Nihil Zero [M3] (ムニキスゼロ): Fossils, Mega Zygarde ex, and the “Legends: Z-A” Set That Kicks Off 2026

The first big Japanese Pokémon TCG release of 2026 is Nihil Zero [M3], officially launching in Japan on January 23, 2026.
At TC Game, we’ve got pre-orders live and we’re expecting stock to arrive in Australia around January 28 (typical freight + customs timing).

What makes Nihil Zero especially interesting isn’t just that it’s a “new year” release — it’s the theme: this is a Legends: Z-A set, led by Mega Zygarde ex and a Fossil-heavy supporting cast.

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Mega Zygarde ex and the birth of a new “Mega-era” vibe

Mega Zygarde ex is the star, and it’s coming in with attacks that feel like boss Pokémon design. Public set coverage has referenced attacks like “Gaia Wave” and “Nihil Zero”, with the latter using coin flips tied to your opponent’s Pokémon for damage — chaotic, swingy, and very “Mega”.

Collector takeaway: first-set-of-the-year “flagship” cards tend to become the identity of that year’s era. If the special art(s) hit, this is the one people will remember.

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Fossil Pokémon are back (and it’s not subtle)

One of the coolest angles: Nihil Zero pulls Fossil Pokémon into the spotlight, not as a throwaway theme, but as a real mini-ecosystem.

Confirmed names appearing in set lists/coverage include:

• Tyrunt / Tyrantrum
• Amaura / Aurorus
• Fossil items such as Jaw Fossil and Antique Sail Fossil

Speculation (the fun part): Fossil sub-themes usually aren’t just “a few cards.” They often come with a small internal engine: search, protection, or payoff effects that make the package feel intentional. If more support gets revealed, Fossils could become the sleeper “collector favourite subset” of Nihil Zero once the Mega hype cools.

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The sleeper cards people will talk about later: Stadiums, Tools, and “weird” Trainers

This set has some genuinely conversation-starting Trainers:

Lumiose City (Stadium)
Search a Basic Pokémon and bench it… but your turn ends if you do.
That’s a massive tempo lever. Smooth setup vs giving up a whole turn — it’s the kind of card that creates real decision-making.

Core Memory (Tool)
Tool support for Mega Zygarde ex, enabling a huge attack (“Geo Buster 350”) with an “all Energy discarded” drawback.
Even if it’s not meta-defining, it’s the kind of “iconic” card that becomes part of a set’s lore.

Rock Fighting Energy (Special Energy)
Provides Fighting Energy and prevents effects of attacks to the attached Pokémon (damage isn’t an effect).
Speculation: if effect-based disruption is common in the meta, this type of energy can quietly become one of the most important cards in the whole set.

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Not just Zygarde: other Megas + Meowth ex

Other revealed/reported cards generating buzz include:

• Mega Skarmory ex
• Mega Gallade ex
• Meowth ex (with a Supporter-search style ability when benched, with restrictions)

Speculation (collector lens): sets like this often end up with a “Top 3 chase” structure:

1. the mascot Mega (Zygarde)
2. the fan-favourite Mega (Gallade has a strong following)
3. the artwork surprise hit (Skarmory could be that wild card if the special art is a heater)

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Product details collectors actually care about

• Release date (Japan): January 23, 2026
• Pack configuration: 5 cards per pack
• Booster box configuration: 30 packs per box
• TC Game expected AU arrival: around January 28 (freight/customs dependent)

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Should you pre-order?

For Japanese product, it’s very common to see prices soften after release once supply lands broadly and the “first wave” rush passes.

Pre-ordering makes sense if you:

• want guaranteed allocation from the first shipment
• need stock fast (opening content, gifts, ripping, early singles hunting)
• don’t want to risk missing the first wave if your preferred product sells through quickly
• value getting it now more than getting it cheapest

Important note: pre-order pricing often includes a premium for Japanese sets.

👉 Pre-order Nihil Zero [M3] here: Nihil Zero Booster Box, Nihil Zero Booster Pack

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Should you wait till release?

Waiting is the smarter play if your priority is best price rather than earliest delivery.

Consider waiting if you:

• are happy to receive it a little later
• prefer buying once the market finds its “true” price
• want to see early openings, pull rates, and what the real chase cards are before committing
• are planning sealed buys where entry price matters more than being first

The trade-off: you’re swapping certainty + speed for better value. And with Japanese sets, that’s often a good trade — unless a set unexpectedly “hits” and demand spikes again (usually driven by standout special arts or a breakout competitive card).

*Big disclaimer: While pricing generally softens after Japanese releases it is never a guarantee. The market is in place which is rarely seen and difficult to predict. Always base your decisions on what is right for you as a collector or investor.

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Final speculation: Why Nihil Zero could age well

A set tends to hold long-term interest when it has (1) a story hook, (2) a mechanic hook, and (3) a collector hook. Nihil Zero has all three:

• Story hook: Legends: Z-A foundation
• Mechanic hook: Mega Evolution Pokémon ex led by Mega Zygarde ex
• Collector hook: Fossil theme + memorable Trainer/Tool/Stadium cards

If the special arts deliver (and Japanese sets usually do), Nihil Zero has a real shot at being remembered as “the set that kicked off the Mega-era of 2026.”