The honeymoon phase for Pokémon TCG Pocket should’ve been over by now, right? Usually, mobile games see a massive spike at launch and then a slow, painful crawl into "daily chore" territory. But somehow, the schedule of Pokémon Pocket upcoming events has managed to keep everyone hooked, or at the very least, checking their phone every time a pack stamina bar refills.
Honestly, if you've been playing since the late 2024 launch, you know the rhythm. But 2026 is looking... different. We’re moving past the basic "Genetic Apex" era and into some seriously heavy hitters.
The Mega Evolution Era is Officially Here
If you aren't running a Mega deck yet, you're basically bringing a knife to a nuke fight. We just came off the New Year 2026 Campaign where everyone was scrambling for those free Crimson Blaze packs. If you missed the January 1 to January 8 window, you missed out on about 24 free pack hourglasses and a handful of Mega Rising boosters.
But don't beat yourself up. The schedule is moving fast.
Right now, the big talk is the Heliolisk and Buneary Wonder Pick Event. This one kicked off on January 8 and runs until January 18, 2026. It’s one of those "don't blink or you'll miss it" promos. You're hunting for the specific promo cards marked with the Chansey stamp.
The strategy here is simple: stop spending your wonder stamina on random gold-bordered cards for five minutes. Save it for the bonus picks. These are the ones where you can snag cards or event tickets without burning stamina. Also, the shop is currently stocked with Goomy-themed gear. If you don't have the Goomy playmat or the "slimy charm" card sleeves yet, you've got until the 18th to grind those event tickets.
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The Big One: Mega Latios ex Drop Event
Mark your calendars for January 17, 2026.
This is the event everyone’s been whispering about in the Discord channels. The Mega Latios ex Drop Event is scheduled to run from January 17 through January 27. This isn't just another Wonder Pick; it’s a solo battle event.
You’ll be facing off against CPU decks to earn Promo Pack B Series Vol. 3.
Here is the thing—three of the cards in this pack are brand new to the game, not just alternate arts of cards we already own. We're looking at:
- Mega Latios ex: The undisputed star.
- Onix: A heavy hitter that does 90 damage on a heads flip.
- Hawlucha: The first Fighting-type version of the bird we've seen in Pocket.
- Charmeleon & Genesect: Likely the filler, but still essential for the completionists.
Are Deluxe Packs Worth Your Gold?
Starting January 15, the Deluxe Pack ex is making a comeback. It’ll be available until January 29, which coincidentally is when the next massive expansion—codenamed "B2"—is rumored to drop.
Deluxe packs are polarizing. They guarantee rare cards, which sounds great on paper. But if you're a veteran player, you might find yourself pulling duplicates of ex cards you’ve had since launch. They’re basically a "catch-up" mechanic for newer players. If you're missing the OG heavy hitters like Mewtwo ex or Pikachu ex, this is your window. If your binder is already looking fat, save your Poké Gold for the January 29 expansion.
What’s Actually Happening with Trading?
We need to talk about the "Share" feature. The Producer Letter from late 2025 promised a massive expansion of the trading system. By now, in early 2026, we’re seeing the rollout of giving ♢ to ♢♢♢♢ cards to friends.
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The limit is still one card per day, which feels stingy. But the real update is the inclusion of ⭐︎2 and even some Shiny 1–2 rarities in the tradable pool.
Roadmap for the Rest of Q1 2026
Looking past January, the momentum isn't slowing down. We have the Standard Format Rotation looming on April 10, 2026. This is huge for the competitive scene. Cards with the "G" regulation mark are getting the boot. If your favorite deck relies on older trainers or "G" marked Pokémon, you have about three months left of glory before you have to pivot.
Also, keep an eye on the Nihil Zero expansion set for release on January 23. This set is heavily rumored to introduce Zygarde Mega forms. It’s going to be a 196-card set with all-holo boosters in certain regions.
How to Prepare Right Now
- Hoard your Hourglasses: Don't waste them on the tail end of Crimson Blaze. The "B2" expansion on January 29 is going to shift the meta again.
- Finish the Goomy Missions: The Heliolisk event ends on the 18th. If you want that New Year 2026 backdrop, you need to be doing your daily Wonder Picks now.
- Prep for Mega Latios: You’ll need a solid deck to clear the higher-tier solo battles on January 17. Electric types are usually a safe bet against Latios's flighty tendencies, though we'll see what the specific CPU deck list looks like on day one.
The beauty (and frustration) of Pokémon Pocket is how it forces you to choose between collecting and competing. With the Pokémon Pocket upcoming events schedule being this packed, you really can't do both perfectly without a massive time—or wallet—investment. Pick your lane and stick to it. If you want the Mega Latios, focus on the solo grind. If you want the full binder, save for the B2 expansion.
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Actionable Next Step: Check your Mission tab today. Ensure you've claimed all the "thanks" rewards from the Bonus Week before the window closes, then pivot your focus entirely to the January 17 Latios drop.