The Pokémon Trading Card Game's next expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet—White Flare, has been officially unveiled and will launch as a split expansion. Between the two expansions, you'll have the opportunity to collect cards featuring all 156 Pokémon originally discovered in the Unova region, including the Pokémon Legendaries Zekrom and Reshiram.

This expansion will contain three different parallel foil sets, two of which will feature either a rainbow Poké Ball or a Master Ball pattern across the card. The sets will also be bringing back some nostalgic elements from the Black & White series, including nostalgic foil patterns, as well as Basic Energy cards with their original design.

Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and White Flare Sets Launch This Summer

This Split Expansion Will Be Released On July 18th, 2025 Following Japan's June 6th, 2025 Release

Following not long after the release of Pokémon TCG's Destined Rivals expansion and Masks of Ogrepon Collection, this split expansion will be available to the public through participating retailers on July 18th, 2025, nearly two months following the Japan release. While there is no official date for pre-orders yet, it's expected they'll go live sometime around the release of Destined Rivals, so mid-late May seems likely.

That being said, those looking to get their hands on things a bit earlier can do so by attending a pre-release tournament for the set or simply playing on the Pokémon TCG Live app. Beginning one day before the physical expansion's release, July 17th, you can log on to Pokémon TCG Live and begin collecting and battling with the brand-new Unova cards. So if you don't have the chance to snag a pre-order or simply want to have a look at the full set one day early, this is something to consider.

Additionally, as is the norm with Pokémon TCG expansions, there will be more products rolled out following the initial release. Specifically, on August 1st, 2025, we'll see another wave, including the Tech Sticker Collection and the Unova Victini Illustration Collection, while on August 22nd, 2025, we'll see the launch of a Booster Bundle for each side of the split expansion.

All Cards Confirmed For The Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and White Flare Expansions

Black Bolt and White Flare Will Feature An All-New BWR Card Rarity

While some of the details on the cards themselves have been revealed, such as the controversial Serperior ex card, other details remain a mystery. However, we do know that the expansions will highlight all 156 Unova region Pokémon, and the specs for each expansion have been confirmed to include:

• Over 170 Cards
• More than 65 Illustration Rare Cards (70 exact for White Flare specifically)
• More than 5 Special Illustration Rare Cards
• 6 Pokémon ex (including Zekrom ex and Meloetta ex in Black Bolt and Reshiram ex and Keldeo ex in White Flare)
• 8 Ultra Rare Pokémon and er Cards
• 1 Illustration Rare or Special Illustration Rare for each Unova Pokémon
• 1 Special Illustration Rare er Card
• Three different parallel foil sets
• New BWR, or Black White Rare, cards featuring monochromatic illustrations

As far as specifics, monochromatic BWR rares revealed as part of the set include an all-black Zekrom ex, an all-white Reshiram ex, and an all-red Victini ex. Even without the full roster, it's safe to say that this will be a massive expansion launch as Pokémon TCG's first dual English launch.

Scarlet & Violet Black Bolt and White Flare Sets & Pricing Info

Expansion Contents Have Been Revealed, But Pricing And Pre-Order Dates Are Still Undetermined

At this time, there are no confirmations in of pricing or pre-order dates for any part of the Scarlet & Violet Black Bolt and White Flare expansions. That being said, pre-order dates are expected to follow a similar timeline to that of the Destined Rivals reveal announcement and subsequent pre-order access, so there should be news on this, as well as the individual prices, relatively soon.

In the meantime, you can prepare by taking a look at all the goods that will be available as part of this full expansion launch. All items included in this launch and their respective release dates are as follows:

• July 18th, 2025:
  • Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt or White Flare Elite Trainer Box: Nine Black Bolt or White Flare booster packs, one illustration rare promo featuring either Thundurus or Tornadus, and gameplay accessories.
  • Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt or White Flare Binder Collection: Five Black Bolt or White Flare booster packs and one nine-pocket album featuring either Zekrom or Reshiram.
  • Unova Poster Collection: Two Black Bolt booster packs, two White Flare booster packs, three promo cards featuring the Unova starters, and one full-size, two-sided poster.
  • Unova Mini Tin: One Black Bolt booster pack, one White Flare booster pack, one art card, and one sticker card matching the tin's art.

• August 1st, 2025:
  • Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt or White Flare Tech Sticker Collection: Three Black Bolt or White Flare booster packs, one illustration rare style promo card showcasing either Reuniclus or Gothitelle, and one sticker sheet for personalizing.
  • Unova Victini Illustration Collection: Two Black Bolt booster packs, two White Flare booster packs, one illustration rare style promo card featuring Victini, one parallel Poké Ball card featuring Victini, and one oversized illustration rare foil promo card featuring Victini.

• August 22nd, 2025:
  • Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt or White Flare Booster Bundle: Six Black Bolt or White Flare booster packs.

Most of the items being released as part of this expansion will have two versions, one for Black Bolt and one for White Flare. The corresponding booster packs and items mentioned above are unique to the respective version purchased, meaning that White Flare products will include White Flare booster packs and Black Bolt products will include Black Bolt booster packs, respectively.

Serving as a Gen V version of the iconic Pokémon 151 set, the Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and White Flare expansions are likely to be a huge hit with Pokémon Trading Card Game players and collectors everywhere. Be sure to keep an eye out for the announcement regarding pre-orders if you're hoping to get your hands on it by release day.

Source: PokeBeach