Japanese MEGA Starter Set ex featuring Eevee, Zorua and Sprigatito with exclusive Illustration Rare cards releasing on July 31, 2026.

Eevee, Zorua & Sprigatito MEGA Starter Set ex Revealed in Japan – Exclusive Illustration Rare Cards Arrive July 31

The Pokémon Card Game has officially revealed three brand-new MEGA Starter Set ex products featuring Eevee, Zorua, and Sprigatito (Nyahoja). Scheduled for release in Japan on 31 July 2026, each deck includes an exclusive Illustration Rare (AR) card alongside a matching Pokémon ex card, making these products appealing to both collectors and new players.

Japanese MEGA Starter Set ex featuring Eevee, Zorua and Sprigatito with exclusive Illustration Rare cards releasing on July 31, 2026.

Launching alongside the highly anticipated Storm Emeralda expansion, these starter decks continue Pokémon's recent trend of transforming beginner products into must-have collectibles with premium artwork.

What's Included?

Each MEGA Starter Set ex includes:

  • A ready-to-play 60-card deck
  • 1 exclusive Illustration Rare (AR) promo card
  • 1 matching Pokémon ex card
  • Damage counters and gameplay accessories
  • Rulebook and play guide

Rather than simply reusing existing artwork, each deck introduces brand-new Illustration Rare cards that are exclusive to these products.

Eevee ex MEGA Starter Set

The Eevee deck includes:

  • Exclusive Eevee Illustration Rare
  • Eevee ex
Japanese Eevee MEGA Starter Set ex featuring Eevee ex and an exclusive Illustration Rare promo card.

The Illustration Rare features Eevee happily sitting inside a picnic basket surrounded by picnic essentials, including a thermos, fresh bread and a folded map. Warm sunlight filters through the trees, creating a peaceful outdoor atmosphere that perfectly captures Eevee's cheerful personality.

Eevee Illustration Rare promo card from the Japanese MEGA Starter Set ex releasing on July 31, 2026.

As one of Pokémon's most beloved mascots, Eevee is expected to be the standout favourite among collectors.

Sprigatito ex MEGA Starter Set

The Sprigatito deck contains:

  • Exclusive Sprigatito Illustration Rare
  • Meowscarada ex
Japanese Sprigatito MEGA Starter Set ex featuring Meowscarada ex and an exclusive Illustration Rare promo card.

Sprigatito's Illustration Rare showcases the playful Grass-type Pokémon wandering through a colourful flower garden filled with blooming roses and vibrant blossoms. The soft colours and charming scenery create one of the most elegant pieces of artwork among the three decks.

Sprigatito Illustration Rare promo card from the Japanese MEGA Starter Set ex releasing on July 31, 2026.

Fans of the Paldea region are likely to appreciate this beautifully illustrated promo.

Zorua ex MEGA Starter Set

The Zorua deck features:

  • Exclusive Zorua Illustration Rare
  • Zoroark ex
Japanese Zorua MEGA Starter Set ex featuring Zoroark ex and an exclusive Illustration Rare promo card.

Zorua's Illustration Rare depicts the mischievous Pokémon overlooking a brightly lit town at dusk. Perched above colourful rooftops, the evening lighting gives the artwork a dramatic atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the brighter Eevee and Sprigatito illustrations.

Zorua Illustration Rare promo card from the Japanese MEGA Starter Set ex releasing on July 31, 2026.

Collectors who enjoy darker-themed Pokémon artwork may find this to be their favourite of the trio.

Why Collectors Are Excited

Although these products are designed as beginner-friendly starter decks, the exclusive Illustration Rare promos are already generating excitement among Pokémon TCG collectors.

Rather than focusing purely on gameplay, each Illustration Rare tells its own story:

  • Eevee enjoying a relaxing picnic outdoors.
  • Sprigatito exploring a vibrant flower garden.
  • Zorua watching over a glowing town at sunset.

These scenic artworks feel more like miniature art pieces than standard starter deck promos, making them highly desirable regardless of whether buyers intend to play the game.

Are These Illustration Rares Exclusive?

Based on the official announcement, these Illustration Rare cards are exclusive inclusions within their respective MEGA Starter Set ex products. We may however, see it in the upcoming English Sets!

Whether they receive future international releases or reprints has not been announced.

For collectors, this makes the Japanese starter decks especially attractive while supplies remain available.

Which Deck Will Be the Most Popular?

Early community reactions suggest:

🥇 Eevee - Expected to be the most sought-after thanks to Eevee's enormous worldwide popularity.

🥈 Zorua - A favourite among collectors who enjoy atmospheric artwork and Dark-type Pokémon.

🥉 Sprigatito - Expected to appeal strongly to Scarlet & Violet fans and collectors of the Paldea starters.

Actual demand will ultimately depend on print quantities and future availability, but all three decks are shaping up to be excellent additions to any Pokémon collection.

Should You Buy One or All Three?

If you're collecting for the artwork, purchasing all three decks creates a beautiful matching trio of Illustration Rare promos with a consistent artistic theme.

For Eevee collectors, however, the Eevee deck is likely to be the headline product of the release.

At the same time, these products remain excellent entry points for newer players thanks to their ready-to-play decks and exclusive collectible cards.

Final Thoughts

The July 31 release of the MEGA Starter Set ex products demonstrates that Pokémon continues to blur the line between beginner products and premium collectibles.

Rather than offering simple starter decks, Pokémon has created products that combine playable decks with beautifully illustrated exclusive promos that many collectors will treasure just as much as cards pulled from booster packs.

Whether you're an Eevee enthusiast, a Zorua fan or simply appreciate stunning Pokémon artwork, these decks are certainly worth watching.

If you're looking to add these Japanese MEGA Starter Set ex products to your collection, keep an eye on SawadeeKard. We'll announce preorder availability once our allocation has been confirmed.

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