Pokémon TCG Unveils Dual Expansions: Black Bolt, White Flare

The Pokémon Company has exciting news for fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), as they've announced a new split expansion within the Scarlet & Violet series. The upcoming sets, titled Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet: White Flare, are set to hit the shelves on July 18, 2025, at participating retailers around the globe.

These expansions bring a nostalgic touch, focusing on the 156 Pokémon originally discovered in the Unova region. Each Unova Pokémon will be showcased as either an illustration rare or a special illustration rare card, with unique versions featured in both the Black Bolt and White Flare sets.

Scarlet & Violet: White Flare and Black Bolt - English Reveal

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Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt will spotlight the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom, while Scarlet & Violet: White Flare will feature Reshiram. Both sets will introduce three new types of parallel foil patterns, including a stunning rainbow Poké Ball and Master Ball design spread across the cards.

Fans will be thrilled to see the return of classic elements from the Black & White series, such as the nostalgic foil styles and Basic Energy cards with the original designs from that era.

Pokémon TCG: Black Bolt and White Flare Preorders

While preorders for Black Bolt and White Flare have yet to be confirmed, they are expected to become available around mid-May. This aligns with the reveal-to-preorder window seen with the upcoming Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals set, scheduled for release this month.

Stay tuned to IGN for the latest updates on preorders and broader Pokémon TCG stock news. You can also follow @IGNDeals on Twitter for immediate alerts on new drops. Here are the confirmed release dates for various products within the Black Bolt and White Flare expansions:

Pokémon TCG - Scarlet & Violet: White Flare - Credit: The Pokémon Company

Available July 18, 2025:

• Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt or White Flare Elite Trainer Box, each containing nine booster packs, an illustration rare promo card featuring Thundurus or Tornadus, and gameplay accessories
• Binder Collection, including five booster packs and a nine-pocket album featuring Zekrom or Reshiram
• Unova Poster Collection, with two booster packs from each expansion, three promo cards featuring Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, and a full-size double-sided poster
• Unova Mini Tin, including one booster pack from each expansion, one art card, and one sticker card

Available August 1, 2025:

• Tech Sticker Collection, with three booster packs, a promo card featuring Reuniclus or Gothitelle, and a themed sticker sheet
• Unova Victini Illustration Collection, with four booster packs, a foil promo card featuring Victini, a premium parallel Poké Ball version of Victini, and an oversized foil card

Available August 22, 2025:

• Booster Bundle, including six booster packs from either Black Bolt or White Flare

Key Features Across Both Expansions:

• Six Pokémon ex
• Eight ultra rare Pokémon and Supporter cards
• One illustration rare or special illustration rare card for each Unova Pokémon
• One special illustration rare Supporter card
• A new card style called Black White rare, featuring full artwork in either black or white monochrome, depending on the expansion

Players will also have the opportunity to experience Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt and White Flare digitally starting July 17, 2025, through the Pokémon TCG Live app available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. The digital release offers players the chance to collect and battle with the new Unova-region cards, along with earning in-game login bonuses.

Further details on the expansions, preorders, and card previews are anticipated in the coming weeks.

Pokémon TCG: Today's Best Deals

Prismatic Evolutions Surprise Box

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Surging Sparks Booster Bundle

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151 Poster Collection

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Infernape V Box

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Paldean Fates Booster Bundle

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2004 Pokéball Bundle

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Surging Sparks Booster Box

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A variety of Pokémon TCG products are currently in stock, featuring some notable deals. The Infernape V set includes four booster packs, including Sword & Shield-era packs, along with a foil Infernape V, foil Empoleon, and a jumbo card, all at a price that beats the secondary market.

For collectors, the Prismatic Evolutions Eevee ex box offers four boosters, a random Eeveelution promo card (with some reselling for $15 to $60), and a storage box with dividers.

If you're looking for individual cards rather than sealed products, check out our top picks from the week's crashers and climbers below.

Pokémon TCG Single Deals: Top Crashers of the Week

Eevee - 173 Promo

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Charmander - 044 Promo

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N's Reshiram - 167/159 (Journey Together Stamped)

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Pikachu ex - 238/191

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Mew ex - 053 Promo

1$28.76 at TCG Player

Magikarp - 203/193

4$201.33 save 21%$159.99 at TCG Player