Mega Darkrai ex

Market outlook

Rising Outlook 7/10

Early-release premium chase cards often rise once sealed product supply stabilizes and grading demand begins to filter into the market. Because this card is one of the defining pulls of the set and has strong character and artist appeal, demand is likely to remain resilient.[1][3][4]

Next months. Likely volatile in the next 3-6 months, with possible dips after supply increases and then stabilization as graded population data develops.

Long term. Over 1-3 years, the card has a good chance to outperform average modern cards if it grades well and remains a top-tier Darkrai chase, though gains will depend on long-term player and collector interest.

History

Darkrai is a Mythical Pokémon introduced in the core video games as a Dark-type legend associated with nightmares, fear, and sleep-related abilities. It became one of the most recognizable modern Dark-type mascots in the franchise because of its strong competitive presence, dramatic design, and major role in Pokémon movie and event promotion. In the trading card game, Darkrai has repeatedly been used as a high-profile chase Pokémon, and the Mega Darkrai ex card continues that tradition as a headline secret rare for the 2026 Pitch Black expansion.[1][3][5]

This card was first released in English in the Pokémon TCG expansion Mega Evolution—Pitch Black, which launched on July 17, 2026.[8][10] The card is numbered 116/084, placing it in the secret rare portion of the set, and it is identified by collectors as a Special Illustration Rare / full-art style chase card.[1][3]

• Mega Darkrai ex is one of the flagship chase cards of Pitch Black and is widely described as the set's primary or near-primary chase behind the gold Mega Hyper Rare version.[1][3][4]
• Sources describe the card as illustrated by Akira Egawa / AKIRA EGAWA, which is notable because Egawa is a highly respected and highly collected Pokémon TCG illustrator.[1][3]
• The set checklist places the card in the secret rare range, and the expansion is described as having 120 total cards with 84 base cards plus 36 secret rares.[2][10]

Rarity and print run

Tier

Secret Rare

Print run

Medium

First printed in

Mega Evolution—Pitch Black

Demand

High

Supply

Low

• It is numbered in the secret rare portion of the set at 116/084.[1][3]
• It is described as a Special Illustration Rare / full-art chase card.[1][3]
• The card is tied to a short, premium chase pool within a 120-card expansion.[2][10]
• Its popularity is amplified by the Darkrai character and by the illustrator credit.[1][3]

Collector notes

Condition. For this card, collectors should inspect centering, corner sharpness, edge whitening, surface scratching, and any print lines or foil scuffs on the full-art surface. Because it is a high-value secret rare, minor defects in centering or surface finish can materially affect grade value, and the most common issues on modern full-art cards are edge wear from pack handling and faint scratches visible under angled light.[3][7]

Storage. Store raw copies immediately in a clean penny sleeve and semi-rigid holder or top loader, and keep graded candidates protected from pressure, heat, and humidity. Avoid repeated handling of the surface, since full-art and holofoil cards are especially vulnerable to visible scuffs and micro-scratches.[7]

Authenticity. Check the back-light test, the rosette dot pattern, font weight and kerning, and the foil pattern under magnification; these are standard ways to screen counterfeit Pokémon cards.[5] For a card of this value, graded, graded, or graded authentication is the safest route if there is any doubt, especially because modern fakes can copy surface artwork well while still failing stock and print-layer checks.[5]