Pokémon Storm Emeralda Set Guide: Chase Cards, Mega Rayquaza ex & Booster Boxes
The Pokémon TCG: Storm Emeralda expansion has arrived in Japan, bringing with it one of the most exciting Pokémon of the Mega Evolution era: Mega Rayquaza ex.
With stunning Special Art Rare cards, powerful Mega Pokémon, classic Legendary Pokémon and an unusual new Stadium-card mechanic, Storm Emeralda has quickly become a set that collectors and Pokémon TCG fans are paying attention to.
But which Storm Emeralda cards are worth chasing?
And is a Storm Emeralda booster box worth adding to your collection?
Let's take a closer look.
What Is Pokémon Storm Emeralda?
Storm Emeralda is a Japanese Pokémon TCG expansion released on 31 July 2026.
The set contains 76 cards in the main set, alongside 37 secret rare cards, taking the numbered set through to card #113.
The headline Pokémon is undoubtedly Mega Rayquaza ex, but it isn't the only reason collectors are interested in this release.
Storm Emeralda combines Mega Evolution with a strong Hoenn theme, featuring Pokémon such as Rayquaza, Groudon, Kyogre and several other popular Pokémon.
For collectors, there are Art Rares, Special Art Rares, Super Rares and a gold Mega Ultra Rare to hunt down.
The Biggest Storm Emeralda Chase Cards
Every Pokémon TCG set has its cards that collectors immediately start hunting for.
Storm Emeralda is no different.
While prices can change considerably as more Japanese booster boxes are opened, these are some of the standout Storm Emeralda chase cards.
Mega Rayquaza ex #110 SAR
If you're looking for the card that defines Storm Emeralda, this is it.
Mega Rayquaza ex #110 is one of the set's Special Art Rares and is arguably the ultimate collector's chase.
The artwork gives Mega Rayquaza the kind of dramatic treatment you'd expect from one of Pokémon's most popular Legendary Pokémon.
The card was illustrated by Kazuki Minami, winner of the 2024 Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest.
For Rayquaza collectors, this is likely to be one of the most desirable cards in the entire Japanese Mega Evolution era.
Mega Rayquaza ex #113 – Mega Ultra Rare
If the SAR wasn't enough, Storm Emeralda also gives collectors a gold Mega Rayquaza ex.
Numbered #113, this is the set's Mega Ultra Rare and one of the most difficult cards to pull.
Gold cards have always attracted collectors, but combining the treatment with Mega Rayquaza makes this particularly appealing.
It's also the final numbered card in Storm Emeralda, making it an obvious target for anyone attempting to complete the secret rare portion of the set.
Mega Rayquaza ex #095
There's another Mega Rayquaza ex to chase at #095.
While it doesn't have the same rarity as the SAR or gold version, completing all of the Mega Rayquaza ex variants provides collectors with a fantastic three-card mini collection.
For Rayquaza fans, pulling any of these versions is a pretty good result.
Other Storm Emeralda SAR Chase Cards
Storm Emeralda isn't simply the Mega Rayquaza set.
There are several other Special Art Rares that deserve attention, including:
- Raikou ex #108 SAR
- Mega Golurk ex #109 SAR
- Mega Golisopod ex #107 SAR
- Aarune #111 SAR
- Zinnia's Trust #112 SAR
These cards provide plenty of alternative chase targets if Mega Rayquaza isn't your favourite.
The inclusion of Raikou is particularly interesting for Legendary Pokémon collectors, while Mega Golurk and Mega Golisopod give fans of less frequently featured Pokémon some impressive artwork to hunt down.
Groudon, Kyogre & the Hoenn Connection
One of the things that makes Storm Emeralda particularly interesting is its connection to the Hoenn region.
Two of the most recognisable Legendary Pokémon from the region appear as Art Rares:
Groudon #084 AR
Kyogre #080 AR
With Rayquaza also taking centre stage, Storm Emeralda effectively brings together the three iconic Hoenn Legendary Pokémon.
For collectors who grew up with Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald, this gives the set a strong nostalgic appeal.
Storm Emeralda's New Paired Stadium Cards
Storm Emeralda also introduces an unusual concept to the Pokémon TCG with its paired Stadium cards.
Rather than simply being individual Stadium cards, the cards are designed to work together.
The concept is particularly interesting for collectors because it means the set's numbering doesn't necessarily correspond directly to the number of completely independent card designs.
It also gives Storm Emeralda something beyond the usual Pokémon and Trainer chase cards.
How Many Cards Are in Storm Emeralda?
Storm Emeralda contains:
| Cards Main set 76 Secret rares 37 Highest numbered card #113 |
Japanese Storm Emeralda booster packs contain five cards, with a standard booster box containing 30 packs.
That makes opening a Japanese booster box a very different experience from many Western Pokémon TCG products.
And with multiple rarity tiers to chase, there is always the possibility of finding something special inside your box.
Storm Emeralda Booster Boxes
For collectors who want to experience the set as intended, buying a Storm Emeralda Japanese booster box gives you 30 packs to open and the opportunity to pull some of the set's biggest cards.
At White Rose Games & Cards, we specialise in bringing Japanese Pokémon TCG products to collectors in the UK.
Whether you're chasing Mega Rayquaza ex, looking to complete the Storm Emeralda set or simply enjoy opening Japanese Pokémon cards, a sealed booster box is a great way to experience the expansion.
Looking to add Storm Emeralda to your collection?
Check out our Storm Emeralda Japanese booster boxes and see what's currently available at White Rose Games & Cards.
Why Collect Japanese Pokémon Cards?
Japanese Pokémon cards have become increasingly popular with collectors outside Japan.
There are several reasons for this.
Japanese sets are often released before their English counterparts, allowing collectors to get their hands on new artwork and cards months earlier.
The cards can also have different set structures, rarity distributions and release products compared with the eventual international versions.
For collectors who want the original Japanese release, Storm Emeralda offers the opportunity to collect Mega Rayquaza ex and the rest of the set before the corresponding cards arrive internationally.
Storm Emeralda vs the English Release :- Delta Reign
For international collectors, Storm Emeralda is also worth watching because its cards will eventually form part of the English Pokémon TCG release Delta Reign.
This gives Japanese collectors a head start on collecting the artwork and chase cards.
It also means Storm Emeralda provides a useful preview of which cards could become the biggest talking points once the international release arrives.
Is Storm Emeralda Worth Buying?
If you're a fan of Mega Rayquaza, the answer is pretty straightforward.
Storm Emeralda is one of the most interesting Japanese Pokémon TCG releases of the Mega Evolution era.
The set combines:
- Mega Rayquaza ex
- Gold Mega Rayquaza ex
- Multiple Special Art Rares
- Groudon and Kyogre
- Other Mega Pokémon
- New paired Stadium cards
- Japanese-exclusive release timing
That gives the set something for both collectors and Pokémon TCG players.
Of course, individual card prices can fluctuate significantly after release. The most expensive chase cards can be particularly volatile as more booster boxes are opened and supply increases.
For that reason, Storm Emeralda is best approached first and foremost as a collectible Pokémon TCG set, rather than a guaranteed investment.
Final Thoughts
Storm Emeralda has all the ingredients of a memorable Pokémon TCG expansion.
You've got one of Pokémon's most popular Legendary Pokémon in Mega Rayquaza ex, several impressive Special Art Rares, a gold Mega Ultra Rare and a strong Hoenn connection through Groudon and Kyogre.
Whether you're collecting every card, hunting a particular Storm Emeralda chase card, or simply looking for your next Japanese booster box to open, there's plenty to be excited about.
And who knows?
That next Storm Emeralda pack might just contain the Mega Rayquaza you've been looking for.
Shop Japanese Pokémon TCG at White Rose Games & Cards
Looking for Storm Emeralda booster boxes in the UK?
Browse our latest Japanese Pokémon TCG stock at White Rose Games & Cards and find your next box to open.
White Rose Games & Cards – Rarity Blossoms.