Nihil Zero Set (Former Munikis Zero): New cards, reveals & key dates

Nihil 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.

1. Pokemon Nihil Zero Set initial overview

The Nihil Zero set is the first Japanese Pokémon TCG main expansion announced for 2026 and has immediately attracted global attention from collectors and competitive players alike. Officially revealed during Japan’s annual December Pokémon livestream, this set was initially known under the working name Munikis Zero before being renamed to Nihil Zero.

The new name reflects the English localization of Mega Zygarde’s signature attack, Nihil Light, and better aligns with the set’s core theme centered on Mega Evolution and balance. As a result, the Nihil Zero set is positioned as a key bridge between classic Pokémon lore and modern TCG mechanics, especially for fans following the Pokémon Legends: Z-A storyline.

Beyond its name, what makes the Nihil Zero Pokémon TCG expansion stand out is its strong focus on Fighting type strategies, Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, and high impact Trainer cards. The set introduces Mega Zygarde ex to the Trading Card Game for the first time, supported by Energy acceleration, board control tools, and Stadium cards inspired by the Kalos region. With a compact card pool and several meta defining cards, Nihil Zero is designed to be both accessible and strategically deep, making it appealing to a wide range of players worldwide.

• Japanese name: ニヒルゼロ (Nihil Zero), formerly Munikis Zero
• Release date (Japan): January 23, 2026
• Set type: M3 MEGA Expansion Pack (main set)
• Estimated card count: Around 80 cards before Secret Rares
• Key Pokémon: Mega Zygarde ex, Mega Skarmory ex, Meowth ex
• Notable contents:
  • Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
  • New Trainer cards such as Tarragon, Naveen, and Lumiose City
  • Special Energy including Rock Fighting Energy
  • Strong synergy with Pokémon Legends: Z-A themes

This clear structure and focused design explain why the Nihil Zero set is already gaining momentum among Japanese Pokémon card collectors and international fans seeking early access to upcoming Mega Evolution cards.

2. Earliest cards revealed in the Nihil Zero TCG expansion pack

Following the initial announcement, The Pokémon Company revealed a first wave of 11 cards that clearly define the gameplay direction and identity of the Nihil Zero set, highlighting Mega Evolution power, Fighting type synergy, and strong Trainer support.

1. Mega Skarmory ex
2. Mega Zygarde ex
3. Meowth ex
4. Binacle
5. Barbaracle
6. PokePad
7. Core Memory
8. Tarragon
9. Naveen
10. Lumiose City
11. Rock Fighting Energy

2.1 Mega Skarmory ex

Mega Skarmory ex is one of the earliest Mega Evolution Pokémon revealed from the Nihil Zero set and immediately stands out for its tactical design. As a Metal type Mega Pokémon ex, it emphasizes precision attacks rather than sustained Energy attachment, making it a unique option compared to traditional heavy hitters. Its presence signals that Nihil Zero is not limited to Fighting types alone, but instead supports diverse Mega strategies.

In gameplay, Mega Skarmory ex excels at targeted damage. Its signature attack allows it to strike any of the opponent’s Pokémon while shuffling its own Energy back into the deck. This creates a hit-and-reset playstyle that rewards smart timing and deck thinning, appealing to experienced players who value control and tempo.

• Type: Metal
• Hit Point: 260
• Weakness: Lightning (×2)
• Resistance: Fighting (−30)
• Retreat: 0
• Special features:
  • Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
  • Takes 3 Prize cards when Knocked Out
  • Sonic Ripper shuffles Energy back and can hit Benched Pokémon

2.2 Mega Zygarde ex

Mega Zygarde ex is the central Pokémon of the Nihil 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.

• Type: Fighting
• Hit Point: 310
• Weakness: Grass (×2)
• Resistance: None
• Retreat: 3
• Special features:
  • Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
  • Takes 3 Prize cards when Knocked Out
  • Gaia Wave reduces damage taken next turn
  • Nihil Zero can hit multiple opponent Pokémon

2.3 Meowth ex

Meowth ex brings utility and consistency to the Nihil Zero set, acting as a support Pokémon rather than a primary attacker. As a Colorless Pokémon ex, it fits easily into many deck types without strict Energy requirements. Its design shows that Nihil Zero values setup and resource access as much as raw power.

When played onto the Bench, Meowth ex allows players to search their deck for a Supporter card, helping stabilize early turns or secure key combo pieces. Its attack lets it return to hand, allowing repeated use of its Ability and protecting it from being knocked out.

• Type: Colorless
• Hit Point: 170
• Weakness: Grass (×2)
• Resistance: None
• Retreat: 1
• Special features:
  • Pokémon ex
  • Takes 2 Prize cards when Knocked Out
  • Ability – Trump Card Catch: Searches a Supporter when benched
  • Tuck Tail returns Meowth ex and all attached cards to hand

2.4 Binacle

Binacle is a simple but important Basic Pokémon revealed early in the Nihil Zero TCG expansion. It provides straightforward card draw, which is especially valuable in Fighting focused decks that aim to accelerate Energy quickly.

Despite its modest stats, Binacle plays a crucial role in setting up its evolution and maintaining hand advantage. Its low complexity makes it approachable for newer players entering the Nihil Zero set.

• Type: Fighting
• Hit Point: 80
• Weakness: Grass (×2)
• Resistance: None
• Retreat: 2
• Special features:
  • Basic Pokémon
  • Double Draw attack lets you draw 2 cards

2.5 Barbaracle

Barbaracle evolves from Binacle and significantly increases the strategic depth of this evolution line. Its Ability allows players to attach additional Fighting Energy from their hand, reinforcing the set’s Energy acceleration theme.

This makes Barbaracle an excellent support Pokémon for Mega Zygarde ex and other Fighting attackers. While its attack damage is moderate, its true value lies in enabling faster and more consistent offensive pressure.

• Type: Fighting
• Hit Point: 130
• Weakness: Grass (×2)
• Resistance: None
• Retreat: 2
• Special features:
  • Stage 1 Pokémon (evolves from Binacle)
  • Ability – Stone Arms: Once per turn, attach a Basic Fighting Energy from hand to a Fighting Pokémon

2.6 PokePad

PokePad is an Item card designed to improve consistency without enabling overly explosive plays. It allows players to search for Pokémon that do not have a Rule Box, encouraging the use of support Pokémon alongside powerful ex cards.

This design choice helps balance decks and prevents over-reliance on high-value Pokémon ex, making PokePad a smart inclusion in many Nihil Zero deck builds.

• Type: Trainer (Item)
• Hit Point: N/A
• Weakness: N/A
• Resistance: N/A
• Retreat: N/A
• Special features:
  • Searches deck for a Pokémon without a Rule Box
  • You may play multiple Item cards per turn

2.7 Core Memory

Core Memory is a Pokémon Tool created specifically to enhance Mega Zygarde ex. When attached, it grants access to an extremely powerful attack that deals massive damage at the cost of discarding all attached Energy.

This card introduces a clear risk-reward decision point. Players must choose the perfect moment to unleash its attack, making Core Memory a high-skill card that rewards planning and matchup awareness.

• Type: Trainer (Pokémon Tool)
• Hit Point: N/A
• Weakness: N/A
• Resistance: N/A
• Retreat: N/A
• Special features:
  • Attaches only to Mega Zygarde ex
  • Grants the Geobuster attack (350 damage, discards all Energy)
  • Only 1 Pokémon Tool per Pokémon

2.8 Tarragon

Tarragon is a Supporter card tied to the Pokémon Legends: Z-A storyline and focuses on recovery rather than acceleration. It allows players to retrieve Fighting Pokémon and Basic Fighting Energy from the discard pile.

This makes Tarragon especially useful in longer matches where resources are constantly traded. It helps Nihil Zero decks maintain momentum even after heavy Energy loss.

• Type: Trainer (Supporter)
• Hit Point: N/A
• Weakness: N/A
• Resistance: N/A
• Retreat: N/A
• Special features:
  • Recovers up to 4 Fighting Pokémon and/or Basic Fighting Energy from discard
  • Only 1 Supporter per turn

2.9 Naveen

Naveen provides flexible card draw by letting players discard unwanted cards before refilling their hand. This design encourages smart hand management and synergy with discard based strategies.

Rather than offering raw draw power, Naveen rewards thoughtful decision-making, making it a favorite among players who prefer calculated gameplay.

• Type: Trainer (Supporter)
• Hit Point: N/A
• Weakness: N/A
• Resistance: N/A
• Retreat: N/A
• Special features:
  • Discard cards, then draw until you have 5 cards
  • Only 1 Supporter per turn

2.10 Lumiose City

Lumiose City is a Stadium card that introduces a powerful but costly effect. It allows players to search for a Basic Pokémon and bench it immediately, but using the effect ends the player’s turn.

This Stadium emphasizes planning ahead and favors slower, setup-oriented decks. Its strong connection to the Kalos region also enhances the thematic identity of the Nihil Zero set.

• Type: Trainer (Stadium)
• Hit Point: N/A
• Weakness: N/A
• Resistance: N/A
• Retreat: N/A
• Special features:
  • Lets each player bench a Basic Pokémon once per turn
  • Using the effect ends that player’s turn
  • Only 1 Stadium in play at a time

2.11 Rock Fighting Energy

Rock Fighting Energy is a Special Energy card that reinforces the defensive side of Fighting Pokémon. While providing Fighting Energy, it also prevents all non-damage effects from opposing attacks.

This added protection makes it especially valuable for Mega Zygarde ex and other key attackers, helping them stay active longer in high-pressure matches.

• Type: Special Energy
• Hit Point: N/A
• Weakness: N/A
• Resistance: N/A
• Retreat: N/A
• Special features:
  • Provides Fighting Energy
  • Prevents all attack effects done to the attached Fighting Pokémon (damage not prevented)

3. How to secure the fastest Japanese version of Nihil Zero Pokemon TCG Set?

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:

• Pre-order as soon as pre-orders open: High-demand sets often sell out quickly even at major retailers.
• Choose tracked international shipping: This reduces the risk of lost or delayed packages.
• Watch pre-order restock announcements: Retailers such as Japan Figure sometimes restock popular products after the initial sell-out.
• Follow reliable social media or newsletter alerts: Official news and restock info help you act fast when new inventory arrives.

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.

4. Updated release timeline for Japanese Pokémon Cards (Early 2026)

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.

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. 

FAQs - People also ask about Nihil Zero set