Explore the latest TCG expansions, Black Bolt and White Flare, featuring Unova Pokémon and exciting new card designs!
Introduction to the New Expansions
The Pokémon Company has just unveiled a thrilling new split expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), extending the beloved Scarlet & Violet series. Named Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet: White Flare, these two expansions are set to launch on July 18, 2025, across participating retailers worldwide.
The expansions will spotlight the 156 Pokémon first discovered in the Unova region. Every Unova Pokémon will feature in either an illustration rare or a special illustration rare card, with various versions found in both Black Bolt and White Flare products.
Legendary Pokémon and Nostalgia
In the Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt expansion, trainers will encounter the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom, while the Scarlet & Violet: White Flare expansion will showcase Reshiram. Both sets will introduce three unique types of parallel foil patterns, including two designs featuring a rainbow Poké Ball or Master Ball motif across the cards.
Additionally, these expansions will reintroduce nostalgic card elements from the Black & White series, including foil styles that fans will remember fondly, and Basic Energy cards styled after the original Black & White designs.
Pokémon TCG: Black Bolt and White Flare Preorders
While preorders for Black Bolt and White Flare haven’t been confirmed, they're anticipated to go live around mid-May. This timeframe aligns with the preorder schedule for another 2025 release: Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals, which launches this month.
Stay tuned to Console Classics for updates regarding preorder details and Pokémon TCG stock news. To give you a clearer picture, here are the confirmed release dates for each set in the new expansions:
Available July 18, 2025:
- Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt or White Flare Elite Trainer Box: Each box will come with nine booster packs, an illustration rare promo card featuring either Thundurus or Tornadus, and various gameplay accessories.
- Binder Collection: This package includes five booster packs and a nine-pocket album featuring either Zekrom or Reshiram.
- Unova Poster Collection: Fans will receive two booster packs from each expansion, three promo cards featuring Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, along with a full-size double-sided poster.
- Unova Mini Tin: This mini tin comes with one booster pack from each expansion, an art card, and a sticker card.
Available August 1, 2025:
- Tech Sticker Collection: This set will include three booster packs, a promo card featuring Reuniclus or Gothitelle, and a themed sticker sheet.
- Unova Victini Illustration Collection: This collection features four booster packs, a foil promo card showcasing Victini, a premium parallel Poké Ball version of Victini, and an oversized foil card.
Available August 22, 2025:
- Booster Bundle: A bundle containing 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 brand new card style known as Black White rare will also debut. These cards will present full artwork in monochrome black or white, depending on the expansion, adding yet another layer of visual appeal to the game.
Digital Access for Trainers
Excitingly, players will have the opportunity to access Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt and White Flare digitally starting July 17, 2025, through the Pokémon TCG Live app available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. This digital release allows players to collect and battle with new Unova-region cards, along with earning in-game login bonuses.
More details regarding the expansion, preorder options, and card previews will be shared in the weeks leading up to the releases.
Pokémon TCG: Today's Best Deals
In the meantime, a fantastic variety of Pokémon TCG products are back in stock, with some impressive deals available. One standout is the Infernape V set, which includes four booster packs (including some from the Sword & Shield era) plus a foil Infernape V, foil Empoleon, and a jumbo card, all at a price that’s very competitive on the secondary market.
For collectors, the Prismatic Evolutions Eevee ex box might be just what you need. It features four boosters, a random Eeveelution promo (some of which are reselling for between $15 to $60), and a stylish storage box with dividers.
If you prefer singles instead of sealed products, check out our top picks from the best deals available.
Conclusion
With the launch of the Black Bolt and White Flare expansions, Pokémon TCG fans have a lot to look forward to! These expansions not only rekindle the nostalgia of the Black & White series but also introduce exciting new elements that will undoubtedly enhance gameplay.
Stay connected for more updates and prepare your decks for the new additions!
- What are the release dates for the new Pokémon TCG expansions? The expansions, Black Bolt and White Flare, are set to release on July 18, 2025.
- Which Legendary Pokémon are featured in the new sets? Zekrom is featured in Black Bolt, while Reshiram is highlighted in White Flare.
- What is the new card style introduced in these expansions? The new card style is called Black White rare, featuring monochrome artwork.
- Can players access the new cards digitally? Yes, players can access the new expansions digitally starting on July 17, 2025, through the Pokémon TCG Live app.
- Where can I find the latest Pokémon TCG deals? You can check Console Classics for updates on the best deals and products available.
