Honestly, if you’ve been staring at your Genetic Apex collection and wondering when the "next big thing" is actually going to drop, the wait is basically over. The hype around the new pokemon pocket expansion has reached a fever pitch, and for good reason. We’re moving past the early-game meta of Mewtwo ex dominance and sliding into a year that looks absolutely stacked.
The big news? Expansion B2 is slated for release on January 29, 2026.
This isn't just a handful of promo cards or another rerun of the Deluxe Pack ex (though that is coming back to bridge the gap). We are looking at a full-scale set release. If the patterns from the Crimson Blaze and Mega Rising sets told us anything, it’s that The Pokemon Company is leaning hard into the "Mega" era for the mobile app.
What’s Actually Inside the New Pokemon Pocket Expansion?
There is a lot of noise online, but the concrete details are starting to surface. The upcoming B2 expansion is heavily rumored to tie into the Legends: Z-A aesthetic, which makes a ton of sense given the 30th Anniversary celebrations kicking off in February.
We are expecting three primary booster packs. If the leaks from the Japanese TCG community hold water, we’re looking at a focus on Mega Evolution mechanics that will finally give Water-type decks the "crown rare" item they’ve been missing. You’ve probably seen the cryptic teasers on the official Japanese Twitter account—the ones mentioning "mysterious keys."
Basically, the "Mystery" is the mechanic.
Expect to see:
- Mega Latios ex: Likely the centerpiece of a dedicated drop event.
- New versions of Onix and Hawlucha: These aren't just alternate arts; they’re brand-new cards with fresh move sets.
- The return of the Deluxe Pack ex: From January 15 to January 29, you can snag those 4-card packs with guaranteed high-rarity pulls to catch up before B2 officially lands.
Why the B2 Set Matters for the Meta
Let’s be real. The current meta is getting a bit stale. If you aren’t running a Charizard ex or a Mewtwo ex deck, you’re basically fighting an uphill battle. The new pokemon pocket expansion is designed to break that cycle.
With the introduction of more Mega Evolution cards, the "speed" of the game is going to shift. We saw hints of this with the Mega Venusaur and Mega Blastoise cards in the Crimson Blaze missions. The B2 set is expected to flesh this out, potentially making multi-energy decks more viable. Remember the "Wisdom of Sea and Sky" set (often called Cielo e Mare in the leaks)? That set laid the groundwork for multi-type support, and B2 is where that truly pays off.
The Trading Factor
You can't talk about the new expansion without mentioning the social hub. Trading is finally becoming a "real" thing. While it’s been limited to 1-star rarities and lower for a while, the January 29 update is rumored to coincide with an expansion of the trading pool. Using Trade Tokens and Hourglasses is about to become your full-time job if you’re trying to finish that "Illustrated Pokémon Handscrolls" secret mission.
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Secrets and Pull Rates: What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of players think they should dump all their Pack Hourglasses the second the new pokemon pocket expansion drops. Don't do that.
History shows that the "Promo Pack B Series" usually follows about six weeks after a major set release. If you burn your resources on day one, you’re going to be scraping for coins when the real heavy hitters—like the Gold Crown versions of the Johto beasts (Entei, Raikou, Suicune)—start appearing in specialized events.
Also, keep an eye on the "Rainbow Rarity" cards. These are the new Crown Rares. The pull rates are notoriously low, but the B2 set is supposedly introducing a "Fishing Mode" (similar to Wonder Picks) that might give us a better shot at daily freebies.
Actionable Steps for the January Launch
If you want to stay ahead of the curve when the expansion hits, here is what you need to do right now:
- Hoard your Pack Hourglasses: Seriously, stop opening Genetic Apex packs. You’ve likely got what you need by now. Save everything for January 29.
- Finish your Secret Missions: The "Crimson Blaze Museum" and "Mega Rising" missions are your best source of Shop Tickets. You’ll need these for the new binders and playmats that drop with B2.
- Stockpile Screen Shine Dust: Trading is going to be the fastest way to get the specific ex cards you need for the new meta. If you don’t have the dust, you’re stuck relying on RNG.
- Watch the Deluxe Pack Rerun: Use the January 15–29 window to fill any gaps in your 4-diamond collection. It’s the most efficient way to get "parallel foil" cards without wasting standard packs.
The 2026 roadmap is looking like a total transformation for the app. Between the Legends: Z-A tie-ins and the 30th Anniversary "Munikis Zero" set rumors, the B2 expansion is just the tip of the iceberg. Get your decks ready; the game is about to get a lot faster.