The Pokémon Company has officially announced its next major trading card game expansion, Phantom Flames, spotlighting fan-favorite Mega Evolutions including Mega Charizard, Mega Gengar, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Heracross.
Unlike special boxed sets like Dark Monarch or White Blaze King, Phantom Flames will launch as a regular expansion, complete with booster boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes, and themed merchandise. Booster packs will feature Mega Charizard artwork, and collectors can also look forward to a premium Mega Charizard X set. This deluxe product resembles an Elite Trainer Box but packs in 18 boosters, a promo Mega Charizard ex, a promo Orio ex, and other exclusive goodies—making it one of the hottest items on release.
However, TCG fans know what comes next: scalpers and bots. Despite Pokémon Center’s recently introduced anti-bot protections, supply shortages have plagued the market since late 2024. Products are often snapped up instantly by resellers, who then flip them online at inflated prices. With Phantom Flames centering on two of the most beloved Pokémon in the franchise, demand—and aftermarket chaos—are expected to hit new highs.
The expansion mirrors past collectible frenzies like Prism Evolution and its Umbreon chase cards. Mega Evolutions are among the series’ most popular mechanics, and pairing Charizard with Gengar all but guarantees a rush of hype. One of the most valuable modern cards, Gengar VMAX from Fusion Strike, already commands serious prices, and Charizard has a long history of skyrocketing value.
Collectors are bracing for what may be one of the toughest hunts yet. Whether Pokémon’s new anti-scalper systems can withstand the storm will determine if fans—or profiteers—claim the lion’s share of Phantom Flames.
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