The Pokémon Trading Card Game community is buzzing with excitement as Japanese collectors dive into the latest expansion, Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia, ahead of its September 26 English release. While international fans eagerly await Mega Evolution, early reveals are already shaking up expectations—most notably with the introduction of a brand-new rarity type: MUR. Could this be the game-changer that revitalizes one of the TCG's most overlooked card tiers?

Part of a stellar 2025 lineup that includes Prismatic Evolutions, Journey Together, Destined Rivals, and Black Bolt and White Flare, Mega Evolution promises to be a landmark set. Officially revealed cards like Mega Kangaskhan ex, Mega Gardevoir ex, Mega Lucario ex, and the record-breaking Mega Venusaur ex Special Illustration Rares (SIRs) have set the stage. Leaks hint at even more SIRs, including Mega Absol and Mega Latios. But amid these reveals, the MUR rarity—likely short for Mega Ultra Rare—steals the spotlight.

So what makes MUR cards so revolutionary? Unlike traditional gold rares, which placed Pokémon against a generic shimmering backdrop, MUR designs transform the entire card into an immersive golden canvas. The Pokémon themselves are rendered in gold with intricate new patterns, ditching the old "floating on foil" look. Early sightings of Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex in this style showcase jaw-dropping detail, turning what was once a niche collector’s item into a must-have centerpiece. Is this Pokémon TCG’s answer to making ultra-rares feel truly legendary?

This isn’t the first time recent expansions have tinkered with rarity. Just last set, Black Bolt and White Flare debuted the BWR rarity—featuring Reshiram, Zekrom, and Victini in monochromatic designs echoing the original Black and White era. But MUR feels different. It’s not just a tribute; it’s a total overhaul aimed at elevating visual storytelling. Here’s a quick comparison of the new vs. old gold rare designs:

Feature	Traditional Gold Rare	New MUR Design
Background	Flat gold foil	Dynamic gold patterns
Pokémon Art	Standard colors + gold outline	Fully gold-integrated art
Texture	Generic shimmer	Unique thematic details
Collector Appeal	Moderate	Sky-high (early buzz)

Yet with hype comes the elephant in the room: stock shortages. Past expansions like Prismatic Evolutions saw shelves emptied in hours. Will Mega Evolution’s dual allure of SIRs and MUR cards trigger even fiercer demand? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear—2025 might just be Pokémon TCG’s most innovative year yet. After all, when was the last time a rarity revamp had fans this excited?

🔍 Mega Evolution FAQ

What’s the difference between MUR and SIR cards?

SIRs (Special Illustration Rares) focus on expanded artwork and vivid scenes, while MUR cards reimagine gold rares with full-gold designs and bespoke patterns. Think of SIRs as cinematic posters and MURs as luxury sculptures.

Why replace the old gold rare system?

Gold cards often felt repetitive and low-priority for collectors. MUR injects freshness—why settle for background sparkle when the Pokémon itself can radiate luxury?

Are MUR cards exclusive to Mega Evolutions?

Based on early reveals, yes. Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex are confirmed, but could other Mega Evolutions like Absol or Latios join them? Leaks suggest possibilities.

How does this compare to 2025’s earlier BWR rarity?

BWR was a nostalgic nod to Black and White with color-themed cards. MUR is bolder—it’s not just a tribute; it’s a total visual upgrade. Which style resonates more? That’s up to collectors!

Will English releases have the same pull rates as Japanese sets?

History says pull rates often differ slightly, but the chase for MURs will undoubtedly be intense. Brace for September madness!