It’s official! A split release titled Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet—White Flare, is set to hit stores worldwide on July 18, 2025.
This marks a bold move for the English-language Pokémon TCG market — two full product lines dropping simultaneously, each themed around one of the Unova region’s Legendary Pokémon: Zekrom and Reshiram.
Key Highlights from the Black Bolt & White Flare Expansion
- Release Date:
- Physical TCG: July 18, 2025
- TCG Live App: July 17, 2025
- Thematic Split:
- Black Bolt stars Zekrom and focuses on Electric/Dark styles
- White Flare features Reshiram, embracing Fire/Psychic themes
- Featured Pokémon: All 156 Pokémon originally discovered in Unova will appear in this release — each receiving either an illustration rare or special illustration rare version, distributed between the two expansions.
- Nostalgic Throwbacks:
- Basic Energy cards feature retro Black & White-era designs
- New cards with foil patterns last seen during the B/W Series
- Parallel Foil Sets: Each expansion contains three different parallel foil variants, including designs with shimmering rainbow Poké Ball and Master Ball patterns.
Introduction of “Black White Rare” Cards
One of the most exciting collector features is the debut of Black White Rare (BWR) cards — ultra-stylized cards rendered in full black or white monochrome artwork, depending on the expansion. These chase cards are expected to become premium collector targets.
We first unveiled early previews of the Zekrom and Reshiram BWR cards in our Black Bolt & White Flare teaser post — check it out for a closer look at the art and speculation on what this rarity means for collectors
Product Lineup: What You Can Collect
Available July 18, 2025:
- Elite Trainer Boxes (Black Bolt / White Flare) Includes 9 booster packs + promo card (Thundurus or Tornadus)
- Binder Collections 5 booster packs + 9-pocket binder featuring Zekrom or Reshiram
- Unova Poster Collection Includes 4 booster packs (2 of each set) + Snivy, Tepig & Oshawott promos
- Mini Tins 1 Black Bolt + 1 White Flare booster pack + art and sticker cards
Available August 1 & 22, 2025:
- Tech Sticker Collection Featuring Reuniclus (Black Bolt) and Gothitelle (White Flare)
- Victini Illustration Collection With both booster types and a premium Victini foil card
- Booster Bundles 6 booster packs per box, sold separately for each expansion
Digital Release: TCG Live
Before launch day, players can access both sets on Pokémon TCG Live starting July 17, available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. Log in to collect Unova Pokémon and receive in-game bonuses.
Collector Takeaways
- Two sets = two full checklists: Great for binders, tough for wallets
- Chase rarity alert: BWR cards and special illustration rares will define this set’s long-term value
- Unova focus makes this a nostalgic win for collectors who started in the Black & White era
We’ll be updating HoloHoard with full card checklists, variant galleries, and price tracking as soon as more card scans drop. Don’t forget to bookmark us.
Are you Team Zekrom or Team Reshiram? Let us know below — and stay tuned for our checklist reveal post coming soon.
Pokémon TCG Black Bolt & White Flare – FAQ
What is Pokémon TCG Black Bolt and White Flare?
Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and White Flare are two separate but simultaneous expansions for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, releasing on July 18, 2025. Each set features exclusive cards themed around Unova region Pokémon and Legendary mascots: Zekrom and Reshiram.
When is the Pokémon TCG Black Bolt and White Flare release date?
The global retail release is July 18, 2025, with digital availability via Pokémon TCG Live on July 17, 2025.
Are Black Bolt and White Flare sold separately?
Yes. Each expansion has its own booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and product lines. Collectors can choose to focus on one set or collect both.
What is the Black White Rare card in Pokémon TCG?
Black White Rare (BWR) cards are a new ultra-rare style debuting in the SV11 Black Bolt & White Flare expansion. They feature dramatic monochrome artwork in either black or white, depending on the set.
Are all 156 Unova Pokémon included in Black Bolt & White Flare?
Yes. Every Pokémon originally discovered in the Unova region will appear in the Black Bolt or White Flare expansions, each with either an illustration rare or special illustration rare card.
What products will include SV11 Black Bolt and White Flare cards?
Products include Elite Trainer Boxes, Mini Tins, Binder Collections, Poster Packs, Illustration Collections, Tech Sticker Bundles, and Booster Bundles, many of which contain exclusive promos.
Can I play TCG Black Bolt & White Flare online?
Yes. You can play with Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and White Flare cards in the Pokémon TCG Live app starting July 17, 2025.
What makes SV11 Black Bolt & White Flare expansion different from others?
This is the first-ever split expansion in the English-language Pokémon TCG. It also introduces Black White Rare cards, nostalgic Black & White-era designs, and a full roster of Unova Pokémon across two themed sets.
