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Mega Evolution was announced on August 9, 2013, and became playable with the launch of Pokémon X and Pokémon Y on October 12, 2013. The first date is the public reveal; the second is the video-game debut.
When was Mega Evolution announced?
The Pokémon Company International announced Mega Evolution on August 9, 2013, describing it as a new transformation for Pokémon in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. The date appears on a contemporaneous Game Informer page reproducing the Pokémon Company International announcement.
When could players first use Mega Evolution?
Mega Evolution first appeared in the video games when Pokémon X and Pokémon Y launched on October 12, 2013. The official Japanese Pokémon X/Y site gives that worldwide launch date and notes some regional exceptions. Pokémon’s official Singapore franchise page also identifies X and Y as the first games to feature Mega Evolutions.
| Milestone | Date | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Public announcement | August 9, 2013 | Mega Evolution was revealed as a new battle transformation for X and Y. |
| First playable appearance | October 12, 2013 | X and Y launched; the official Japanese site notes some regional exceptions to the worldwide date. |
What was Mega Evolution in X and Y?
Mega Evolution was a temporary battle transformation, not a permanent evolution stage. It changed a Pokémon’s appearance and sometimes its type. The official overview explains that a Trainer needed to wear a Key Stone while the Pokémon held its corresponding Mega Stone. See Pokémon’s Mega Evolution overview.
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- 50+ Pokemon Cards
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Does the Pokémon TCG have a different start date?
Yes. Mega Evolution terminology and cards also appeared in the Pokémon Trading Card Game during the XY era, with later expansions returning to the theme. Those card releases belong to a separate product timeline and do not change the video-game debut in X and Y.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did Mega Evolution return later?
Yes. Mega forms have appeared in later franchise material. For example, the official Pokémon Legends: Z-A site reported newly discovered Mega forms in 2025. That later development is separate from the mechanic’s original introduction in 2013.
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- Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Pitch Black Booster Bundle contains six booster packs from Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Pitch Black.
- This is a great option for getting into the new Choas Rising expansion.
- A great gift for the Pokémon collector or player in your life.
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- 50 assorted Pokemon cards
- Bundle with an LCC deck box that holds upto 100 Pokemon cards
- 1 Double rare legendary Pokemon card
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- The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box includes 9 Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Pitch Black booster packs and 1 full-art foil promo card featuring Zarude.
- This also comes with 65 card sleeves, 40 Pokémon TCG Energy cards, and a player’s guide to the Mega Evolution—Pitch Black expansion.
- You will also get a competition-legal coin-flip die, 6 damage-counter dice, and a plastic coin.
- You will also find a collector’s box to hold everything, with 6 dividers to keep it organized and a code card for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live.
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