Pokémon Unveils Split TCG Sets: Black Bolt, White Flare

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

These expansions are a tribute to the 156 Pokémon from the Unova region, featuring each of these Pokémon as either an illustration rare or a special illustration rare card. Collectors will find different versions of these cards in Black Bolt and White Flare products, adding a thrilling element to their collections.

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. Both sets will introduce three types of parallel foil patterns, including two unique designs featuring either a rainbow Poké Ball or Master Ball across the card.

In a nod to nostalgia, these expansions will also revive elements from the Black & White series, such as the classic foil styles and Basic Energy cards with designs reminiscent of the original Black & White series.

Pokémon TCG: Black Bolt and White Flare Preorders

While preorders for Black Bolt and White Flare haven't been officially confirmed, they are expected to open around mid-May. This timeline aligns with the reveal-to-preorder window we saw with another 2025 release, Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals, which is launching this month.

Keep an eye on IGN for updates on preorders and broader Pokémon TCG stock news. For the latest drops, follow @IGNDeals on Twitter. Here are the confirmed release dates for the various products 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, 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, via the Pokémon TCG Live app, available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. This digital platform 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

Prismatic Evolutions Surprise Box

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A solid mix of Pokémon TCG products is back in stock today, including some standout 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 for less than what you'd pay on the secondary market.

For something more collectible, 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.

Looking for singles instead of sealed products? Scroll down for our top picks from the crashers and climbers of this week.

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

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Magikarp - 203/193

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