Abyss Eye (M5) — Release Date, Chase Cards, and Global Buying Guide

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The Pokémon TCG world is buzzing. On May 22, 2026, the latest expansion pack, Abyss Eye (M5), officially hits the shelves. As a cornerstone of the 2026 “Mega Evolution ex” era, this set dives deep into the mysterious Darkness-type theme, drawing intense interest from collectors and competitive players worldwide.

With the iconic Mega Darkrai ex leading the charge, this set features hauntingly beautiful artwork and game-changing mechanics. In this guide, we’ll break down the latest release details, projected pull values, and the safest ways to secure Japanese boxes from overseas.

Quick Overview: Abyss Eye (M5)

Image source: https://www.pokemon-card.com/ex/m5/

Planning your pre-orders? Here is the essential data you need for your buying strategy.

Category | Details
Set Name | Expansion Pack: Abyss Eye
Set Code | M5
Release Date | Friday, May 22, 2026
MSRP | 6,000 JPY (Inc. Tax) / 1 Box
Contents | 5 cards per pack / 30 packs per box
Featured Pokémon | Mega Darkrai ex, Chi-Yu, Zarude

This set is closely tied to the lore of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, featuring “Abyssal” aesthetics and dark, atmospheric designs throughout the collection.

Why “Abyss Eye” is a Must-Have

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What is driving the massive hype for M5? It boils down to three “Dark Powers”:

The Impact of Mega Darkrai ex: Making its series debut, Mega Darkrai ex features the devastating “Abyss Eye” attack, which can instantly Knock Out an opponent’s Active Pokémon if they are affected by a Special Condition. Beyond its power, the Special Art Rare (SAR) is already being hailed as a masterpiece.

The “Dark Bell” Item Card: This tricky new Tool confuses both Active Pokémon. It’s sparking intense theory-crafting among competitive players looking to buff Darkness-type archetypes.

Z-A Character Synergy: Expect high-end Trainer cards featuring characters from the Kalos region, celebrating the lore of Mega Evolution with stunning full-art illustrations.

Top Chase Cards & Market Price Predictions

Based on April 2026 pre-release hype and historical trends, here are the cards to watch.

※Note: Prices are estimated in JPY based on early market sentiment.

Mega Darkrai ex (SAR)

Estimated Price: ¥35,000 – ¥80,000+

Why it’s a hit: The crown jewel of the set. Rumors of a MUR (Mega Ultra Rare) rarity have collectors on high alert. The SAR’s intricate, dark woodcut-style art makes it a prime candidate for PSA 10 hunting.

Chi-Yu (Art Rare)

Estimated Price: ¥3,000 – ¥5,000

Why it’s a hit: This card offers incredible synergy with the new Shadow Darkness Energy. It acts as a defensive anchor for the bench while maintaining high offensive pressure.

Zarude (Art Rare)

Estimated Price: ¥2,000 – ¥4,000

Why it’s a hit: This card offers incredible synergy with the new Shadow Darkness Energy. It acts as a defensive anchor for the bench while maintaining high offensive pressure.

Shadow Darkness Energy (UR)

Estimated Price: ¥8,000 – ¥12,000

Why it’s a hit: A revolutionary Special Energy that protects your Benched Pokémon from attack damage. As a staple for any Dark-deck, the Gold (UR) version will be a high-value asset for years.

Card Name | Rare | Estimated Price(2026/4) | Why It’s Hot
Mega Darkrai ex | SAR | ¥35,000 〜 80,000 | The centerpiece of this set. This SAR, depicting a dark worldview, is a dream card targeted by collectors worldwide.
Shadow Darkness Energy | UR | ¥8,000 〜 12,000 | High versatility with immense collection value.
Chi-Yu | AR | ¥3000 〜 5000 | A highly efficient sub-attacker with a high technical ceiling.

Check Market Prices for “Abyss Eye (M5)”

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The Mega Darkrai ex SAR is expected to see massive global demand, particularly from PSA grading enthusiasts. This is due to the exquisite relief etching and superior texture quality exclusive to Japanese prints, making it a top-tier target for high-end collectors.

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Securing “Abyss Eye (M5)” in Japan

Demand for Abyss Eye (M5) is unprecedented, and supply in Japan will be tight.

Lottery-Based Sales: Major retailers like the Pokémon Center (which often stocks OP cards), Mugiwara Stores, and electronics giants use a lottery system starting a month before release.

Strict Purchase Limits: Even on release day, physical stores usually limit customers to 10 packs or a single box.

Restock Outlook: While restocks usually happen within 1–2 months, demand is expected to far outstrip supply for the foreseeable future.

How to Buy “Abyss Eye (M5)” from Overseas

For collectors outside of Japan, joining the physical “war” for boxes is impossible. Your best bet is to secure your pre-orders through trusted Japanese EC stores that specialize in international shipping.

To help you skip the middleman markups and avoid “resealed” scams, we’ve curated a list of the best hobby shops that offer guaranteed authentic products and international shipping. If you’re planning to pre-order or buy Abyss Eye (M5), make sure to check out our vetted list below to ensure you’re getting 100% authentic, unsearched products.