Gearing up for Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution – Delta Reign? Well then you’ll be happy to know that the next main Pokémon TCG set’s top chase card just had its official English reveal: the iconic Mega Rayquaza ex Special Illustration Rare!
The card was revealed via a picnic-themed video that also showed several other cards you can get from Delta Reign booster packs, including Eevee, Growlithe, Groudon, Kyogre and Mega Golisopod ex.
Mega Rayquaza ex Special Illustration Rare is illustrated by Kozuki Minami
For many, this Mega Rayquaza ex SIR is considered one of the top chase cards of the year, with a unique artwork by relatively new artist Kozuki Minami – the same artist that won the 2024 Pokémon TCG Illustration contest thanks to her inspired take on Pikachu.
More recently, Minami has made a splash in the Pokémon TCG thanks to card arts featured in Pokémon TCG Pocket as well as 30th Celebration – all with distinct flair and style.
Mega Rayquaza ex SIR a welcome reveal after recent cuts to Delta Reign
News of this Special Illustration Rare card in particular is welcome to fans as it was recently revealed that Delta Reign’s Ultra Rare Mega Rayquaza ex was cut from the set.
Instead, it will be releasing as a promo in a special tournament collection releasing in 2027. That makes the SIR the only alternate art of Mega Rayquaza ex available in the last set of 2026, apart from the incredibly rare Mega Hyper Rare – which is yet to be revealed in English.
How much will the Mega Rayquaza ex Special Illustration Rare be worth?
Right now, it’s hard to find reliable market data on what the Mega Rayquaza SIR is actually worth on the secondary market. In Japan, the card is worth surprisingly little compared to its Mega Hyper Rare counterpart.
Mega Rayquaza ex - 110/076
M6: Storm Emeralda • Special Art Rare
Market Value
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However, Mega Hyper Rare versions of top chase cards often perform better than SIRs in Japan where they are valued for their extreme rarity (with a pull rate of typically 1 in over 1000 packs). The market for English Pokémon cards, however, puts a premium on Special Illustration Rare cards, as they are valued for their more unique and varied artworks.
My best guess is that you’ll see the price values for these two cards flip when Delta Reign releases: with the Special Illustration Rare being the higher valued card, and the Mega Hyper Rare being worth less.
However, with the singles market you never really know! So stay tuned for more market value guides and data as we get closer to release, and don’t forget to check out the entire Delta Reign set list for the latest cards.
