Pokémon TCG Splits New Expansions: Black Bolt, White Flare

The Pokémon Company has unveiled a new dual expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, continuing the Scarlet & Violet series. Named Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet: White Flare, both expansions are set to launch globally on July 18, 2025, at participating retailers.

These expansions spotlight the 156 Pokémon first encountered in the Unova region. Every Unova Pokémon will be featured as either an illustration rare or a special illustration rare card, with distinct versions available across Black Bolt and White Flare products.

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

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Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt will showcase the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom, while Scarlet & Violet: White Flare will highlight Reshiram. Both collections will introduce three parallel foil patterns, including two that feature either a rainbow Poké Ball or Master Ball design spanning the entire card.

The expansions will also revive nostalgic card elements from the Black & White era, such as classic foil treatments and Basic Energy cards using the original Black & White series artwork.

Pokémon TCG: Black Bolt and White Flare Preorder Information

Preorders for Black Bolt and White Flare have not been officially announced yet, but they are anticipated to begin around mid-May. This schedule aligns with the announcement-to-preorder pattern observed with another 2025 release, Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals, which debuts later this month.

Keep an eye on IGN for preorder announcements and general Pokémon TCG stock updates, and follow @IGNDeals on X (formerly Twitter) for the latest restocks. In the meantime, here are the confirmed release dates for all products in the new Black Bolt and White Flare expansions.

Launching July 18, 2025:

, each including nine booster packs, an illustration rare promo card with Thundurus or Tornadus, and essential gameplay accessoriesBinder Collection, featuring five booster packs and a nine-pocket album adorned with Zekrom or ReshiramUnova Poster Collection, containing two booster packs from each expansion, three promo cards showcasing Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, and a full-size double-sided posterUnova Mini Tin, which includes one booster pack from each expansion, an art card, and a sticker card

Launching August 1, 2025:

, offering three booster packs, a promo card featuring Reuniclus or Gothitelle, and a themed sticker sheetUnova Victini Illustration Collection, including four booster packs, a foil promo card of Victini, a premium parallel Poké Ball variant of Victini, and an oversized foil card

Launching August 22, 2025:

, consisting of six booster packs from either the Black Bolt or White Flare expansion

Core Features of Both Expansions:

Six Pokémon ex cardsEight ultra rare Pokémon and Supporter cardsOne illustration rare or special illustration rare card for every Unova PokémonOne special illustration rare Supporter card

A brand-new card style, designated as Black White rare, will also make its debut. These cards will display full art in either a black or white monochrome scheme, specific to their respective expansion.

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

Further information regarding the expansion sets, preorders, and card previews is expected in the weeks ahead.

Today's Top Pokémon TCG Deals

Prismatic Evolutions Surprise Box

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Surging Sparks Booster Bundle

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151 Poster Collection

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Infernape V Box

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Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection

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Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box

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Paldean Fates Booster Bundle

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2004 Pokéball Bundle

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2004 Pokéball Bundle

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Surging Sparks Booster Box

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A diverse selection of Pokémon TCG products is back in stock today, featuring several noteworthy deals. The Infernape V Box provides four booster packs, including selections from the Sword & Shield era, along with a foil Infernape V, a foil Empoleon, and a jumbo card, all for a price typically lower than the secondary market.

For collectors, the Prismatic Evolutions Eevee ex box contains four boosters, a random Eeveelution promo card (some of which resell for $15 to $60), and a dedicated storage box with dividers.

If you prefer single cards over sealed products, check out our top selections from this week's most significant price drops and climbing values below.

Pokémon TCG Single Card Deals: Notable Price Drops This Week

Eevee - 173 Promo

4$12.36 save 51%$6.00 at TCG Player

Charmander - 044 Promo

5$21.54 save 18%$17.65 at TCG Player

N's Reshiram - 167/159 (Journey Together Stamped)

9$69.69 save 84%$10.94 at TCG Player

Pikachu ex - 238/191

1$461.73 save 37%$289.76 at TCG Player

Mew ex - 053 Promo

1$28.76 at TCG Player

Magikarp - 203/193

4$201.33 save 21%$159.99 at TCG Player