Home News > Pokémon TCG Unveils Dual Expansions: Black Bolt and White Flare

Pokémon TCG Unveils Dual Expansions: Black Bolt and White Flare

by Jason May 21,2025

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 around the globe.

These expansions will delve into the rich world of the Unova region, featuring all 156 Pokémon originally discovered there. Each Unova Pokémon will be showcased as either an illustration rare or a special illustration rare card, with unique versions available in both Black Bolt and White Flare products.

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

View 7 ImagesScarlet & 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 two that showcase either a rainbow Poké Ball or Master Ball design across the card.

The expansions will also reintroduce card elements from the iconic Black & White series, such as nostalgic 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 are yet to be 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.

Keep an eye on IGN for the latest updates on preorders and stock availability for the Pokémon TCG, and follow @IGNDeals on Twitter for real-time information on product drops. Below are the confirmed release dates for each product 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 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, will also debut. These cards will feature 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. This digital release will allow players to collect and battle with new Unova-region cards and earn in-game login bonuses.

Stay tuned for more details on the expansion, preorders, and card previews in the coming weeks.

Pokémon TCG: Today's Best Deals

### Prismatic Evolutions Surprise Box

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A diverse selection of Pokémon TCG products is currently back in stock, featuring some excellent deals. The Infernape V set is particularly noteworthy, offering four booster packs, including Sword & Shield-era packs, a foil Infernape V, a foil Empoleon, and a jumbo card, all at a price that's more competitive than the secondary market.

For those interested in collectibles, the Prismatic Evolutions Eevee ex box is a great choice, including four boosters, a random Eeveelution promo card (with some reselling between $15 and $60), and a storage box complete with dividers.

If you're looking for individual cards instead of sealed products, scroll down to see our top picks from the week's most notable price drops.