stadium. Japanese cards, translated text.
The big new mechanic is Legendary Summit, a Stadium that is split into two cards: you can only play it by using both halves simultaneously from your hand, and once placed, it counts as a single Stadium. Additionally, when it is Knocked Out by an attack, both players take one fewer Prize card with their Colorless Pokémon. It's a nod to special Stadiums from older blocks and a beautiful collector's item due to its double-card art.
Trainers and the Mega Gallade ex promo
Zinnia's Trust, MC's Hype, and Mega Rayquaza Cap. Japanese cards, translated text.
The support section also brings interesting things: Zinnia's Trust (Supporter) switches your Active Pokémon and moves an Energy, MC's Hype draws 2 cards (and 2 more if the opponent is low on Prize cards), the Mega Rayquaza Cap tool accelerates energy with its Delta Gift attack, and the Adventuring Lantern item searches for one [R] and one [L] Energy at once, perfectly tailored for Rayquaza's attack.
Adventuring Lantern and the Mega Gallade ex promo. Japanese cards.
Japan will host sealed tournaments for the set, and winners will receive a Mega Gallade ex promo, a reprint as a new Special Illustration Rare that is already shaping up to be a sought-after card.
Our opinion at Collectowny: watch out for pre-order prices
Let's be very clear about this, because it's the part that concerns us most as collectors: Storm Emeralda has become incredibly expensive even before its release. We are seeing pre-orders for the Japanese box at 130-145 euros, and cases exceeding 200, for a product that no one has even opened yet and whose secret rares or Special Illustration Rares are not even known. It's the classic pre-order hype spike inflated by the Rayquaza name.
Our recommendation is simple: wait before buying it. This type of overpricing tends to deflate once the set is released, the full list is known, and stock replenishments arrive; we've seen it happen with other Japanese Mega Evolution block sets, sky-high prices in the first few weeks and much more reasonable prices shortly after. Buying now means paying for impatience. If you still want to secure a box on day one, do so knowing that you are paying that extra; if you're a sensible collector, patience: Rayquaza isn't going anywhere.
Frequently asked questions about Storm Emeralda
When is Storm Emeralda released?
In Japan on July 31, 2026 (set M6). In the West, its cards will arrive in the Delta Reign set, scheduled for November 6, 2026.
How many cards are in the set?
About 115 in total: 76 in the main set plus 35 to 40 secret rare cards, in line with previous Mega Evolution sets.
Why is the Storm Emeralda box so expensive?
Due to pre-order fever: Mega Rayquaza's popularity has driven prices up even before release, with boxes ranging from 130 to over 200 euros. This overpricing usually decreases when the set goes on sale and replenishments arrive, which is why we recommend waiting.
What is the Legendary Summit split Stadium?
It's a Stadium split into two cards that can only be played by using both halves simultaneously from your hand; once in play, it counts as a single Stadium. It's the big new mechanic of the set.
Is Storm Emeralda the same as Delta Reign?
Practically yes: Storm Emeralda is the Japanese set (M6) and Delta Reign is the Western version with the same cards, which comes later.
Keep up with Pokémon news
At Collectowny, we're always on top of what's happening in Japan, and when we open reservations for Storm Emeralda, it will be at a fair price, without the pre-order frenzy. Sign up for our mailing list to receive pre-order alerts, check out the pre-order collection and the latest Japanese sets like the Ninja Spinner Booster Box (M4). And don't forget to protect your most valuable cards with sleeves and toploaders from our accessories collection.
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