The Pokémon Company International has officially announced a groundbreaking split expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG): Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet—White Flare. Set to launch globally on July 18, 2025, this dual set marks the first time the English TCG will release two separate but interconnected expansions simultaneously, a practice previously exclusive to the Japanese market.
A Tribute to Unova
Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Unova region’s debut in Pokémon Black and White, this expansion features all 156 Pokémon originally discovered in Unova. Each Pokémon will receive either an illustration rare or special illustration rare card, offering fans a comprehensive and nostalgic journey through the region.
New Card Rarities and Designs
Black Bolt and White Flare introduce the “Black White rare” cards, characterized by monochromatic black or white designs, adding a fresh aesthetic to the TCG. Additionally, each expansion includes three different parallel foil sets, two of which feature either a rainbow Poké Ball or Master Ball pattern shimmering across the card. Basic Energy cards will also showcase the original Black & White Series designs, enhancing the nostalgic appeal.
Expansion Highlights
Both Black Bolt and White Flare boast over 170 cards each, encompassing:
- 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
Notably, Black Bolt features Zekrom ex and Meloetta ex, while White Flare includes Reshiram ex and Keldeo ex.
Product Lineup
Unlike traditional expansions, booster packs for Black Bolt and White Flare won’t be sold in standard booster boxes. Instead, they will be available through various specialty products:
- Elite Trainer Boxes (July 18): Each includes nine booster packs, an illustration rare style promo card featuring Thundurus (Black Bolt) or Tornadus (White Flare), and gameplay accessories.
- Binder Collections (July 18): Comprising five booster packs and a nine-pocket album featuring Zekrom (Black Bolt) or Reshiram (White Flare).
- Unova Poster Collection (July 18): Contains two booster packs from each expansion, three promo cards featuring Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, and a full-size, two-sided poster.
- Unova Mini Tins (July 18): Each tin includes one booster pack from each expansion, an art card, and a sticker card matching the tin’s art.
- Tech Sticker Collections (August 1): Featuring three booster packs from either expansion, an illustration rare style promo card (Reuniclus for Black Bolt, Gothitelle for White Flare), and a sticker sheet.
- Unova Victini Illustration Collection (August 1): Includes two booster packs from each expansion, an illustration rare style promo card featuring Victini, a premium parallel Poké Ball card featuring Victini, and an oversize illustration rare style foil promo card featuring Victini.
- Booster Bundles (August 22): Each bundle contains six booster packs from either expansion.
Digital Availability
Players eager to experience the new expansions digitally can do so via the Pokémon TCG Live app on July 17, 2025, a day before the physical release. The app will allow players to collect and battle with the new cards, featuring Pokémon from the Unova region, and receive in-game bonuses upon logging in.
With the introduction of these dual expansions, The Pokémon Company continues to innovate within the TCG landscape, offering both nostalgic elements and fresh content for collectors and players alike.
