The Pokémon Company has officially announced the details of a new Rayquaza-themed set for The Pokémon Trading Card Game. Mega Evolution — Delta Reign, which was first revealed back in June, is set to be released on Nov. 6.
The headlining attraction in Delta Reign is Mega Rayquaza, which returns to the Pokémon TCG for the first time since the XY — Ancient Origins expansion in 2015. The new expansion will include over 135 cards. Those include four Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, six Pokémon ex, six Stadium cards creating three Legendary Stadiums, 14 illustration rare Pokémon, 17 ultra rare Pokémon and Trainer cards, and six special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards. The four Mega Evolution Pokémon ex cards will be Rayquaza, Golurk, Malamar, and Golisopod. One card of note will include an embroidered illustration by artist Tayu.
If you are wondering what Legendary Stadiums are, it is a new feature being introduced in Delta Reign. Legendary Stadiums are formed by pairing two Stadium cards; when placed side by side, they create an extended artwork. Booster packs containing a Legendary Stadium will include both halves required to form the new feature. Delta Reign cards will be available in booster packs and Elite Trainer Boxes.
While pre-orders are not up for the Delta Reign cards yet, fans will have an opportunity to play with the new set before launch. Retailers participating in pre-release tournaments will have the cards available to play starting on Oct. 24. Delta Reign will also be released digitally on Pokémon TCG Live beginning on Nov. 5.
Mega Evolution — Delta Reign is just the latest Rayquaza-themed announcement from The Pokémon Company. In July, Pokémon TCG Pocket received the Ruler of the Skies expansion set, also themed to the legendary monster. At the same time, rumors of modern ports of Pokémon Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire continue to swirl. The third generation of Pokémon games, which introduced Rayquaza, is one of the most critically acclaimed even after over twenty years. While Nintendo remade Ruby and Sapphire in 2014 for the 3DS, neither those nor the original versions of the game are available on modern platforms.