Nullifying Zero set is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Japanese Pokémon TCG releases of early 2026, capturing global attention with the debut of Mega Zygarde ex and a strong Mega Evolution theme. Formerly known as the Munikis Zero set, this expansion blends iconic Pokémon, strategic gameplay mechanics, and fresh Trainer cards inspired by the Pokémon Legends: Z-A storyline.
Read on at Japan Figure to explore everything you need to know about the Nihil Zero set and secure authentic Japanese cards as soon as they are released.
All 80 main set cards from Nullifying Zero have now been officially revealed, confirming this expansion as the first major Japanese Pokémon TCG main set of 2026. The set is scheduled for release in Japan on January 23rd, 2026, and has already generated significant global attention from both collectors and competitive players. Pokémon also confirmed three Illustration Rares featuring Clefairy, Espurr, and Talonflame, reinforcing the set’s strong appeal to artwork-focused collectors.
In addition, the expansion introduces four new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex: Mega Zygarde, Mega Starmie, Mega Clefable, and Mega Skarmory. These highly anticipated cards will later appear internationally as part of the Perfect Order set releasing in March, making the Japanese version the earliest way to experience this Mega-focused expansion.
It is important to note that the set is literally named Munikis Zero in Japanese, but its English localization has evolved over time. When the trademark was first discovered in October 2025, the community referred to the expansion as Munikis Zero. Later, Mega Zygarde’s signature attack from Pokémon Legends: Z-A was revealed as Munikis Hikari (無に帰す光), which TPCi localized as Nihil Light, leading many fans to adopt the name Nihil Zero.
However, when announcing the Perfect Order expansion, TPCi officially localized Mega Zygarde ex’s attack Munikis Zero as Nullifying Zero. This confirms Nullifying Zero as the correct and official English name of the set, accurately reflecting its Japanese title and core gameplay concept.
Beyond its finalized name, Nullifying Zero stands out for its strong emphasis on Fighting type strategies, Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, and high impact Trainer and Energy cards. The set marks the first appearance of Mega Zygarde ex in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, supported by powerful tools such as Energy Swatter, Lumiose City, and Special Energy like Rock Fighting Energy. With a compact 80-card main set and several potentially meta defining cards, Nullifying Zero successfully bridges classic Pokémon lore with modern TCG mechanics, especially for fans following the Pokémon Legends: Z-A storyline.
This clear naming resolution, focused design, and early 2026 release timing explain why Nullifying Zero is rapidly gaining momentum among Japanese Pokémon card collectors and international fans seeking early access to the next era of Mega Evolution cards.
Following the initial announcement, The Pokémon Company revealed a first wave of 80 cards that clearly define the gameplay direction and identity of the Nullifying Zero set, highlighting Mega Evolution power, Fighting type synergy, and strong Trainer support.
Mega Zygarde ex is the central Pokémon of the Nullifying Zero Pokémon TCG expansion and the first Mega Zygarde ever printed in the TCG. With extremely high HP, it is designed to dominate the battlefield and absorb pressure while setting up devastating attacks. Its reveal firmly established the set’s identity around Mega Evolution and Fighting-type dominance.
Its attack lineup balances consistency and explosiveness. Gaia Wave offers reliable high damage with built-in damage reduction, while Nihil Zero introduces a high-risk, high-reward mechanic that can damage multiple opposing Pokémon at once. This makes Mega Zygarde ex a true win-condition card capable of swinging games in a single turn.
Decidueye ex stands out as a high-impact Grass-type Stage 2 Pokémon designed for precise, calculated offense. Its Ability, Sniper Eye, dramatically reduces attack costs under specific hand-size conditions, rewarding players who can control their opponent’s resources.
With Crush Arrow dealing massive damage while stripping Energy from the Active Pokémon, Decidueye ex excels at shutting down opposing attackers. As a Pokémon ex, it represents both a powerful threat and a strategic risk.
Mega Clefable ex brings a disruptive Psychic-type presence with strong protection against opposing Abilities. Its Wings of Light Ability ensures it remains unaffected by Ability-based interference, making it a reliable centerpiece in Ability-heavy metas.
Shooting Moon allows players to convert excess Energy in hand into explosive damage, scaling quickly in the late game. As a Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, it offers immense power at the cost of higher Prize risk.
Mega Starmie ex is an aggressive Water-type Mega Evolution built to bypass traditional defenses. Its attacks pressure both Active and Benched Pokémon while ignoring Weakness, Resistance, and effects. This makes it extremely hard to counter with defensive tech cards. Mega Starmie ex fits perfectly into fast-paced, damage-focused Water decks.
Salazzle ex is a fast Fire-type Pokémon that combines setup consistency with status pressure. Its first attack improves hand quality, while its second attack inflicts both Poison and Burn before pivoting to safety. This hit-and-run style makes Salazzle ex difficult to punish. It performs especially well in tempo-driven Fire strategies.
Clefairy is a simple yet disruptive Psychic-type Basic Pokémon. Its ability to force opponent Pokémon switches enables board manipulation and combo setups. While its damage is modest, its tactical value is significant. As an Illustration Rare, it also carries strong collector appeal.
Talonflame blends steady Fire-type damage with disruptive hand control. Its Ability introduces randomness by potentially forcing the opponent to discard a card each turn. Combined with efficient damage output, Talonflame becomes a strong mid-game attacker. It fits well in Fire decks that value disruption.
Serperior is a Grass-type Stage 2 Pokémon that rewards wide board development. Its primary attack scales based on how many Pokémon you have in play, encouraging full Bench strategies. When combined with Rosa’s Encouragement, its secondary attack becomes extremely threatening. Serperior is a key payoff card in setup-focused decks.
Vivillon offers disruptive utility rather than raw power. Its Ability can reset the opponent’s hand, disrupting planned turns and combo setups. When a Stadium is in play, its attack becomes significantly more efficient. Vivillon shines as a control-oriented support attacker.
Luxray is a Lightning-type finisher that grows stronger as the game progresses. Its damage scales based on Prize cards taken, making it lethal in late-game scenarios. With zero Retreat Cost, Luxray offers exceptional mobility. It excels as a closer in aggressive Lightning decks.
Luxio accelerates Lightning evolution lines by bending standard evolution rules. Its Ability allows early evolution when facing Pokémon ex, providing crucial tempo advantage. This makes Luxio an important bridge into Luxray. It is especially strong in fast meta environments.
Hawlucha is a low-cost Fighting-type attacker that capitalizes on damaged Benches. Its attack grows stronger when your Pokémon already have damage counters. This allows Hawlucha to punish aggressive opponents. It is best used as a situational tech attacker.
Furfrou focuses on hand disruption rather than direct damage. Its main attack reduces the opponent’s hand size, limiting strategic options. This is particularly effective against combo-heavy decks. Furfrou fits well as a control tool in Colorless builds.
Diggersby is a high-damage Colorless Pokémon with built-in risk. Its strongest attack damages your own Bench, requiring careful positioning. It also offers a safer alternative attack for flexibility. Diggersby suits decks that can manage self-inflicted damage.
Raticate uses a unique damage-scaling mechanic based on damage counters on Benched Rattata. This creates unconventional but explosive damage potential. While fragile, it can surprise opponents when set up correctly. Raticate rewards creative deck building.
Aromatisse is a Psychic-type support Pokémon that improves Energy consistency. Its Ability searches Psychic Energy every turn, ensuring reliable setups. Its attack also provides self-healing, improving longevity. Aromatisse is a core support piece for Psychic decks.
Dedenne functions as an Energy acceleration engine. Its attack converts the opponent’s Energy investment into Lightning Energy for your board. This makes it effective against Energy-heavy strategies. Dedenne excels in a supporting role.
Energy Swatter is a disruptive Item that targets the opponent’s hand directly. By removing an Energy card, it slows down early-game momentum. It is especially effective in control decks. The information gained from revealing the hand is an added bonus.
Jacinthe is a defensive Supporter focused on Psychic Pokémon. Healing 150 damage can completely reset a damaged attacker. This card excels in longer, grind-heavy games. It strengthens Psychic deck durability.
Rosa’s Encouragement is a comeback Supporter designed for Stage 2 strategies. This Pokémon waifu cards accelerates Energy from the discard pile when you are behind on Prize cards. This allows powerful Pokémon to re-enter play quickly. The card is central to many Nullifying Zero decks.
Beyond the spotlight cards already discussed, the remaining 60 cards in the Nullifying Zero main set complete the expansion’s strategic depth and collector appeal. These cards include a balanced mix of supporting Pokémon across all types, Trainer cards, Fossils, and Special Energy that reinforce the Mega Evolution and control focused identity of the set.
Together, they provide essential synergy pieces, tech options, and consistency tools that help define how Nullifying Zero decks are built and played in the Japanese meta.
If you’re eager to get your hands on the Nihil Zero set as soon as it launches in Japan, acting early is essential. The demand for Japanese Pokémon TCG products has grown significantly worldwide, especially for high-profile expansions like Nihil Zero that feature powerful cards such as Mega Zygarde ex and Mega Skarmory ex.
One of the most reliable ways to secure the fastest Japanese version of this set is by pre-ordering through trusted international retailers that specialize in authentic Japanese TCG products. Japan Figure is a reputable source known for carrying official Japanese Pokémon cards, booster boxes, and sealed products with genuine packaging and secure international shipping. Because they work directly with Japanese distribution channels, Japan Figure often receives stock close to the release date and can ship early to collectors and players outside Japan.
Here’s how you can maximize your chances of getting Nihil Zero early:
By using Japan Figure, many collectors and competitive players secure authentic Japanese boosters and boxed products ahead of their local English releases, often months before those versions arrive. This makes it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who want early access to exclusive cards and full sets from the Nihil Zero pokemon tcg expansion.
Below is the latest confirmed and expected Japanese Pokémon TCG release schedule for early 2026, including major upcoming expansions, special boxed products, and set features. This timeline helps collectors and players plan their pre-orders and build anticipation for the Nihil Zero set and beyond.
|
Set Name |
Date (Japan) |
Featuring |
Event / Notes |
|
Nihil Zero |
January 23, 2026 |
Mega Zygarde ex |
Main expansion; strong Fighting/Mega synergy |
|
Mega Gallade ex Special Set |
January 23, 2026 |
Mega Gallade ex |
Boxed product releasing alongside Nihil Zero |
|
March 13, 2026 |
Mega Greninja ex |
Next major expansion following Nihil Zero |
|
|
TBD |
Mega Rayquaza ex (rumored) |
Expected later 2026 set (unconfirmed) |
|
|
TBD |
Mega Darkrai ex (rumored) |
Future expansion potential |
|
|
Celebration Collection |
TBD |
Anniversary & special cards |
30th Pokémon TCG anniversary celebration |
The Nihil Zero set stands out as a strong opening chapter for the Japanese Pokémon TCG in 2026, combining the long-awaited debut of Mega Zygarde ex with carefully designed support cards and clear thematic direction. With its focus on Mega Evolution, Fighting type synergy, and meaningful Trainer choices, this set appeals equally to competitive players and long-term collectors. Early Japanese releases often shape future metas and collecting trends, making Nihil Zero especially valuable to follow from the start.
Before deciding whether to collect, play, or invest in the Nihil Zero set, many fans naturally have similar questions about availability, suitability, and long-term value.
The Nihil Zero set is not officially marketed as a limited edition. However, first print runs in Japan often sell out quickly due to demand for Mega Zygarde ex and related rare cards. Early sealed products may become hard to find, increasing their value among collectors.
Yes, the Nihil Zero set offers accessible cards like Meowth ex and easy evolution lines alongside powerful staples. Its focused themes and strong artwork make it attractive for beginners, while its strategic depth encourages growth into competitive play or advanced collecting.
The Nihil Zero set appeals to both competitive players and collectors. With Mega ex cards like Mega Zygarde ex and Mega Skarmory ex, it supports high-level play. Meanwhile, its aesthetic design and Japan-only early release draw in global collectors and fans of Mega Pokémon.
Yes, Nihil Zero has strong long-term potential. With signature Mega Evolution cards, tight synergy, and early Japanese exclusivity, its first prints and rare variants may gain desirability. Long-term value grows through playability and collectability.
Trusted retailers like Japan Figure are excellent for securing authentic Japanese Nihil Zero products. Pre-ordering sealed booster boxes, special sets, and accessories from established sellers ensures genuine stock and reliable international shipping. Early orders increase chances of getting products close to release dates.
Rikuya Takamine
Rikuya Takamine has been writing about Japanese pop culture for over seven years. With a background in media and communications, he covers major TCG releases and collectible figure launches with accuracy and excitement for leading Japanese pop culture platforms.
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