Pokémon TCG Unveils Dual Expansions: Black Bolt, White Flare

The Pokémon Company has announced an exciting new split expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, continuing the beloved Scarlet & Violet series. Named Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet: White Flare, these expansions are set to launch on July 18, 2025, and will be available at participating retailers worldwide.

These expansions will celebrate the 156 Pokémon originally discovered in the Unova region. Each Unova Pokémon will be featured as either an illustration rare or a special illustration rare card, with different versions available in the Black Bolt and White Flare products.

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 types of parallel foil patterns, including unique designs with either a rainbow Poké Ball or Master Ball displayed across the card.

Adding a touch of nostalgia, the expansions will revive elements from the classic Black & White series, including special foil styles and Basic Energy cards that echo the original Black & White series designs.

Pokémon TCG: Black Bolt and White Flare Preorders

While preorders for Black Bolt and White Flare have not yet been confirmed, they are expected to become available around mid-May. This timeline aligns with the reveal-to-preorder window observed with another 2025 release, Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals, which is launching this month.

Stay tuned to IGN for the latest updates on preorders and Pokémon TCG stock news, and follow @IGNDeals on Twitter for real-time alerts on new releases. Here are the confirmed release dates for each product in 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 essential 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, will debut, featuring full artwork in either black or white monochrome, depending on the expansion

Players will also be able to experience Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt and White Flare digitally starting July 17, 2025, via the Pokémon TCG Live app on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. The digital release allows players to collect and battle with new Unova-region cards and earn in-game login bonuses.

More details on the expansion, preorders, and card previews are expected in the coming weeks.

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A diverse selection of Pokémon TCG products are currently back in stock, with some exceptional deals on offer. The Infernape V set provides four booster packs, including Sword & Shield-era packs, along with a foil Infernape V, a foil Empoleon, and a jumbo card, all priced below secondary market rates.

For collectors seeking something special, the Prismatic Evolutions Eevee ex box offers four booster packs, a random Eeveelution promo card (some of which are reselling between $15 and $60), and a storage box complete with dividers.

If you're interested in single cards rather than sealed products, check out our top picks from the week's biggest price drops below.