First Impressions: What We’re Actually Getting
Most of the early attention from livestreams has been locked onto the flashy AR/SR/MA/SAR/MUR hits, but the real value of M2a Mega Dream ex shows up when you zoom out and look at the whole checklist.
This set is stacked with alternate arts, character cameos, and Mega Pokémon ex that will matter for both collectors and competitive players.
Set Overview at a Glance
From what’s confirmed so far, M2a Mega Dream ex includes:
20 AR Pokémon – character-style illustrations and cozy scenes
9 SR Trainer / Item / Tool / Stadium cards – strong bling upgrades for playable cards
10 MA Mega Pokémon ex – the core of the Mega revival in this pack
17 SAR Pokémon / Supporter – big chase cards with full storytelling artwork
1 MUR Mega Pokémon ex – with Mega Charizard Y ex likely saved for Start Deck 100 Battle Collection, not this set
Translation: this is a high-class pack where almost every slot has the potential to be exciting.
Visual Teasers from the Set
The first lineup images give a panoramic feel of the set’s spread – you can see how AR blocks, Trainers and Megas are grouped visually.
AR (Art Rare): Character and Atmosphere Lovers’ Section
The AR block is where the illustrators really flex. These aren’t just alternate arts – they’re little stories on a single card.
Highlights from the AR Lineup
Beautifly (M2a 194/193, illus. Mori Yuu) – a graceful, nature-focused scene that feels like a still frame from an anime ending.
Dustox (M2a 195/193, illus. IKEDA Saki) – darker palettes and moodier lighting; great for collectors who like more serious tones.
Budew (M2a 196/193, illus. Yoko Hishida) – calm, green-heavy illustration that screams slice-of-life.
Ethan’s Magcargo (M2a 197/193, illus. Hideki Ishikawa) – Trainer and Pokémon interaction card with a nostalgic vibe.
Numel (M2a 198/193, illus. Yoshimi Miyoshi) – warm browns and oranges; very cozy composition.
Psyduck (M2a 199/193, illus. REND) – classic confused Psyduck energy with a soft color palette.
Snorunt (M2a 200/193, illus. June) – wintry setting and gentle lighting; likely to be a fan favorite among “cute but cool” collectors.
Heliolisk (M2a 201/193, illus. Takeshi Nakamura) – dynamic framing and strong light/dark contrast.
Misdreavus (M2a 202/193, illus. mashu) – ghost-type atmosphere done right: eerie but still beautiful.
Togekiss (M2a 203/193, illus. satoma) – serene sky theme, perfect for fans of flying-type grace.
AR with Trainer and Faction Flavor
Some ARs double as world-building pieces, pulling in iconic groups and characters:
Hop’s Trevenant (M2a 204/193, illus. Tomowaka) – captures Hop’s energy with a more serious partner Pokémon.
Team Rocket’s Mimikyu (M2a 205/193, illus. GOSSAN) – a must-have if you collect villain-team cards.
Team Rocket’s Dugtrio (M2a 206/193, illus. Whisker) – more Rocket flavor, with a fun underground angle.
Medicham (M2a 207/193, illus. KEIICHIRO ITO) – martial-arts themed composition that fits the Pokémon perfectly.
Cynthia’s Spiritomb (M2a 208/193, illus. hncl) – a dream pull for anyone who loves Sinnoh’s champion.
Galarian Obstagoon (M2a 209/193, illus. Krgc) – punk vibes with sharp contrast and attitude.
N’s Zekrom (M2a 210/193, illus. Bun Toujo) – story-rich art that will instantly be chased by Unova fans.
Evolution Story AR Trio
Jerky’s Dreepy line delivers a mini-evolution-story set:
Dreepy (M2a 211/193, illus. Jerky)
Drakloak (M2a 212/193, illus. Jerky)
Fan Rotom (M2a 213/193, illus. Yukihiro Tada) – not part of the same line, but stylistically fits the quirky-electric theme.
SR (Super Rare): Trainer, Item and Stadium Bling
The SR section is where players get shiny upgrades for cards that can actually see play, plus character-driven supporters.
Key SR Items and Tools
N’s PP Up (M2a 214/193) – a flavorful twist on a classic item, with N front and center.
Glass Trumpet (M2a 215/193) – gorgeous blue-heavy rendering, one of the best looking Tool-style SRs in the set.
Ultra Ball (M2a 216/193, illus. Studio Bora Inc.) – competitive staple turned into a premium pull.
Team Rocket’s Receiver (M2a 217/193) – more Rocket identity for villain-deck builders.
Counter Gain (M2a 218/193) – mechanically interesting card with a green-toned SR treatment.
Supporter Spotlights
Canari (M2a 219/193, illus. Naoki Saito) – tied to the Legends: Z-A line with a plush reference; very likely to become a character-collector target.
Black Belt’s Training (M2a 220/193) – specifically uses the Black Belt Trainer Class design from HeartGold & SoulSilver, which is a nice throwback detail.
Anthea and Concordia (M2a 221/193, illus. Sanosuke Sakuma) – a duo Supporter with Unova lore appeal.
Jamming Tower (M2a 222/193) – stadium card with a strong mechanical identity and a cool, industrial aesthetic.
MA (Mega Attack Rare): The Mega ex Headliners
This is where the set truly earns the “Mega Dream” name. MA cards are Mega Pokémon ex with premium artwork, and they’re going to be the main chase for many collectors.
Fire, Ice and Electric Megas
Mega Charizard X ex (M2a 223/193, illus. Saboteri) – dark, powerful energy; easily one of the flagship cards.
Mega Froslass ex (M2a 224/193, illus. Saboteri) – elegant Ghost/Ice theme with refined composition.
Mega Eelektross ex (M2a 225/193, illus. DOM) – bold lines and strong movement; under-the-radar favorite potential.
Fairy, Fighting and Ghost Powerhouses
Mega Gardevoir ex (M2a 226/193, illus. Saboteri) – romantic, dramatic art that Gardevoir collectors will lock onto immediately.
Mega Diancie ex (M2a 227/193, illus. DOM) – crystal motifs and pastel highlights make this one pop.
Mega Lucario ex (M2a 228/193, illus. 5ban Graphics) – sharp, 3D-styled rendering from a familiar studio.
Mega Hawlucha ex (M2a 229/193, illus. Taiga Kasai) – full-on luchador action with kinetic framing.
Mega Gengar ex (M2a 230/193, illus. Taiga Kasai) – spooky and intense; a lock for top-tier Ghost collectors.
Mega Scrafty ex (M2a 231/193, illus. Taiga Kasai) – street-style swagger with rich browns and oranges.
Mega Dragonite ex (M2a 232/193, illus. DOM) – heroic pose, iconic dragon, and very collectible presentation.
SAR (Special Art Rare): Top-Tier Chase Cards
SARs are usually where the highest-end pulls in a high-class pack live, and M2a is no exception.
Mega SARs and a Pikachu Spotlight
Mega Froslass ex (M2a 233/193, SAR, illus. Teeziro) – colder palette, more cinematic than the MA version; feels like key art from its own story.
Pikachu ex (M2a 234/193, SAR, illus. James Turner) – the mascot with a bold, stylized art direction that Turner is known for. This is almost guaranteed to be one of the most chased cards in the set.
Mega Eelektross ex (M2a 235/193, SAR, illus. akagi) – leans heavily into the electric chaos theme, with more detail than the MA.
Iono’s Bellibolt ex (M2a 236/193, SAR, illus. Akira Komayama) – streamer icon meets chunky Electric-type; a combination that screams “meta chase” for character fans.
Why This Set Matters for Collectors and Players
If you play or collect card games with strong character identity, M2a Mega Dream ex hits several sweet spots at once:
Nostalgia (Cynthia, N, Team Rocket, HGSS-era Black Belt)
Modern favorites (Iono, Bellibolt, Pikachu ex)
Mega Pokémon ex brought back with premium art
A deep AR lineup full of scenic, story-driven illustrations
For sealed collectors, this is the kind of high-class pack where almost every slot has upside – ARs for binders, SRs for decks, MA/SAR for long-term chase.
For players, the SR Items, Tools and Stadiums give you a chance to upgrade your core pieces without feeling like your “bling” slots are wasted.
Bottom line: if you’re into Mega-focused sets and character-heavy art, M2a Mega Dream ex is one of those products you’ll want to experience in full boxes, not just singles.