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.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview: Abyss Eye (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
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. |
*We recommend bookmarking this page. Once the products are officially released, you can simply click the links above to check the latest market prices and availability at any time.
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.
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.
[👉How to Choose a Pokémon Card Online Store Without Making Mistakes]
How to buy Pokémon Card from overseas?
Use Buyee’s overseas ordering cart for a quick & easy checkout!
Now that you know which stores best fit your collecting style, you’re ready to build your dream deck! Don’t let distance keep you from the best deals in Japan and use this guide, pick your shop, and start growing your dream collection today!
For more Pokémon TCG updates, product spotlights, and expert tips on shopping in Japan, don’t forget to follow @buyee.unbox.picks on Instagram to stay connected with the community!
📦 Want to easily order Pokémon trading cards from Japan? Try Buyee’s Global Shopping Cart for hassle-free proxy shopping:
❌ No VPN needed
❌ No Japanese required
✅ Ships overseas after checkout—with multiple international delivery options!
Here’s how👇
Buyee’s overseas ordering cart Checkout Guide – Step-by-step:
- Go to the official website and choose the item you want.
- Click “Add to Cart” and proceed to the checkout page.
- On the checkout page, select the “Buyee Global Shopping Cart” button.
- You’ll be redirected to the Buyee site. Log in or create a Buyee account.
- Confirm your item and shipping details, then complete your order!
🛍️ Why Use Buyee’s Global Shopping Cart?
✅ Interface available in Traditional Chinese
✅ Multiple payment options including credit cards and PayPal
✅ International shipping from Japan to your doorstep
✅ Ships to most countries and regions worldwide
👉 Want to learn more about how it works?
[Full Step-by-Step Guide]
How to purchase from official Japanese brand websites using Buyee’s Global Shopping Cart
