Leaked: Special Illustration Rare Mega Charizard X Ignites Excitement in ‘Phantasmal Flames’ TCG Set

The Pokémon Trading Card Game community is currently ablaze with anticipation following the premature appearance of a stunning Special Illustration Rare (SIR) card featuring Mega Charizard X ex. This highly-coveted chase card is slated to headline the upcoming English expansion, Mega Evolution—Phantasmal Flames, confirming the return of one of the franchise’s most popular Pokémon in an ultra-rare collector form.

The leak, originating from the release of the set’s Japanese equivalent, Inferno X, showcases the card’s breathtaking full-art design, immediately establishing it as a top target for collectors and investors alike. The fervor surrounding the card is already driving up the value of other high-end Charizard cards on the secondary market, underscoring its immense appeal.

The Charizard Chase: SIR Details and Artistry

The Special Illustration Rares (SIR) are renowned for their intricate, immersive artwork that extends across the entire card surface, making them some of the most visually impressive and valuable cards in the modern TCG era. The Mega Charizard X ex SIR is no exception, featuring Searing blue flames and a powerful, dynamic pose that captures the ferocity of this Dragon-type Mega Evolution.

• A High-Value Collector Card: The mere existence of a Charizard in an SIR rarity guarantees its status as a High-CPC (Cost Per Card) item, often trading for hundreds of dollars upon release. This card is expected to be the quintessential Phantasmal Flames chase card.
• Return of Mega Evolution: The Phantasmal Flames expansion is the second installment in the new Mega Evolution block, reintroducing one of the most beloved mechanics from previous generations. Mega Charizard X ex, a Fire and Darkness-type in the set, is the main focus, signaling a major power shift in the competitive landscape.
• Inferno X Attack:** The Mega Charizard X ex card features the powerful Inferno X attack, which deals significant damage by discarding Fire Energy. This ability not only makes the card competitively viable but also emphasizes the set’s focus on Fire and Darkness-type strategies.

‘Phantasmal Flames’ Expansion Overview and Release Timeline

The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Phantasmal Flames expansion is set to launch globally in November 2025. It integrates cards from the Japanese Inferno X set and additional decks, creating a focused but exciting release.

• Official Release Date: November 14, 2025, for the global release in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Early Access:** Players can get their hands on the cards early by attending Prerelease tournaments starting on November 1, 2025, at participating independent retailers.
• Set Size and Pull Rates: The expansion contains around 94 cards before the inclusion of secret rares (Illustration Rares, Ultra Rares, and Special Illustration Rares). The set boasts five Special Illustration Rares, including those for Mega Lopunny ex, Mega Sharpedo ex, and a Supporter card featuring Dawn, diversifying the high-rarity pulls beyond the iconic Charizard.
• Key Products: The set will be available in standard formats like Booster Packs, Booster Boxes, and Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs). A separate, highly anticipated release is the Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection (UPC), which includes a guaranteed Mega Charizard X ex foil promo card, a playmat, sleeves, and a significant eighteen booster packs.

The combination of powerful competitive cards, the reintroduction of a fan-favorite mechanic, and the lure of a stunning Mega Charizard X ex SIR is driving demand to unprecedented levels. Given the recent history of product shortages for Charizard sets, collectors are advised to act quickly to secure pre-orders from major retailers and local game stores to avoid inflated resale prices post-launch.