Pokémon Company Reveals New Split TCG Expansions: Black Bolt and White Flare
The Pokémon Company has unveiled an exciting new split expansion for the *Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG)*, continuing the *Scarlet & Violet* series. Titled *Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt* and *Scarlet & Violet: White Flare*, both sets are scheduled to release on **July 18, 2025**, at participating retailers worldwide.
These expansions spotlight the **156 Pokémon originally discovered in the Unova region**. Each of these iconic creatures will appear as either an **Illustration Rare** or a **Special Illustration Rare** card. Depending on which set you purchase—Black Bolt or White Flare—you’ll receive different versions of these highly collectible cards.
Scarlet & Violet: White Flare and Black Bolt – English Reveal
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In *Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt*, players can look forward to featuring the Legendary Pokémon **Zekrom**, while *Scarlet & Violet: White Flare* highlights **Reshiram**. Both sets will introduce **three types of parallel foil patterns**, including two unique designs that showcase either a rainbow Poké Ball or Master Ball motif across the card surface.
The expansions also bring back beloved design elements from the original *Black & White* series, such as nostalgic foil treatments and Basic Energy cards styled after the classic *Black & White* era, offering collectors a touch of retro charm with modern enhancements.
Pokémon TCG: Black Bolt and White Flare Preorders
While official preorders for *Black Bolt* and *White Flare* have not yet been confirmed, they’re **expected to go live around mid-May 2025**. This aligns with the reveal-to-preorder timeline seen with other 2025 releases like *Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals*. For real-time preorder updates and broader stock news, keep an eye on IGN, and follow @IGNDeals on Twitter for instant alerts.
Confirmed Release Dates
Available July 18, 2025:
- Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt or White Flare Elite Trainer Box – Includes nine booster packs, an illustration rare promo card featuring Thundurus or Tornadus, and gameplay accessories.
- Binder Collection – Contains five booster packs and a nine-pocket album featuring Zekrom or Reshiram.
- Unova Poster Collection – Features two booster packs from each expansion, three promo cards featuring Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, plus a full-size double-sided poster.
- Unova Mini Tin – Includes one booster pack from each expansion, one art card, and one sticker card.
Available August 1, 2025:
- Tech Sticker Collection – Comes with three booster packs, a promo card featuring Reuniclus or Gothitelle, and a themed sticker sheet.
- Unova Victini Illustration Collection – Contains 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
- Introduction of a new card rarity: Black White Rare, featuring full-art monochrome illustrations in black or white depending on the set.
Digital access to *Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt* and *White Flare* will be available starting **July 17, 2025**, via the *Pokémon TCG Live* app on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. Players can collect and battle using new Unova-region cards and earn exclusive in-game login bonuses.
More details about card reveals, preorders, and special features will be shared in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for the latest updates!
Pokémon TCG: Today’s Best Deals
- Prismatic Evolutions Surprise Box – $79.00 (save 24%) → $59.99 at Amazon
- Surging Sparks Booster Bundle – $54.90 (save 9%) → $49.99 at Amazon
- 151 Poster Collection – $40.97 at Amazon
- Infernape V Box – $43.99 at Amazon
- Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium – $142.92 at Amazon
- Shrouded Fable ETB – $66.86 at Amazon
- Paldean Fates Booster Bundle – $69.45 (save 8%) → $63.99 at Amazon
- 2004 Pokéball Bundle – $59.99 (save 15%) → $50.90 at Amazon
- Surging Sparks Booster Box – $275.65 (save 4%) → $265.99 at Amazon
A wide variety of Pokémon TCG products are currently back in stock, including standout deals like the Infernape V box, which offers four booster packs, a foil Infernape V, foil Empoleon, and a jumbo card—all for less than secondary market prices. The Prismatic Evolutions Eevee ex box is another highlight, featuring four boosters, a random Eeveelution promo card, and a storage box with dividers.
Pokémon TCG Single Deals: Top Crashers of the Week




