Pokémon unveils new TCG expansions: Black Bolt and White Flare

The Pokémon Company has unveiled an exciting new split expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), extending the Scarlet & Violet series. This expansion is divided into two sets: Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet: White Flare, both scheduled for release on July 18, 2025, at participating retailers worldwide.

These expansions are centered around the 156 Pokémon from the Unova region, with each Pokémon featured as either an illustration rare or a special illustration rare card. Fans will find different versions of these cards in the Black Bolt and White Flare products, adding a layer of excitement and collectibility.

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 showcase Reshiram. Each set introduces three unique parallel foil patterns, including two that feature either a rainbow Poké Ball or Master Ball design across the card. Furthermore, these expansions will revive elements from the Black & White series, including nostalgic foil styles and Basic Energy cards with the original Black & White 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, set to launch this month. Stay tuned to IGN for updates on preorders and broader Pokémon TCG stock news, and follow @IGNDeals on Twitter for the latest product drops. Here are the confirmed release dates for each set in the new 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 contains nine booster packs, an illustration rare promo card featuring Thundurus or Tornadus, and various gameplay accessories.
• Binder Collection: Includes five booster packs and a nine-pocket album featuring Zekrom or Reshiram.
• Unova Poster Collection: Comes 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: Contains one booster pack from each expansion, one art card, and one sticker card.

Available August 1, 2025:

• Tech Sticker Collection: Includes three booster packs, a promo card featuring Reuniclus or Gothitelle, and a themed sticker sheet.
• Unova Victini Illustration Collection: Offers 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: Includes six booster packs from either Black Bolt or White Flare.

Key Features Across Both Expansions:

• Six Pokémon ex cards
• 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 have access to Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt and White Flare digitally starting July 17, 2025, through 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.

Pokémon TCG: Today's Best Deals

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A variety of Pokémon TCG products are currently back in stock, featuring some exceptional deals. The Infernape V set offers four booster packs, including Sword & Shield-era packs, plus a foil Infernape V, foil Empoleon, and a jumbo card, all at a price point lower than the secondary market. For collectors, the Prismatic Evolutions Eevee ex box includes four boosters, a random Eeveelution promo (some reselling for $15 to $60), and a storage box with dividers. For those interested in singles, scroll down for our top picks from the crashers and climbers of this week.

Pokémon TCG Single Deals: Top Crashers of the Week

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