Pokémon TCG’s Ascended Heroes launch staggered as ETBs delayed to Feb. 20

Kotaku reports that the Pokémon TCG’s first new set of 2026, Ascended Heroes, is launching in a staggered, limited way after The Pokémon Company pushed key products — notably Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) — back to February 20. Ascended Heroes is a “special expansion” that typically ships without traditional 36-pack booster boxes and instead releases ETBs and assorted bundles over time.

Items that were expected at the initial launch — including certain booster pack types, Tech Sticker Collections and two-pack checklane blister packs — are now being distributed on a more delayed schedule, with ETBs and some blister packs set for February 20. The set is particularly sought after by collectors because it brings back Trainer Pokémon and Mega Pokémon cards printed with Japanese attack text, something Kotaku says hasn’t appeared since 2015’s XY Primal Clash.

Play! Pokémon and TPCi have adjusted tournament rules as a result: Kotaku says special expansion cards only become legal for play two weeks after either the set’s ETB or a Booster Bundle is released, which means Ascended Heroes cards will be ineligible for the February 13 European Championships given the ETB delay.

Availability looks thin and resale prices are already inflated, Kotaku notes: the $50 ETB is being resold around $150, and a six-pack Booster Bundle with a $27 MSRP seeing preorders listed near $80. Single packs remain scarce and pre-orders are generally not available.

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