Huge news has just dropped regarding the next major release for the Pokémon TCG. Following the immense popularity of Pokémon 151, which celebrated the Kanto region, The Pokémon Company is giving the Unova region the same special treatment with a unique dual expansion: Scarlet & Violet – Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet – White Flare!
Revealed recently, these sets promise an unprecedented dive into the world of Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2, featuring every single one of the 156 Pokémon originally discovered in the Unova region. This marks a first for the English TCG – a simultaneous dual set release mirroring the Japanese structure. Let’s break down what we know about these exciting upcoming Black Bolt White Flare Pokémon sets.
A Complete Unova Pokédex –
With Amazing Art!
Perhaps the most exciting aspect is the commitment to artwork. Mirroring the approach of Pokémon 151, every single one of the 156 Unova Pokémon will receive either an Illustration Rare (IR) or Special Illustration Rare (SIR) card across the two sets! Imagine stunning new artwork for fan-favourites like Zoroark, Haxorus, Hydreigon, Volcarona, and of course, the beloved starters Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott (whose beautiful IR evolution lines have already been previewed). This makes completing the Unova Pokédex in illustrated form a massive, but incredibly rewarding, goal for collectors.
New Rarities and Nostalgic Touches
They’re introducing new elements and calling back to the past:
- BWR (Black & White Rare): A brand new, highly stylized rarity has been revealed featuring striking monochromatic artwork. Confirmed examples include Reshiram ex (in White Flare) and Zekrom ex (in Black Bolt), showcasing the legendary dragons in dramatic black or white designs. These hark back to the original full arts from the base Black & White set released in 2011.
- Horizontal Holo Pattern: The Japanese release will see the return of the distinctive horizontal holographic foil pattern used during the original Black & White TCG era, adding a fantastic touch of nostalgia.
- Parallel Foils: The English sets will feature three different parallel foil patterns across cards, including the return of the highly collectible Poké Ball and Master Ball holo patterns, giving collectors even more variations to chase.
The New…
The Old…
Key Pokémon & Set Structure
Each set focuses on different aspects of Unova’s legendary roster:
- Scarlet & Violet – Black Bolt: Features over 170 cards, headlined by Zekrom ex and Meloetta ex.
- Scarlet & Violet – White Flare: Also features over 170 cards, headlined by Reshiram ex and Keldeo ex.
Combined, the Black Bolt White Flare Pokémon expansion will feature over 10 Pokémon ex, numerous Ultra Rare Pokémon and Supporters, and over 135 Illustration Rare or Special Illustration Rare cards!
How to Get Black Bolt & White Flare (English Release)
Crucially, like Pokémon 151, this is a special expansion. This means booster packs will not be sold individually or in traditional 36-pack booster boxes for the English release. You’ll only be able to find Black Bolt White Flare Pokémon booster packs inside specific products, which will have a staggered release schedule:
Releasing July 18, 2025:
- Elite Trainer Boxes: One for Black Bolt (featuring Zekrom) and one for White Flare (featuring Reshiram). Each contains 9 packs of the respective set, a promo card (Thundurus for Black Bolt, Tornadus for White Flare), sleeves, dice, and other accessories.
- Binder Collections: One for each set, featuring a 9-pocket binder (Zekrom or Reshiram themed) and 5 booster packs.
- Unova Poster Collection: Includes 2 Black Bolt packs, 2 White Flare packs, promo cards of Snivy, Tepig, & Oshawott, and a poster.
- Unova Mini Tins: Collectible tins each containing 1 Black Bolt pack, 1 White Flare pack, an art card, and a sticker card.
Releasing August 1, 2025:
- Tech Sticker Collections: One for each set. Includes 3 booster packs, a promo card (Reuniclus for Black Bolt, Gothitelle for White Flare), and tech stickers.
- Unova Victini Illustration Collection: Includes 2 Black Bolt packs, 2 White Flare packs, a Victini promo (IR style), a parallel foil Victini, and an oversize Victini promo.
Releasing August 22, 2025:
- Booster Bundles: One for each set, containing 6 booster packs of Black Bolt or White Flare.
Japanese Release Notes
For collectors of Japanese cards, the Black Bolt and White Flare sets release earlier on June 6th, 2025. Japan will also see special 35-card “deluxe packs” containing the equivalent of 5 regular packs plus a guaranteed Illustration Rare. Additionally, special “Victini BWR Battle” tournaments will award a monochromatic Victini promo card.
Get Ready for Unova at WLC!
We are incredibly excited for the Black Bolt White Flare Pokémon TCG expansion and the return to Unova! WLC aims to stock the full range of English products, and Japanese prodcuts, upon their release dates. Given the nature of special sets and the popularity of Unova, demand is expected to be high.
Make sure you’re following WLC on social media and join our Discord community for the latest news on pre-orders and stock availability for Black Bolt White Flare Pokémon!
Quick Stock Update: Team Rocket Has Arrived!
Speaking of exciting Japanese releases, we’ve just received stock of the highly anticipated “Glory of Team Rocket” set! Japanese Booster Boxes and individual Booster Packs are available in our Margate store now. As expected, these are moving very quickly, so be sure to visit us soon if you want to grab some before they’re gone!
Prepare for Your Next Pokémon Adventure
Whether you’re diving back into Unova, celebrating Team Rocket, or exploring other Pokémon TCG eras, WLC is your destination in Kent and online.
Shop Your Way:
- Online Convenience: Browse our website for the latest Pokémon TCG news, pre-orders (when available), accessories, and more.
- In-Store Experience: Visit us at Unit 101, Westwood Business Park, Margate CT9 4JJ. Check out the newly arrived Japanese stock, explore singles binders, and chat Pokémon with the team.
Store Hours:
Tue–Sat: 10am–6pm | Sun: 11am–4pm (Closed Mondays)
Connect & Engage:
- TikTok Livestreams: Join us Wed–Sat for pack openings, giveaways, and general TCG fun.
- Discord Community: The best place for trading, showing off pulls, getting early stock updates, and connecting with the WLC community.
- Follow Us: Stay informed on restocks, events, and new arrivals via Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Get ready for an amazing journey back to Unova with Black Bolt White Flare Pokémon later this year!
Contact Us
Unit 101, Westwood Business Park, Margate CT9 4JJ
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@welovecollectibles
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Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 6:00pm
Sunday: from 11am – 4:00pm