Quick Jump
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is heading back to Unova in a big way with the upcoming dual release of Scarlet & Violet – Black Bolt and White Flare. Launching on July 18, 2025, this marks the first time in TCG history that two complementary English sets will release side by side and it’s shaping up to be a collector’s dream.
A Full Unova Celebration
These sets are a tribute to the entire Unova Pokédex, featuring all 156 Pokémon introduced in Generation V. Every Unova Pokémon will receive at least one special treatment — including Illustration Rares, Special Illustration Rares, and ex cards — across the two expansions. That means no filler: just fan favourites, iconic starters, and powerful Legendaries from top to bottom.
Introducing Black & White Rare (BWR)
A brand-new card rarity debuts in this release — Black & White Rare (BWR). These are striking, monochrome ex cards designed to reflect the contrasting tones of the Black Bolt and White Flare themes. The first revealed cards are Zekrom ex and Reshiram ex, and they look phenomenal. Expect these BWR cards to be among the most sought-after chase cards in the entire Scarlet & Violet era.
Retro Meets Modern: New Foil Styles
In a nod to the original Black & White era of the TCG, all holo cards in these sets will feature a horizontal foil pattern. However, there’s a modern twist — each card also has three parallel foil variants using Poké Ball patterns (including Great Ball, Ultra Ball, and Master Ball designs). This adds even more depth for collectors who love unique textures and patterns.
Why Black Bolt & White Flare Matter
This isn’t just another expansion — it’s a modern celebration of one of the most unique eras in the Pokémon franchise. With no filler cards, innovative foil styles, and a product range tailored to collectors, Black Bolt and White Flare offer something fresh and exciting while honouring the past.
If you’re a collector, player, or just a lifelong fan of Unova, this is a release you won’t want to miss.
Product Lineup
For the first time, these sets will not be sold in traditional booster boxes. Instead, they’re being distributed through a variety of specialty products, designed for both collectors and casual players. Here’s what to expect:
- Elite Trainer Boxes – 9 packs, card sleeves, accessories, and a promo card (Tornadus or Thundurus)
- Booster Bundles – 6 packs from either Black Bolt or White Flare
- Mini Tins – Featuring Unova Pokémon art, 1 pack per tin
- Poster Collections – Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott promos plus poster and 6 packs
- Binder Collections – Includes booster packs and a themed Zekrom or Reshiram binder
- Victini Illustration Collection – Premium foil promo, oversize card, and booster packs
- Tech Sticker Collection – Featuring themed stickers and 3 booster packs
Elite Trainer Box (Releases July 18, 2025)
- Available in either Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt or Scarlet & Violet—White Flare
- Includes nine booster packs from the chosen set
- Comes with a promo card in Illustration Rare style featuring either Thundurus (Black Bolt) or Tornadus (White Flare)
- Includes various accessories—sleeves, dice, energy cards, condition markers, and more
Binder Collection (Releases July 18, 2025)
- Choice of Black Bolt or White Flare version
- Contains five booster packs from the selected set
- Includes a nine-pocket binder emblazoned with Zekrom (Black Bolt) or Reshiram (White Flare)
Unova Poster Collection (Releases July 18, 2025)
- Includes two booster packs from each Black Bolt and White Flare (4 packs total)
- Features three promo cards: Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott
- Comes with a double-sided, full-size Unova region poster
Mini Tin (Releases July 18, 2025)
- Includes one booster pack each from Black Bolt and White Flare
- Also contains an art card and a matching sticker, both themed to the tin’s artwork
Tech Sticker Collection (Releases August 1, 2025)
- Your choice of Black Bolt or White Flare
- Comes with three booster packs from the chosen set
- Includes an Illustration Rare promo (Reuniclus for Black Bolt, Gothitelle for White Flare)
Victini Illustration Collection (Releases August 1, 2025)
- Two booster packs each from Black Bolt and White Flare (4 total)
- One promo card featuring Victini in Illustration Rare style
- Includes a premium parallel Poké Ball variant of Victini, plus an oversized foiled illustration-rare Victini promo
Booster Bundle (Releases August 22, 2025)
- Your choice of Black Bolt or White Flare
- Contains six booster packs from the chosen set
All dates are confirmed from the official Pokémon Press Release (May 6, 2025) and trusted secondary sources .
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